Creating Something new from Something Old

Something new I've created in my shop from one of the many wonderful vintage bits and pieces that I have around.




http://www.etsy.com/listing/79205091/measuring-tape-bracelet-vintage

Staw Purse with Vintage Flower Pins on sale today only 7/23/11

It's still summer! This It's still summer! This straw bag with vintage pins is cute enough to go with anything. Today only $10.00 off!! is cute enough to go with anything. Today only $10.00 off!!
See details at http://www.etsy.com/listing/72816960/vintage-flower-pin-handbag.

My etsy shop is http://www.willowmaiden.etsy.com/.

I finally found a LARGE copper washer to use for a necklace

I have just listed a LARGE hard to find copper washer to use as a focal point in jewelry making on my etsy site at www.willowmaiden.etsy.com!

 

I had looked everywhere for them. I saw an a wonderful design in a magazine using copper washers and I need a large one as the focal point. I checked all the big chain hardware stores, small appliance shops etc...no large washers.

 

Finally, at a small automotive shop, I scored the washers! Just like a kid in a candy store. Now if my large split rings would get here, we'd have a necklace going!

 

(I do have several more if anyone is interested. Just check out my etsy site!)

Frozen Charlotte Castings

I just love frozen charlottes, especially the tiny ones. So I decided to make a mold and cast some for myself. I thought I'd post some on my etsy page http://www.willowmaiden.etsy.com/  just to see what would happen. That sold just like that! So I'm trying again with these four guys to see if I can get a nibble once more.

New item Listed in my Etsy Shop

Tiny light bulbs wrapped in silver with blue crystals! A real unique pair of earrings.

Visit my etsy shop to view more of my items: http://www.willowmaiden.etsy.com/!

Experimenting with polymer clay

I am working with glass pieces and decided to use polymer clay to surround it. First time I used it and it worked fine. Just need to work on my polymer skills.
Check out the other cool things at my etsy shop www.willowmaiden.etsy.com

New item Listed in my Etsy Shop

This was a little challenging but its finally completed! I love the colors and the bead work. The pendant is on recycled sari silk that benefits women's working rights in foreign countries.

Check out my etsy site at http://www.willowmaiden.etsy.com

Trunk Show June 2011

I was asked to do a trunk show at a local botanical gardens gift shop. Not much space so I had to scale down on my jewelry. The program was called “Garden Nights” and members could stroll the gardens, have dinner and visit the gift shop.

I was a little disappointed   (ok..a lot disappointed that I only sold about 4 items). I had hoped that the sales would have been greater than that but at least I was able to get my business card out and got a free dinner (yummy) out of it.

Here are some photos of my small table at the Garden. I had high hopes…but don’t we all!?!

Stuck in the middle

I am a found objects artist so I have tons of items that I have collected. My problem is my concentration.
When I look at my supplies, I see several things I want to create. I lay these projects aside. Before I know it, I have an overload of "to work on projects staring me in the face. Seems I spend an hour trying to decide which comes first. I have a form that is an energy task list. I list all the items I want to do then I look at each one and notice how my body reacts to that item. If it's negative, I leave it until later. If it's positive, I mark it and try to scale down my choices. This method has word really well. If anyone wants a copy of this worksheet, please let me know. Off to create...................

Latest creations in my Etsy Shop

New in my Etsy Shop: Fairy Flower Earrings

at http://www.willowmaiden.etsy.com/

These were fun and so whimsical to make. So cute to wear. I love working with the lucite flower beads. Adds a magical element.

Safety When Using Epoxies & Resins in Jewelry Casting

I don't know about you but when I read an article or think up a new piece of jewelry to create that I get all excited about...I just jump in head first. A lot of wonderful work is created that way; all that energy chomping at the bit and ready to go. But a lot of mistakes can be made if you are so eager to start on your new creation and you just scan over the directions of a product you have never used before. Epoxies and Resins fall into that category. They just don't print those WARNING labels on there for their amusement. There are risks that can be hazardous to your health if you do not follow the directions regarding exposure and ventilation of chemicals used in not just casting but in metal etching as well. 

Just when I think I have a resin figured out, another wrench is thrown into the works. So at first you may be tempted to spend more time "redoing" your creation when working with epoxies, resins, etc. And by doing this you are exposing your body to potentional hazard chemicals for longer periods of time. Not a good idea...hey, common sense, right?!?  You'd be suprised.

I found a great post I'd like to share with you about using epoxies and resins. Hats off to Diane B.  for your great 101 on these products.

When working with resin: safety?

Do i need to wear one of those respirators that you use when spray painting or can i just a surgical mask?

by Diane B.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

When mixing and applying, there may be fumes that are unhealthy created by some types of resin.
When sanding or grinding cured ones, there may be particulates in the air that are unhealthy created by some types of resin.

Neither of those situations would be best dealt with just wearing a surgical or dust mask though IF you were using a polyester resin.
Epoxy resins are much safer (and less stinky), but if you do sand or grind more than just a little, you'd want a good particle mask for that too (about $20 at a hardware store).

You don't mention which type of resin you're using, so:
The most common brand of polyester craft resin is Castin Craft's Clear Polyester Casting Resin.
The most common brands of regular epoxy resin are Envirotex Lite, Ultra Glo, Crystal Sheen, etc.
The only brand of "tweaked" epoxy resin I know of is Easy Cast.
There are also 2-part epoxy resin glues (like Devcon's 2 Ton) that can be used instead of regular epoxy resin for small jobs, and a category of softer-setting epoxy resins (often used in clear vases to simulate water) which are called "floral setting resins."

There's lots more info about various resins and using them for crafts in my answers to these previous questions, if you're interested:

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?…

HTH,
Diane B.

Cat Show - A Purrfect Success

This weekend I attended a CFA Cat show in Shelby, NC. My first time at a cat show as a vendor. It was pouring down rain all day but that didn't hurt the attendance. For my first time there, I did very well in sales. Most pleased. I think one thing that helped with the sales is that I was able to take credit cards over my phone with "Square". If you haven't heard about this, you need to check it out. A tiny device that plugs into your phone that you can swipe cards with and the funds go straight to your account. The service fee is minimal for the convenience it supplies. I mean, who carries around checks and actually uses them anymore? And if a person keeps minimum amount of cash on them for safety purposes, they will buy less. So I am proud to use "Square" for my customers convenience and mine. No I am not a paid spokes person for "Square" and I will let you know if there are any kinks in the operation.

I am waiting to hear back from many of the people who were showing their beautiful cats about personal cat pendants I create (I can do them for people, etc too). Even a custom spoon pendant featuring their cat was mentioned.

All in all I had a great time, met lots of nice folks and sold what I love to do..my recycled jewelry

Welcome to Willow Maidens New Blog!

Greetings all! Welcome to Willow Maidens new blog. My name is Kathy and I am a found objects artist. I love to recycle things into new repurposed jewelry. Visit my etsy site at www.willowmaiden.etsy.com.
More to come...........................