New Stuff and a Book Shout-Out

So, I've been working on a new line of neclaces featuring pendants created using vintage photographs, optic lenses and brass gears.  I really love old photos, and mixing ecclectic elements with the designs.  I am lucky to have a huge antique/flea market right near me, with monthly shows.  I have been finding some really cool photos, tin types and old ads that are great for pendants.  Most are from the mid to late 1800s.  I especially like old tin types for thier creepy yet beautiful poses.  So, here's a slide show of some of the new stuff, all available at Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in Lake Worth.

Next, I want to give a shout-out to jewelry designer and author Kim St. Jean.  Her new book, Mixed Metal Mania, is fantastic and a must for all jewelry mixed metal enthusiasts.  Great photos, projects and tips, including a list of ways to easily color metals like brass and copper with home made patinas.  I've really enjoyed the jewelry projects, and have further educated myself with her soldering, folding, and metal work techniques.  THANKS KIM!!!  Oh, and Kim, hurry up and get a website, okay?  We want to see more of your work!!!



And Now for Something COMPLETELY Different...

I've been obsessively etching copper and brass for days--I get that way with a new idea or toy. So, I decided to pull myself out of that and refresh myself in a completely different direction for a project I hope to be a part of.

I heard about a call for artists to participate in a "Steampunk Inspiration" book to be published next year. I've been fooling around with assemblage jewelry for a while now, and have really enjoyed creating funky necklaces using antique German doll bodies. These porcelain figures are hollow, and make great pendants! I've created four so far, and this is the latest, my Raven God. The "wings" are made from hammered sterling silver wire and silver tubes. I inserted black turkey feathers into the tubes. It's multi-functional as well. The pewter raven head-piece is another necklace, the chain fits inside the doll body. Below is an adjustable sterling silver ring with guinea and turkey feathers suspended by a sterling silver hook. You can wear the whole thing when you need the DRAMA, or wear the smaller necklace and ring seperately. I used a sterling silver neck wire for this so it could be hung on a wall when not being worn. This is definately meant to be displayed! I submitted photos of this guy along with some other assemblage work. Hope I get in!!!

I still have three or four doll bodies left...I'm thinking of creating a botanical piece next....I'll keep you posted!!