tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39403992699330307202024-03-08T16:30:50.783-08:00Laurel NathansonLaurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-24425944902989991752015-01-22T17:15:00.001-08:002015-01-22T17:17:49.657-08:00Bead Fest 2015Bead Fest is quickly approaching, and I'm so excited to be part of it this year. This will be my first time teaching Bead Fest, and I'm really excited to meet all the other teachers. I look forward to being part of this community of like minded folks.<br />
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I am teaching many different classes: Plexiglas, resin, metalsmithing and more. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M3JBHA8RfU/VMGaJMusP9I/AAAAAAAABn8/BvNZ3fKA2d4/s1600/resin_silver_earrings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M3JBHA8RfU/VMGaJMusP9I/AAAAAAAABn8/BvNZ3fKA2d4/s1600/resin_silver_earrings.JPG" height="370" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learn how to make these cool resin and silver hoops!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYtATwcfUIU/VMGaqhxuF1I/AAAAAAAABoE/ViXuJIK1Xxs/s1600/nathanson_silverrings1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYtATwcfUIU/VMGaqhxuF1I/AAAAAAAABoE/ViXuJIK1Xxs/s1600/nathanson_silverrings1.JPG" height="318" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or these silver and bead stacking rings.</td></tr>
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In addition to a wide variety of different classes, taught by lots of very talented jewelers, Bead Fest also has tons of venders selling tools, supplies and finished pieces. I am slightly concerned about the amount of shopping I am bound to do, for Bead Fest Philadelphia is the biggest bead show on the East Coast. I'm doomed...<br />
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There are 3 dates for Bead Fest, and 2 locations. Here's the skinny on each:<br />
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Bead Fest Santa: Fe March 19-22 <br />
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<a href="http://www.beadfest.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=103005&tabid=230894&">http://www.beadfest.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=103005&tabid=230894&</a><br />
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Bead Fest Spring: Oaks, Pennsylvania April 9-12 <br />
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<a href="http://www.beadfest.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=105619&tabid=234426&">http://www.beadfest.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=105619&tabid=234426&</a><br />
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Bead Fest Philadelphia: Oaks, Pennsylvania August19-23 <br />
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<a href="http://www.beadfest.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=106987&tabid=238474">http://www.beadfest.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=106987&tabid=238474</a><br />
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Come check it out, learn new techniques, meet cool people, and get your shopping on...<br />
xo<br />
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Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-53822396473732285432014-12-29T12:57:00.000-08:002014-12-30T10:10:13.172-08:00I Heart Hello Kitty!<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week I went to Los Angeles for a very important exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. "HELLO! Exploring the Supercute World of HELLO KITTY" was all I had hoped it would be. It was Hello Kitty heaven...</div>
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Kitty White, also know as Hello Kitty just turned 40 this year. This exhibition celebrated her life, her empire, her cuteness. I learned a lot of very relevant info about Kitty that I am ashamed to have not already known. The biggest wow, is that Kitty is not...a cat...</div>
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It is not actually clear what Kitty is, but no, she is not a feline. Other pertinent info: she has a boyfriend named Dear Daniel. They look so much alike, but instead of a red bow, he has spiky hair.</div>
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Hello Kitty is all about the goodies, and there was tons of cool Kitty stuff from the early days, now considered vintage, to current Kitty gear.</div>
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Part of the exhibition also included current artist re-interpreting HK, and incorporating her into their artwork. There were many famous and amazing artist included and I am quite jealous of them all, for this would be a dream exhibition to be a part of.</div>
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If you are in the LA area, the exhibit runs until April 26th. Here's the link for more info: <a href="http://www.janm.org/">http://www.janm.org/</a></div>
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I can't believe Hello Kitty is 40, she doesn't look a minute over 29. I suspect we will grow old together, and I hope I age as gracefully as her...</div>
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<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-2439267606439943442014-11-28T18:31:00.000-08:002014-11-28T18:31:26.990-08:00Pink Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
A day of no shopping, only making...</div>
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XO</div>
Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-61206045353967812232014-11-24T09:08:00.001-08:002014-11-24T09:08:24.160-08:00I Heart Jewelry Artist Magazine!I have to admit, there is kinda nothing as great as fetching the evening mail to find an awesome magazine with one of my articles in it. This issue of <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/lapidary-journal-jewelry-artist-december-2014-grouped">Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist</a> is another great one. There are lots of very informative articles and tutorials, including my article on incorporating wood into your jewelry making practice.<br />
Here's a peek:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6INkecVOS4/VG5kdbagXJI/AAAAAAAABls/Wsrsr3yX5sM/s1600/nathanson_woodjewelry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6INkecVOS4/VG5kdbagXJI/AAAAAAAABls/Wsrsr3yX5sM/s1600/nathanson_woodjewelry.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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And, the coolest thing about writing for Jewelry Artist, is that there is always a section called Their Turn, which shows a piece from each of the contributing writers.<br />
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To learn about how to incorporate wood into your jewelry, check out the zine!<br />
And, stay tuned here, for I will do a quick synopsis of the processes I used for the pieces in the article. <br />
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Sadly, there was also an over due car registration bill in the mail today, and my warm fuzzy feeling has been slightly diluted by a pissed off feeling...but alas, that's a rant for another time...<br />
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xoLaurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-69361604847332449082014-11-18T08:45:00.000-08:002014-11-18T08:45:18.353-08:00Do what you love!Do what you love, this is my new motto. I guess more specifically, make what you love. Not that I don't do and make what I love, but I think I have been trying to create work that other people will love. From this point forward, I am creating work that I love, that may not have the wide commercial appeal a girl needs to make a living. Screw it, I am making what I want...<br />
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This recent trend started with my <a href="http://laurelnathanson.blogspot.com/2014/09/doodles-jewelry-doodlery.html">Doodlery</a> line, which are wild and weird and wonderful, not unlike myself...<br />
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The current piece I am working on is from what is turning out to be another body of work, using my beloved laser cut Plexiglas organic rings.<br />
I could pretty much play with these rings all day...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53mK2YxkvKA/VGrKKH1M7VI/AAAAAAAABlc/WypSORaWx1s/s1600/PLexiglasrings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53mK2YxkvKA/VGrKKH1M7VI/AAAAAAAABlc/WypSORaWx1s/s1600/PLexiglasrings.JPG" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have lots of ideas based on these rings and I pretty much want to keep cutting more of every color. Here is the current piece I am working on. Very much a work in progress:<br />
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After walking Bonnie and Bailey, we will all head down to the studio where they will curl up under my workbench and we all will be doing what we love...<br />
xoLaurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-80228403101730298402014-11-12T08:17:00.000-08:002014-11-12T08:17:05.982-08:00Bead Fest Santa Fe, Here I Come!I am super excited to be teaching next year at Bead Fest! Bead Fest is a huge jewelry conference that happens 3 times a year, in various cities across the country. The Santa Fe workshop I will be offering is in acrylic ring stacks. Here's a pic:<br />
