Book Review: The Art of Enameling

Title: The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration
Author: Linda Darty

Pictures: 8/10
Clarity of Instruction: 7/10
Complexity: 8/10
Overall Score: 8/10

This book to me felt sort of... run together. Everything was one after another after another. It didn't really give you any room to think, to breathe and digest what you' had just learned. Maybe it's just me, but I find that problematic. 

On the other hand, this book did give me a lot of hope, because it went into detail on how to use a torch to fire enamel, rather than just a kiln. At this point, I'm working with a Max Flame micro torch, and loving it. This book (along with a separate article over at beadingdaily.com ) helped me figure out that I really could use the torch for enamel work, if I was willing to think about how it could be done. It also put me in mind of doing some really detailed pieces, combining chasing and enamel work, with an oriental or middle eastern flair. Who knows, maybe I'll do both some day...after I have a kiln mind you. Because that's the thing I didn't know up till now. I thought you had to keep your piece /still/ when you were firing it, but with a torch, according to this book anyway, you can't do that. You have to move it around to allow for even heating. I'll cover more about torch fire and enamels another day though.
 
This book is also an odd combination of art gallery and historian. Along the tops and sides of most of the pages there are pictures of enamel work, in all different styles and complexity levels. The work is...stunning. I could spend hours just looking at this and drawing ideas. I just might do that anyway ;). Each of these mini galleries though has to do with what's being discussed on that particular page, with the exception of the pieces shown off at the beginning during the tools explanation. It allows you, or at least me, to see and think "  ok, this is some examples of what /can/ be done with this technique their telling me about....now how could I use it?"

As to the historical bit, there are sections and pages throughout the book that talk about how enameling has been done throughout the ages. One page discusses the processing of enamels, quoted directly from a 12th century German monk. Another shows samples of painted enamel pieces of the likes of Lady Russel, and the Duke of Nevers. I loved reading these sections, it made me think of the way some teachers will share interesting side notes. Things that still have to do with your topic, but maybe you wouldn't have known or learned otherwise. 

So, to cap it all off, if you don't mind a fast paced book, this really is a good book to take you through learning about enamels. Heck, even if you don't read it you can look at the gallery shots and get ideas from that...but seriously, you should read it, otherwise you might end up doing things like I did, and finding out that quenching after firing is a baaaaaaad idea. 

Do you have any thoughts on this book? Feel free to comment below. :) 

Book Review: Totally Twisted

Title: Totally Twisted Innovative wirework & art glass jewelry

Author: Kerry Bogert

Pictures: 10/10
Clarity of Instruction: 10/10

Complexity: 3/10

Overall Score: 9/10

I'm going to do something a little off the wall with this one and list my complaints about this book first. Guess what? I only have one! The only thing I could find that bothered me about this book is that I can't afford the lampwork beads to make these cute pieces!  Now let's get on to the good stuff ;)
The designs in this book all work around basic wire working, and an essential tool for this is a wire gizmo (or something that will allow you to have long consistent lengths of coiled wire). You also need a good pair of pliers or two for this, and maybe some ice for your hands. I kid you not, it's hard for me not to ditch doing this and sit down to try and just make the wire components from this book. The pictures are large, and clear. There is no questioning about what you're trying to do in any particular step. The basic techniques section in the front is clear and concise without spending too much time on it. Digging into the meat of the book, I love the palettes that were chosen, and the designs are a lot of fun, both to look at and to wear (from what I can tell anyway). At the beginning of every design, there's a bit about it, a list of materials and tools you'll need as well as a list of techniques. Simple, straightforward, and well organized, while still being nice to look at. (I admit, I'm a sucker for a well designed book.) What I loved most about this book was the beadmakers section in the very back. It lists every lampwork artist whose beads were used in the book, which projects they were used in, a bit about them, and how to go about getting in contact with them if you want to purchase some of their work.

Do you have any thoughts on this book? Feel free to comment below. :)

 

 

Facing the Artist’s Block

This week it's part two of our inspiration posts. Last week we covered what inspiration was and how you could go hunting it down. This week week talk about where it goes and why.

Have you ever sat down at your workbench  or drawing board, feeling good, proud of what you've accomplished so far, and intending to get some new ideas for work together, but then, all you can do is stare at a blank page, because nothing is coming to you? Slowly your good mood drains away, and all you can think about is "but where did all my ideas go?" Or you start to draw, but nothing is looking right, despite the fact that you know this is a good idea? These two problems, and other related ones are collectively known as Artist's Block.
There are people who swear it is a real thing. There are also others who say it's all in your head and can be avoided with proper care and work. While it is entirely possible that both camps are correct, it boils down to the same thing. Your inspiration is gone.

So... Where did it go? One idea is that you've done too much of the same thing. Another is that it's been too long since you soaked up some of whatever it was that inspired you in the first place. A third idea is simply that you've worked too hard for too long. A fourth is criticism, whether from yourself or others has got you down. Are there other theories? Probably. These are just the ones I've run across, and experienced.

Luckily, each of these has a 'fix' of sorts.
1. Try something different. If you've been working on beads all the time, try doing some wire or metalwork. Or even just a new stitch.
2. Go hunt down the thing that originally inspired you. Watch that show again, read that book. Go for a run, or look at pictures.
3. Take a break! Breaks are just as important for your brain as they are for your body. Your brain needs time to relax and review what you've learned so that it can keep innovating and coming up with new ideas.
4. This one is two options, and depends entirely on you. Option A is to grab a supportive friend and talk it out. Sometimes having a second opinion can help. Option B is to write it out. Play devil's advocate with yourself. One side argues in favor of the criticism, the other side argues against it. For some, having it down on paper helps to put things in perspective. That's it for this weeks discussion of inspiration and the perils of Artist's Block.

