Pained Lamps

I am one of those people that if you give me something I will keep it forever.  This is not necessarily a good thing, because I am a keeper of junk!  I have realized that I will take stuff, put both monetary value as well as sentimental value on things and keep it.  This does not necessarily mean that I like it, it means I have put a value on it. 

Take this lamp!  I'm sure when it was first purchased it was something of value! Cut glass maybe even crystal!  Oh yes, beautiful 25 - 30 years ago.  I was the gracious receiver of them at least 10 years ago.  I did not like them when I got them, though I did not hate them.  They are lamps, they are in a room we do not even use.  I took a look at them the other day and thought "Why do I have these?"  Really why?


Then I stumbled upon this blog - day2day super mom - These are so cool.  http://www.day2daysupermom.com/2014/01/distressed-glass-made-easy.html  (OK after 30 minutes of trying to figure out how to paste her link and picture, I officially give up!)  But still check them out.  Being new to this blogging thing I have a lot to learn.

 

I love the look of this.  I think it is really cool & quite unique.  You know I thought why couldn’t my lamps look like this?  I followed her instructions.  I was happily surprised how nice the first layer of paint went on the glass.  Love that spray paint dries so fast.  Then after a good long dry, off to color 2.  Again went on great.  The spray paint even covered up the ugly brass.  Again let all dry. 

 

 

I am happy happy happy.  Things are going great, so on to the steel wool & taking off some paint.  I sanded, and sanded, and nothing.  I could not for the life of ne get the distressed look.  Oh well, back outside I went.  I resprayed the dark color and boom, I'm done.  Most of all I like!

Now all  I need is the right shade!

Gone to the dogs!

First things first!
Yes, it's been a long time since I have blogged.  Yes, I have reservations about doing or attempting to be a blogger again.  Yes, I would rather try and fail, then never try at all.  Going to start with a goal of one entry a week. 

My sister in law got a new puppy, its her birthday, and she is retiring all in the next week!  Exciting times!  I wanted to do a little something for her and little Miss Addie.  This sweet little project presented more than one problem, but I love the outcome. 

Took a scrap piece of pine wood that I had in my scrap pile. End result was blue spray paint (I love spray paint), & edged in a white.  What to do... paint a white acrylic, spray blue, sand edges for a worn look.  Why?  Well that was my first mistake, I sanded off to much, took off all the white and down to the pine.  It looked awful!  See what I mean! 

 

So what to do?  I took out my white acrylic, the one that was the first coat & free handed a white stripe around the edge.  No clean crisp sharp lines, but it works! 

 

 

Next securing the hose clamp.  Super simple right,  Use a drill and wood screw go through the hose clamp,  Done deal right.  NO!! Than did not work.  Tried pre-drilling hole to make it easy.  Could not get through the hose clamp.  Tried to drill the hose clamp with a larger hole, broke the drill bit.  All I could think was I am not stopping now!  Then a stroke of brilliance - Staple gun.  YES!  IT WORKS! Mason jar fits all is good.

 

Step Three - the vinyl. This is a easy step.  Designed in the Cameo silhouette used cheap contact paper.  This step  was the easy step.  I lined it up adhered it to the board and done!

 

Last Step - Adding the hook for the leash.  No brainer right!  First screw in, get everything lined just right, looks good, then slip and bang!  A hole right into the board!  I want to scream - I think I did!

 





I will touch that up by spraying a little spray paint onto something then brushing it into the hole.  I also will put on a wall hanger in back.  The hardest part will actually be getting it into the mail and sending it to my sister in law.  I know she will love it!

Presentation

Presentation is part of it...

How often do we get into the mode of just get her done, and forget about the way it looks?  For me it all the time!  Housework, myself, as well as my work.  So many times I will make a beautiful piece of jewelry and not take the time to take a picture that will present and showcase for the best.  Here are a few examples of what I mean.

 

 

On the left with the burlap is how I posted it onto facebook!  I think back now & wonder why did I do that?  Really!  If my goal is to sell the bracelet, why do this?

 

Obviously I was in a get her done kind of mode.  I got the picture, but I did not do the bracelet justice.  It looks bla to say the least.    The next two photos are much better.  They actually show case the bracelet. Being aware of the lighting and the background were also a factor. 

 

By all means I am well aware that I am NOT a photographer at all!  (So be kind & do not remind me!)  I am just saying, (mostly to myself) slow down, you have made something pretty, now show it as pretty! 

 

I have also found through a lot of trial and error that outdoor filtered light works best for me.  With all my jewelry having an organic & earthy feel to it I like to use natural backgrounds. 

 

Here is another of my bracelets that I took on three diffrent backgrounds.  What do you think is the better look.

 

I am intrested in your thoughts.  Please feel free to leave a comment.  Both of these bracelets are one of a kind, in inventory and ready to ship!  Just contact me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blogging is Hard!

Blogging is hard.  Months & months pass and I do not even think about my blog, then out of nowhere I think I should get busy!  I have been loving the fall and all the fun festivals that I have had the pleasure to participate in. 

 Have a few new bracelets, ready to go!  What'cha think? 

 

Flower Power


A big & chunky ceramic center bead eched with flowers, encircled by
ceramic roundellets of a matching glaze and spaced with a new jade bead inbetween. 
 

 All Mixed UP

 

A little copper, a little brass, a little leather and a

big beautiful faceted aquamarine stone!

 

Pearls are Pretty

 

 

 

Three large pearls spaced with clear crystals and encircled with

clear glass maybe quartz disc like bead and a hand forged sterling clasp.

Feeling Special!

Just got back from the beach!  A little sand between the toes always makes me bring shells, pearl, and all things beachy!  This bracelet has two strands of Mother of Pearl separated with crystal rondelle , the third strand is labradorite

 that is also spaced with the crystals.  This piece also sports a sterling clasp that was handcrafted by yours truly! 

Another reason I am feeling special is....

well this would be nothing to some, but for me...I am in awe!  My blog has 2 followers!  Silly right?  I was almost embarrassed when a friend from my jewelry class found this blog.  Oh no, I thought, what if she finds terrible punctuation, awful spelling, and unforgivable grammar!  I am sure she found all those things I listed and even more.

But, Terry was very sweet and said kind things when she mentioned her finding my blog.  Though it is what she did not say that gave me the gentle reassurance that I needed to not quit blogging and hide under a rock.  I have found that this blog is a looking glass into my life, my thoughts, my feelings, and pictures of my work.  I enjoy blogging!  I enjoy sharing the part of me that not many see even though it makes me feel truly vulnerable.  You know what though...I going to put on my big girl panties & keep at this!

Thank you for being a part!

Turquoise & Silver

When I was a young girl my dad loved John Wayne. Still today my dad at 76 wears cowboy boots!  Funny thing, for a few years I have been looking for a pair of really awesome cow boots for myself. Lots are out there - I just cant afford my taste! 

This turquoise & sterling linked bracelet would be the perfect piece for those boots.  It is thought that turquoise can be the bringer of good fortune - and who couldn't use a little good fortune?  The sterling, well it just makes the bracelet shine. 

Circles are fun.

As far back in history as you look you can always find circles in design.  Sometimes I wonder why, but other times I am just glad we have them.  Circles are fun in all design.  They give interest & dimension.  these gray quartz earrings are circles of fun as well. 

I really like how the circle on the ear wire sets the tone for the gray quartz to follow.  These earrings easy & fun for you to wear!