Comparing Pebeo Vitrail Greens

I’m running another test (you will notice I do this a lot):

I wanted to compare the differences between these green  Pebeo Vitrail paints and how they would look on metal.  I was looking for a beautiful leaf color.  The local art store only had these greens available in the opaque series and although the finishes are beautiful, it’s not going in the direction I want so I won’t be using these paints in my particular project.  

More money invested, but never wasted!!  I love these paints and although I will not be using them in my present project, I will be storing them for a future use; I have something in mind for using these little gem-like paints!

Handmade Activity Book in Progress

A few weeks ago, I came upon a video a cute little video on Facebook: a handmade activity book made out of fabrics, Velcro and evidently lots of love.

I love educational toys and books for kids!

This video inspired me to make one for my grand daughter. I started out by making a rough (extremely rough) sketch of each page - you see the little green book in the photo.  Eighteen pages of this little book represents the "Activity Book."

I dug out of the cupboard some pieces of scrap fabric, interfacing, buttons, felt, bristle board, zippers, lace, and whatever else might be useful in this project.

The photo above, is the beginning steps of the book. Keep checking, because I will be posting my progress.

My Experiment with Glass Paint, Pebeo Vitrail

I work with warm glass and I just love to recycle old glass in order to breath life into a totally new object.  Here is an example of one of my recycled glass creations.  This is a "Fall Wreath" with glass leaves.

In order to achieve the desired look of the vibrant, orange and golden-yellow fall leaves, I decided to experience with Pebeo Vitrail Paints.  This type of paint is usually used to achieve a beautiful stained glass effect on canvas, glass or something similar.  I was very excited to try out this type of paint on my glass, and couldn't wait to see what would happen!

I had never used Pebeo paints before.  After getting a few pointers from an experienced painter, I sort of just plunged in...  I am very pleased with the results, to say the least!!

My glass leaves are made of clear glass and so this was a perfect canvas for my experiment.   I used three colors: Clementine, Prisme, Antique Gold and Sun Yellow. 

Notice in the picture, I also experimented on the dark green glass leaves to see if I could achieve the look a a green leaf gradually turning colors.  The result was not as I expected.  I think I would need to play a bit more with this.

I feel like someone just opened a door and introduced me to a whole new world of creative opportunities!!  Wow!!  I have sooo many new ideas!!

Please note that there are different types of Pebeo Paints.  Here is a list of the different ones I have recently learned about:

1.  Pebeo Vitrail (imitates stained glass and you can use this thicker paint as an outliner - this will imitate the lead lines in between your painted pieces. The outliner comes in many different colors).
Note that you can also use this to create stained glass effects on an opaque surface such as a canvas.

2.  Pebeo Vitrea Paints (you can paint dishes and glasses with this type of paint.  In order for it to last daily use and washing, it needs to be baked in the over at 325 degrees F for 40 minutes.  Once you've baked it, according to some, it is extremely durable and may also be added to the dishwasher- I personally have not tried it yet).

3.  Pebeo Setacolor Fabric Paints (according to users, this is the only paint they've tried that dries soft to the touch and that has a beautiful water color effect on fabric).

**Be careful when choosing your paints:  be sure to notice if the paint is Opaque (more like a solid color), or Translucent (you can see through).

I found this wonderful Stained Glass Painting Book with 25 awesome projects-

Silent Auction Jewelry Supplies and More

Cleaning out my Studio and have lots and lots of goodies for sale.  I will be having a Silent Auction to rid all of the things I do not use.  I have jewelry supplies, gemstones, beads, arts and crafts supplies, plus some jewelry from my walk in store.  

Go to my Facebook page, like my page and you'll be able to place your bids-

A Whole New Dimension with Cricut Design Space

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links (I only post links of items I love and know are wonderful for the arts and crafts person).

What bridges the gap between the creative ideas in your head and the Cricut machine is the Cricut Design Space™.

Cricut’s Design Space™ is software for PC, Mac®, iPhone® and iPad® that you get for free with your Cricut machine of choice. 

Instead of trying to figure out how to make your project, Design Space gives you the ability to focus on what you want to make. Your Cricut machine takes it from there and brings it to life. $20 off of Explore Air Ultimate bundle

With Design Space, you can start designing from scratch on your computer, iPhone® or iPad®, or you can use a pre-designed, Make It Now™ project. These ready-to-make projects are created by professional artists and include everything from home décor to fashion to paper crafting, and even a variety of FREE projects.

If you want to use one of Cricut’s 50K+ images, you can try them out in the Design Space to see which will look best in your project before you commit to purchasing it.

Uploading Images

When you’re ready to start designing, you can either use one of Cricut’s 50K+ images or easily upload your own using the “Upload Images” tool in Design Space. You can upload and cut .svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, and .dxf files absolutely FREE. You can even use fonts already installed on your computer.

Cut What You Want® tool

The Design Space’s Cut What You Want® tool makes it easy to convert your design into a cuttable image in just a few clicks!

The Cricut Design Space™ app for iPad® and iPhone®

Cricut’s easy-to-use app for the iPad® and iPhone® makes it possible for you can design anytime and anywhere inspiration strikes you.

It also allows you to access all the project’s that you’ve personally designed, whether on your iOs device or your PC or Mac, and gives you access to all the Make-it-Now projects. 

