Yes, the 21st still counts as being "new". Right? I'm hoping that you're all enjoying 2016 so far. Surely its not my imagination that just yesterday was the first of the month. Are any of you losing days, well ok, weeks...months? (decades? yeah, I'm still trying to figure out what happened to 1996?). Proof that time flies whether you're having fun or not!
I'm not one to make new years resolutions. I mean really, trying to lose weight? Resistance is futile and besides, I've learned that trying to avoid it just makes cake all that much more delicious. Exercise more? Um...you betcha!! You know I am. I am. Really.. I AM, I tell you!! Ok, maybe I'm not. But I think about exercising more. Surely that counts for something.
One thing I do manage to accomplish every year is to revamp my jewelry displays. You can pretty much count on it...
New year, New displays.
Possibly you've seen this handsome fella making his appearance in my Etsy shop...
A perfect display for these earrings with
deer focal pieces from Grubbi.
I think these shield earrings look equally nice
displayed on this stately stag.
Along this same theme....
Here is his older and more imposing buddy....
I like the display, still undecided about the realistic sky background.
This background is more pleasing to my eye.
Doesn't compete with the earrings.
I figured as much as I like working with ancient materials and ancient style jewelry,
I might as well throw an extinct Wooly Mammoth display into the mix.
Ok, you caught me.
Possibly I was just spending a bit too much time in the toy section.
Possibly I was just spending a bit too much time in the toy section.
I have many many new displays in the planning stage but just a few that are completed
to share with you this post.
Because as I already mentioned, every time I blink,
a week flies past!
My failed DIY faux velvet painted display from my last post,
is a fail no more...
ULTRA matte gel and chalk paint just might do the trick...
A selection of wood chip, disposable foam and stencil brushes.
I ended using all three for a variety of subtle textures.
Nope, I'm not showing you a new variety of natural nut butter.
Though I can see where that layer of oil an inch thick on the top, might be confusing.
Aww here we go, runny cake frosting.
Kidding...
But you must admit the color bears a striking resemblance
to the grooms armadillo cake in that fantastic movie
Steel Magnolias.
Can't forget the scene where they cut into the
red velvet armadillo cake,
no matter how hard I might try.
Matte charcoal grey always makes me think of that.
It was a powerful scene.
I was still uncertain if this was actually improving things while the paint was wet
but once it dried...
I'm pretty happy with it.
Looks nothing like the antique inspiration display but it'll do.
I think I'm going to have to take some bleach and sandpaper to a black velvet display
to achieve the results I really want.
That's a project for another day.
Figured while I had the paint out...
Might as well age these displays....
Mr Wonderful wandered into the studio while the aging process was in full tilt.
He was horrified that my computer/order wrapping table
was also serving as my painting table.
um hello,.....
it's not like I didn't have that handy dandy plastic trash bag protecting
all the important stuff.
Sheesh.
He also doesn't share my appreciation of grungy, aged patina.
Possibly that's what caused the look of horror.
But I digress...
I wish that I possess the extensive vocabulary needed to share with you,
the range of emotions that crossed his face in the span of, oh about 30 seconds when he saw me happily painting away.
Let me just say that it was hilarious.
Now if he would just consent to making an actual appearance on my blog,
I could give you an idea.
But he still adamantly refuses so his stand-in will have to do.
Sorry about that, ladies.
Please imagine this face looking horrified,
if you can..
Yes, yes, it's fine.
I can wait while you
take another moment or two
or twelve
to really contemplate the depth of horror.........
I can wait while you
take another moment or two
or twelve
to really contemplate the depth of horror.........
...................................
............................
You're welcome.
ok, shall we continue....
I do like me a grungy looking necklace display.
But that is not actually grungy and dirty.
I don't much like touching truly nasty grungy displays,
much less putting my necklaces on them.
Can you imagine what it would take for displays to acquire
this much "patina" in actuality?
I shudder at the thought.
Visions of old abandoned animal barns comes into mind.
hmmm, well maybe that's the thought that brought the
comically horrified look to Mr. Wonderful's usually
charming face.