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I love acrylic so much, I can't wait to share my knowledge with other like minded folks.<br />
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If you are in Santa Fe in March, or have always wanted to visit, come to Bead Fest. Here is a link for all the cool workshops offered.<br />
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<a href="https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=103005&tabid=227630">https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=103005&tabid=227630</a><br />
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And, in Santa Fe, I for one plan on buying way too many silver and turquoise cuff bracelets.... <br />
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<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-9651673723525548982014-10-22T20:07:00.001-07:002014-10-22T20:30:37.258-07:00My New Favorite Artist: Mark Lovejoy<div style="text-align: center;">
In the past few months I have become a bit of a Pinterest fiend. I can spend all day looking at art and jewelry and Danish interiors that I wish were mine. Recently, while looking at an abstract art board, I found this amazing trippy, colorful marbleized painting. After hearting it, I noticed the description below said it was a photograph. I gasped! What in the world...?</div>
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This is the work of Mark Lovejoy. Yes, his last name is Lovejoy and I am totally jealous of such a cool name. Mark is a photographer and commercial printer. He has been creating images for years, from landscapes, to having published photography books on gardens. His printing career and his photography passion merged in 2012 when he began shooting the inks he was mixing for his press.</div>
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These abstractions are reminiscent of topographies, and also reference landscapes. </div>
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To me they are pure beautiful abstraction. Abstraction that combines the qualities of randomness as well as control. The fact that they are photos of ink, prior to becoming an identifiable images, adds more layers to them conceptually, but I will leave Plato to explain that. In the meantime, I will just oooh and ahhh...</div>
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You can see more of Mark's amazing photos here:</div>
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<a href="http://marklovejoydotcom.tumblr.com/">http://marklovejoydotcom.tumblr.com/</a></div>
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He also has beautiful silk scarves printed with his images in his Etsy store:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Loveyourscarf">https://www.etsy.com/shop/Loveyourscarf</a></div>
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Pinterest, is kinda like pasteries. They just call me to come to them, to consume. And I, am a girl, who could use a bit more self control...</div>
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Happy Pinning!</div>
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<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-45572075158835274502014-10-13T12:05:00.000-07:002014-10-13T12:05:19.957-07:00Thank you Pattern People!<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so happy to announce that some of my patterns have been included in a new cool ebook called Pattern Mix. It's a fantastic collection of patterns and surface designs from designers all over the world. </div>
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I have three pieces included in the book...</div>
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I am doing a give away for a copy of the book (the file really) on my FB page, so like my post to put your name in the hat. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laurelnathanson">https://www.facebook.com/laurelnathanson</a></div>
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Check out Pattern People, they are a fantastic resource for patterns and the surface design industry. They have lots of other cool books to.</div>
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<a href="http://www.patternpeople.com/">http://www.patternpeople.com/</a></div>
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xo</div>
Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-18872461154358860152014-10-08T13:37:00.001-07:002014-10-11T09:42:10.870-07:00Blog Hop Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
The International Creative Blog Hop continues, with me handing the torch to two amazingly creative, talented, beautiful women: photographer, Dianne Jones and jeweler,Victoria Skirpa.</div>
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I have know both these ladies for a while now, and have always admired their work. Their careers in their fields have been long and varied, and they have both created unique niches for themselves. </div>
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Dianne has done everything from shooting live rock shows (including my beloved Elliott Smith) to capturing the process of babies being born! Learn about her path and creative process at:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /><a href="http://diannejonesphotos.tumblr.com/" target="_blank" title="This external link will open in a new window">http://diannejonesphotos.tumblr.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Victoria is a jeweler and metalsmith, and makes fantastic sculptural objects as well as gorgeous fancy jewelry. In addition to her own jewelry line called VRS, she also has a cool sustainable jewelry company called Sulusso, where she designs custom wedding rings for her clients. Learn more about Victoria and Sulusso here:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://sulusso.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank">http://sulusso.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dianne and Victoria have just published their blog hop post, so go check them out. In fact, writing about them has inspired me to start a series called "My Amazingly Talented Friends". Thanks girls, I am going to get right on it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">xo</span></div>
Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-5148133502936148012014-10-04T14:10:00.000-07:002014-10-04T14:38:45.174-07:00Get On Board the International Creative Blog Hop!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Welcome to the International Creative Blog Hop everybody! I have been invited to participate in this hop by my friend Yasmin Sabur, who is an incredible textile artist. Thanks so much Yasmin!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have all been asked to answer 4 questions regarding our creative process. So here goes...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1) <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;">What am I working on?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lots of fun projects!<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;"> If you have been following my blog you know that I do a lot of different projects, from art to jewelry to design and crafty projects. Currently I am working on a line of jewelry called Doodlery. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">Jewelry that starts with a doodle...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am also working on an article for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist Magazine. So stay tuned for details on that.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;">And, I am always adding to, and sprucing up my new Etsy shop.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;">2) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;">How does my work differ from others of its genre?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;">Hmmmm, that's a kinda tough question. I hope that my work differs because of the way I use far out material combinations, colors, and designs, but do so in a very refined and technically proficient way. Does that make sense? The juxtaposition of wildness and refinement.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.) Why do I do what I do?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;">Honestly, I have no choice. It might sound cliche, but being creative is my life, my blood, my breath, my everything...(sappy, I know!)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;"> </span>4.) How does my writing/working process work?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It really depends on what I am working on. At this point I am pretty much making something everyday, or if I am traveling I draw in my sketchbook. For the most part, I tend to work on multiple pieces at once. For the Doodlery pieces I am working in batches of 5. In the beginning of a new piece/project, I get really excited about it, to the point where it's actually stressful because I just can't wait to see how they will turn out, but I know how many steps there are between the beginning and the completed piece. I work hard, focused and fast, for roughly 85% of the piece, then I chill out, and the momentum tapers off. The last 15% can be less exciting, the steps towards the end are less creative and fun, they are more technical, less free. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">A blast from the past. I thought this piece would get the better of me. I got 90% done, then became frozen with fear of ruining it all. It was majorly stressful.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I would say that this description about my process could be applied to most of what I am doing, be it writing, or designing, or making. Once I am nearing completion, there is usually another project on my mind, that really wants to get out of my mind, making it harder to focus on the piece at hand. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think and write a lot about being pulled in many directions, but I would definitely rather have too many ideas than not enough, so I am grateful for this...</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, I am grateful to Yasmin for including me in this hop. Check out her awesome clothes and textiles at:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/yasminsaburart">https://www.facebook.com/yasminsaburart</a></div>