Like the post?

Have thoughts on the peril's of Artist's Block?

Do you secretly have a dragon hatching in your fireplace?

Feel free to comment below!

Inspiration… what’s that?

I'm thinking a lot about inspiration today. Where does it come from? Where does it go when you're facing the dreaded artist's block? Is there a way to guarantee you have it every time you sit down at your bench?
Let's start with the definition.

in·spi·ra·tion

\ in(t)-spə- rā-shən, -( )spi-\

noun

1 a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation; b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions; c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions;

2 : the act of drawing in; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs

3 a : the quality or state of being inspired b : something that is inspired <a scheme that was pure inspiration>
4 : an inspiring agent or influence

Wow... That's a lot. Well let's see. We can cross of the second one. Although we are all breathing* that isn't the one we need.  The third one also doesn't seem to be what we need. And 1a is just a whole can of worms that we can leave to theologists.
So that leaves us with 1b,  c, and 4. To restate:

1. b : the action or power of moving  the intellect or emotions; c : the act of influencing or

suggesting opinions;

4 : an inspiring agent or influence

Those seem pretty good to me. An inspiring agent or influence. One that moves the intellect and emotions, and influence or suggest opinions.
Now we know what the dictionary says.... But it still doesn't really explain where it comes from..... In reality, that question is as complex as trying to figure out motives for why people do things. Some of the most common sources I've seen are art, emotions, people and scenery. For me, I find a lot of inspiration by going for a run. I'll see a particularly interesting arrangement of rocks in the water. Or if I'm up early enough, I'll see the sky turning some really strange shades of red and purple. Sometimes, as y'all have seen on Fridays I'll get inspired by reading or watching something.

This is just me though. For others I'd suggest, look to what you find fun, interesting, or moving. See if there's something that springs to mind from it. Am image? A shape? A pattern?  Another suggestion (and one I know I need to listen to more often) from other artists is this: draw every day. Draw everything. Draw all the things. Even if it looks positively horrible. If you do it every day, you'll get better at it. Honest, you will. (Or so they tell me.)  What this does is give you a basis to improve your skills, so that when you want to draw out the pieces you want to make, you'll actually be able to. You will have developed the skill to accurately depict what you want to make.

Wow this post has gone on longer than I thought it would. O.o We’ll continue on next week and ponder the myriad ways that the evil artists block can steal your lovely inspiration next week. Have a good day! :-)

Like the post?
Have thoughts about inspiration? Comment below!

*(right? All of you are in fact living, right? I don't have any zombies following me? ;-))

Book Review: Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry

Title: Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire
Author:  Barbara Lewis 

Pictures: 8/10
Clarity of Instruction: 7/10
Complexity: 7/10
Overall Score: 8/10
It took me eons to get my hands on this book, but it was well worth the wait. I love playing with fire, and my Max Flame torch is my best friend. <3 I try to find a way to use it for almost every piece of jewelry I make, in some way shape or form, simply because I love playing with fire. It doesn't often turn out that I can just yet, but I try. This book, kicked that into overdrive.
The 'getting started' section covers things I never would've considered, including etching copper sheet, and what the author calls 'hot riveting'. The etching...I don't even want to think about the money I'd have to sink into it, but I admit, I am very interesting in trying that one day. As to the hot riveting, sadly, with my microtorch, it's just not possible. The flame is simply too big. I'll have to upgrade to MAPP at some point.. probably when I get an actual workshop ;) The color play in this book is lovely, and the projects are interesting. I admit, most of them are not to my personal style, on the flip side though, that doesn't mean there is a single project in here that I wouldn't attempt. Just flipping through this book has me scrambling for my sketch book so that I can draw out ideas and make color notes, things I want to try.
One of the things I found really interesting to learn is that enamel doesn't mix like paints do. Which, yeah, in retrospect makes total sense. It's made of glass particles, why would it mix like a liquid? (Paint does count as a liquid right?) So what do you do if you can't find the shade you really really want? Get a transparent enamel. This was the most stunning advice I'd ever found. The idea is that the transparent holds a.. a  'ghost' of the color. Hmm, that's not the clearest way to explain that. Try this:  Say you want to make a green pendant, but you don't have any. You do have blue and yellow though. If you layer a blue enamel, and then overlay it with yellow, you'll get speckles. Looks pretty, sure. But it's not what you wanted is it? If however you take a blue enamel, and fire a transparent yellow over it, you will get a green. I can't vouch for what green yet, because I don't have any transparent enamels. ^^ I'll have to test that out at some point in the future for ya'll though. 
This book is... possibly one of the coolest books I've found. I love the ideas that I've learned from reading it, and I cannot wait to expand my enamels so that I can work with it even more.  One idea that I'd love to try out someday, that this book inspired was a series of necklaces, one for every month, with a different enameled flower for that month.
One thing that isn't covered within the book, but is mentioned on the author's webpage: Thompson Enamels does NOT sell their enamels in 3oz packages as is suggested in the book. You have your options of 1oz sample packs, 2oz or 8oz for individual colors. This is important to keep in mind, as 3oz really does make a big difference. However, if you're going to get into this, you have two options that I could hunt down. 1) You can buy from the Painting with Fire studio. Their colors are SO much better organized than Thompsons, in my opinion. (I admit though, that could be because of my browser.) 2) Is that you can buy directly from Thompson Enamels. The upside, you can get it directly from the manufacturer, and any blame can be placed directly at their feet.  Both of these have their upsides and their downsides. Choose for yourself based on what you think you can afford.
** An interesting note that I learned is that colors like red, orange and yellow are often more expensive because they will have some amount of gold in them.
I will add a disclaimer as a final note. In this book the author states that micro torches do not get hot enough to work with enamel. However, after reading this article, I was willing to take the risk and see if it was possible. For this post I'll leave it at this, it IS possible, if you're careful and you're willing to make mistakes at first.
Do you have any thoughts on this book? Feel free to comment below. :)