$20 off any Explore One bundle

With this app, you can start a project while at the beach, enhance it at the ice-cream shop, add some embellishments while cozying up on your couch, and then cut it on the Cricut Explore in your craft room. Plus, it’s cloud-based, so your projects are always synced across all your devices.

P.S. Cricut is working on an Android™ app right now, so don’t feel left out if you don’t have an iPad or iPhone.

In a nutshell, Cricut Design Space™ gives you the creative freedom to design just about anything! Make party invitations, decorations, and favors. Create seasonal home décor or personalize wedding gifts. Add embellishments to your favorite photo memories.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! That’s why next week’s post will focus on some really fun and interesting projects that people have created using their Cricut machine and the Cricut Design Space.

Stay tuned! 

They've Outdone Themselves!

This deal is a win/win:  You get a great deal and I get a compensation!

Cricut has outdone themselves with this amazing, electronic cutter! It does so much more than cut paper... You really need to see how versatile this machine is.  I am amazed by its potential!

• It can cut over 60 different materials, from vinyl to leather;
• You'll have free access to Cricut's Design Space™ online software and iPad® app;
• You'll be able to upload your own images and use your own fonts -- for free!
• It comes with over 25 free 1-click projects and 50+ free images to get you started right away;
• If you want to use the machine to write or score, you can easily swap out your cutting cartridge with the Cricut Explore One™ Accessory Adapter and Pen 

They're even offering free shipping with this coupon code.  But hurry, you only have until the end of May: MAYSHIP

The Tool I Cannot Live Without

The Flex Shaft tool is one of the most versatile tools a jeweler can have at his disposal.  It's super handy because it's pedal operated, leaving you in complete control!  As you can see in the photograph below, this tool can be used for many applications (not only metal work).  

There are many attachments, bits and accessories you can add to your Foredom Tool.    

In the past, I had purchased a drill press to drill holes in my fused glass pieces, but now with my Foredom flex shaft, I no longer need the drill press for this; I can perform all of my work from my work station.  This tool was the best purchase for my craft!  I could not live without it!

It's All About Texture!

Adding texture to my metal work is an important part of my designs.  Texture head hammers are found in jewelry supplies stores, but you don't necessarily need them.  I learned to use whatever was around me to add interesting and unique patterns to my jewelry.  For example, you can use a piece of pipe (would make nice circular patterns); you could also use a piece of small, thick sheet metal not bigger than 2"x2" or less (use it to make lines - make it interesting by changing directions).  I sometimes use an old guitar string (especially the larger one) to add interesting patterns on my metal.  You can see an example of this on the Statement Cuff Bracelet in Copper and Silver-  I added texture to the silver part.  For my wide, Tree Bark Ring, I simply used a round nose hammer that I purchased from the local hardware store.  In the last photograph, the unisex, Sand Grain Ring, the texture was achieved with a hammer with texture pattern similar to little squares.  

Although you don't really need textured head hammers to add pattern to your metal work, it does make life a little easier, plus there are some pretty nifty patterns nowadays!

 

Celebrate National Craft Month

This is the perfect opportunity to take your inspiration to the step creation!  Just in time for you to design some new spring / summer bling!

Butterflies for Your Jewelry Creations

Butterfly beads for your jewelry creations! Celebrate spring and summer with beautiful, Butterfly beads. Design something awesome with butterflies.

Personal Electronic Cutting Machine

The Cricut is a very practical and versatile tool that will help you create amazing DIY crafts. 

Get started with the Ultimate Cricut Explore Set -

Copper with Patina Patterns - Beautiful!

If you love patina patterns that occur on copper with oxidization, then you will flip out when you see these beautiful patterns.  Browse the gallery by clicking the arrows.

Need Motivation for 2015?

As an artist, I know for a fact that it's sometimes very difficult to balance, your life and your business. It's easy to devote too much time in one area, while neglecting the other.  The most difficult for me is being consistent. Either I spend too much time in my studio, or not enough.  If you're reading this, I'm sure you know exactly what I mean.

One thing I have learned to do is treat my craft as my job.   The way that I do this is by choosing specific days and times to do my work.  I usually work on Mondays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons.  Of course, this is not a rigid schedule, but it really helps to keep me more disciplined and structured.  

Sometimes, I have no motivation and just don't feel like making stuff; I call this my dry period. 

 How do I deal with the dry period??  

- Since I photograph most of my creations and catalog them, I can review them for inspiration.  This often sparks a new idea.

- If I really don't feel like coming up with a new design, I usually don't force it because it'll show in the work.  I remember, one of my regular clients once commented: "Your work is different.  You must be tired because you're not putting as much effort into your pieces."  Although this comment struck a nerve, she was right!!  I was exhausted and I was just producing like a factory line...  My heart was not in it.  So, instead of attempting something new, I make repeat pieces, or focus on cleaning my studio, working on my website and blog, get some rest and I usually bounce back and get back in the game.

- Browse creations by other artists', but always do this with respect and never copy someone's work; it's a crime in the art world.  An artist works hard to come up with something new, it's really not fair when someone takes that away!

I found this 2015 desk calendar which I really thought was appropriate for artisans:  It's a motivational calendar which encourages artisans to make one project a day for 365 days.  I thought it was cute and I wanted to share it with you on my blog.

So what are your tricks to get through the dry season, when the creative juices aren't flowing ?  Please share them with us.  We need all the tricks we can get...