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<a href="http://yasmintoo.blogspot.com/">http://yasmintoo.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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<a href="http://printallover.me/collections/all/yasmin-sabur">http://printallover.me/collections/all/yasmin-sabur </a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next week I pass the blog hop torch along to 2 other amazing artists. On Wednesday I will announce who they will be, so stay tuned...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">xo </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"></span> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"></span> </span>Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-86424818324238894052014-09-29T10:54:00.000-07:002014-09-29T10:55:41.575-07:00Doodles + Jewelry = Doodlery<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are a creative person, which undoubtedly you are, you know it can be hard to find the time to create everything you want to. For me, I actually get stressed out because I can't make all the cool stuff I want to, all the stuff that keeps me up at night, clamoring around in my head, trying to find a way out. This is obviously a good problem to have, as an artist I would much rather have too many ideas than not enough, but, let's face it, it can wear a girl out...</div>
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So, I have spent years doing a lot of different art work: fine art, design, jewelry, and it's hard fitting everything in. But alas, I have finally found a way to combine all the techiniques, processes and materials that I love to use, and it's called... Doodlery. At least that is what it's called for now. And, I am not completely sure of the spelling, so if you have any thoughts on how to spell it, please let me know.</div>
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So Doodlery is my new series of jewelry pieces that start with a doodle. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A doodle...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Once I have done a batch of doodles, which are pens on watercolors, I then cut out wood shapes using my jewelers saw. After I have sanded and refined my shapes, I cut out segments of my doodles, and adhere them to my wood shapes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood shapes. I am also adding collaged elements in addition to the doodles.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Working this way enables me to combine everything I love to do, so I don't feel as though I am being pulled in a zillion directions. They are the perfect combination of jewelry and art. These parts determine the rest of the piece, and it's really exciting to see what direction the piece goes in. It is always, a mystery...</div>
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xo</div>
Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-76817773856707806302014-09-15T14:26:00.003-07:002014-09-15T14:26:38.274-07:00Cover Girl! Jewelry Artist Magazine!Yes, I am beyond happy to say "I'm a cover girl!"<br />
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The amazing staff at Jewelry Artist Magazine has been so fantastic and supportive, and I thank them all for including me in so many cool publications.<br />
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The cover story is a tutorial on how to make Plexiglas and silver rings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold, my first, and I hope not last, cover...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb_9PApSi3k/VBdISqiL-7I/AAAAAAAABeA/SbBHj4gkze8/s1600/IMG_7216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb_9PApSi3k/VBdISqiL-7I/AAAAAAAABeA/SbBHj4gkze8/s1600/IMG_7216.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have been considering a subscription to Jewelry Artist Magazine, then I must admit now is the time, because I will also be contributing a regular column. This is going to be dedicated to incorporating different materials into jewelry, and how to combine alternative materials with metal.<br />
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In the meantime, if you want a cool, fun tutorial, check out this link, my most recent post on The Jewelry Making Daily:<br />
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<a href="http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2014/09/03/make-riveted-bead-stack-rings-to-show-off-your-favorite-gemstone-or-glass-beads.aspx">http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2014/09/03/make-riveted-bead-stack-rings-to-show-off-your-favorite-gemstone-or-glass-beads.aspx</a><br />
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Now, it's time to get off of the computer, and hit the studio! Thanks for reading. xo<br />
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<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-3497780622561518212014-08-10T13:28:00.000-07:002014-08-10T13:28:30.576-07:00Leather ChallengeThanks to Art Jewelry Magazine for including me in their leather challenge. I was one of ten artist whom they sent 2 pieces of leather to, for us to create any kind of jewelry we wanted to out of them.<br />
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I was given a black piece, and a dark brown piece, both which are clearly not part of my normal color scheme, so I was immediately challenged by that to begin with.<br />
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Creating these pieces definitely pushed me to come up with original and innovative ways to use the leather. Since I had not had any previous leather working experience, I did feel like a novice, like a student trying to master a new material, new techniques. In honor of my students, and really understanding again what it's like creating something with unfamiliar materials, I have named my 3 finished pieces after 3 of the best students I have had over the years. Behold...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CS4klHgCwWs/U-fRkK0pyhI/AAAAAAAABdM/MKkPujB6zgk/s1600/IMG_6366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CS4klHgCwWs/U-fRkK0pyhI/AAAAAAAABdM/MKkPujB6zgk/s1600/IMG_6366.JPG" height="340" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shireen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zai</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie</td></tr>
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I have to admit, I am pretty happy with the way these pieces turned out. I now have lots more design ideas for future pieces because of the explorations I did for this challenge. To see all of the challenge participants check out: <a href="http://cs.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/art/bonus/m/leather-challenge/default.aspx">http://cs.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/art/bonus/m/leather-challenge/default.aspx</a><br />
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Shoot outs to all the awesome students I have had over the years. xoxo Ms. N<br />
<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-33330469915274715582014-06-26T14:08:00.000-07:002014-06-26T14:10:35.768-07:00Hip to be Square<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NOg1HIwaBs/U6yKGzOhS8I/AAAAAAAABZ8/SGVTeR_S4K0/s1600/IMG_6595+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NOg1HIwaBs/U6yKGzOhS8I/AAAAAAAABZ8/SGVTeR_S4K0/s1600/IMG_6595+copy.JPG" height="400" width="371" /></a></div>
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I am so lucky to say, I love my day job...<br />
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I teach jewelry/metalsmithing at the coolest high school on the planet. This means I am constantly exploring new materials and techniques that I can use in my classes. This past semester I began exploring with copper pipe.<br />
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Here is a tutorial on how to make my super cool and easy square rings. Once I had my squares I knew I wanted to do something to them, so I did torch fire enameling on some, and resin on some. Check it out...<br />
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Copper pipe comes in a range of sizes, for these rings, use 3/4inch.<br />