Wire Crochet: Round One

A while ago I stumbled across this great tutorial for learning how to crochet with wire. It makes it look so easy, and I already had some ideas on how I could use the technique for jewelry. Before we dig into what I learned though, here' are a few reasons I wanted to learn.

 

 

I will say that the tutorial is deceptively simple. It's thorough and easy to follow, which I love. It’s a simple matter of hook, twist and pull.  There were two things that weren't addressed though which left me frustrated.

The first is that when you try to pull the wire through the loop, it has a tendency to slip away. It gets away from the hook, and doesn't want to come back. I think this one can be fixed with practice, although I'm not certain yet.

The second is that unless you're lucky, the holes seem to vary  in both size and level of kink. I want to say this can be fixed with practice, but I'm just not sure. Despite hunting all over the internet, I had no luck finding someone who could answer these questions for me. I suppose I"ll have to keep practicing, and put together a trouble shooting guide on my own for everyone else. (I can't be the only one having these problems right?)

Book Review: Kumi

Title: 'Kumi' Braiding with Beads, Thread, Yarn, Cords
Author: Suzanne MCNeil
 
Pictures: 6/10
Clarity of Instruction: 9/10
Complexity: 4/10
Overall Score: 7/10
This is actually the shortest book I've reviewed to date, with  a grand total of 19 pages! Oh me oh my, whatever will I do with such a ginormous book!? 
While I haven't had a chance to test any of these projects out yet, I can tell you this much, they look really easy, and really fast. Since I make a good amount of pendants that I just don't know what to do with, I love the idea of being able to string them on cords I've made myself. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and it looks like once you get the hang of it you'll be able to work for hours without needing to really pay attention to the work.  Perhaps I am merely uninitiated, but it appears to me as though they all work off the same pattern, and the book only shows you different color combinations and how to arrange themm on the wheel so that your cord ends up looking a certain way. This isn't necessarily a bad thing.
I also like the tips that are given at the front, such as accounting for how much thread you need versus how much cord you're going to get. If you want a 20" necklace, you apparently need to have 60" of each color of thread/cord. The only thing set forward by the book that I don't agree with is the idea of not using it with wire. It states that because the braiding wheel is made of foam that the wire will cut it. I could be wrong, but I believe that using annealed wire to do this would make a very nice cord, and still leave the wheel intact....in fact I do believe I'll try that and get back to ya'll at some point. 
On a side note? While I am all for making things on your own, and not spending money if you don't have to, I don't suggest trying to make one of the boards....I cannot imagine that it would turn out right. Unless of course you are super precise and far better at figuring out how to make this sort of thing than I am.
Do you have any thoughts on this book? Feel free to comment below. :) 

What’s in a Line?

As Shakespeare once said " A line by any other name..." wait. I think I'm making that up ;). After our last discussion on lines, I kept thinking about them. What goes into a line? For me, for MBS, I've determined that a line is a central theme around which jewelry is built.

That leads to the question "well, what's a central theme?" A central theme could be a color or a shape. A specific bead, or a color palette.  It could be a location or an idea. So a central theme it seems, could be pretty much anything.

Well, does a line have to be a lot of jewelry? I'm not sure to be honest. To me, it doesn't make sense to do more than 10 pieces or so in a line, simply because I"m not a major designer. (And I only have so much space.) Also I want to be able to do many 'lines' or 'collections' throughout a year, not just one for spring, and one for fall. That smacks too much of 'fashion' for me.

Do I need to limit myself to one type of metal or material? I don't see why really. If you can meld the 2 or 3 or however many you want to use, why shouldn't you? The thing is, it has to fit, and look like it belongs. For me, this means that I'm sticking to just copper and base metals for the time being.

So, after answering all these questions, I'm still no closer to really understanding what a line is. Merely having a better idea on what I think I can and can't do.

Questions, comments?

Feel free to drop me a line below! :)

Cast in Ruin

Welcome back ladies and gents to our Friday book reading/design. This week's book is number 7, Cast in Ruin.
 

