Saturday, March 1, 2014

Patina Blog Hop

One of the reasons I sign up for blog hops is to push myself out of my comfort zone and tackle new things that I've resisted because a) I know nothing about the technique or item b) I haven't made time to learn c) I'm afraid I'm going to fail or d) all of the above. Am I alone in this? Somehow, I don't think so. When Kathy Lindemer of Bay Moon Designs threw out a challenge on the Bead Soup Cafe page on Facebook about playing with patinas it was a no brainer, and much to my delight, I was one of 9 participants. She sent the Vintaj Natural Brass Compass and it sat untouched for quite a while. Then Lisa Liddy of Metal Me This offered some odds and ends patinas on sale which would work perfectly for this project.

Here's a picture that I borrowed from Kathy of the component she sent:
Vintaj Natural Brass Compass
  Here's a picture of the patinas that Lisa sent my way- aren't the colors pretty?


So it was time to play with the compass. Lisa had graciously given me a few hints and instructions and after much pondering, I decided to go with the rose and burgundy colors. They were easy to use- and I did practice on some irregular Vintaj Big Kick pieces that I'd made previously.

I also wanted to make some links that would complement the dark metal so pulled out Cindy Wimmer's book The Missing Link and grabbed some annealed steel wire from a local hardware store and went to work, and voila! Another fear tackled.

And last, but not least, the final result...Unfortunately when I used my two hole punch similar to this, even after much adjusting, the hole was, well, slightly off center.  Sigh.  Originally I was going to title this Due North. Great name, right? Had to amend it.
Almost Due North
With some pretty purple crystals to complement the patinas, the necklace is almost complete.
Almost Due North take 2


I still need to make a clasp, but love how it all came together ( minus the wonky hole). Thanks, Kathy for a chance to play with something new. It may be my first time using color, but it won't be the last!

Hope you have a great weekend filled with dashes of grace and splashes of joy. I'm off to our 52nd Dunklin Homecoming celebration and can't wait to see some dear faces, hug some necks and hear what God has been doing in the lives of our graduates. 


Here's the list of the other participants:

Hostess:  Kathy Lindemer,  BayMoonDesign 

Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry

Karia Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

Jessica Murray, Whimsical Monkey
 
Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Kay Thomerson, KayzKreationz Blog

Claire Fabian, Saraccino

Christie Searle Murrow Charis Designs


8 comments:

  1. You created a wonderful necklace - great wire work - patina turned out very nice! I like that book too! :)

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  2. Your necklace is wonderful. I love the links that you made. Maybe we need "The Missing Link" blog next. I have the book, but haven't attempted to make any of the links. Great job! I am glad you are better. I understand completely--life happens!

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  3. Better late than never right? Awesome piece & I LOVE that it's a bit wonky :-D I have Cindy's book too, what a great guide it is. Thanks for sharing your work.

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  4. I like the way it turned out. And if you had punched it to be Due North you would have lost the N for the North. :) Too funny, I almost used those same links in my piece and then decided it wouldn't work with the leather and such. I love that book. Your patina turned out great. I finally got my pictures reloaded and my blog post/reveal up for my compass. Great job.

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  5. You are definitely not alone with that fear factor thing. Nice job. Love how the arrow links work with the compass.

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  6. Some of my favorite colors. I love it!

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  7. Love your links, beautiful patina, fun necklace!!!

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  8. Christine, I'm sorry I missed this blog hop post but I enjoyed seeing your progress photos on Instagram! I think your necklace turned out beautifully - the elements, the colors, and your fantastic wirework!!

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