Get a quality pipe cutter from the hardware store. Practice a few times until you can cut like a pro. A tip: go slow in the beginining until you have really established your groove. If you go too fast you won't stay in the groove.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQuJZlNoWpU/U6yD4GA6tCI/AAAAAAAABYQ/4LQQk8JfHlA/s1600/_DSC0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQuJZlNoWpU/U6yD4GA6tCI/AAAAAAAABYQ/4LQQk8JfHlA/s1600/_DSC0803.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I cut a bunch of rings of varying heights. I like stacking rings, so I made some pretty narrow ones and wider ones. I work in batches of 6. Once you have your rings cut, you must anneal them.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYpmO6WBigQ/U6yETgS-oYI/AAAAAAAABYY/nGkcIwRUJAA/s1600/anneal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYpmO6WBigQ/U6yETgS-oYI/AAAAAAAABYY/nGkcIwRUJAA/s1600/anneal.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now to form them into squares, this is the really cool part. Using a square ring mandrel, slide your band on as far as it will go and use your plastic mallet. Hit on one plane, rotate the ring, hit another plane, rotate, etc...until it is square.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkwr2y6Q-yk/U6yE36uLXbI/AAAAAAAABYk/mMT3y4__t4g/s1600/form.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkwr2y6Q-yk/U6yE36uLXbI/AAAAAAAABYk/mMT3y4__t4g/s1600/form.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can also add texture once they are squares, by keeping the ring on the mandrel and using stamps and hammers.<br />
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For the enamel, I sifted enamel onto 1 plane, then heated up the rings from below.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3AVbdJZy9A/U6yGB1UitvI/AAAAAAAABYw/lp6q222_P4g/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3AVbdJZy9A/U6yGB1UitvI/AAAAAAAABYw/lp6q222_P4g/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eNP8_rEk7w/U6yGMyevvRI/AAAAAAAABY4/mUvYdwEjxWg/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eNP8_rEk7w/U6yGMyevvRI/AAAAAAAABY4/mUvYdwEjxWg/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMwaOTcbc8Y/U6yG1Uh0hAI/AAAAAAAABZI/_JkiJFDkPU4/s1600/IMG_6052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMwaOTcbc8Y/U6yG1Uh0hAI/AAAAAAAABZI/_JkiJFDkPU4/s1600/IMG_6052.JPG" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Formed, textured, enameled.</td></tr>
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For the resin rings, I explored with paper, glitter and pigments. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goBF_VBXtnA/U6yHR_t43iI/AAAAAAAABZQ/w5DN26C5EKU/s1600/IMG_5874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goBF_VBXtnA/U6yHR_t43iI/AAAAAAAABZQ/w5DN26C5EKU/s1600/IMG_5874.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coating the paper in glue before covering in resin. At least 2 coats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GilXVwNvidc/U6yHk-51v8I/AAAAAAAABZY/wnQrLjYQvfo/s1600/IMG_5911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GilXVwNvidc/U6yHk-51v8I/AAAAAAAABZY/wnQrLjYQvfo/s1600/IMG_5911.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carefully applying resin. Enough to slightly dome, not too much or it spills over.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xV8doJ1-iEo/U6yIGh5zlHI/AAAAAAAABZg/68BBoL8m3ko/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xV8doJ1-iEo/U6yIGh5zlHI/AAAAAAAABZg/68BBoL8m3ko/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" height="357" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am pretty in love with the resin rings. The enamel ones are actually pretty soft from heating them up so they can tend to move and then you risk cracking the enamel so you need to be more gentle with them. But the resin ones are durable and water proof.<br />
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I really love making and wearing these, give it a try, if you have any other questions, feel free to send me an email.<br />
:)L<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjejDoHROKA/U6yJhdbsYkI/AAAAAAAABZ0/tW9kh5QL9E4/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjejDoHROKA/U6yJhdbsYkI/AAAAAAAABZ0/tW9kh5QL9E4/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-3712635221650964582014-04-16T13:12:00.000-07:002014-04-16T13:12:52.857-07:00Pinwheel Table<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-abavwiWr4tQ/U07hxV2popI/AAAAAAAABTU/ir7Q8Bj9cV0/s1600/table1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-abavwiWr4tQ/U07hxV2popI/AAAAAAAABTU/ir7Q8Bj9cV0/s1600/table1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new old table!</td></tr>
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It's spring break, one of the many perks of my amazing teaching job. Time to take care of house projects that I have been postponing. So, I decided that my vintage shabby chic dining room table is really only shabby, not too much chic going on there. Now that I am seeing the before picture, I am horrified that I thought it was okay to live with such a yucky piece of furniture, my bad!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qLVpcaJGIo/U07derTTElI/AAAAAAAABSs/pC94l8uXepw/s1600/table3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qLVpcaJGIo/U07derTTElI/AAAAAAAABSs/pC94l8uXepw/s1600/table3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One distressed mess!</td></tr>
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This table was my big spring break house project, and it was a big project indeed. I used all zero VOC paints from Kelly-Moore so there was no stink, and I am hoping that means no toxic fumes as well. I started by priming the whole thing, then painted the legs green and the top white. I was not sure about how to get the stripes properly spaced so I just started with north, south, east and west, using a seamstress tape measure to measure around the periphery. I used blue tape for the stripes.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_IryC5Hsj8/U07fUXyZWbI/AAAAAAAABS4/efKaWtDfgN4/s1600/IMG_5581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_IryC5Hsj8/U07fUXyZWbI/AAAAAAAABS4/efKaWtDfgN4/s1600/IMG_5581.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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By the time I was ready to do the pink stripes, I had a better understanding of the math and the tape, and I was able to tape up all the pink stripes at once.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfC-hH5AQ-M/U07f3lnMdRI/AAAAAAAABTA/NM6jnZ_2N8k/s1600/table5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfC-hH5AQ-M/U07f3lnMdRI/AAAAAAAABTA/NM6jnZ_2N8k/s1600/table5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Note: I was not precise enough with the tape when it reached the center, so it is a bit sloppy. In addition, I would recommend waiting a day for the white paint to dry before laying down your tape, I ended up removing chunks of white paint and primer when I pulled off the tape, this also really mucked up the center. The blue taped also leaked quite a bit, so I went back in with a small flat paint brush to clean it up. The final step was 2 coats of polyureathane to protect it, because it's too darn pretty for me to let it get mucked up...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvYBeBmL5zU/U07iN9IqQxI/AAAAAAAABTc/oTErrwKg1xA/s1600/table2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvYBeBmL5zU/U07iN9IqQxI/AAAAAAAABTc/oTErrwKg1xA/s1600/table2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like eating dinner off of a huge candy. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Luckily I have plenty of cute polka dotted bowls and vases that can sit in the center to hide the imperfections. I am learning to embrace imperfections anyways, to be okay with a bit of shabby, so long as there is a whole lot of chic...</div>
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<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-91818013236499356312014-04-02T13:49:00.000-07:002014-04-02T13:49:36.778-07:00Beaded Wire Wrapped Hoops<style>
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I
recently decided that copper is the new silver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To prove my point, here is a quick tutorial on how to make
basic copper bead wrapped hoops, and they are so cute, you won’t miss the
silver at all. This is a common technique, but one that looks way more
complicated than it is. I'm sure you have seen bead wrapped earrings all
over Pinterest, and like me, always thought they look pretty involved to
make. I am here to let you know, they are easy peasy...
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
I
will walk you through the basic hoop like the ones below, then you should be able to come up with
cool variations on your own. You can also study the other variations I
came up with, and I allow you to copy them... :)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0DABVFPSDk/Uzn3p_UbfOI/AAAAAAAABSg/jQVLR_wIqfo/s1600/basichoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0DABVFPSDk/Uzn3p_UbfOI/AAAAAAAABSg/jQVLR_wIqfo/s1600/basichoop.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Of
course these would be incredible in silver, but copper is great as well, for
many reasons. Copper is way more accessible than silver, you can get it at
hardware stores, rather than specialty jewelry supply stores. Copper is very
malleable, so if you don't have access to a torch for annealing,
annealing is not necessary with this technique. And of course, copper is super
inexpensive compared to silver, although, the costs of all metals are rising.
