workin', workin', workin' ...

and I have completed a couple more mini birdhouses this week. This first one has a diamond pattern on it and has a purple theme.

I used amethysts, freshwater pearls and a lovely faceted green prenhite bead for a contrast. There is a little leaf dangling from the roof and a tiny green pearl as well and here is what the bird and leaf charms that hang from the bottom look like up close. The bird is less than a half inch long.

This is what it looked like when I shipped it off to it’s new home.

The second one is a collage of some stylized flower patterns.

On the side I carved the word “vision”. Hanging from the bottom of the house is a faceted green pearl, and more little green pearls of different sizes and shapes.

I’ve also been working on experiments with transfers on metal. Here are just a few pictures I have tried to see how they look in B&W and in color.

I’m using something called “Image Transfer Solution” that I got from Sherri Haab. She also has some special laser paper that works well with the solution. Next, I plan to cut the metal pieces into pendant shapes, make holes and add a dimensional glaze to them to make a raised glossy surface. My favorite one so far is Golden GAC 800. It is a polymer emulsion that says on the bottle “Excellent for creating pours.” It is self-leveling, leaves the fewest bubbles and although it also says on the bottle “not intended for use as a final picture varnish”, it does create a nice raised bead on the surface. (next I will try finding something to seal it with) When they are all dry, I will be sanding the rough edges on the metal, adding tiny eyelets to the holes to strengthen them and stringing on chain. I’ll show you when they are done.

Here is something totally cool that doesn’t have to be such a secret any longer! I was very fortunated to be asked by Ruth Rae to take part in her collaborative book project. Here is the cover of the book that grew out of it. It comes out in July of 2008 from North Light Books. I have a necklace in there that I designed, and also a few charm contributions. In fact, one of my charms is right there on the cover, just left of center! Thanks for asking me Ruth! I can hardly wait until it comes out.

In other news, here is a necklace that I got from Deryn Mentock. Isn’t it beautiful? Happy me!!!!!

close-up of the pendant

another bracelet I just finished

counter clockwise - PMC center charm, beadcaps, oval bead, and tube bead. sterling clasp and lace bead from Nina Designs. Sterling wire, fused & hammered fine silver wire rings and fancy swarovski color-changing crystals.

Some AWESOMELY GORGEOUS “larimar” beads I just splurged on. I am planning a wire wrapped bracelet using 18kt gold. I got these at “A Grain of Sand”. They arrived yesterday and I can’t take my eyes off them!

Party on everyone!

Mini baked alaska made for me by my friend Mary.