Can you imagine what it would take for displays to acquire
this much "patina" in actuality?
I shudder at the thought.
Visions of old abandoned animal barns comes into mind.
hmmm, well maybe that's the thought that brought the
comically horrified look to Mr. Wonderful's usually
charming face.
And finally, a cone for bracelets.
Why oh why is it so difficult to get a really good shot of a bracelet?
I've been hoping this would help...
but no,
It's ok, but I don't love it.
So far, I'm not having the hoped for success with this display.
Looks like I applied too much texture and shading.
Because I thought this initial treatment looked too austere...
Guess it's back to playing with paints to try and get this right.
Fear not-
There's still hope for good bracelet pictures because I also found this...
I applied a matte finish to the Octopus after taking this photo
so it photographs even better now.
I am having really wonderful photo results with this
fabulous earring display from HollyDeer.
I think it would be difficult to get a bad shot of
anything displayed on this beauty.
You'll see it in many of the following shots...
Notice the chrome paper on the right, intended to reflect light and
highlight all of the details in the work being photographed.
It works great at reflecting but sometimes adds a weird bluish cast to the photos.
This happens when there is nothing blue to be reflected.
(Things that make you go hmmmm)
That should remedy itself soon enough.
As winter progresses into spring,
As winter progresses into spring,
the sun will shift once again and my little picture taking spot
will start getting a bit more sun and all will be right with my photos.
And now you can see the results for yourselves
if you care to spend a few more minutes with me...
if you care to spend a few more minutes with me...
and I hope you will...
Contemplation
Are the rest of you loving Petra's new decal components as much as I am?
They're gorgeous!!
Since this is another already ridiculously long, epic post,
I'll let you read the details of each piece in my
AnvilArtifacts shop
if you're wondering about anything specific.
All of the artisan made components are credited in the listings,
as are the inspirations, stories behind the names, materials, etc. for each piece.
I'll let you read the details of each piece in my
AnvilArtifacts shop
if you're wondering about anything specific.
All of the artisan made components are credited in the listings,
as are the inspirations, stories behind the names, materials, etc. for each piece.
Swirling Starry Nights
Discoveries of Ancient Pompeii
The Black Rose
I made a few more of the Turkoman Goes Modern series with some new variations...
The Touch Deux
The Touch
Distant Shores
The Return
Black Lace
Storms
The Amber Maiden
The shadow Garden
The Vanishing Iceberg
The Elegant Rocker
Venice Dreams (variation)
I've had numerous requests for these earrings.
I'll make variations and be listing them from time to time.
I've had numerous requests for these earrings.
I'll make variations and be listing them from time to time.
Treasures of Ancient Pompeii
Away To My Heart My Home
The beautiful vintage Lusterware cottage and vintage French
knife rest in the shape of a galloping horse
inspired this necklace.
The beautiful vintage Lusterware cottage and vintage French
knife rest in the shape of a galloping horse
inspired this necklace.
Sunset
Desert Path
Gifts From The Riverbed
Fossilized seashells that I collected from a dry riverbed,
then smoothed and paired with torch fired enamel headpins.
Fossilized seashells that I collected from a dry riverbed,
then smoothed and paired with torch fired enamel headpins.
Aerial View-
Turkoman Goes Modern (variation)
The Treasures
The Ancients
The Desert Paintbrush 1
Flame painted patinas created with a torch.
The atmosphere was just right that day to produce these vibrant,
intense colors.
Flame painted patinas created with a torch.
The atmosphere was just right that day to produce these vibrant,
intense colors.
The Desert Paintbrush 2
The Desert Paintbrush 3
Firepod
Ceramic and polymer focals.
Baroque Goes Modern
Art Deco Goes Modern
Art Deco Goes Modern
The Silent Sun
Alight the Bumblebee
Bumblebee Jasper and roller imprinted blooms.
Bumblebee Jasper and roller imprinted blooms.
The Blaze
Turkoman Goes Modern variation
Turkoman Goes Modern variation
The Frosted Rose
The Dance
Trees At The Waters Edge
Stone Mystery
These Sonora Dendritic Rhyolite stones are beautiful.
