Right now, I am working on a large batch of Honey Trees that will be available in my etsy shop and at a local craft fair. These are personalized trees that are perfect for engagement parties, weddings and anniversaries, and each one is made to order for a special couple. First, I paint the background for each tree with a soft sky blue and a light yellow highlight. Next, I paint a tree on each canvas. This is a three step process: applying the base coat, painting the highlights, and adding the small branches and fine details. The trees often let me know what color they want to be. I usually paint green, white and autumn colored leaves, but I have also painted pink, purple, yellow and even blue! It's fun to work with brides and create a tree that will coordinate with their wedding colors. Next, I accent the names with my soft black pencil. It really makes the names POP and gives the illusion of carved wood. The tree is almost finished. This is when I snap a photo of the finished tree and send it to the buyer for a sneak peek and final approval. After the thumbs up, I apply a light sealant and it's ready to be shipped.
ABstraKT Bangles, $44 by QuercusSilver
I made a mold from plastic - I used recycled plastic bottles - and poured a rough cast in modellers wax. Then I spent days filing and carving the wax til it was as smooth and comfortable as I could make it, leaving little trails of wax shavings wherever I had been. I built a sturdy mold to hold this wax master. Lego is great because it's so quick and doesn't leak. This new cast is in silicone rubber. After nearly 3 weeks, I still didn't know if the bangle would look good. So I was a little nervous and excited when I un-molded the first full resin cast. I used a combination of indigo and pesto green pigments to colour the resin and once it had set (another 24 hours) and I had polished and finished the bangle. I don't think I've taken it off since. Now, after all that work, the fun really starts and I can play with techniques and colours using my own, handmade, original mold.
Read the full description of "Birth of a bangle" on her blog! *you can see all of her bangles here.
Read the full description of "Birth of a bangle" on her blog! *you can see all of her bangles here.
9 comments:
Wow, I love seeing how the bangles are made! Thank you Paula for including my butterflies :)
thank YOU for uploading on flickr and participating!
Wonderful post & fabulous pics of some great work in progress! Thank you!
Oh, love them all....that bangle is amazing!
I love these 'what are you working on now' series!
I really love getting a sneak peek into other artists studios. Thanks Paula for this great post!
I enjoy these 'what are you working on' posts so much - it's like reading a snippet of an artist's biography.
wow, very cool! the moths are gorgeous and it's interesting to read about the wood painting techniques and to see how those bracelets are made! awesome post :D
I'm in love with blue terracotta's moth ornaments! exiting to see the process . very creative!
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