And copper really is beautiful, especially when it has been placed in a patina
bath to darken and antique it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Tools
and Materials:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
20
gauge copper wire,<br />
24 gauge copper wire<br />
ring mandrel or wood dowel, 1"<br />
seed beads in a variety of sizes and colors<br />
pliers: round nose, needle nose, flush cutters<br />
needle files (optional)<br />
Liver of Sulfur patina<br />
pumice powder, or fine steel wool<br />
ruler</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Sharpie</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Steps:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Cut
2 pieces of the 20 gauge copper 3.5" long. If you have files, file the
ends flush. If you don't have files, make sure to have used the flush side of
your cutters.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
On your round nose pliers, mark a line with a Sharpie where you will be bending
your loops so you have consistency with your loop sizes. See pic of where I
marked mine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Make
small loops on each end of your wires.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Using
a ring mandrel or a dowel, curve the wires.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Use
your needle nose pliers to rotate the loops so the holes are facing each other.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
To
wrap the hoop, cut 15" of your 24 gauge copper wire. Gather up seed beads
that are all the same size. Whatever will fit through your wire is fine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
On
your 24 gauge wire, make a bend with your round nose at 1/2". Using your
fingers, begin wrapping the skinny wire down the bigger wire. Keep your wraps
straight and tight. Wrap around 5 or 6 times.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Add
one bead, and continue wrapping just like before. You may have to tweak the
bead a bit to get it to lay how you want it to. Really try to get the wire
taught. Wrap around 3 times before adding the next bead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
When
you have reached the other end, finish by wrapping 6 times at the top to match
the other side. Snip your wires and use your needle nose to tuck the wire ends
flush with the coil.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
For
the ear wire, cut a piece of 20 gauge at 1.25". File ends. Make a small
loop on one end. Curve it around your dowel. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Make a bend on the other end with
your needle nose, at just under 1/4"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Carefully
open up the loop end to insert into one end of your hoop.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
The
last step is patina, and to me, it's where the magic happens. Place your
earrings in a bath of Liver of Sulphur. This can be purchased at jewelry supply
stores, and it is a must have for wire workers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Let
the earring go to very dark. Remove once it gets dark, don't allow it to sit
there for too long.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
Place
a wet finger into your pumice powder and begin to rub off the patina. You want
the patina to stay inside of the wrapped wire, and you want to have a contrast between
clean and dark copper. Remove most of the patina from the ear wire.</div>
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Now
that you know the basics, get creative and come up with your own designs, the
possibilities are endless! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at:
laurel@laurelnathanson.com or leave a comment here.</div>
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Happy wrapping!</div>
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Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-49250030123557813202014-03-18T09:49:00.001-07:002014-03-18T09:49:19.287-07:00The New ChocolateI'm sure you have heard the rumor: orange is the new black.<br />
<br />
Well, I would like to start a couple rumors of my own: Caramel is the new chocolate, and,...copper is the new silver.<br />
<br />
I have been a jeweler and metalsmith for a long, long time, and I have always been a silver fanatic. It feels like it was just yesterday that silver was $6 an ounce...sigh...<br />
<br />
Honestly, the price of silver has forced me to re-evaluate my metal options, but it's not just the cost that has me embracing the almighty copper. Copper has so many positive attributes. Here is a list of a few of them:<br />
<br />
-It's malleability makes it an excellent choice for wire working, especially if you don't have access to a torch.<br />
<br />
-The fact that it can be purchased in a hardware store, rather than having to buy through a specialty jewelry store makes it so much easier to access.<br />
<br />
-The green stains it leaves on your skin is not at all bad for you, in fact, some would argue it's actually good for you, that we need copper in our bloodstream.<br />
<br />
-The low price enables artists and jewelers to experiment, explore and play with form, without worrying about the cost.<br />
<br />
-Copper can be exchanged for money at your local metal exchange site.<br />
<br />
But, what about the way it looks? I have to admit, I really only love the look of copper when it has been patina'd. I patina all of my copper with Liver of Sulphur, and it is this final step that makes the copper so cool looking. I love how dark it can become, and I love creating a high contrast between my lights and darks. Copper can be very dramatic. It also looks terrific next to other colors, such as beads and found objects.<br />
<br />
In honor of my adoration if copper, and in celebration of copper being the new silver, I have done a copper hoop tutorial. You can see it on the My Craft Kingdom blog. Here is a sneak peek at the hoops:<br />
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In the tutorial I will go over the basics of this beaded wire wrapping technique with the simple hoop on the far right. It's not a technique I invented, and that simple hoop has been done a lot. I really believe however, that every idea has a zillion other ideas connected to it, so I encourage readers to explore a variety of options, such as I did with the other versions. Take a pre-existing technique, and make it your own, find your own voice in it. <br />
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I do see more and more copper jewelry these days, and I hope that our conception of copper continues to broaden. I for one see a visual relationship between copper and caramel, and I am so in love with these sweet hoops, I would eat them like candy if I could.<br />
<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-59923059416629163312014-01-20T14:47:00.000-08:002014-01-22T12:22:40.324-08:00How to make PLexiglas cuff bracelets<br />
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Have you heard me mention how amazing my day job is? Well, sometimes I can't believe I get paid for doing what I love, and what I would be doing anyways for free, but, please don't mention that part to my boss...<br />
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Well, at my amazing job as a jewelry/metalsmithing high school teacher, we have fully equipped shops with the works, including 2 laser cutters. It has taken me over a year to begin to use the laser cutter, partially because I was having anxiety over figuring out how it works, and also because I knew that once I started I would in all likely hood not be able to stop.<br />
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I was right about one of those points...<br />
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Turns out the laser cutter is so totally easy to use. No complicated server issues, or weird formatting, no confusing computer stuff to contend with. Easy peasy.<br />
<br />
And, yes, I am now completely hooked!<br />
<br />
I need to come up with projects for my kids, so I have been trying to figure out the best way to curve Plexiglas for cuff bracelets. I share what I have learned with you here, and now...<br />
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<h4>
*These cuffs were laser cut, but you can also make these by hand using a jewelers saw. Before the laser cutter I used Plexi all the time and I cut it by hand...</h4>
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First make sure you have removed the paper coating from the back of the piece. With laser cutting, always remove the paper from the cutting side or it can catch on fire.<br />
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I made my cuff length 5 3/4. I have an average to small sized wrist. (this is actually my only small body part...sigh..)<br />
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Here's the tools and supplies you will need:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heat gun, toaster oven, gloves, bracelet mandrel, vice, Plexi strips.</td></tr>