Ooo pretty purple cover this time and Kaylin with a sword. That's a first, normally she only fights with knives.
Poor Hawks, dealing with the aftermath of the 4 Dragons and a small army.
Wait. How can you demand repayment, was anything even damaged?
From the Office of the Halls of Law.
          To save us time, please fill out the below.
               Did you see a Dragon?
                    Yes
                    If no, please stay to discuss the problem you /are/ having.
               Did he  (check all that apply)
                    breathe fire
                    eat people/ large dogs
                    destroy buildings
               How large was he?
                    Giant !
                    The usual Dragon size.
O.o did no one see the FOUR Dragons in the skies?
       I didn't imagine that was possible.
An army of the shambling undead?
The travelers from the last book? Approx 3000 of them made it to Elantra.
               Is that even enough to restart a race?
Approx 8 ft tall in height.
Elani street got some new decoration apparently. A stream, and a new species of hardy flower.
Conspiracy of evil chickens?? O.o People in Elantra are a very crazy it seems.
Margot... joining the Merchant's Guild? XD
And the case against the Exchhequer isn't going well. Great.
Door ward glowing a sickly, pulsing green. This is not a good thing I am thinking.
Now pale purple...
Since when do doorwards speak? In Dragon no less?
The Palace has a stone garden? And DIirmat's office has this view? I wonder if that's one he chose?
Question from last time answered, they don't in fact always speak Dragon. Often they default to High Barrani.
Someone has been keeping an eye on Kaylin's actions and use of magic. This is not going to end well.
Really? You had to mess with the Foundling Hall? If you had just left that report out. =sighs= You'll be lucky if she doesn't strip your scales.
Abattoir- I'm still surprised Kaylin knows this word.
Diarmat is a Dragon and a stuffpot. (Of course he's just as dangerous as the Barrani. )
The egg! And we even now have a size for it! Since Kaylin is (roughly)  my size, I'd estimate that as of pg 34 the egg is between 6 &7 inches.
Is the bracer sentient to a degree? Normally Kaylin takes it off, and it goes to Severn. Maybe it only does that when she's 'getting rid of it' and not just taking it off for the night?
Somehow I don't want totake bets on which job is more difficult, Hawklord's secretary or Hawk den mother?
O.o they have  Forensic Accountants? XD
Absent Hanson, absent Hawklord, pissed off bureaucrat and Kaylin sitting at Hanson's (the secretary's) desk. Well that has to be an interesting story. 
Actual Dragons. Does this mean there are fake Dragons? Or people pretending to be Dragons?
Blue in Aerian is the (same as Blue in Barrani (sort of)) bad.
     Although I still don't get what it means in Leontine.
Hawklord, very difficult job.
>< This conversation. This is going just like one I've had and it's hilarious and slightly creepy.
What type of 'love' are we talking about here? Because I am 99% sure that just a few months ago you tried and nearly succeeded at /disemboweling/ this man. >:( Please be practical.
A portion of me is very glad that this conversation happened. It makes Kaylin so much more real.
XD For once it might actually hit someone?
Her eyes were entirely white? I don't remember this.. ahh, it is the drum magic then. Interesting.
They recognize the marks, but that magic isn't made of true words?
O.O They're /taunting/ it? These people are crazy!
This is /not/ supposed to be happening!
     D: Bad bad bad bad bad bad!
Screaming puddles. I am amused by this.
Is he trying to give his name to her? 
     That would imply some level of reluctance right?
Our first real description of the Shadows (although it still doesn't make sense...)
Of course Nightshade knows how to curse in Barrani.
Nightshade... while I know you're right, I sort of want to kick you.
A silent storm? While I suppose it makes sense since it's shadow and all, it's still not right >>
If the People aren't part of this world, why does everyone seem to recognize the sword? 
While they call themselves the People, everyone else calls them Norannir. (so, Norannir must be what 'People' sounds like in their language.
"And if I do not wish you to leave, you will remain in the Tower for the rest of your natural existence." XD Tara.
Ascendents =/= Chosen
          Somehow the marks still mean Chosen.
The sword really is alive? I'll believe it when I see it.
Tiamaris. You're pushing  off an important discussion for instructions on how to use a fork?
Such a Dragon comment. "If I'm not of a mind to kill them myself, no one else will do so without repercussions."
Wait, it literally broke? O.o that's a first.
What the hell are these women?
     Twins locked in a tower all their lives.
     Magical clones
     Shadow copies!
     Arcanist magic up to no good!
Make that first theory septuplets. Seven of them??
     I'm going with failed magical experiment as my official theory.
Seven bodies, three days, holy... this is looking bad.
     For the record that means this book is taking place 3 days after Cast in Chaos.
     I should create a time line at some point.
If Kaylin ever manages to do a cursory magical exam of the dead, I'll.... I don't know what I'll do, but I'll do something silly..
WTH?? Why are the eyes gold??
Oooo This is a new type of magic, a projection crystal.
     I wonder what goes into it that they're so hard to make?
Oh the Arkon let's humans into his Library? Why is this the first time we've heard of it?
This might be human, but they do work for the Arkon. If you tell them 'don't touch' they won't.
I am soo using that from now on.
How to tell you've really pissed Kaylin off.
     "May your day be full of angry Dragons."  alternatively 'May every Dragon you meet today be pissed off."
How do you say nothing /loudly/? Is it by posture or your facial expressions.
O.o he.... he spat fire at Sanabalis and he didn't so much as blink!
     If Dragon hair can be charred, wouldn't it be burnt off after something like this?
I love how she seems embarrassed about calling it a magic sword. Does she forget Teela is supposed to have had a named weapon?
No, Teela, Kaylin is not Baranni . SHe couldn't survive if she tried to  use intel against Diarmat XD.
Teela and Tain, ne or both holds the others' name.
What's the sword going to do just because it's unsheathed?
Would having a cat tongue help or hidner whistling?
I love that Kaylin thinks Tara has the definition of family confused...
Morgue trainees? Oh dear... I see trouble in the future.
O.O There are portable mirrors! Sort of.
If the "Shadowstorms" are not of the SHadows and the Shadows fear them, why do you call them Shadowstorms?
Not human? What in the seven is she then? Arresting? Whatever!
Why is Diarmat testing her like this? Her knowledge of history isn't going to come into play is it? O.o
O.O! I didn't think it was possible for the stuffpot to smile.
If I didn't know better, I'd think he was pleased at her answers. O.O
The egg turned colors? WTH?
oooo Teela is pissed..
It seems like the sword has finally decided to talk, after a fashion.
Is it wrong that I'm laughing because Severn is uncomfortable?
He's protective of her. It's not whether the case is strange or not, but if she'll be safely out of it.
That... that is well played Nightshade. I am seriously impassed.
XD Marcus. Only you would tell Teela 'no drinking'.
Does she go anywhere without them?
It's a game of Telephone?
Ancients/Old Ones had classes? "Shapers"?
The Shapers offered the Norannir a way into the Library of Ravellon?? Is that what they're saying?
The door though is somehow where Shadows came from?
This woman is the Dragon Queen? Oh, oh.  Bad bad bad bad.
Norannir-green-surprise
So, we apparently now have a distinction. Storms(ancient) and Shadowstorms.
The Arkon is golden? Was he Bellusdeo's father?
Go Kaylin! That is how you use a name! 
I think the Arkon was just.... nice. I'm afraid.
I just witnessed the birth of a Dragon. Holy moly.
THE ARKON HAS A NAME!!!!!!!!!
     Lannagaros.
I'm dying. I am flailing around laughing so hard! I believe my ribs may cave in. Bellusdeo is complaining to Tiamaris about how Kaylin is living, because she wants to fix it!
Oh I like this lady!
     "And he's considered so easily offended that you will face death without these lessons? Does he honestly care how you hold a fork?"
Bellusdeo and Marcus. Oh Shoes.
A living allowance? This sounds slightly troubling.
Oh! New info! The Emperor does not in fact, hold any of the Court's Names.
That is... that is a beautiful ending... ><
So, after typing all of my notes in, I've come to the realization that I didn't come up with any jewelry designs during this book. Oops. Let's see what I can come up with?
We saw a couple of new Dragons in this book, and I came up with some pendants. Granted, these aren't at all what I think the Dragons look like, but the details are still sketchy.
I'm wondering what the egg looks like, or what will hatch from it. Hence the pendants. XD
Cast in Shadow I & II
Cast in Courtlight
Cast in Secret
Cast in Fury
Cast in Silence
Cast in Chaos
Did you like this week's book designs?
Have suggestions for a later book to read and design for?
Do you secretly fly around on giant bat wings?
Image copyright © 2014, Mia Scozzafava
Copying and displaying or redistribution of this image without permission
from the artist is strictly prohibited. Use of designs is strictly prohibited.

