Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ornament swap

This year my friends Steffi and Janna joined me again for a Christmas ornament swap - it was a last minute affair, but I am so glad we did it.

Steffi sent me this adorable little snowman - he makes me smile whenever I see him. But how did she know that I have a hat like this one?




Isn't he cute?

Janna sent me a beautiful ornament - a tart tin with an image encased in resin - I think there are mica flakes in there also - surrounded by a ring wrapped in sari silk. Like a wreath surrounding the image.






I love the tattered and torn look - just perfect!

I made the bells below - each was embellished in a way I thought each recipient would enjoy.




 Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe New Year's Eve!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

last flea market of the year...

It's been a while since I was at a flea market. This morning I decided I had to make time to go to the last big flea market of the year, because there isn't much going on with the flea markets from January to March. Due to the stormy weather that we have had this weekend, I already knew the turnout of sellers would be low. It was. The lot was more than half empty. But that didn't stop me from finding some fun stuff.


More protective pocket watch cases...


An ethnic style necklace - to be repurposed...


Vintage glass cabouchons and flowers...


The find of the day - vintage sterling silver salt shakers... these are made of unbelievably thin silver, so they are very lightweight, but also delicate.

I even got some (real) mistletoe at the flea market - but forgot to take a picture...

Kitten update - the little cuties are crazy rambunctious. The eye problems continue to come and go, but otherwise they are stable healthwise. But, because they have been inside since October, they are not dealing well with the cold temperatures outside. I try to get them outside regularly, to get them accustomed and to give them the opportunity to really run and play, but it looks like they won't be moving out anytime soon.


They are about 16 weeks old now. While they have grown quite a bit, it seems they will remain small cats - particularly Lilith. In the above photo, you can see that her head is much smaller than that of her brothers. The little rascals...

Wishing everyone a peaceful Sunday!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

more amulets and talismans...

I am continuing work with the faux shibuichi - it is so very fascinating - and have a finished necklace and more work in progress... seems the ideas are coming faster than I can finish pieces.


Prayerscroll talisman


Shield Amulet

Saturday, December 3, 2011

more work in progress

I have been further experimenting with the faux shibuichi technique, which I want to use on my 'prayer scrolls'. Every new experiment and every step gives me another inspiration how to use this. This is where I am so far:







I love the achievable texture, although the material has its own challenges - it is much harder to work than copper or silver. The results are very rewarding. Hoping to have these pieces finished soon.