Friday, June 19, 2015

Copper Clay Success!!!

So.... I had success with firing the Art Clay Copper!  I did a lot of online research before firing and decided to follow the directions I found HERE.  I fired it in the coconut shell-based carbon (even though it wasn't necessary), mainly to avoid the thick, black layer of fire scale that was supposed to happen if you fired without it.  I pretty much followed the directions for firing the COPPRclay, but the results with the Art Clay Copper were much better!  I fired at 1778°F for 3 hours.  I did not put a lid on my firing pan.  This firing schedule is also recommended on the Art Clay Copper online info sheet  (which I discovered later).

Here are my results:

The top ornament was made with the COPPRclay (it was under-fired), and bottom was made with Art Clay Copper.  You can see the pitting that occurred when I tried to polish the COPPRclay with a wire brush (both ornaments were polished using only a wire brush).  The COPPRclay did shrink more than the Art Clay Copper too:
living with ThreeMoonBabies | COPPRclay vs. Art Clay Copper

Here is another photo of the wire-brushed ornament made with Art Clay Copper: 
living with ThreeMoonBabies | wire brushed copper clay house ornament

 And now for fun with adding a patina (part of the reason I wanted to work with copper clay so badly)!!!  This patina was created using only vinegar and salt.  I put some salt on the ornament and placed a vinegar soaked cotton pad on it.  The patina will wash off, so you might want to add a sealer to protect your desired finish.
living with ThreeMoonBabies | copper clay house ornament with salt & vinegar patina

 Another picture of the finished ornament:
living with ThreeMoonBabies | copper clay house ornament with patina

Well, I was excited to share my finished results with you!  Hope to have more copper pieces to share soon!  Thanks for stopping by:)

P.S.  While doing some of my research, I found there are lots of different copper clays out there....you can even make your own!  Also, check out the work of this amazing metal clay artist!

Monday, June 8, 2015

Hello! It's Been a Looong Time!

Oops...it's been quite a long time since I blogged!  Sorry!

Hope you all have been well!  I did add a few new items to my Etsy shop.

Also, I'm working on making a house ornament out of copper clay.  I didn't have great success firing the COPPRclay I posted about earlier.  I don't think I fired it at a high enough temperature.  I just bought a new brand to try out that doesn't need to be fired in the coconut shell–based carbon. I'll let you know how that goes.  Fingers crossed!

Oh...and I've had the idea for a beading loom made from a yogurt container for a while, and I hope to be posting a tutorial soon.  I'm also trying to design pieces combining my seed bead work and metal clay creations....so stay tuned!

Here are my newest listings:





Btw...two of these new designs were inspired by custom orders, so feel free to request one!  I love hearing your great ideas!

Thursday, March 12, 2015

New Listings: Fish, Neck Tie, and Bow Pendants

I've been on a creating spree!  I have so many ideas and have been trying to make as many as I can before they disappear from my brain! I just finished up a few more new pendant designs.  They are already available in my Etsy shop.

emelinepurcell.etsy.com | fish pendant

emelinepurcell.etsy.com | neck tie pendant

emelinepurcell.etsy.com | bow pendant

Also, I make most of the jewelry in my shop after it has been ordered, so if you would like a name or message stamped on the back...just let me know!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Remember These?

My oldest daughter recently bought one of those "tattoo" bracelets at Hot Topic.  When I saw it, I was thinking... wait... I used to wear a choker like that!  I can't believe they are back in style!  I was also thinking... I CAN MAKE THAT!  So, I looked for tutorials online and found a bunch.  Even though the one she bought felt like it was made with some type of fishing line, the tutorials I found all used Stretch Magic.  I couldn't find it in craft stores, they were all out of black everywhere I looked, so I ended up buying some from Jo-Ann Fabric online.  I used black and gold in 1mm, but they have all different thicknesses and colors.

Remember These? | http://livingwiththreemoonbabies.blogspot.com   Remember These? | http://livingwiththreemoonbabies.blogspot.com

I ended up liking this tutorial the best.  The only thing I did differently was, instead of cutting two strands of string, I cut one (6 times the length around my neck), folded it in half, and knotted a loop at the end.  This made it easier to tie it together when finished.  There are lots of ways to finish these off though...