An intriguing mix of burgundy, aubergine and shades of grey.
These Sonora Dendritic Rhyolite stones are beautiful.
An intriguing mix of burgundy, aubergine and shades of grey.
Masquerade in Venice
Woodland Stroll
Dark Romance
Aqua Baroque
Currency of the Ancients
The Ruby Dove
Watermelon tourmaline, ruby briolettes, raku and
mother of pearl doves.
Watermelon tourmaline, ruby briolettes, raku and
mother of pearl doves.
Assemblage Earrings
(This name is otherwise known as my testing out SEO theory)
Assemblage Earrings
(test 2)
Decay
Remnants Of Summers Past
Ancient Secrets
So named due to the Emeralds, fossil crinoids, agatized gastropod
and ancient Roman glass components I used in this neckpiece.
I do wish these ancient materials could disclose their secrets to us.
So named due to the Emeralds, fossil crinoids, agatized gastropod
and ancient Roman glass components I used in this neckpiece.
I do wish these ancient materials could disclose their secrets to us.
Lost Words
A wee vessel necklace.
And another.....
A wee vessel necklace.
And another.....
Aqua Rose
Perfect for tucking away a sweet note or treasure
and watertight for wearing fresh blooms or greenery.
Perfect for tucking away a sweet note or treasure
and watertight for wearing fresh blooms or greenery.
Party in Rio (variation)
You're not imagining things.
You've seen these before and will again.
I've also had a few requests for these earrings so there will be variations
popping up from time to time.
You're not imagining things.
You've seen these before and will again.
I've also had a few requests for these earrings so there will be variations
popping up from time to time.
Venice Dreams (variation)
Asymmetrical earrings
(yup, another Title SEO test)
Raku Assemblage Earrings
Up-cycled Tin Jewelry
(I really haven't been able to tell if this improves SEO or not.
It's still a mystery to me)
Her Boho Dreams
Rustic Hoop Earrings
Rustic Hoop Earrings on the really pretty brass floral display.
Bird Song
Find Your Way
The Ancient Hoard Series-Remnants
The Elegant Twins
The Bloom
The Gift Of The Ocean Tide
Aubergine
Upcycled Tin Earrings
Sweet Love
The Ancient Hoard Series-Shields
Leather Y Necklaces
Organic
Compass
Beneath the Stars
Beneath the Stars
Assemblage carved coral
Golden Urn Necklaces
Wee vintage vase Urns.
I think these were originally intended for a single bloom.
I adore the subtle, worn patina in the golden luster.
Wee vintage vase Urns.
I think these were originally intended for a single bloom.
I adore the subtle, worn patina in the golden luster.
Golden Urn 1
Golden Urn 2
another view
Secret Garden of My Ancestral Home
I have been sorely remiss about submitting articles for publication
since moving to Texas.
In fact this is the only technique article that I've submitted after the move,
mostly because I have been so busy with other things.
Some of you (with exceptional memories)
may remember that I blogged about an article
that I would be submitting, featuring
this necklace, just a few months after moving here.
It was published right after my previous blog post, in the
Autumn 2015 edition of Jewelry Affaire.
All the directions are included in the article,
in case you'd like to make one of your own pillbox necklaces.
I have been sorely remiss about submitting articles for publication
since moving to Texas.
In fact this is the only technique article that I've submitted after the move,
mostly because I have been so busy with other things.
Some of you (with exceptional memories)
may remember that I blogged about an article
that I would be submitting, featuring
this necklace, just a few months after moving here.
It was published right after my previous blog post, in the
Autumn 2015 edition of Jewelry Affaire.
All the directions are included in the article,
in case you'd like to make one of your own pillbox necklaces.
Displayed here on another of my new displays.
Wine With Lime
Follow Your Direction
Reverie
The Hanging Garden
Black Tourmaline
Earths Ancient Treasure
Ammonite in Matrix
Agatized Gastropod Pendant
Venice Dreams (yet another variation)
Modern Artifacts
Climbing Roses
Ancient Decay
The Love Token
Earth And Sky
Unearthed In Pompeii
Unnamed as of yet.
