New Alcohol Inks for March

A couple of weeks ago, I presented a class on using alcohol inks with composite metal leaf and polymer.  It was the first class held in our new meeting place near Amston Lake, and everyone seemed to have a good time.  Personally, I think it's hard not to have a good time when you get to play with polymer. ;)  

Scattered about this posting are some of the pieces I made from the sheets I developed as part of the demonstration.  The unusual shape to the left looks a bit Moroccan to me.  I really liked the way the various colors of alcohol ink managed to move against each other, while staying bright and vibrant.  The addition of Magic Gloss after baking really helped the colors and the crackle pattern pop.  Below are two pendants, one using black polymer as a base and as edging, the other using white polymer for base and edge.  It's interesting to see how the color that outlines the piece changes the tone and appearance.

These gold tone earrings were made with gold composite metal leaf and tangerine and ginger alcohol inks. The edging is hand painted with gold leaf paint.

Here are two more pieces, both without edging.  The 3-piece pendant on the left is on white polymer, the curved teardrop pieces on the right are on black polymer.

Just a Few More Heart Pendants

Okay, so you've seen several hearts from me over the past week or so.  This is the last installment (at least for this February) of heart-shaped pendants.  A couple of the ones in this batch are special favorites of mine.

This purple, teal and white set in an Ikat pattern is one I especially like.  The colors, of course, are among my favorites, and I love the way the Ikat pattern has stripes inside stripes.  The hotfix Swarovski flatback crystals add a special sparkle, as do the bicone crystals on the earrings.

The next turquoise and aqua heart has a cool swirl that draws the eye into the center.  The Magic Gloss I used as a finish makes this piece look like lampwork. 

Below we have an oddly stretched-out heart shape in unusual colors.  When I found the little gold heart-shaped bails, there was no question where I would be using them.

And finally, here is a heart shape created from a blue lace agate cane I made.  The center is hollowed out to simulate the hollow center of a geode slice.  I used a product called Diamond glitter which is actually minute glass shards to make the center look like crystals were imbedded.  I also sprinkled some around on the surface to add more sparkle.  Unfortunately, the picture just doesn't do this piece justice.  The special glittery effect just didn't photograph well.  

February Earrings & More Pendants

Here is a second installment of February heart jewelry.  First, a few little earrings.  Some are in traditional red and white, and others were made from polymer canes.

Last, there are a few pendants. The heart shape in these pendants is tipped sideways with one side of the heart slightly larger than the other.   Each heart has a different decoration treatment.  I especially like the glittery heart of gold on the blue velvet heart. Note the little heart-shaped golden bail - I think it finishes the look perfectly.

"Embroidery" on February Hearts

It's February, and hearts are popping up everywhere.  I don't often do heart shapes, so this year I decided it would be fun to play around with some hearts using different techniques.


On the first set of hearts I tried, I used the polymer "embroidery" technique. Here are some of the pieces from that set.










While most of the hearts on this page are pendants, the heart to the right is a pin.