I fully put blame on my dear friend, The Bag (that's Jeannine, creator of awesome art on her By Way of Salem blog) with my latest obsession: making jewelry. She recently got me to try my hand at it and now, holy smokes, Batman! I'm totally addicted. And yes, Bag, it's all YOUR fault, I tell ya! Ehhh!
Hey, but honestly, I'm not complaining. I truly enjoy doing this. Never thought it could be so much creative fun, and also, I never imagined I'd be doing this, had it been suggested it to me in the past. Of course I'm still in the neophyte stages, so my designs are rather simple, but nonetheless fun (in my humble opinion of course). I realized that the type of jewelry designs I tend to favor can be quite different from a lot of what is out there, commercially-speaking; meaning, my designed pieces would be considered more off-kilter, or 'alternative' with skulls, bats, pumpkins, leaves, etc. In other words, dear reader, a lot more Halloween-like. Yes, I know - shocking, isn't it?
A partial collection of what's been cranking' out of my overactive imagination! |
Most of the art supply chains stock the aforementioned commercial charms and necklace bits that are fine and dandy, but for me, that was the problem: it was all very typical, so-so, generic. After a trip to the local art store, and paying way too much for a charm to a necklace that was not only too expensive but also mass-produced in China, I knew I wanted to create stuff that was unique, and fun to wear. Sooooo... I decided to create my own bits and pieces, and with a little help from Sculpy and acrylic paints, viola! I did just that. Truly wearable art. (Sorry, the photos I'm including here were taken with my mobile phone, so they're not as good quality as my Canon 35mm)
I've been cranking out at least two necklaces a day. Most of the designs are Jack O'Lanterns, Day of the Dead decorated skulls, roses, even a few candy corns, but each one is uniquely designed by yours truly. And again, stressing the HAND-MADE aspect!
Las Tres Calaveras! All with various jewels, chains, wire work, etc... |
Most of the chains and closures are store-bought (some are cannibalized parts from old jewelry already on hand), but the charms and pendants are all made by me. Even some of the findings, I've created myself, from wire... oy vey, what a task that has become; a labor of love to be sure! My arthritis has not been cooperating 100% but I get around it as best I can, usually with very interesting results. Some are more rustic than others but that's ok, I tend to like it that way. And I've found I love making fancy loopy wire work too!
Of course, I won't be doing this full-time. Certainly won't be giving Tiffany's a run for their money, that's for sure. Not planning on switching from painting & sculpting to jewelry maker exclusively, but, yep, will absolutely make necklaces as the mood hits me. Currently I have like 15 or so of them ready for sale, with another six on the table in progress.
I could make a million of these leetle fellas! |
Oh and that reminds me - going to be bringing these goodies to the Flea Market at the end of next month (late September), along with pretty much all I have available for sale on my Etsy page, and even stuff not listed, such as some full-sized haunt creations used in our last Halloween party here at Castle GreenFuzz. Booth design/layout is on the drawing boards but you know it will be fun and reflective of my personality. Animatronics included! Can't wait for it. It will signal the true beginning of Autumn, my favorite season on the year, plus it will be mega-fun because the Bag will be at the booth right next door to me. Cackling and hilarity shall ensue!
But for now, it's back to the art table... It's hotter'n the hinges of Hades, so I'm staying indoors and getting creative. See y'all soon!
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