Sunday, March 25, 2012

New Upcycled Charms~ Sneak Peek

new upcycled charms in progress

In an effort to step outside of the box,
my goal for this year is to participate in challenges.
So far, so good!

You may have seen my post about the Ornamentea Lucky Charm Swap. One of the charms I sent in to swap was made from vintage cash register key covers and upcycled copper pipe and sheet. I had so much fun making these charms
I decided to make some more!

Here's a sneak peek of what they look like at different stages.
From pipe and sheet, to an almost finished product.

If you're part of the etsyTrashion Upcycled Charm Swap
this may be one of the charms you'll receive!

They'll also be available in my re-supply shop as a supply
and re-maker shop as finished jewelry very soon!


Images & Text © re-maker

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Blog Challenge~ Balled Headpins from Gardanne Beads~ Part One


Oh, my! What beautiful headpins!

I was one of the lucky recipients of a pair of beautiful lampwork glass ball headpins made by Anne of Gardanne Beads from the lovely Lorelei Eurto
as part of a blog hop challenge.


Once I finally decided how I was going to use my headpins, I got to work. The first headpin twisted into shape pretty well. The second, however, not so much!

As you can see above, I used a little too much elbow grease and popped the balled end right off of the headpin. Yikes!

Fortunately, I work with metal so I knew what to do.
I took a few quick pics to share one way you can
make the repair just in case this happens to you!

If this was your average run of the mill copper headpin it would need no special precautions to repair. But, it isn't! It has a fabulous glass bead at one end. So, I'll need a heat sink.

I took out my handy-dandy tuna can which is always filled with fine grained sand and added water.
Can + Sand + Water = Heat Sink
Now the delicate glass bead end could be submerged in the water to protect it from the heat of the torch.


I hit the end of the wire with heat, but realized right away that I needed something to bounce the heat back onto the wire so I could get it hot, and fast!


I put a block of compressed charcoal behind the end of the wire, which did the trick! As you can see below, I was able to melt the end of the wire into a new ball in seconds.


Voila!
A new balled end and no damage to
the beautiful glass bead on the other end.


Since I had the camera in hand...
Here's a shot that shows how I used an oval mandrel to gently shape the newly repaired wire into shape.


And finally, the first leg of this journey is complete.
Now, I'm off to cut a silhouette die to create a dimentional leaf dangle from recycled materials...


...I'll keep you posted.


It's important to note that whenever you are using a compressed gas to create a flame you should take precautions. Always work with proper ventilation, proper tools and have a fireproof surface.
This is serious business!


Images & Text © re-maker
2012 All rights reserved.


Saturday, March 10, 2012

Ornamentea Charm Swap!


I was lucky enough to find out about the Ornamentea Lucky Charm Swap just in time to particpiate.

This year, it was open to anyone who could mail their charms in time for the swap! 

I received my box of charms in the mail yesterday and was delighted to find all of my charms beautifully wrapped. I couldn't wait to open it up and see what was inside...

Charms, charms and more charms!  ©

If the selection I received is any indication of the quality, imagination, and craftsmanship of all of the entries then I can only wish that I had been at the swap to see all of the other entries!

Hidden 4-Leaf Clover Charm by Renee Goodwin ©

This unique charm was crafted from a small wood flag from Artchix Studios, Japanese Washi paper and watch parts from Ornamentea.
Somewhere on this charm a 4-leaf clover has been hidden... I have yet to find it! As if the charm wasn't lovely enough, it arrived in a beautiful handmade two-piece box.

 Handmade Heart Clay Bead by Elaine Ray ©

Elaine Ray makes a variety of beautiful clay beads & charms. I received this beautiful blue heart charm. Elaine writes that she "highlights the clay to remind each of us of the small piece of earth that we are holding and wearing".


Glass Acorn by Patina South ©

I absolutely love the small glass acorn that I received from Tracey Johnson of Patina South! It's made with a faceted black glass bead and has a brass acorn cap. I must admit that I have a thing for acorns. Too sweet!


Charmed Brass Charm by Katherine Wilson ©

Katherine Wilson made a charming little charm from a hammered brass washer and a pink glass cube bead.
It's a sweetie!


Handmade Acrylic Flower Charm by My Elements ©

Yvonne Irvin of My Elements sent an embellished acrylic flower that made me reminiscent of my shrinky dink days! It's a lovely little charm that's beautifully made too!


The Wearing of the Green by Dawn Gallop ©

I received "Lucky Charm #1" from Dawn Gallop of Flip Flops and Pop Tarts.  It's a handmade silver soldered glass charm featuring an Irish lad & lass and a four leaf clover.
What could be more lucky than that?


Tiny Treasure Tube by Diana Keever ©

And last, but certainly not least, is a Tiny Treasure Tube made from recycled aquarium tubing, copper spacers, Czech glass, freshwater pearls and seed beads.
The charm itself is truly wonderful and the super creative packaging sends it over the top!

I can't wait to start playing with these charms.
Stay tuned to see what happens!

If you see something you like
be sure to click on the links for more info!


Images © re-maker
Charms © 2012
All Rights Reserved by Individual Artists