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If you are buying a heat gun, get one that has the off switch above or below low and high, not in between low and high. Gloves should be leather or some really dense but thin material. Thinner the better so you can manipulate the material with more precision.<br />
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You can use a pipe or some other tube like object as your mandrel. I like this stepped oval mandrel, but each step is only 1 3/4 in height so I am limited to how wide my bracelets can be. I use a vice clamped onto my bench to hold the mandrel.<br />
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Pre-heat oven to 325. ( I suspect the temp will vary from oven to oven, so this is kinda a rough estimate).<br />
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Place piece on tin foil and heat for 4 minutes. (again, may vary depending on size of strip and oven). <br />
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Quickly remove strip from oven (wear your gloves) and wrap it around your upright mandr<b>e</b>l.<b> </b><br />
The plexi is very smooshie and mushie at this point but it hardens up fast, you only have seconds to work.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>Ideally, you get the strip curved properly on the first try. This means getting your ends aligned and all parts hugging the mandrel. </b><br />
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If your cuff is mis-formed then you will need to break out the heat gun. You can heat specific spots, then quickly put down the gun and press those spots into place. (That's why you need a gun that is easy to turn off, off in the middle is too hard to do quickly)<br />
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<b>Some designs work a lot better than others.</b><br />
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Designs with long skinny elements are pretty hard to form properly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designs like this I had a hard time with.</td></tr>
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Note the long linear elements at the top and bottom of these designs. See how the top of the red is wobbly. The neon one is hard to see, but its also really wobbly. I am not even going to do the pink one cause its the same design as the neon and those top/bottom edges are just to long and thin to hold the right shape.<br />
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When you have your cuff to the shape you want, you can be done! Or, not...<br />
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I actually prefer my Plexi slightly cloudy, especially the transparents. I use a wet/dry sanding block to give it a cloudy surface. And, viola! They are done!</div>
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In full disclosure, these bad boys will snap when putting them on if they are too small, especially the lighter more open designs. Make sure the opening for your wrist is not too close, these are not very flexible so don't bend them or mess with them too much. If they do break, no worries, you can easily make more...</div>
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If anyone has more info on the best way to curve Plexi, please share your wisdom with us. </div>
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If this was helpful, please pass it on.</div>
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Happy making!</div>
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Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-86182424995964026642014-01-07T08:22:00.000-08:002014-01-07T08:22:33.339-08:00Dream House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year!<br />
This is my first post of 2014, and it's a good one indeed...<br />
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While visiting my family and friends in Los Angeles during the holidays, driving through sunny Santa Monica, I noticed something glittering and shining in my peripheral vision. Like all crafty gals when passing a house covered in mosaic, I quickly and dangerously flipped an illegal U turn to get a closer look. Not only did I find an amazing mosaic covered house, but I also found a man patiently gluing pieces of mirror onto the one unfinished wall.<br />
<br />
I parked, grabbed my phone and introduced myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new friends, Aziz and Louise Farnam</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi0MyZY8kqA/UrpJKJcuUUI/AAAAAAAABLA/kriMTUiiv5k/s1600/download-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi0MyZY8kqA/UrpJKJcuUUI/AAAAAAAABLA/kriMTUiiv5k/s640/download-2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portion of one side of the house. There is a water motif that runs throughout the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front door. So amazing! </td></tr>
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Aziz was friendly and willing to chat with me about his house, the materials he was using and the symbolism behind the imagery. Then his wife Louise came outside and offered to show me the inside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xocWA3VNK34/UrpLf8qhR6I/AAAAAAAABLU/LJwb8YGDB-Q/s1600/download-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xocWA3VNK34/UrpLf8qhR6I/AAAAAAAABLU/LJwb8YGDB-Q/s640/download-9.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tables, chairs, walls, fireplace, beams, vases, all covered in glass, mirror and ceramic. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As it turns out, the outside of the house is primarily the domain of Aziz, and the interior is the work of Louise. Louise discovered the art of mosaic 13 years ago and fell in love with it. She does custom furniture and architectural details for clients all over Los Angeles. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haiUDaRGlE0/UrpMxipCBDI/AAAAAAAABLg/AOIYjDK8fpY/s1600/download-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haiUDaRGlE0/UrpMxipCBDI/AAAAAAAABLg/AOIYjDK8fpY/s640/download-6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wall and a blue mirror table that I really, really want...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mirrored cabinet, box, mirror and vase.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even this work table is an amazing ceramic and glass mosaic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocBv5i3yQHM/UrpPqjjDD7I/AAAAAAAABME/xsYmG-HOvCU/s1600/download-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocBv5i3yQHM/UrpPqjjDD7I/AAAAAAAABME/xsYmG-HOvCU/s640/download-10.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the fireplace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I spent quite a while with Louise, she was so sweet and fed me delicious cake. We talked about our art and what it's like being a craftsperson in this digital age. We shared internet marketing strategies and I showed her how to use Instagram. Give her follow when you see her!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq8_pxgc0Gk/UrpRTVyezlI/AAAAAAAABMQ/1nx23Yf1pyo/s1600/download-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq8_pxgc0Gk/UrpRTVyezlI/AAAAAAAABMQ/1nx23Yf1pyo/s640/download-3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
You can learn more about Louise and Aziz from Louise's website, <a href="http://custommosaicart.com/">http://custommosaicart.com/</a><br />
You can see lots more pictures, order one of a kind pieces, and there are even links to videos from when they were featured on HGTV.<br />
<br />
It was so great meeting this couple who share this mutual passion, and I thank them for sharing it with me.<br />
<br />xo <br />
<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-25543460210254697772013-10-31T14:02:00.000-07:002013-10-31T14:02:11.884-07:00Sugar Coat gets it's copyright on!<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, wouldn't it be nice if having an art business didn't include things like taxes, licenses, marketing and copyrighting? But alas, the artist must submit to such demands. The good news is, that copyrighting is not so bad after all. I just finished copyrighting my new Jewelry line Sugar Coat, because I am scared that Urban Outfitters is going to steal it from me. Ok, secretly I would be totally flattered, but I am sure those execs can afford to hire a dog walker everyday, so UO, let's talk...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It took me less than an hour to file, and half of that time was spent trying to remember my user name and password from the last time I filed, a few years back. Seriously, there was no way to retrieve my user name, so I gave up and started a new account. Learn from my laziness, write down your username/password info somewhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the link to get started: <a href="http://www.copyright.gov/">http://www.copyright.gov/</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Click on eCO log in, which will take you to this page, where you can register an account.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKGTFeJfLPo/UnLBZOKUDNI/AAAAAAAABH4/o8RxSlWrwJw/s1600/screenshot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKGTFeJfLPo/UnLBZOKUDNI/AAAAAAAABH4/o8RxSlWrwJw/s400/screenshot1.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, there are no pink bulls eyes on the official site. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3lMl4gCOYY/UnK_1Hz4G4I/AAAAAAAABHs/DWarMRQcni8/s1600/screenshot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3lMl4gCOYY/UnK_1Hz4G4I/AAAAAAAABHs/DWarMRQcni8/s400/screenshot2.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on Register a New Claim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