The "window" in the vintage brass component will figure into the name,
no doubt.
The "window" in the vintage brass component will figure into the name,
no doubt.
Mixed Metal textured sterling silver and darkened brass earrings.
No creative names there.
I know enough about their SEO to stick with the basics.
Mixed metal, sterling and fine silver with titanium
and ceramic discs.
I told you that I would keep you informed about how it's going with the
Handmade at Amazon shop.
I've made a couple of sales with a minimum of views.
I have at most, only had 8 items listed at any given time.
The ratio of sales to views is extremely high at Amazon
compared to Etsy.
I haven't devoted a lot of attention or time to the Amazon shop though,
so I can't provide you with an accurate apples-apples comparison yet.
So far, it's been a pleasure to have a shop on Amazon.
I'll keep you posted.
That's it for the new jewelry.
~~~~~~~~
I've listed some beautiful new antique links in my Attic shop.
I was able to acquire some unusual and rare links....
These are all currently listed.
There are other links listed in addition to these if you would like to take a peek.
I have some new stones and vintage items to list in the next few weeks as well.
I have some new stones and vintage items to list in the next few weeks as well.
And finally for those of you who live in colder climates..
I thought you might enjoy seeing the life cycle of a rare Texas snowman...
He might seem disappointingly unimpressive compared to the
mutantly large snowmen you're able to build.
But here, where snow seldom flies,
we appreciate the uniqueness of this wee Texas anomaly.
we appreciate the uniqueness of this wee Texas anomaly.
Like a moth, that is here for a short time.....
and then is gone................
the cycle of life continues......
I hope you're all enjoying whatever adventures the winter of 2016 has brought your way.
Many thanks for stopping by!
Until next time-
Enjoy!
Bucsu
(goodbye in Hungarian)
Blimey woman please blog more often. Love the grungy displays !! Eye candy galore. Really lovely pieces.
ReplyDeleteYour kind comment makes me laugh. I always intend to blog more frequently, but you know what they say about good intentions... Hahahahaha. Thanks much Tracy! These displays are fun but I'm still hoping to add one of your phenominal display pieces to my collection one day. Talk about lovely pieces! They are each and every one extraordinary.
DeleteYOU! Are amazing. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAwww you sweety. No, YOU are! Thanks so much, Darlene for your thoughtful words and kind support. It is very much appreciated.
DeleteI love the first pair of Amazon earrings...really really...and glad to hear that you are enjoying the experience.
ReplyDeleteSo many beauties, Janet, it is quite amazing. I wait for your blog posts with great anticipation.
Forge on!
oj (OtherJanet)
Hey there Other Janet. How very nice of you to stop in. Many thanks for that and for your lovely comment. Your thoughtful words go a long way towards assuaging my misgivings about these mega long posts. Thank you so much for that! :)
DeleteOh wow! That was a treat! So many beauties to admire, I'll fest on them for some days ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi there Lucie! Thanks for stopping in and taking the time to say hi. Your kind words are appreciated. Always so nice to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteGoooood Lordy, Janet! SO many new pieces - how many month's worth is this??!!!! All so wonderful, and deepest thanks as always for working such wonders with my tiddlers. Ohhh yummm, I adore those grunged up displays, and I'll look forward to seeing what happens to the grey one with bleach and sandpaper - ingenious! Ha haaa, I'm engaging in the same brand of 'exercise' myself!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous post, Lovely XOXOOXX :O)<3
Ummmmm...So many months that I'm embarrassed to say. Thank you thank you Petra for making such lovely things to work with. And for your generous compliments about what I do with them. We belong to the same fitness program?! Of course we do. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi AA - great to read another blog of yours and to see just how productive you have been. I can understand the refurbishment of the props - photographing the pieces is an important part of the process. I particularly liked Bird Song and Compass beneath the stars. Hope to read more of your posts in 2016. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in Barry! It's much appreciated, as someone who keeps up with your adventures, I know just how busy you've been. Your recent post on molten metal was fascinating. Here's to more fun with metal in 2016!
Delete