Thoughts on Lines

It occurred to me the other day while sketching out ideas, that lines are not in fact meant to enforce rigidity.
Well, that doesn't make much sense does it? Let's back up. I follow several artists on DA and etsy and all of us seem to do the same thing. We make what we want and no two items necessarily follow a pattern.
While I have no issue with this (how can I? I already do it XD) I find myself wanting something more. Not necessarily to take away from creativity, but to give myself structure, and encourage creativity.
That's where that first line comes in. Lines, it occurred to me, are meant to give an artist a specific playground to work in. You have SO MANY ideas and possibilities bouncing around in your head at once that by picking a central theme, it helps to narrow things down. It helps you to focus and to narrow down , for a time at least, what you should be working on.
This is what I've come up with anyway.
What about you? Do you feel freed, or limited by the concept of a line, whether you make jewelry, clothes, or little pillows for dogs?
Like the post? Comment below! :D
Have an urge to discuss lines? Comment below! :D

Treasury: Victorian Jewel Box

Lace, frills, buttons, patterns, pearls and filigree, put those together, and what do you get? Victorian clothing and this month's second treasury! :D 


This lovely necklace trinketsforkeeps, is both ornate and simple. I love the  filigree at the top.

I love the color in this pin. pegasus22’s description is great too, talking about how the brooch is great for “ hats, fascinators, decorations, centerpieces, and more”. I had to go look up what a fascinator was afterwards though XD

While technically not a piece of jewelry, Blackpin’s hat is too lovely to leave off the list!

LeBoudoirNoir ‘s choker makes me think of heading out to the opera or ballet for the night.

This cameo from RemoteLuxury brings  to mind the Victorian memento mori jewelry.

These earrings from Arabescque are so cute! They look like the side of a teacup.

The Victorians had a love of travel, and many styles of jewelry and artifacts from around the world were given a revival due to that. BoxOfLostSouls’s neo byzantine ring fits the bill.

I’m not usually one for lace, but this set  by DIDIcrochet is just stunning. I especially love the arched shapes on the necklace.

Baronyka’s  raven earrings are absolutely lovely. The edging is so intricate, and I can’t figure out how it was done D:

A common thing in Victorian times was to carry around smelling salts or potpourri to keep away smells. Curiosities212’s necklace brings that to mind. 

A lovely pair of earrings of a woman with a bird from  luvintage.

Ricksonjewellery has taken what was mourning jewelry, and turned it into a beautiful, personal piece.

While leather was not exactly the go to jewelry choice for those of the Victorian times, the swirls and curls of this gorgeous cuff bring to mind the elaborate dresses of the period. For me at least.
by TomBanwell

This chased heart from chicfragments is an antique scent box and rosary. I love the design, and how it’s not quite perfect.

