Hearts and sunshine

Hi Everyone
I had quite a good day yesterday. The weather is wonderful at the moment - it feels almost like being on holiday ! I don't need much distraction (generally) and in addition to the weather, there's more tennis at Queens Club on TV. I love watching tennis but it does stop me getting things done. Combined with the weather - Ive had real issues getting through my lists. The job bags are helping me achieve something but I must work harder today.

I managed to complete the Make Art Monday piece for this week. The word for this week is HEART. This is my effort :


















I created a 'canvas' using a calico and gesso base. I used acrylic paints and created a layer of 'free hand' stitching (on a machine). There's also a few die cut words on there. I try and do something completely different each week and aim to use different materials/tools. I really enjoy this weekly challenge.

I also made/ partially made these items :









Looking at the colours is a reminder of sunshine !








I need a few findings to complete. This was another crimp experiment but I ended up not using crimps again ! I seem to find crimps a real challenge !
I used some crimp covers on this piece to keep the bead on the thread (where the clasp fits). My supply of crimps are not big enough to use instead of the knot. The covers will cover a knot and this seems to replace the crimp. I feel the knot is more reliable. Perhaps, I need a crimp expert to convince me of the job of the crimp ! I can see its application for a fine wire but am struggling with any of my designs.

Thanks for reading.

Disappointing Results

Hi Everyone
I had a mixed day yesterday. Some tasks worked well but the crimp experiment failed completely. I wasted lots of time on it and I'm even less convinced than ever about crimps !!!

I wanted to make a simple, elastic bracelet and followed the instruction list (from 4/6/14).I can only think, Ive not understood the instructions.

Here is the picture story of what I did :






Beads threaded onto elastic with a crimp.











Elastic stretched through the crimp.





Elastic pulled to draw beads together.
Crimp ready to be flattened.





I put a dab of cement glue over the flattened crimp before adding the cover.

















The completed bracelet - looks great.





HOWEVER, I missed out a photo of the beads scattering all over the floor - just after trying for the first time. On this photo Ive collected them all - fortunately, I was indoors. It still took ages to locate all the beads.





This is the silver crimp cover showing the elastic severed. I'm fairly sure the crimp cover is beyond salvaging ! I think the metal crimp has literally cut the elastic. The remnants of my work show a clean cut.

I was pretty disappointed and after a cup of coffee, re threaded the bracelet using my tried and tested technique. I will continue using my own technique for the elastic bracelet. Here it is :







I've not given up on crimps but (for me) this job requires another approach.
Good news too - I reused the silver crimp cover and decided to add another (simply decorative) to add balance to the design.


Thanks for reading.

Are 'Job Bags' the answer ?

Hi Everyone
Another day and I should be there with the Gray Collection. Despite my challenges yesterday, I did push on with the project. I believe my success is the new approach of creating individual 'job bags' which have mini tasks per bag. Basically, Ive broken down the jobs into micro tasks which can be completed in short bursts. As my life is juggling lots of things at once, this approach works well.

Great news - the new bead design from yesterday is to be 'The Biscuit'. Here it is again :



My first practical task, yesterday, was to add the ring element to one of the ring stones. I'd decided to cut into the clay and embed three silver bands into the stone. However, I needed Plan B. The photo explains why :


This is Plan B. I carved out a channel for the silver bands.


I stuck the silver bands in place.


When the glue set, I filled in the holes and the channel with clay and baked it.






More painting and re baking followed by polishing. I like the progress so far.

I also made the remaining beads for another necklace and bracelet which will bring the Collection to 15 pieces.



All the elements are now there - other than some silver work. My plan is to get the silver stuff completed today.

Thanks for reading.

The NAME of the BEAD ?

Hi Everyone
What a day - Ive been up since 5.30am, our little boy has gone to Brussels this morning for a week and we sent him off in bright sunshine. It's now drizzling and feels like the end of the day and it's only 8.45 am ! Ive already put the washing out and then taken it in. Such as life.

Last week was a big push to complete the Gray Collection and it's getting there ! Another few days and that will be that !
I created a little extra bead along with the Collection and have been wearing it all weekend. I think it needs a bit of tweaking but I'm attached to it already. I need a name for the bead. Will work on a name today.



Not a brilliant photo but you get the idea. I'm definitely going to develop the bead technique - perhaps in different colours with different surface designs. I'm sure the idea would be good for bracelets and rings using varied sizes. Here's a close up for reference.









I spent quite a while organising work towards the end of last week and I'm now ready to get sequence photos and arrange the individual piece stories etc. (For THE book). This exercise has been valuable and I will incorporate it into my working practice, long term.

I'm not sure what my objectives are this week. The different routine with one child away will upset the norm and I will need a few days to adjust. No matter how I try and convince myself, my 'inner parent' sense is giving me grief !!! I need to keep busy. Should be easy ? (I'm not convinced - yet) loads of jobs as usual. Also lots of tweets and photos en route courtesy of the trip leader (not sure this is helpful but I love it all the same).

The Make Art Monday theme for this week is HEART. Lots of ideas come to mind for me - so I may complete today.

I hope to get a bit of practice with crimps too. I'm going to try out the procedure outlined on 4/6/14. I will report my findings. Not sure what else is in store - need to check my emails and sort out my work journal !
PS The sun is out again !

Thanks for reading

New Work Report

Hi Everyone
Another week gone by .......... , I know it's not very original but this occurs to me most Fridays when I'm writing this blog. Not sure what that says ?

My day yesterday, was quite productive ! I did lots of 'production organising' as well as moving on each element of the Gray collection. To help organise my collection images I've organised a Pinterest Board for the Gray Collection and will add images of the pieces as they are completed. Take a look - you can use the link on this blog.

As with all these things, The Collection has grown. Yesterday, I completed the broach element and made another as a by product. I like the new broach - it's a slightly different take for the Gray Collection and moves the surface design into something new.






I used the magnet idea again. The texture on the broach was made with a texture plate which Ive had for ages and never used. I can see it's got lots of potential. Here it is :



I've never used texture plates and I really like the effect and will be looking out for more.

There was a little bit of clay left from my broach work, so, I made a new bead.
I used two small, coloured bits and textured both with the new plates. I hadno particular plan but they worked out well. I sandwiched them together and recoloured/baked them with blue acrylic. My plan is to string this bead onto a short necklace.


The bead itself is quite small, probably the size of a 5p although twice as thick.











Perhaps, a custom eye pin can be made to attach the bead like a charm to my necklace idea.

Have a great weekend.
Thanks for reading.