Fimo Moulds and necklaces

Hi everyone
Today is looking good - the sky has lots of blue and it's quite mild again.

I'm struggling a bit with a mild virus and have a sore throat etc., so, I'm going to have an easy day and my only aim is to get my recent Fimo jewellery baked. For some reason this has not happened despite being on my list for several days !!! Today, is the day.

Along side the jewels, I want (this week) to make a simple mould from Fimo to make a key. I've not done this before but I will see how it goes. My inspiration is this photo from Pinterest



This shows how keys have been incorporated into jewellery. It's stunning stuff. My idea is to experiment with trying to get the 'metal look' from Fimo. I do have some metal charm keys which I could use but I want to be able to make longer, thinner, almost 'stretched' keys. I do have one such key but it would need adapting to include mini holes to attach within any jewellery design. I love the jewellery in the photo but it's a bit elaborate for me as 'everyday wear'. I do have an idea for something which could work. So, my other idea for today (a very simple gathering job) is to get some beads together to make up a new necklace.



This is a quick sketch of an idea. Within the design, I'm trying to create a simple shape to mimic metal so the mould idea is maybe the way to go ? The shape in my design is a diamond - you can see this on the left of the sketch. I'm not precious about the specific thin diamond shape, maybe the 'Fimo key' idea would work ? I think, I'm going to add to the Only Blue collection re colours for my design - I find blue compliments lots of my wardrobe.

Will share my results tomorrow.

Bye for today

Pretty Packets

Hi everyone
Not sure what the weather will do today ? The forecast suggests light showers and warmish. The sky is saying 'rain' !

Yesterday, I spent much of the day and evening doing volunteer things at one of our schools. I did a little work on my packaging but only half completed the task. I did try out my initial idea of little packets. Here they are so far.



The tag needs some work to fit with the packet. At the moment it's a gift tag, for the item to work as a tag for the label I need to decorate differently and add customer information.


I like the idea of using the shape upside down - without the thread. Perhaps a staple will hold the tag in place. The size seems to be working Ok.


I think there needs to be a way of seeing inside the packets, my idea is to get a window in the packet. I do want to keep the design simple for making mass packets and although a cello bag would be good - I like the pretty paper idea better. Will need to do more experiments. Perhaps, I can combine the two. The colours of these packets are not right for the Only Blue range. I will make them BLUE today. I like the idea of making a surface pattern design for the packets and am going to develop a square pattern in blue, hopefully it will be good enough to use. I also like the tab top thing and can see this design working well.

On another matter, my kids are both involved in different scouting things over the weekend. I need to prepare and possibly shop for their kit today - there will be battles this evening getting them to pack properly ! So, not much time for me and work today. Such as life. On the bright side, the kids will have a great time and Richard and I will have a day out on Saturday doing something just for us. The downside will be dealing with the washing and 'de-packing' on Sunday !!! There's always a 'payment' for any treat !

Hope you have a great weekend.

Bye for now.

Plan C

Hi everyone
It's actually raining today - talk of it being 'persistent', even possible
flooding ! O dear ! - far cry from last weekend. Such as life.

I did get my 'blouse' jewellery completed from yesterday. I particularly like the way the bracelet turned out. It's quite loose and hangs very nicely. Here it is :










The necklace length also worked out well, often my necklaces (bought) are either a bit long of too short - this one is just right for the blouse. I'm going to wear my new jewellery again today, it's another outfit but I think it will work. Im hoping to develop a series of photos which link the jewellery with a few outfits to show the thinking around each design. I will develop a 'look book' style item when I have about 10/12 pieces to show.

My little packets for the jewellery didn't work very well. I'm on plan C now. My original drawings have now come back into my thinking.



This is my original sketch ( I did this on 20/9/13) - not sure why this didn't happen ? Will try this later. The basic tags (from yesterday) seem OK.



I don't think the blue background works as well as white or pale blue - will try out a few more samples to check. I have different styles and will decide on the final one when the packets are right.

I also needed to make a tag for a friends gift and ended up developing these little items. Ive made a few in several colours. I like the feel and the construction idea. I used to make a whole series of tags for sale and will do them again, based on this design. The centre of the flower has a little button as part of the design. It feels quite special with a 3d element. I think, there are many possibilities for this idea with buttons or beads/ charms and lots of images for Christmas.





That's it for today.

Bye.

Breaking news !

Hi everyone
today is not turning out brilliant, weather wise. Ive been out for a run and it was fine - quite warm. Now it's started to rain ! Looks determined to rain more too.

My efforts to get my feather packaging up and running have come to a sudden halt. I like the feather image. Here it is again, but ......... ?



I'm going to do another photo with the bigger oval shape included and I'm using the image to add to a hanging tab for the top of a see through bag. Now Ive made the decision - I will get these finished today. I have the current batch sold (great news) but will make some more.

More breaking news, I'm also going to make another bracelet this morning to wear today. I have a blouse which always causes me problems when choosing a bracelet - the colours somehow need something different ie from those in my collection. I will share what comes out tomorrow.

Moving on, Ive got the initial small Christmas card designs ready for printing too. The kits should be ready by next Monday and in the shops - wow ! Ive chosen simple basic images and am going to develop a range of embellishment packs to mix and match. I'm making samples for each so will share here first.

Ive just put the clay oven on to bake my recent Fimo experiments. It's always a bit of an anxious time for me. In the past, Ive burnt my clay (not for ages) but I still hover and feel relieved when they come out. Fingers crossed 'all will be well'. I can then develop and move on the designs. Quite excited about the Fimo work. I have high hopes.

Bye for today.

Earrings etc.

Hi everyone
Today's looking ..... like Autumn ! It's a little chilly and very dull, however, it's dry - big bonus !

I've been concentrating on jewellery design and Ive managed a little development on one of my collections. These earrings (under development) are an additional item in a little growing collection of 'pearl' like pieces. The name I'm using at the moment is the 'pebbles' collection - this may change.













These items are on their way and I'm quite pleased with their progress. They all need to be baked today. After baking, I will begin with the finishing phase. Finishing will involve sanding,polishing and adding some silver gilding. I need to decide how many pieces need to be designed for the initial collection - my thinking is around 6-8 pieces. At the moment, I have 4/5 bits - 1 earring design,3 rings and some beads. I think, I will make some more beads to turn into a bracelet and a necklace kit too.In addition, I need some great packaging. Ive had lots of ideas but am still undecided. The packaging needs to be simple with a unique piece of art (as a label) and will look good at 'a point of sale' in a real shop. Challenging !

Must get on.

Bye for today.