It’s interesting how ideas come together sometimes. I had started out with a definite plan for this month’s post…tin…all types of tin and colors. I spread my supplies out and began. As I was working, I became immersed in the colors of turquoise and red. Rich red roses against the contrast of various bluish-greens. The feature evolved and became more about that beautiful color combination than just tin. I used to be stubborn and hang on to my original ideas for dear life, but, I’ve learned to be more flexible, not fight it, and go where inspiration takes me. Good things happen this way.
The amazing tin used in this pair of earrings was handmade using authentic vintage decals from Marina Rios of Fancifuldevices. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a lover of vintage and sprinkle it in my designs wherever and whenever possible…lol The flower decals had been applied to both the outside and inside of the blackened tin, which makes them unique and wonderful! Marina has an excellent tin tutorial available on her etsy page you should check out.
The pieces of tin originally came in an arc shape, but I needed them as hoops. I wanted…I neeeeeded them… to encircle the hand charms from Inviciti. Can we all just take a moment and bask in the splendor of these beautiful hands! ………….. Okay…I know…whew. The tin was thin and lightweight, so I was able to slowly work the arc into a hoop with just my hands and secure with a jump-ring. I wanted to bring some of the rich red back to the center and also for the symbolism of heart-in-hand. I used tiny red carnelian hearts along with bitty little crystals from Swarovski. I am over the moon about these earrings!
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Here are some long sparkling rhinestones, chain, and earthy ceramic skulls from Gaea dangling from roughed up tin by Shipwreck Dandy.
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Sometimes things you think will be a snap to make, turn into a project..lol So, I will show you two photos, the first being the finished design and the second is what the design evolved from.
These whimsical and pretty ceramic rose headpins are by Terri DelSignore of Artisticaos. I’m completely crazy for them! They came on very fine wire so I knew they would work best as charms. I wanted them to be VERY rustic and also wanted to create some type of vine or tendrils. My first attempt was using copper (photo 2). The color was “nice” but nothing too exciting. However, the bigger problem was the fact the metal frame, even using thick gauge, was too soft and wouldn’t hold it’s shape! I tried about three times!! So, I went with the blackened steel, then used thin contrasting oxidized bass wire and burnished it with some steel wool. POP!…it really made this design sing! I’m telling you, problems always work out usually for the best! Again, I shouldn’t have been so stubborn about insisting on staying with the copper…I would have saved myself a ton of time and hair loss if I would have just tried something else..lol
Below, is my sad little problem child. What a difference the blackened steel made in both strength and color contrast!
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Here comes the beautiful hands again by Vincent and Nooma Cav of Inviciti! AND, oh my gosh, I found the perfect painterly rose beads to pair with them….right here, under my own nose! The rose beads are made by Deborah Schlegel of Deborah Schlegel Studio and she is one of our sponsors here at the Art Bead Scene Studio!! You can click the link I’ve attached to her name or find her on our front page. Anyway, wow, I was beyond excited to find these beads and all her work!
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Well, it’s been a pleasure to meet with you today! I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy doing these blog posts! I love to read your comments and feedback if you have the time!
Looking forward to see you again in December! Please take care! ~Loralee xo
