I made myself a sketchbook

I finally made myself something! You'd think that because I make things, I make myself lots of stuff. That's seldom the case. But I made myself a sketchbook, with one of my new pendants (*See note at the bottom of this post).

It was quick and easy when I had all the materials:

• I had made books before but it was a long time ago, so I needed to do a bit of research before I got started. I looked up a few tutorials on the net to refresh my memory (I'm not going to add any links here; if you are interested, just search for "book binding tutorials" and you will find heaps.
  

• I cut up pages from old and unused sketchpads, and stitched them together
  

• Then I needed a cover for my book, and found an old artwork of mine from a few years ago. They were perfect as I wanted a dynamic looking and funky sketchbook. The cover is protected with a plastic laminate.
  

• To finish off, I wanted something to tie the book together. Fortunately, I had a nice ribbon (from my increasing collection) in the right colour and some press-studs.
  

• Then to make it a bit more interesting, I added a the wooden feature. I made it with hardwood (Tasmanian Oak), then applied acrylics paint and wood stain.(*See note at the bottom of this post)

After lots of gluing and sewing (and re-sewing... not my favourite thing to do but I wanted to do a good job so that my Mom and Sis - who are good at the craft - won't be appalled), it is finally done!! I have a new sketchbook which I'm happy to carry around. I am looking forward to putting my mark on the first page :).

(*Note: If you would like to know more, I sell similar ones as pendants in my online shop. Click here for info.) 

Yay for colours!! New pendants...

Just completed these 3 gloriously c o l o u r f u l, fun and funky pendants. Yay for c o l o u r s !! These "Colour My Day" pendants are made with Tasmanian Oak, which is a beautiful hardwood.

Each pendant is painted with acrylics. Where the surface is not painted, a stain is applied which brings out the wonderful grain of the wood.

These pendants will look fantastic with most outfit. Use a piece of string or leather as the necklace for casual wear, or suede to glam it up a little. Or string a few pendants together!

If you'd like more info, just click on the images below.

 

"Winter coming" - photo taken on Sunday

This picture was taken outside Romsey Tennis Club. It was a cold autumn day. Whilst it was nice and warm indoors, I decided to go for a wonder and came upon this pile of logs and a wheelbarrow...

This photo can be purchased from my Redbubble page as a card or as prints, examples shown below...

I have taken a few photos on Sunday, and am enjoying it. You may have noticed that the above photo has been enhanced slightly - Photoshop is wonderful :)

Up to a bright orange funky piece?

This is my latest piece of jewelry. I love it -  it's modern, it's funky and it's fun. It's going to be a conversation starter, and it will work with most colours/outfit.

It was also such a joy to work on. It was like I was back in the art studio working with porcelain! This of course is not porcelain but the fantastic new material that I've just been experimenting with - polymer clay. Each layer of orange clay was cut then shaped by hand, ensuring each is a little different. When baked, they were strung together with a contrasting blue wire. A black suede-like necklace completes the piece with a knot around a loop of the blue wire on each side of the orange feature.

Want to know more? Just click here for my online shop.

Art on the web - fun, colourful, and cheerful

Check out these fun, colourful, and cheerful art pieces; all handmade by the talented artists from etsy below. Please click on the images to visit their online shops for more of their artworks:

 

New earrings made with polymer clay - love it!

This is my new upload to my online shop - this is hot hot hot - just out of the oven! Fabulous material!

Polymer clay comes in a soft plastic-like material - like blue tack. It can be formed by hand or in a mould.  Then it is baked in the oven (yes, at home!) for 15 minutes. Once baked, it is hard and can be drilled and sanded. I've even buffed these little "pebbles" to give it a matt sheen...

Click here for more info

The experience of working with this material has been fun, that I ordered another lot in 2 colours to play with :). Can't wait to get my hands on them and experiment!

Have been busy - new pendant and necklaces...

These were recently uploaded onto my online shop, still working with wires...

The pendant is protected with an acrylic disc on one side and is glazed with a glass-like finish on the other. This is a 2 sided pendant, so wearers get 2 designs in one.

My new necklaces are made from ribbons and wire, plus lots of soldering...