Friday, March 13, 2015

Jewelry in Progress

I'm testing out a new strategy in my whole jewelry making process.  Instead of working on one necklace at a time from start to finish, I thought I'd get a bunch of pendants put together first, then work on attaching all the chains.  Less clutter on my desk equals less clutter in my head!  I have a long way to go before I build up my inventory for my next big show in April, but this is a good start.

Bits and pieces of jewels glued to vintage style filigrees and a pocket watch face.

These tarnished brass stencils are only a couple of inches long.  I think I'll glue a few embellishments to some of them, punch a hole in the top of each one, add a decorative bail, then a chain.

I had a feeling I was forgetting something when I cut these spoon handles back in January.
  I was all set to polish and embellish them the other day, then quickly realized I forgot to drill holes in the top.  Back out to the workbench they go.

Ice Resin love!
It's better than any of the resins I've tried, but it takes some practice and I've made a few a lot of mistakes.
It's a two-part resin that must be measured in equal amounts so it hardens properly.  I won't even attempt a tutorial because I'm no expert, but there are plenty of good books and tutorials out there if you want to give this a try.  This is a helpful book Explore, Create, Resinate, and this website  is full of tutorials and general information.  I started using this stuff about a year ago, and I'm definitely addicted now!

I used pocket watch cases for these pendants, then glued bails on the back.

ice resin pendants
  I used little pieces of vintage lace in the bottom four pendants.  These bezels came with the bails already attached.

Ice Resin pendants
Pouring the resin in two stages makes it easier to get a nice dome on top without overflowing.  It also lets you add elements between the layers to give them the illusion of floating.

A few more pendants waiting in line to be filled with Ice Resin.  Warning:  Texting while working with this stuff can be dangerous!  Be sure to wipe any resin from your phone surface before it hardens.  Just sayin'.

What's on your work desk?


Sharing with:
The Cottage Market for A Morning Cup of Joe
My Repurposed Life for Catch as Catch Can
Funky Junk Interiors for Party Junk
Concord Cottage for Something to Talk About
Coastal Charm for Show and Share
Snazzy Little Things for Shabbilicious Friday

I'd love for you to stay connected with My Salvaged Treasures.  I'm just one click away.
and Google Friend Connect

Posted by Labels: Ice Resin, My Salvaged Treasures, repurposed jewelry, steampunk, upcycle, vintage, vintage lace, watch parts

37 comments:

  1. Betsy@ coastal-colorsMarch 13, 2015 at 7:59 AM

    Betsy, you have been so busy. I love each piece because it is so unique! You have a gift and are so talented! Hummm, texting and using resin? Yikes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesMarch 13, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    These are all such wonderful pieces, Betsy, I know you'll do so well with them! It seems like a good work strategy, too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Art and SandMarch 13, 2015 at 8:45 AM

    Everything is fun as always!

    ReplyDelete
  4. TrishiaMarch 13, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    Love, love, love these. Especially the 'floating' heart dangle! Sharing with my daughter. She's the jewelry maker in the family.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ~Lavender Dreamer~March 13, 2015 at 10:03 AM

    I love Steampunk and you make the prettiest jewelry. I have a bunny that I just made that needs a face and a dress! lol Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  6. By NeymesMarch 13, 2015 at 10:27 AM

    Você ser muito original,adoro.Beijo.Valéria.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cheryl in WisconsinMarch 13, 2015 at 10:35 AM

    Wow, that's all I can say. Truly inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  8. beadhenMarch 13, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    j'adore.......

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kelly DealMarch 13, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Betsy, you make such beautiful jewelry!

    ReplyDelete
  10. cynthia lee designsMarch 13, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    Looks like you are off to a great start and getting jewelry pieces made for your upcoming show. Beautiful pieces!! I haven't made any jewelry yet for this year...no shows for me until Fall.
    ~Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Donna WilkesMarch 13, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    A bunch of beauty here today. Keep working. Hope one or two make it to Etsy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. KathyMarch 13, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    So much pretty on your desk!! Don't glue yourself to your phone - LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Vicky HuntMarch 13, 2015 at 12:57 PM

    Oh how I wish I knew how to make such beautiful things! Your creativity is amazing and oh so fun! Have fun creating!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Michelle L.March 13, 2015 at 1:58 PM

    You are in crazy creative mode - how smart you are working! I particularly love that dangle that has pearls hanging all around it like a Liliputian chandelier. Have fun and keep giving new life to all those beautiful old items.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Fox and Finch AntiquesMarch 13, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    So happy to know what you use. That is the hard part for the rest of us non-jewelry makers. So, I take it that the Ice Resin doesn't yellow? Can you lead us to a good place to buy ring shanks with bezels? I've been looking so long for sterling silver rings that I could attach Victorian buttons to but have never found them.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Linda @ A La CarteMarch 13, 2015 at 2:52 PM