Cute earrings by gooseberrystudio based on the show Downton Abbey.

Mazes, locks and keys, and riddles were all common pastimes during the Victorian era (and well past it really) and this cute locket by iluxo brings that to mind.
Like the treasury? Have comments? Feel free to post below!

Design This 4!

Hullo again everyone :D

Last fortnight's character was Smaug from Tolkien’s  Hobbit.

Starting with things about Smaug, things that I thought were implicit to his character. His hoard, his destructive power and his scales.

The hoard gave me the idea of different metals melded together, with gems all over. It's not part of the next piece, although it does look that way. The scales brought to mind a Japanese Lace pattern, embedded with different gems, much like his hide.

The last piece was another attempt at a fire gem, although I've tried it before, it's rather difficult to paint.

This fortnight's challenger is Ursula! Twisted and scary, she's a lady with an interesting past. Good luck and I'll see y'all in two weeks ^^

And Ursula in her human form.

Did you like last week's DesignThis challenge?
Have suggestions for a challenge in the future?

Comment below!

The Anti-Tutorial…Opals

So, browsing around Pinterest the other day, and I saw a pin saying "Polymer Clay Opal Technique". Being  me, and loving opals way too much (seriously, my etsy wishlist is full of them) I clicked.
I was horribly disappointed. They looked nothing like opals.*
For the record, here's a few options for opals from around the world. 
Black Opal
White Opal
Boulder Opal
 
Mexican Fire Opal
Sadly nothing I could find looked even remotely like that. I wept! There are no opal tutorials. D: What's a gem loving girl to do? 
And then......
I found this.
Those two examples, look amazing! I especially love the one on the right. 
I couldn't find anything close to those though. :( No one else seems to have figured out their technique.
But I came close with this lovely one.
The bottom one gives me some ideas... although it would mean that I'd have to get liquid polymer clay and sparkly bits somehow... 
* I'm not going to link directly to any of these, because, well, that would be mean. 
What are your thoughts on faux opal techniques? Do you have anything to share? Comment below!

Cast in Silence

I can't believe we're already in the fifth book. Wowza.

If you're just coming in to this series, welcome! Feel free to scroll to the bottom click through to any of the earlier posts. This post series on Fridays is me reading a book, reacting as I read it, and then designing jewelry around what I read. Feel free to suggest books for the future.
For those of you coming back to read again, hi there! I missed all of you :D

Let's dig into the book!

I love when a book starts with threats of violence ^^. " Had the cheerful and musical voice belonged to a person who could be easily strangled, it would have stopped in midsentence."

Marcus! :D

Of course Kaylin is out of money. She wouldn't be Kaylin if she wasn't. XD

I wonder how many people have to be included for it to be called a 'smallish' war... a few hundred? Any less and it would be a skirmish right?
Given this description of Margot, I want to meet this woman. Other than the fact that she's a charlatan, she sounds interesting. Tall, statuesque redhead, amber eyes, sinful voice, lots of people attracted to her. Yup, going to have to design something for this... There we go, it would accentuate her throat, and any cleavage the lady has. Kaylin would probably just see it as an easier method to strangle her.

So even Kaylin get's accused of the 'oh it's just that time of month'... I like her threats in reply though ^^.

Grethan! I don't know whether to be happy to see you or want to whack you on the head.  Oh, he's learned to speak more clearly, good. Or just dealing with Evanton for a few weeks and not having his hopes torn to shreds and told he did something positively idiotic helped. XD

Oh dear....wait. If the Barrani called it Ravellon... how did it become a rune. More importantly, how are the true names of different people written on Kaylin. Are they true names in the sense of sybological languages? Where each symbol is a word in and of itself, but could also possibly be used as a name? O.o Ugh.. some of these bits make my head hurt...

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's the first time it's been mentioned that there are blades at both ends of Severn's chain weapon.

Morse?

What is  a fieflord doing sending people across the river to do business? O.o

Ohhh... Barren. This book is going to be interesting. we get to find out about that six months after Steffi and Jade and prior to her becoming a Hawk maybe? This is either going to be wonderful, or very, very scary. I'm not sure which.

Teela! <3 "You've managed to go drinking with officers and wreck half a tavern!"

This is why I love Teela & Tain. Wait. Are these two lovers or siblings? I can never tell given the way they act with each other. NOT a sibling then... Barrani are scary. Teela dislikes potatoes. =laughs= I love this!  Aw, they're concerned over this. Yay having friends. O.O She... went into Barren when she was BORED??? Holy. Moly.

Seriously Kaylin? How could you accuse Teela of not trusting you? Idiot girl. She might consider you young in comparison (which given that Teela seems to be 1000 years old or so might be something..) doesn't mean she doesn't trust you.

Ok, am I the only one who saw that coming? To some degree?

I love a) seeing Sanabalis, and b) being reminded that Tiamaris was NOT the best student, despite his attitudes now.

Etiquette lessons. If and when this finally happens, this is going to be very, very interesting.

Joey and Timar- First time we've learned about her coworkers! (other than the plot essential ones I mean.)

Severn, you are sneaky and smart as always.

Tiamaris in full uniform? Oh, we haven't seen that since the first book. Goodie ^^

The idea of a Dragon 'seated primly' is rather amusing to me.

Oh dear. Angry Marcus. Lift your chin and keep your eyes down Tiamaris.

