wordless wednesday: DIY christmas?

faberge glass mix, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

craft kits are now in stock

happy thanksgiving

fine silver maple leaf pendant

It's that time of the year again, when we can be thankful for friends and family, for the harvest home, and the beautiful world around us. The leaves are starting to turn and the Fall winds will soon be blowing them from the trees. Very soon I'll be walking around my neighbourhood, eyes down in the search for That Perfect Leaf.

applying layers of art clay silver paste to each leaf

Once collected I stick them down with some vaseline to an old margarine lid. Before they dry I get a couple of layers of art clay silver paste onto them to preserve the shape. (Art Clay Silver is a clay-like substance made from recycled and recovered silver particles from the film and medical imaging industry). As each layer dries another is applied until sufficient depth has been built up.

each leaf is torch-fired for two minutes

Then each leaf is torch-fired for two minutes to burn off the organic binders in the clay and sinter the silver particles together. The oxidation layer is brushed off and the leaf given a gentle tumble in stainless steel shot to polish. This process reveals the individual vein patterns from the original leaf making a very unique pendant. Only a limited number of these pendants are made each year because it is a very time-consuming process. Since they need so many layers of paste and are also quite delicate before firing, bench space is limited. I have to be able to put on a quick layer in passing but keep them safely out of the way of small hands and inquisitive paws - not easy and this kind is space is in short supply around the house :)

fine silver maple leaves

It's something that cannot be repeated since the original mould is destroyed with firing. Truly a one of a kind piece.

From Evernote:

Lunch

Trying to maximise the work day does not mean skipping lunch!

In a former life

In a former life, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

From Evernote:

In a former life

10 years ago I would have been at the conference on the second level - this year it was a social media conference which held my attention.

fibre friday: a cluster of scarflets

a cluster of scarves, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

handmade scarflets in mohair, bamboo and cotton

yes, i know it's saturday but i did have good intentions ...

Yesterday I unpacked my stash of hand knit and crochet scarflets for the winter season. They're shorter, easy-to-wear neck attire, designed to keep the draughts out without adding bulk to the neckline.
This year, as part of my inventory prep for the christmas season, I'm planning on making for each scarflet. I think a brooch completes the package and makes them an easy gift to give.



This year's brooch collection will be simple wire clusters, similar to the one shown above, or I'll pair some of the wire and fibre flower brooches. A brooch is a good way of focusing the eye upwards toward the face, thus distracting from any lumpy bits you'd rather someone ignored.

Camouflage dressing at its finest :)

wordless wednesday: Fall flavours

gold wire bead acorn pendant

We're currently rocking Fall in the Etsy shop this month. Go on - channel your inner squirrel :)

wire bead acorn pendants

fibre friday: running amok

fibre friday: running amok, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

I really enjoy making these wire and fibre rings but this week I've been concentrating on some fibre-less versions. Without the fibre, it seems a little tame at first but then my imagination starts to wind up, thinking of the wild embellishments I can add in. Usually I leave the wires unfinished for a while, and it's then that some strange ideas take hold.

The above ring was "one of those moments". It's lovingly known as "you'll have someone's eye out with that ring, dearie".

 Wonder what I'll do with this "blank canvas"? I'll keep you posted. It's headed (I hope) to the Positively Petite exhibition at Place des Arts this christmas (keeping fingers crossed).