    I always love to see what your making. Your ideas are always so much fun. I'm still doing my art project and that's about it right now.
    hugs,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  17. A Bit of ColourMarch 13, 2015 at 2:57 PM

    Very cool pieces!!! Very creative chic! Love it all!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Glenda/MidSouthMarch 13, 2015 at 2:57 PM

    I always love seeing your projects - especially the jewelry ! Yep - Multitasking has its drawbacks some times.:)
    Glued up a bunch of pendants some time ago and have done very little with them. :/
    Enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Shabby Cottage CollectiblesMarch 13, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    Each jewelry piece is so wonderful really love what you do! Warm hugs, Esther

    ReplyDelete
  20. DD's CottageMarch 13, 2015 at 4:51 PM

    What a great collection and I have never heard of ice resin-you are very creative!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaMarch 13, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    I just love your unique jewelry. The brass stencil necklaces are fabulous! Can't wait to see what you do with the silverware!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sherry@Back2VintageMarch 13, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    You've made a great start in getting ready for your April show. Love the resin pieces... the floating look is so special. What's on my work desk? Well, I've been crocheting. Hope I'll be able to show it off soon. Have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}March 13, 2015 at 8:50 PM

    All fantastic! I especially love the brass stencil pieces. Funny Ice Resin story....I ordered it years ago from Amazon and watched numerous tutorials on how to use it. I was so excited....it arrived, but the bottles were leaking and it was a total mess! I had to ask for another shipment. Once it came I tried to use it but the first thing I made came out terrible and wouldn't you know, that Ice Resin is still sitting in my studio, never to be used again. It's probably not even any good now..I'm glad to see that you have mastered the art, because I sure couldn't lol!
    xoKathleen

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kim@Snug HarborMarch 13, 2015 at 9:21 PM

    You make jewelry from the coolest things.

    Can you tell me what you use to smooth the rough edges of your cut silverware? I want to cut some for stamping but don't know what to sand the edges with. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  25. handmade by amaliaMarch 13, 2015 at 10:19 PM

    These are so lovely, they will be snapped right up at the fair, I'm sure. To use the pocket watch cases is just brilliant.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  26. Gigi HarlanMarch 14, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    All of these works in progress are already gorgeous! I like the assemblage pieces in the top photo and the resin one with the heart charm the very best!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Tuula @ Thrifty RebelMarch 14, 2015 at 7:24 AM

    All of your jewelry is lovely, and fun! No one puts bits and bobs together like you do Betsy! I love the resin pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  28. The Speckled Hen CottageMarch 14, 2015 at 10:11 AM

    I think you might be on to something with your new crafting plan. When the creative juices are running out your ears you can sit down and just go with it. And then you can just put the pieces together when it suits you!!! I think most of us crafters have periods of intense creativeness followed by lulls where nothing comes to mind...sort of like writers block! Best~~~Mickie

    ReplyDelete
  29. Linda@Coastal CharmMarch 14, 2015 at 10:51 AM

    Betsy,
    Love all the pennants that you have here and thanks for the intro to this resin.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  30. ~Damita's Pretty Wrap~March 15, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    Love love all these pretties!!! You're work is always so inspiring, just makes me want to go dig into a few jewelry projects!! I've used the ice resin before, that stuff is amazing! :) All your pieces are so sweet with their unique touches, love them all! Can't wait to see what you made for the party!! Happy Sunday! xo Holly

    ReplyDelete
  31. JunkchiccottageMarch 15, 2015 at 8:00 PM

    Betsy,
    Always love your fabulous jewelry pieces. So pretty and creative. The resin pieces are beautiful.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  32. The Polka Dot ClosetMarch 16, 2015 at 6:25 PM

    Oh wow..Oh wow..Oh wow! What gorgeous, creative pieces!

    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  33. Vicki FentonMarch 17, 2015 at 6:06 AM

    Betsy - Love your creativity and talent! True jewelry statement pieces. Thanks so much for linking up to Something To Talk About!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Marsha @ Tattered ChickMarch 18, 2015 at 6:24 AM

    Great way to use those brass stencils!!!!! So creative! Xo

    ReplyDelete
  35. AudreyMarch 18, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    You are so creative ... love your jewelry.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Gail WilsonMarch 19, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    Betsy,

    I love all your stuff too! so pretty!

    catching you!

    ps have you made pendants out of vintage knife handles?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pam JacksonMarch 20, 2015 at 9:37 AM

    Love it.....your stuff is so neat. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for visiting My Salvaged Treasures. Your comments inspire me, so please don't leave without saying hello:-)

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)