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Enchantra
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Thanks Krystee! It would be awesome to have one of your stones make it to finals in one of my pieces!
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Enchantra
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OK early last year Daniel and I discussed a trade. I got gorgeous Pancawarna cabs and he in turn would get a beautiful piece bead embroidered for his wife.
Well the trade finally came to fruition. A month ago I got a bunch of truly gorgeous Pancawarna cabs and then tonight I finally finished the commission piece.
Daniel, when you see this I need your mailing address!
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Helene
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Another lucky recipient of your work. You bring sunshine every-time you make a piece.
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Enchantra
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Helene I'm blushing! Thank you though.  |
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gingerkid_2k14
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Hi, Enchantra, I am enjoying seeing your beautiful beadwork/art clay creations! I really like that your heritage plays a big role in your designs. How do the cabochons stay in place in your beaded works? The one you created for Daniel's wife is my favorite, but they are all superb pieces!! After seeing your art clay silver pieces, I feel a (whole lot) intimidated in getting started and I wouldn't dare try working with the beads. Your pieces are fantastic! |
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Enchantra
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Jan...
Nothing to be intimidated by. I taught myself through books and websites. I never took a single class. Learning to bead, learning to use the Metal clay is a lot easier than most folks think it is. It's a matter of being willing to take the time to research and read. That's all it takes. That and being willing to experiment.
The biggest hurdle to overcome with the metal clay is the initial expenses of investing in the right firing equipment and tools along with the clay as it's pricey. Once you're over that hurdle it's simply a matter of replenishing your metal clay as you use it up.
Beads - well they are an addiction, but in the grand scheme of things, if I have to be addicted to something, let's make it beads. Beads don't cause altered states of consciousness or make you crazy or even send you to the hospital. Beads are a hell of a lot cheaper than regular mental therapy.
The cabs in my beaded works are adhered to a backing material using E6000 - this means once that is cured they are not going anywhere. After the adhesive has cured I do my beading. In the odd chance I'm beading on leather or suede I adhere the cab to felt with E6000, let it cure, do my work etc, then take the piece and glue it to the suede/leather using washable fabric glue so if a person sweats or something gets wet the piece won't come apart. E6000 won't work on leather or suede, but the fabric glue holds it firmly. I don't use some of the other glues folks say to use because over time they can break down. There is nothing worse than doing a piece and a couple years later having the stone fall out on you because the adhesive deteriorated. I've experimented and E6000 works the best for me. GOOP works as well and is essentially the same stuff by the same manufacturer - smells just as bad too, use with adequate ventilation!
Right now I'm teaching Gina how to do beadwork. She could probably tell you that it really isn't as hard as it looks. I think her biggest frustration is the thread wanting to knot up! We wax the thread too and now and then we still get knots. Knots and beadwork go hand in hand like aphids on roses.
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gingerkid_2k14
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The biggest hurdle to overcome with the metal clay is the initial expenses of investing in the right firing equipment and tools along with the clay as it's pricey. Once you're over that hurdle it's simply a matter of replenishing your metal clay as you use it up. There are several questions I have concerning firing the metal clay (methods, etc...) and wondered where to ask on the forum? Beads - well they are an addiction, but in the grand scheme of things, if I have to be addicted to something, let's make it beads. Beads don't cause altered states of consciousness or make you crazy or even send you to the hospital. Beads are a hell of a lot cheaper than regular mental therapy.
ROFL! Thank you for sharing with us your beading technique! I think it is beautiful and I hope to learn how to bead. Right now I'm teaching Gina how to do beadwork. She could probably tell you that it really isn't as hard as it looks. I think her biggest frustration is the thread wanting to knot up! We wax the thread too and now and then we still get knots. Knots and beadwork go hand in hand like aphids on roses.
I hope to see some of Gina's creations. It is awesome that you are teaching her how to do beadwork. Thank you, Amanda!  |
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Enchantra
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There are several questions I have concerning firing the metal clay (methods, etc...) and wondered where to ask on the forum?
Since we're dealing with precious metals, silver being the primary one I would ask in the silversmithing area. If enough folks show interest I might designate a section for metal clay creations. I hope to see some of Gina's creations. It is awesome that you are teaching her how to do beadwork. Thank you, Amanda! You are welcome. I'm sure Gina will post her stuff here now and then. |
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domdeslagons
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A lot of hours and patience for that result! Really good job, I do admire the skill.
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Enchantra
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A lot of hours and patience for that result! Really good job, I do admire the skill.
Thank you! |
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Enchantra
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This piece is for Imakedust (Shiela).
She sent me this cab to get my opinion on it.
I decided it had to go back to her as a beautiful beaded pendant.
So Sheila - as soon as I find a moment where I feel well enough to wander to the post office, this one is coming your direction!
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Enchantra
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OK Y'all...
Here are some sneak peaks at the next FMG entry due in 6 days that I'm furiously working on....
Tlaloc Aztec god of rain and water.
Chrysocolla Cabochons by our own imakedust (Sheila)!
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imakedust
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O my gosh Amanda! That is sooooooooo coool :)
My favorite part so far (as I'm sure the completed piece will be amazing) is the way you did the nose on that face :) I love it!
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Sheila :)  |
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Enchantra
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O my gosh Amanda! That is sooooooooo coool :)
My favorite part so far (as I'm sure the completed piece will be amazing) is the way you did the nose on that face :) I love it!
Thanks! Tlaloc's face is according to legend composed of serpents, His eyes are surrounded by serpents, his nose and facial features and lips are serpents. I did mine to look like several pieces that have been found in archaeological digs. Yeah a bit of research has gone into this beastie. |
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imakedust
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That is what makes your work so good! You pay attention to the details :)
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Sheila :) |
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