Metalwork Monday: Handmade Embossed Buttons

Every crafter worth her salt has an impressive button stash. Sometimes though,  a project just calls for a certain kind of button. And sometimes, only a handmade button will do.

I took two aluminum discs and ran them through the embosser using an art deco die.

Although I liked the look of the buttons fresh from the embosser,

 I wanted to added another dimension.

I utilized a dark purple gilder's paste to bring out the detail.

 I applied the color with my finger and let it sit for a few days.

After the color was set, I buffed them and added them to a wonder hand-crocheted cowl. It was my first ever crochet project and it is special to me. The buttons make it even more important.

Metalwork Monday: Zarra Necklace

A new season brings new trends and new styles. Recently, one of my co-workers came in sporting a fabulous necklace with two types of chain and some metal discs. After staring at here several times through the day, I asked if I could design a piece based on it. She said that I could as long as I named it for her-hence the "Zarra"!

I started with two small copper discs, a larger disc, a copper washer of the same diameter and two different types of chain.

I ran all the pieces through the rolling mill and gave them a dunk in liver of sulfur. I domed the washer to make a locket style pendant. I punched teo holes in each of the smaller discs so I could add chain on both sides. 

I added the smaller chain on the same side as the smaller discs and assembled the pendant at the bottom. The texture of the backing piece shows through the washer. The texture is different on each piece and I love how it all came together. I am ready to rock all my fall fashions.

Metalwork Monday: Leather and Metal Wrap Bracelet

So, I may not be the trendiest gal on the block, but I do make an effort. This fall's trends include large statement jewelry but I am a tad petite for a big necklace. An interesting bracelet can dress up any kind of outfit and it is less intrusive than someone trying to read your chest.

I started with a leather band with snaps already in place and a copper ID bracelet plaque.

After stamping the phrase (I'll admit that the "e" is a little close to the edge, I added a few embellishments. I decided that it needed a little something more.

I added a layer of forest green alcohol ink. I am really happy with how it brought out the lettering.

To finish the piece off, I attached the plaque to the leather with brass eyelets and little copper accent stars. I am overall very pleased with the effect and I am excited to rock this trend throughout the fall and winter!

Metalwork Monday: TARDIS Shrinky Dink Bracelet

It's back! The new series of Doctor Who premiered on Saturday night here in the US and Whovians everywhere were glued to the screen. In honor of the that, it is Doctor Who Week AGAIN here on Weasinart! First off, this super fun TARDIS pattern bracelet made from Shrinky Dinks.

Metalwork Monday: Cider Vinegar and Sea Salt Patina

At the very heart of my crafty universe is metalwork. I am always

trying to learn new techniques and love to experiment. 

Giving metal new colors and textures is one of my favorite things.

I brewed up a batch of patina solution with items from pantry and 

absolutely love they look that they produced.

Metalwork Monday: JOY Bunting Necklace

As a rule, I avoid bandwagons. I had skirted the bunting craze until I found these perfect silver triangles in my studio. They cried out to be a bunting necklace. 

In my zeal, however; I neglected to photograph the first steps. They are as follows:

• I used a nail to stamp the dots around the edges of each triangle.
• Using a lowercase Arial font punch, I stamped each section with a letter.
• I painted over each triangle entirely with orange nail polish.
• After the polish dried, I sanded of a majority of the paint with my Dremel. I was going for an aged look, so left more paint around the edges.

Metal Work Monday: Owls..so maybe I am trendy...

You can probably tell that I am not super trendy. Well, I didn't think that I was until the owl craze starting sweeping the nation. Freakin' hipsters.

I made this super cute owl bracelet, perfect for the fall. 

I ran a bronze ID tag and a silver disc through the Sizzix 

Big Kick to emboss the tree and owl.

I used my jeweler's saw to cut out the owl.

I used my Dremel and several files to smooth the edges.

I used some purple nail polish to give him some zest.

I sanded a bit off to really accentuate the details.

I used two brass eyelets to cold connect the two pieces.

It seemed perfect to make them his eyes.

I combined gunmetal and bronze chain for further interest.

Love at first sight!

Reboot

I am ecstatic. I have started again.

I have had a ton of stress lately. I know that everyone does, but it seemed like so many things were just piling up at once. I let it get me out of myself and out of my routine.

Things, mentally, came to a head yesterday afternoon. I recognized that I needed some time to actually reboot...restart...MAKE THINGS! So, I took two days off to do whatever I want.