I love that Nightshade has an enjoyment of flowers.

Oh. Apparently my understanding of this entire world, has been off. I always imagined the fiefs to lie to the east of the city, apparently they're to the north of it.    Interesting.  You know what? Screw it. We're making a map. Technically it's not a jewelry design, but y'all know me by this point, there's no telling what I could turn it into at some point.  Now, if memory serves, the seven fiefs are arranged in a sort of crescent, and Barren and Nightshade are the only ones that border the Abalayne.... This map might get updated with more knowledge as it becomes possible. ^^;

So.. What Nightshade is suggesting is that although both Barren and Liatt are mortal, Liatt has claimed her fief's version of the Castle, while Barren hasn't, and merely holds the fief by... cunning? Evilness? Some combination thereof? And that apparently the fiefs, the land itself resonates with the fieflord's name.

So... shadows and possibly ferals are getting worse, which is possibly the real reason that Barren wants Kaylin, and not actually that he's wanting to blackmail her? But since that's the only way he knows, it's what he's going with. This is my conjecture anyway.

Tiamaris' correction from High Halls to Barrani High Halls is interesting. Does that mean that there are Dragon High Halls?

I think Dragons have some sort of telepathy between themselves. There are too many instances when it would make sense.

I really need to create a sign or something that says "I am the Arkon.  Touch any of my stuff and you will die horribly."  ^^

"Sanabalis left her abruptly, but his departure wasn't the usual mystery; a Dragon roared, the palace shook, and when the tremors had died down, he was already out the door. Yeesh. I wonder if the Emperor stays permanently in Dragon form? And if so, how big is he? Is he a healthy Dragon, or fat from staying inside all the time and never flying. In fact, we haven't seen any less than fit Dragons, how odd... or Barrani.. or Leontines, definitely not Aerians, but that's a given. Only humans. interesting.

Oh, a lesson in magical theory. Fun stuff. Let's take the Mia version!

Multiple worlds exist

Each one has the potential for magic

Magic runs in lines. Lines can cross making either crosses or knots. (I'm guessing these are squiggly and messy.)

The Castles of the fiefs exist on these knots.

Magic where these lines cross (in either fashion) is more wild than it is when called elsewhere.

Wait. The Dragons know Kaylin took a name don't they? They know at least that she passed the test of the High Halls, but did she tell anyone other than Severn, Teela and the Consorts that she had one herself? Doesn't this mean she's in danger of changing if she goes in there?  Uh oh.

I don't know what she went through, I don't know if she'll live till the end of the book, but DAMN do I like Morse. This woman is harsh.

Six legs, way too many eyes and it TALKS? Eugh.

Go tiamaris! Kill it with fire!!

....did he? No.... ok, apparently I was wrong and he did.

So Morse is really the power in the fief, not Barren. But she doesn't want that mantle, so she hasn't killed him?

So... Aside from being a sick schmuck, Barren might just be slightly interesting.

What are they offering to bring her into? Simply knowledge, or something more? The Dragons built things? I wonder what they built, and if any of it still stands?

Wait.. They said they didn't build Ravellon. buuuuttt, what the Arkon is saying seems to contradict this.

Oh interesting, back to the High Halls. Will we see the Lord of the West March I wonder? And since we're seeing his ring, I"m guessing that's a yes.  Emeralds and ivory, and of course it's got magic on it. (Why am I not surprised. Blasted Barrani.) Wait a sec. How did he get a ring symbolizing the two of them that quickly??

O.O The Wolves.. seconded. Oh shoes.

Consort ^^ Back here again? Oh bother.  I was hoping we wouldn't have to deal with this room again, it makes me twitchy. 
Wait... so Nightshade didn't change because he went for a reason, not because he wanted power and or knowledge? So... is this a scenario of power corupts? Wait, no, it can't be. Because then all the Barrani would be corrupt. XD

There are Baranni fieflords who are not, or at least were not Outcaste? Interesting.

The pacing in this book is slower than the others. It's necessary, but it's still slower and there's a steep learning curve on it.

Okay... what in the seven just happened? A carriage that could make the Imperials look bad? In Barren? 

NIGHTSHADE??? O.O What in all the seven? This book has seriously derailed from what I thought was happening. No! Bad Nightshade! Do NOT attack them >:(

...so the mark works even in this place? Good. NO BLAST IT NIGHTSHADE!

Copacetic? XD

Ok. Either this is a) the past or b) this is one of those different worlds.
How long has Nightshade been in the fiefs that it was prior to the existence of the Empire? ... actually, how old is the Empire?

>< Even in this strange place he's amused by her and cautioning her.

What does a door look like if you add it as an afterthought?

You cannot have Kaylin >:l

I have to agree Kaylin, I too like Younger Nightshade.

Morse: All bark and, yeah, still plenty of bite.

A Tower that unravels the lies we tell ourselves... I would build a place like that, and let all the world go through it. Maybe we'd be a people more at peace then... and the people that died trying to face it, we'd be better off.

Magic is supposed to have logic? I'm pretty sure this whole book has been proving that magic has no logic. XD

Flight, Wind, Fire Breath, Stone, associative words. DUH Kaylin, they're words that describe Dragons.

Imagining a little Tiamaris is amazing. ><

I don't understand what is going on here at all D: This, just, uhg. Brain melting.

It's cool and climactic, and tension, but my brain just isn't gettting it today with this headache ><;;;

!!!!! Tiamaris you amazing, beautiful, crazy Dragon. What in the seven bleeding hells are you doing??? I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Or just. GAH!

