Halloween 2017

Yes... I know there's only a couple days until Christmas, but I have been wanting to share our Halloween costumes from this year!

Here's the list:

Yoshi
Darla
Barnacle Boy

YOSHI

 Inspiration:

Finished Costume:

-made with a green sweatshirt, felt sheets, and stuffing

-all hand sewn, mostly using a blanket stitch

DARLA

Inspiration:

Finished Costume:

-made with a purple sweatshirt (image added with inkjet iron-on paper), plaid skirt, fake braces, wire, and nemo fish in a plastic bag with water

Barnacle Boy

Inspiration:

Finished Costume:

-made with black shorts (she already had), orange t-shirt (thrift store), foam paper (for M on belt and shell bra), elastic, felt (for belt- pinned onto shorts), green leggings, and slippers (from Dollar Tree)

It was another fun year of creating costumes!  Thanks for letting me share!  Also, please let me know if you have any questions.  Unfortunately, I didn't save any of the patterns I made to use....but maybe these photos can serve as inspiration.

Happy Holidays!

Have You Checked Out My Etsy Shop Lately?

Hello Everyone!

Have you checked out my Etsy shop lately?

I've added a bunch of new pieces since I last blogged!!!

This is my newest design:

A Metamorphosis Butterfly Fine Silver Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain

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Star Wars: Yoda Best Valentines (free printable)

Hello!

With the release of the new Star Wars movie and its popularity, it is hard to deny, almost everyone LOVES Star Wars!

I made these valentines two years ago for my son and thought I would share:)

Not only are they cute and fun, but they are a great candy-free valentine alternative!

Here is the FREE PDF!  I believe I got the glow sticks at Dollar Tree.  They were the bracelet size.

Hope you have fun with these!

P.S.  We watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the El Capitan Theatre!  It was pretty cool!

Happy New Year! 

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:

Here is another photo of the wire-brushed ornament made with Art Clay Copper: 

 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.

 Another picture of the finished ornament:

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!

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:

Close to My Heart with Awareness Ribbon Fine Silver Pendant

POW Pop Art Comic Book Roy Lichtenstein Inspired Fine Silver Pendant 

Finding Balance Tiny Yin Yang Fine Silver Post Stud Earrings

Hello Sunshine Sun Fine Silver Pendant 

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

Yes...More New Listings: Instagram Camera, Sun and Moon, Chevron, Retro Camper, and Owl Pendants

I added even more new pendants to my Etsy shop!

They are all pretty cute:)  Check them out!

Hashtag Instagram Camera Logo Fine Silver Pendant

Be Wise Owl Fine Silver Pendant

Road Tripping Retro Travel Trailer Vintage Camper Fine Silver Pendant

Shine On Sun and Moon Fine Silver Pendant

Chevron Pattern Fine Silver Pendant

Use coupon code: FREESHIP (domestic orders only) to get free shipping!!!

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.

Tribal Fishy Fish Fine Silver Pendant

Ready for Work Neck Tie Fine Silver Pendant

Wrap Me Up with a Bow Fine Silver 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!