Thursday, September 8, 2011

the sum for the whole

Working steadily at my desk, developing mostly elements of things but not getting much done in the way of finished pieces. Determined to get more finished product out of my desk than custom orders, I've rented two seasons of Cranford and a small collection of dumb Hollywood comedy in an effort to stare at a screen, because there's nothing like watching TV to make me want to sew at the same time.


I am in half a mind to do a challenge of sorts, some time soon. I have some cuff bases that I feel I ought to finish, but I'm wondering if I should offer them to a select few of you instead, to see what sort of world you can build on a scruffy lace base. Still ruminating over that one.


In the meantime here's some pictures of pretty fabrics littering the studio, soon to be cuffs and brooches and possibly even kits, if I can persuade myself to let some of it go. It's easy enough kitting up the dark and murky tones, but when it comes to the dusty pastels I'm still a little clingy! I know there are quite a few of you waiting for kits and I'm trying to get some done, hopefully there will be 6 to 8 of them available this Sunday coming.


And here are some headpins I made using Fanci's technique. Just the same as her I used stone beads, UTEE and never-gunna-wear-it make up minerals.


Due to my make up being more powdered than hers I've ended up with a sort of copper gold covering rather than a glitterfest, which if I do it right only partially covers the bead, leaving the colours of the stone still visible.

I love that the one right up the back there (which has two beads; amethyst and a smaller angelite one) looks like a seashell! I'm yet to perfect the technique but I think these are pretty good for starters.

I've also just creaked open the purse and lashed out on...


A disc cutter and dapping set! So I can make amazing bead caps (like these) and other ring things out of the myriad of antique tin things I have laying about the place here. Those caps linked to above are awesome, but no one's offering anything with quite the right level of rustic ruination that I require, so I figured I'd make my own and offer some to you chaps as well. Excitement! There's nothing quite like investing in new tools. Also as I realised some time ago, I enjoy making supplies more than making jewelry. Methinks Sparrow Salvage is about to expand.

12 comments:

stregata said...

New tools - aren't they the greatest? Your head pins look intriguing...

Christine said...

Love the headpins - I'll be trying this soon! Your fabrics are so pretty!!

Angel Whisperer said...

I would not mind to get one of those fabric kits to be in a challenge *hint* *hint* :) and those tools are cool...have been thinking of making my own beadcaps tooooo...trying to find out if tools are easier to buy from US or in Sweden...aawwwggg...love the headpins!

Sidereal Day said...

Having something to watch (or sometimes just music) is a must for me. I just added Cranford to my Netflix list. I just finished watching all of Eureka, and am now watching Warehouse 13, fun stuff.

Love the headpins, using make up, what an inspired idea!

Can't wait to see the bead caps you create.

Numinosity said...

Those are some cool headpins, You'll have some that will mix with these soon, I seemed to remember you were fond of pink.
And the dapping kit...what fun you're going to have!
xoxo Kim

fanciful devices said...

omg, the headpins are murdering me!
its not like my glitterfest was makeup i actually use! I can get some decent golden stuff too...

Donna said...

hmmm, glad you like my bead cap idea, I guess. But then again, maybe not. Please don't copy my work.

Penelope said...

I don't intend to copy your work, Donna- there are quite a few people in Etsy making bead caps in this manner. Mine will be made of completely different style tin to yours as well, I only linked to you rather than the others because I liked the pattern on it. Mine won't have patterns.

Donna said...

I know other people make caps. I don't have an issue if you make bead caps, just not caps like mine. Thank-you.

Penelope said...

@Donna Since you first comment I did a little digging, and found another artist making these caps since early February of this year. Looking over your blog and shop I could see no evidence of you creating them before April. I don't intend my caps to look like that as I've stated, but they're not your original design. You might not have seen them before you made yours, you might have come across the idea on your own, but it's not exclusive.

Donna said...

@Little Brown Sparrow

No where did I say it was my exclusive idea but I've been making caps for years now to go with my beads.

Cheers!

Penelope said...

@Donna Sorry- the words you used sounded like you were inferring that it was your idea alone, mostly when you said 'don't copy my work'. It's all a moot point anyway as I won't be making bead caps like that.