"There are shadows and invaders in my domain. There presence does not please me"  Only you.

Oh shoes. That is not going to be a good conversation... That's an understatement. This is going to be ugly.

Tara, with that one line, you have become several magnitudes more awesome.

Oh, new Dragons.

Sanabalis

Tiamaris

Diarmat

Emmerian

Emeperor

^ All known Dragons  to date

108 requests for promotion. Yeesh Kaylin.

Normal doors? Gasp!

The piece along the bottom is for Tara, I thought it might fit her role and personality, along with being a reminder of what she is.

Like the post? Comment below!

Want to suggest future posts? Comment below!

Are you a one eyed, one horned flying purple people eater who's miffed about Pluto's demotion? Comment below! :D

Cast in Shadow 1 & 2

Cast in Courtlight

Cast in Secret

Cast in Fury

Book Review: The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques

Title: The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques
Author: Anastasia Young
 
Pictures: 10/10
Clarity of Instruction: 8/10 
Complexity: 1/10 -10/10
Overall Score: 9/10
Let me start off with, I LOVED this book. Now that we've got that out of the way, I'll do my best to explain why. The book is divided into 6 sections. There's a brief history of jewelry at the very beginning with beautiful photos of jewelry from around the world, throughout time. After that begins the actual chapters. Chapter 1 is Work Space, Tools and Materials. I loved this section because it really went into depth on everything you should have when starting off, and then everything else you /could/ have. The info on the different materials was great to read, very easy to follow along with, and I learned quite a bit in this section alone. 

Chapter two is all about Techniques, and here is the only place the book had me ever so slightly confused confused. There would be times, such as when I was reading the enameling section, or reading about making rings, where it would use a term that the book assumed you would know, and yet it's not explained anywhere. 

On the other hand, there were tons of sections that I, being the ditz I can be at times ><, never would have considered including. Examples? Bending acrylic and making catches. It simply never would have crossed my mind. The techniques section is both very indepth and manages to cover a broad range of topics, while also giving only a small amount of information. Each technique is only given two to three pages, but within those pages, there's a wealth of information and at least one series of beautiful pictures. The techniques also range from the 'basic' such as working on a wire jig, or stringing, on over to the 'complex' like chasing and repousse or enameling. 

The third chapter is all about Design. I admit, being self taught the idea of designing a piece of jewelry from start to finish is rather daunting to me. The idea though of making samples and keeping detailed notes on how you came up with something isn't new, but the concept of technical diagrams certainly was. Even though I took drafting in school, I never thought to apply that to my work now. The things you learn.. 
Chapter four is all about going into business, and is one of the shortest chapters in the book.  My favorite section in this chapter was on Photography and the different effects that can be obtained, not to mention how to photography shiny surfaces.  (I admit, I am not the best when it comes to photography.)  The only section I had issue for in this was the pricing. It was more words and 'general' ideas than examples that could actually help you get a working idea for it. (and that's after taking into consideration that jewelry is a very broad range of prices.) 

Chapter five is the reference section, I really enjoyed reading this section, especially the suppliers and galleries listings. 

Final thoughts: Like I said at the beginning, I loved this book. Most undoubtedly, when I get the chance I am buying it and it is going to be a constant companion near my workbench. I highly suggest it for anyone of any level of work. 
Do you have any thoughts on this book? Feel free to comment below. :) 

Design This! 3

Starting off, I need to apologize to ya'll. I had it pointed out to me that I wasn't very clear in what the goal for the last DesignThis was. That is totally my fault, and I'll try and keep it in mind in the future.
What I was thinking: I wanted all of us to be able to have 151 different options.  You'd pick one or two and design around them.
What I ended up with: You had to design 151 pieces.
Yeah... that is SO not what I was going for XD. So, again, my apologies for that.
I chose to focus on these 5 pokemon.  2 of them are in a 'family' together you could say, and the other 3 are just random ones I really like the design of.
So, here are the five pokemon I picked to work with.
       Meowth  & Persian
  Victreebel
Vulpix
Dodrio
And here are the designs I came up with.

For Victreebel, I really liked the leaf shape, and the roots. So I started thinking about how roots go all over the place and are unpredictable with no pattern.  Which is what led to the wrapping. The leaf would be enameled.
Dodrio, it should be sort of obvious, I was amused by the arrow type feathers on their heads, and came up with a sort of modern pin or pendant design.
For Vulpix, this was always a favorite of mine, it's just too cute! So that cuteness is what worked into the design, a very light, swirly silver pattern, with what's supposed to be an enamel center piece.
Our last two, are Meowth and Persian. Comparing it to the others, it's a rather simple design, but it's got a bit of a story behind it. In the show (when I was growing up at least) Meowth always wanted to grow up and be a Persian and get pampered by his boss. So the 'title' for that piece, were I ever to make it would be Meowth's Dream.
So for this fortnight's character, we've done Tv, and video games, how about a book? This fortnight's character is, drumroll please....



Smaug!
For extra info consider this page.
Good luck with your designs this fortnight, I can't wait to see what y'all come up with ^^.
** The art is NOT mine. I’m not claiming it. And if you’re the artist and you want me to take it down, please let me know, I’d be happy to.
***** Just because I laughed so hard when I found this, I’m sharing this snippet off tumblr regarding Smaug & Benedict Cumberbatch. Hope you laugh as much as I did!