From there there are a series of many steps, but each one is really simple. You will have to choose what kind of work you are registering, music, art, writing. I registered a whole jewelry line, I am pretty sure that something like that counts as just one submission. It costs $35 every time you do this on line, no matter how many things you register, so you can do lots of art at one time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After completing the many easy steps you will have to make a payment. I used a credit card, easy peasy. Then once your payment has been accepted, you can upload the images of the work you are registering.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-km1db0vMeDE/UnLDEZt_FDI/AAAAAAAABIE/lqfV3jOroMI/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-km1db0vMeDE/UnLDEZt_FDI/AAAAAAAABIE/lqfV3jOroMI/s400/IMG_3207.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Coat sneek peek...</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I used all low res jpegs, and used 4 images to represent my line, one image was my logo. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I then received a bunch of emails saying that I had completed my registration, and the paper work will be mailed to me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's all there is to it. I know it seems daunting, but it was really easy, so go protect yourself and your awesome artwork!!</div>
Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-75291614793469698292013-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:002013-10-07T09:20:14.281-07:00Sugarcoats Sweet Model<div style="text-align: center;">
Beauty and brains, oh, what a winning combination. My jewelry line, Sugarcoat is almost ready to launch, and I have just finished shooting my pieces on my new model. After going through the pictures, which by the way, needed so little re-touching, I have grown to absolutely adore Alexis. Here is a sneak peek of Sugarcoat as worn by Alexis Laura Ren.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCyfD0oa8oA/UlDFETh7IUI/AAAAAAAABGo/-NWHB_pZr40/s1600/alexisurbanredsquare+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="560" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCyfD0oa8oA/UlDFETh7IUI/AAAAAAAABGo/-NWHB_pZr40/s640/alexisurbanredsquare+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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ALexis is a UC Berkeley undergrad, deciding between biology and computer science. When she is not modeling or studying, she is working for a professor creating code. She is a self proclaimed "geeky girl", a brainiac who had to guide me through the process of using dropbox.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5C-OYGZNjk/UlDMoC3X6uI/AAAAAAAABHQ/5Gsvtcx-jyk/s1600/alexis_contol_heart+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5C-OYGZNjk/UlDMoC3X6uI/AAAAAAAABHQ/5Gsvtcx-jyk/s640/alexis_contol_heart+copy+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had know idea shooting a model would be so much fun. Alexis is sweet as can be, so easy to work with, eager to improve her modeling techniques, and most importantly, can put her hair in these adorable buns without the use of a mirror.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQI2D29wIMw/UlDH9KoznvI/AAAAAAAABG4/k8fxxQF80T0/s1600/alexis_dayblooms_cello+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQI2D29wIMw/UlDH9KoznvI/AAAAAAAABG4/k8fxxQF80T0/s640/alexis_dayblooms_cello+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I couldn't have asked for a more perfect model to show off my Sugarcoat jewelry line. The only regret is that Alexis looks so much better in all my clothes and hats than I do!!!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2c57viyuWE/UlDJdFZ3OtI/AAAAAAAABHE/d_7GTBQj4IA/s1600/IMG_3894+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2c57viyuWE/UlDJdFZ3OtI/AAAAAAAABHE/d_7GTBQj4IA/s640/IMG_3894+copy.JPG" width="640" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite shirt and hat...I'll never wear them again!!!!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you Alexis for being so darn adorable. To see the Sugarcoat pieces up close, stay tuned for the Sugarcoat store coming soon to an internet near you.</div>
<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-46913470847666946142013-09-23T19:27:00.000-07:002013-09-23T19:27:00.689-07:00Name That Shape<div style="text-align: center;">
Artists, designers and crafters, please help me name that shape:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNhP3IDyy20/UkD3cVRlbUI/AAAAAAAABGY/nESnMtldvo8/s1600/namethatshape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNhP3IDyy20/UkD3cVRlbUI/AAAAAAAABGY/nESnMtldvo8/s640/namethatshape.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am interested in any thoughts on what this shape, and shapes like it may be called, or what you would call it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks so much, I will post a name if we find one, or a possibility if I get some good ideas.</div>
Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-16169198531307167662013-09-04T12:30:00.001-07:002013-09-04T12:30:10.466-07:00Elaine Miller Bond and The Animals<style>
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I, am clearly not a nature girl. I don’t hike, camp, ski, or
even bike ride. I have an appreciation for Mother Nature, and believe that
watermelons may prove the existence of a god, but I would rather be trapped in
my studio than going scuba diving any day. I do however have a soft spot for
animals, my four legged fluff balls especially. </div>
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I recently had the good fortune to meet my new friend,
Elaine Miller Bond. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful new friend Elaine, and her beautiful new friend, Horsey.</td></tr>
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Elaine is one of those people who is talented in so many ways.
She is an accomplished writer and photographer. She is a
photojournalist who has contributed articles to papers all over the San
Francisco Bay Area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her passion
and area of expertise: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nature and wildlife.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyPpRGD3auw/UiUEAFvyPeI/AAAAAAAABFw/dKznB30L_rE/s1600/GrassKiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyPpRGD3auw/UiUEAFvyPeI/AAAAAAAABFw/dKznB30L_rE/s400/GrassKiss.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love is sweet....</td></tr>
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{page:Section1;}</style>Elaine has recently published her second book, <i>Dream
Affimals: Affirmation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>+Animals</i>, and
I just finished reading it. Turns out Elaine is also a talented illustrator. I must say her illustrations are
fantastic. I know how challenging drawing fur is and getting animals to look
gestural, not stiff, and she did an excellent job.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda the panda, and her baby, Sadie.</td></tr>
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--></style>And the content, well, as a person who needs some daily
positive thinking, this book delivers. Elaine uses animal habits and
characteristics to draw positive affirmations that we can use in our daily
lives. For example, the giant panda affirmation is “See beyond black and
white” and the blue whale <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>affirmation is “Love big”, due to the whales ½ ton heart.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I am indeed the walrus...</td></tr>
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I learned lots of cool animals facts such as butterflies can
taste through their feet the flavors of the different leaves they land on, and how one coyote
eats up to 5 rodents per day, which I must admit, makes me like coyotes, a lot.</div>
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You can learn more about Elaine and her books on her
website: <a href="http://www.elainemillerbond.com/">http://www.elainemillerbond.com/</a>
and you can check out <i>Dream Affimals</i> at: <a href="http://www.elainemillerbond.com/dreamaffimals.html"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">http://www.elainemillerbond.com/dreamaffimals.html</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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{page:Section1;} </style></span>Part of what I love about Elaine is that she looks nothing
like a nature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>girl, and I truly
can not imagine her in hiking boots, but rather, in platform mary janes from Tokyo.