This morning, I could have slept as late as I wanted, but I was naturally up at 7am. So, five mile run it is...then I decided to bake something and the day became a whirlwind from there: scones, stuffed mushrooms, zucchini and tomato casserole, banana ice cream, two bracelets, two tote bags...I AM BACK.

I now have projects and photos for several blog posts--regular posts starting tomorrow :)

Here's what I got up to today:

For tomorrow's Foodie Friday post: Maple Sugar Pecan Scones!

Picked veggies in the garden for dinner.

Made two grocery/gym bags from old t-shirts for
the Stitchy Saturday post.

Made a super fun owl bracelet for Metalwork Monday.

Lastly, made an awesome vegetarian dinner of onion/olive stuffed mushrooms,
zucchini/tomato casserole, and quinoa pilaf. YUM!

Metalwork Monday: Wibbly Wobbly Doctor Who Earrings

Okay, so it's out there. I am a geek of the highest order. 
I went to RIT (nerd central), I direct Shakespeare, I have my own Sonic Screwdriver.
True story.


This week is dedicated to my biggest nerd obsession: Doctor Who.
You're welcome.

I chose two types of washers, brass and copper. I also
chose two different fonts and two different
treatments.

After stamping, I painted alcohol ink onto "wibbly wobbly"
and liver of sulfur gel onto "timey wimey."

I used the dremel to sand of most of the ink and age the brass.
I brushed on the patina gel to make the copper look older.

Unfortunately, they don't go "ding" when there's stuff.

Metal Work Monday: Riveted Bird Cuff

So, another admission: I love Portlandia. Maybe a little too much...but when I was planning a theme for one of the busiest weeks of my year, they inspired me: birds. Yay! Bring on those chirpers and put a bird on it!


I had a challenging time with this first project. Initially, I was just going to connect separate pieces of metal with jump rings but that can be insecure. Then, I was going to re-purpose one of the straps of an old leather backpack. Nope-too thick for the snap or rivets. Okay, then I will try some thinner faux leather. The snap went on fine, but the rivets ripped right out. I had already done a cuff with pieces riveted to it, but thought that if I swapped the materials and did a few different techniques than the lace cuff that it would be okay. I have to say that I am pretty pleased. 

The embossing die that I used on several smallish pieces of aluminum.

I decided to use half with the embossing face up and half with
it face down. I then painted over all the pieces with an alcohol
dye for metals. I sanded over all with the sanding wheel
of my dremel. Not only did is strip off some dye, I gave the
pieces yet another texture.

I cut a six-inch long strip of 20 gauge copper.

After rounding the corners and sanding the edges, I decided
to texture the entire piece with my chasing hammer.
This was the longest, most tiring part of the process.

I applied a thin layer of liver of sulfur patina gel to it
 (after hammering) with a flux brush.

I am super-pleased with the base.

I added the aluminum bird plaques with rivets.
I used a combo of silver and copper.

I added four--two of each type to the center plaque and
then alternated in both color and layout.

I like the combination of both substantial and dainty.

Metalwork Monday: Folded Flower Pendant

Being sick has one or two tiny advantages. Instead of roaming around spreading the plague, I have been able to do lots of designing and some creation between meds, tissues, and tea. Yay!


I spent time this week experimenting with new techniques and tools and am pleased with what I have learned. Stay tuned for future posts featuring these great new design elements! 


One of the simplest new techniques that I tested was folding my flowers rather than dapping or doming them. It needs a little refinement, but am happy with my first attempt!

I folded and curved a nickel and copper flower blank and
riveted them to a brass filigree flower to create the pendant.

The tools: blanks and filigree, hole punch, design stamps,'
round nose and chain nose pliers, rivet/riveting tool, hammer,
bench block, marker, liver of sulfur.

I drew a large asterisk on each flower. It is a little
messy, but they will buff out when I polish them.

I punched a hole in the center of each and stamped
the edges of each flower.

I used my chain nose pliers and folded each flower by
placing my pliers on the marker lines and bending
the flower towards the pliers with my fingers.
After I bent the flowers all the way around, I used the round
nose pliers to curl the ends of all the petals.
Because the hole in the filigree is larger, I also punched
a hole in a small copper blank to hold the rivet on.

I layered the 4 pieces and attached all three with an eyelet.
It is ready for a jump ring and chain!