Here's my youngest wearing a gold tattoo choker and a vampire teeth pendant (also made by me and soon to be added to my Etsy shop!!!).

Remember These? | http://livingwiththreemoonbabies.blogspot.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Copper Clay and Free Shipping!

Hi!

I have a couple new shop announcements.

#1.  I recently purchased some copper clay, so stay tuned!  The firing process seems much more complicated, but I'm excited to create some new designs using this clay!  Wish me luck!

livingwiththreemoonbabies.blogspot.com | copper clay


#2. I'm offering Free Shipping in my Etsy shop (http://emelinepurcell.etsy.com) right now (domestic orders only)!!!  Use coupon code: FREESHIP at checkout.


Friday, February 13, 2015

More New Items and a SALE!!!

Hi again,

I added a few more items to my shop today!  A custom guitar pick and two really cool (ready-to-ship) rings are now available!

emelinepurcell.etsy.com | Music Speaks CUSTOM Hand Stamped Fine Silver Guitar Pick   emelinepurcell.etsy.com | Follow Your Arrow Fine Silver Ring   emelinepurcell.etsy.com | Stop and Smell the Roses Fine Silver Ring

And...If you make a purchase this weekend you can save 20% by using the coupon code: PRESIDENT2015 at check-out (expires 2/16/2015).

Visit http://emelinepurcell.etsy.com to find all of my handmade jewelry and accessories.

Thank You and Happy President's Day!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Friday, January 30, 2015

Doctor Who

My two oldest are BIG fans, so I had to make a TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) pendant to add to my Etsy shop!

Don't Blink Doctor Who TARDIS Fine Silver Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain

emelinepurcell.etsy.com | Don't Blink Doctor Who TARDIS Fine Silver Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain   emelinepurcell.etsy.com | Don't Blink Doctor Who TARDIS Fine Silver Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain   emelinepurcell.etsy.com | Don't Blink Doctor Who TARDIS Fine Silver Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain

The back is hand stamped with "Don't Blink":)

It was funny, I took my kids to see the movie Paddington, and they got so excited when they noticed that one of the characters was the newest Doctor!  They are super fans or, should I say, Whovians!

Oh, and since it's almost Valentine's Day, I found a couple free printable valentines for you too!




Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Shine Bright

Hi again!

I wanted to re-share the diamond ring valentines I posted last year.
You can find them HERE.  They are fun and would be perfect for any little princess (or prince)!

printable diamond ring valentines

And if you want a matching necklace (haha), you can find one in my Etsy shop!



We have some light rain here, but hope everyone has a bright and shiny day!

Monday, January 26, 2015

My New Etsy Shop

Hi Everyone!

I have some exciting news... I opened a new Etsy shop, Emeline Purcell!


It is probably apparent by some of my previous posts that I enjoy making jewelry...and creating with clay.  Finally, I have found a way to combine these two loves!  In this new shop, I plan to offer unique, handmade jewelry and accessories.  I use a combination of techniques and PMC (precious metal clay) to create unique earrings, pendants, and all types of jewelry and accessories.  I have already added some pieces to the shop, but have lots more to add....so stay tuned!

Unfortunately, I don't plan to add anything to my other etsy shop, ThreeMoonBabies, anytime soon (sorry!).

You can read more about my new shop HERE.

A preview of the awesome new pieces I've already added:

fine silver diamond pendant by Emeline Purcell   fine silver wing pendant by Emeline Purcell   fine silver feather pendant by Emeline Purcell
fine silver heart earrings by Emeline Purcell   fine silver moon pendant by Emeline Purcell   fine silver rose earrings by Emeline Purcell

OOOhhh...and check out all of the ♥ heart items  that would make perfect gifts for Valentine's Day!!!

If you get a chance, please stop by and check out my new shop!!!  I would appreciate it greatly!!!!  Thanks!!!!

emelinepurcell.etsy.com