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Pursuing the path of an artist can be challenging at times,
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Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-11731104823023482872013-08-20T21:08:00.000-07:002013-08-21T17:20:06.800-07:00Tube Rivet, 25 years in the making...Yes, I have been making jewelry and metalsmithing for over 25 years, and only today did I set my first tube rivet. <br />
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The key to teaching shop classes is improvisation, and the following tutorial is an improvised tube rivet. I had a broken tube cutter, a drawer full of drill bits which were not the right size, and no dapping punch, yet behold, I made a tube rivet.<br />
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School starts next week, and my first assignment for my advanced class will be a set of bangles which will have to in some way incorporate a tube rivet. The sample I created is only a sample, it's pretty bare bones, but with some imagination this concept of cold connecting a bangle can become pretty exciting. Here goes:<br />
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Like wire rivets, the key to a tube rivet is a snug fit. Like I said, I could not find a drill bit to match my tube so I drilled my holes pretty close, a bit small, then used a round needle file to open up the hole. Go slow, you can easily file away too much, then your hole is too big.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1DA-aVT9rY/UhQd2og0K9I/AAAAAAAABE4/v8GzRHh2jxk/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1DA-aVT9rY/UhQd2og0K9I/AAAAAAAABE4/v8GzRHh2jxk/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started with a 10 inch strip. I textured one end, then drilled my hole. I then opened the hole up a bit with my file.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUTbsLWHLME/UhQVwTy7oaI/AAAAAAAABEM/RFlrXcrP_ZM/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUTbsLWHLME/UhQVwTy7oaI/AAAAAAAABEM/RFlrXcrP_ZM/s400/photo-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I then cut my strip down to 9 inches. I then annealed, wrapped it around a bracelet mandrel, and textured the other end. Note, I rounded one end, left the other more squared. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UyTAJPv-2A/UhQWVc4BDUI/AAAAAAAABEU/XGYbrYoaNBk/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UyTAJPv-2A/UhQWVc4BDUI/AAAAAAAABEU/XGYbrYoaNBk/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I marked with a sharpie where I wanted to put the second hole, and opened up the bracelet to drill that hole. Then I reshaped it and fed my tube thru from the inside. I had to file the holes a bit more to get it in. Then I marked with a sharpie where I was going to cut the tube. I basically guessed on this measurement, but as you can see, only a small amount is going to be sticking out on each end.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiZtuS3KeEw/UhQXxoqqw-I/AAAAAAAABEg/dDpqDYy_e5w/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiZtuS3KeEw/UhQXxoqqw-I/AAAAAAAABEg/dDpqDYy_e5w/s400/photo-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut my tube by just holding it in my hands over my bench pin and using a 3/0 blade. I then inserted the tiny tube back into the bracelet. Rather than using a punch I used a ball peen hammer. I started on the inside, my hammer just barely fit inside, but I did have enough space to lightly tap straight down into the tube. Then I slide the bracelet onto the mandrel and hit from the top. My hole got a bit smooshed, it's not a perfect circle. The tube walls flattened nicely around the hole though.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9sZflrYii0/UhQ8oEim5TI/AAAAAAAABFI/ZgAvnOihvjE/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9sZflrYii0/UhQ8oEim5TI/AAAAAAAABFI/ZgAvnOihvjE/s400/IMG_3017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a little liver of sulfur...</td></tr>
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This is by no means a finished piece, it is merely a sample so that my 16 years olds have something they can hold and see up close. I fully expect them to run with this and make creative amazing bangles. The cool thing about metalsmithing and jewelry is the limitless possibilities. I will be sure to post the results of this assignment. Until then, I will be refining my tube riveting skills, but I must say, it really is so easy, and fun....<br />
Happy riveting!!<br />
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P.S. This bracelet is a bit too big for me. I should have overlapped the ends further. Play around a bit to get the right fit. :)Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940399269933030720.post-48555565799154176282013-08-10T14:59:00.000-07:002013-08-13T12:16:46.000-07:00Woof, Meow, Moo...As many of you know, I am in the process of starting a jewelry line. This means I have a to-do list very long which includes making business cards as well as figuring out how I want to package and ship the pieces. I knew I wanted stickers to use to seal envelops and boxes, as well as some just to include for fun in the package. I have seen and been impressed with the little, Mini Moo cards so decided to hit <a href="http://us.moo.com/">Moo</a> up for some stickers. The amazing thing about Moo, is that you can use as many images as
you want for each order. This is great for artists and designers, so you
can feature and share lots of different art.<br />
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But first, I wanted to share with you how two fantastic jewelers use Mini Moo cards. Last weekend I went to the <a href="http://shows.craftcouncil.org/sf">American Crafts Council</a> show, and picked up lots of Moo cards along the way that the artists had in their booths. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk0Md2ZWo_c/UgamGzOevaI/AAAAAAAABCQ/P9ZT7ivr76g/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk0Md2ZWo_c/UgamGzOevaI/AAAAAAAABCQ/P9ZT7ivr76g/s400/IMG_2967.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver and enamel by Beth Novak.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egOf4dV5J_0/Ugam4sbe8EI/AAAAAAAABCY/vxBHjVeudkc/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egOf4dV5J_0/Ugam4sbe8EI/AAAAAAAABCY/vxBHjVeudkc/s400/IMG_2972.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver, copper and precious stones by Brandon Holschuh.</td></tr>
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Being able to sift through the cards and pick out my favorites helped to ease the sting of not being able to purchase a piece...a little bit...<br />
You can see more of this incredible jewelry at:<br />
<a href="http://www.bethnovakenamels.com/">www.bethnovakenamels.com</a> and <a href="http://www.brandonholschuh.com/">www.brandonholschuh.com </a><br />
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And, now, the stickers!! I placed my order for 2 sets of stickers and it was easy peasy.<br />
I purchased round 1 1/2" and square just under 1". Both sets came in lovely packaging, the square ones are in a book form with perforated pages.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzMJQKSy1jw/UgasklBMndI/AAAAAAAABCo/iCL_4JtTrM4/s1600/IMG_2975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzMJQKSy1jw/UgasklBMndI/AAAAAAAABCo/iCL_4JtTrM4/s400/IMG_2975.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The user interface (is that the right term? I can't believe I said that!!) on the Moo site is very simple. In around an hour I created around 40 different designs. I was basically testing out different types of images to see what looks good and what doesn't. I cropped from JPGS and AI files. I also quickly took my logo in AI and formatted it to the right dimensions and played around with different variations. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">52 round stickers for $12.99!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">90 square stickers for $9.99!</td></tr>
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The stickers are a durable vinyl material with a bit of a shine to them. Some of my images worked better than others. Some of my AI images seem not crisp and not saturated, while others are terrific. I may inquire into this next time I order...and there will be a next time...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What delightful packaging, there must be something wonderful inside...</td></tr>
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<br />I think Moo is an excellent resource for artists, crafters and designers. I am so happy they exist and once my jewelry line is closer to ready, I will make my Mini Moo cards as well as more stickers. Because, as we all know, a girl can't have too many stickers...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx6lXzwqO3k/Uga0OkVE3lI/AAAAAAAABDw/JsBo4MfXKkE/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx6lXzwqO3k/Uga0OkVE3lI/AAAAAAAABDw/JsBo4MfXKkE/s400/IMG_2995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurel Nathansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00710089799186234293noreply@blogger.com5