10/8/2010 3 Comments Convalescing in the sunThere's certainly something to be said for being home with the flu - even if I'm too tired and weak to do much, it's amazing the difference a little sunshine makes! So I've been sitting in the sun, nibbling toast and watching the old Robin of Sherwood series on DVD, and thinking about my latest range. The biggest challenge I have come up against is that not everyone treats their jewellery in the same way - I can't stand washing my hands with rings on, but some people simply never take their rings off! So I have to cater for these people, too, and make hardier rings. The problem is that I have to use water-based lacquers, for my safety and for that of my customers, but this can cause rings and cufflinks to fail if they'r exposed to too much water or steam - so I have to find another way around it. For some time now, I have wanted to try making rings and cufflinks using the 'memory glass' technique. 'Memory glass' is basically a sandwich of two thin slices of glass around an image or memory, bound together with copper tape and soldered. The challenge has been how to make this work for me... and now that I finally have a soldering iron that works, I have begun! As usual, I apply my image to one piece of glass; then bind the other piece and the appropriate findings with adhesive copper tape and coat it in solder. Sound easy? I thought so! But there are pitfalls - the glass can't overheat or the lacquer melts; the metal findings heat up, too, so they have to be held out of the way; I need a sponge to keep the solder tip clean and finally, I need to keep the solder smooth enough without losing the interesting texture... so much to learn! Luckily, my cats are here to keep me company, and keep an eye on those pesky fish! Shasha is the black and white one, and her mother is the tabby, Responsibility (known as Billie). Shasha suffers from an excess of curiosity - earlier today, not long after this photo, she took on something that was buzzing against the window... then went shooting off around the house with the buzzing creature latched into her fur! Sounds like a sleepy bumble bee, so I hope she wasn't stung. She seems fine now, lolling in the sunshine.
3 Comments
10/8/2010 04:17:48 pm
Lovely Cat!
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10/8/2010 04:31:53 pm
Why that's a great idea! Send me through the image. I have a round and square rings arriving any day so I can make it up for you over the weekend - just send your image to [email protected] and let me know if you want round or square and I'll hook you up. For the hanger, I like green, purple and grey... and the sharp-petalled flowers. I particularly liked the ones with a bit of a vine effect - unless you can do me some bunting? Swapsies for the value? I'd love bunting for my stall!
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AuthorCat is an artist and craftswoman who makes pieces of happiness in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand. ArchivesCategories |