Quote of the day..

A picture is a poem without words (Horace)

Making Resin Jewellery: Part 4 (Finishing Techniques)

Unfortunately resin jewellery making is not as easy as pour, cure, ready. You should finish off your work.

Using a file from the hardware store, remove any bumps. Filing is also a great way to start shaping your pieces if you are not happy with the results from the mould.

When you have finished filing, it is time to sand. I suggest that you wear gloves - I learned the hard way that the sandpaper can draw blood. It is important to purchase wet/dry sandpaper to ensure that resin dust is not created during the sanding process (you actually add water to the sandpaper). Start with a course grain and work your way to the finer grain. It is important to move through a few stages of sandpaper if you want a glossy finish. Remember to change the direction while you work with the sandpaper too, to ensure that fine scratches are removed.

After filing and/or sanding, you can attach your jewellery findings. Think about what your end product is going to be and purchase the relevant findings from the craft store or online. Brooch clasps, bails, or magnets are a few ideas. Alternatively , you can drill a hole through your resin to attach jump rings for necklaces. I would love to hear about your resin projects, so please leave a comment soon.

HAVE FUN!!

My favourite two: Tash

I bought these cigarette machines from an antiques dealer over a decade ago. I have found a place for them in 7 different homes since then. After a while, I came to see them not just as quirky collectibles but as symbols for persistence, trust, partnership and change.

What I like most about them is that they are a pair. Time and mistreatment have marked each one in different ways, and we often display them separately, but I cannot imagine one without the other. Like twins or long time companions, it is duality that makes them unique.

I could not afford to pay upfront for the machines and paid them off over about 6 months - often making down payments of as little as a few dollars. So long and so slowly did I pay off my layby that the antiques dealer hid the cigarette machines inside a wardrobe at the back of his shop to prevent his wife from selling them! His patience and trust helped me learn a big life lesson about making good on my word and not giving up - as more often than not, people will meet you halfway.

The cigarette machines also make me think about how much things change. The place - and price - of cigarettes in our society is certainly very different now to what it must have been when these machines were heavily used. I love these machines because they remind that I too have changed...

My favourite two: Ames

I have been slowly spring cleaning the house and it has involved a lot of dusting as we have a large collection of odds and ends. I often think about the things I love and the people/moments associated with them when I am doing a task like this.

This week my favourite two things remind me of two wonderful women. My two Grandmothers, who have passed away in the last couple of years, were talented and hard working. They were interesting and went out of their way to help people. I am proud to be continuing their love of craft and to be a caretaker of their beautiful things.

My Nanny was the family photographer for awhile. This was one of her cameras: the Six-20 Kodak Junior. I can imagine her now, lining up the family who were all well presented, for their portrait. She was also a dedicated knitter and always enjoyed the presence of fresh flowers.

My Grandma was an important figure in her local community. She often helped organise and catered events. Her tea cup collection came in handy. Grannie loved her embroidery/tapestry and words do not do justice to the flowers produced from her garden.

Take a moment to remember those that came before you, those that loved/love you. They make us who we are today.

Hugs for Mugs: work knitting circle

Images top to bottom - Mug Hugs in the making

1) Ames 2) Celia 3) Kathryn 4) Kathryn

The tea room at work was full of laughter and fun during our breaks this week. The lovely Kathryn inspired us all to gather our knitting supplies to make some mug hugs. Even though the group of us have different levels of skill - and some of us are a little more particular and find themselves un-doing and re-knitting to fix mistakes - we are all producing wonderful specimens.