My newest round of Create Recklessly projects has been experimenting with dyes. I love to work with Faux Bone and other plastics, and up to this point have colored them mostly using alcohol inks. But I longed for deep, rich, durable color. After much trial and error, I have come upon some great dying techniques. Accidentally during these tests, I stumbled upon some glass fiber-reinforced nylon. When dyed, it almost looks like glass. Because it is slightly transparent, it almost glows in the daylight. Yet, it can be sawed and drilled just like metal. I think I am in love.
So, I chose this material for Kristi's piece. I wanted to pick up the colors of the beautiful patina on the copper. The entire piece is constructed by threading wire as screws using a tap and die. This includes the "dotted" beads, which each have 28 pieces of wire screwed into them and then rounded with a cup burr. No matter how hard I try, I can't get the color right in the photo...the pieces are a deep lavender and the round hanging spacers are fuschia.
These nylon pieces are a new staple on my bench and I can't wait to play with them some more.
Be sure to check out the amazing designs using Kristi's copper components!
Kristi Bowman Design http://dreamsomedesigns.
Jean Wells http://jeanawells.blogspot.
Melinda Orr http://orrtec.blogspot.com/
Sue Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com/
Shannon Chomanczuk http://formysweetdaughter.
Pam Brisse http://bluebetween.blogspot.
Melissa Cable http://createrecklessly.
Cindy Wimmer http://www.sweetbeadstudio.
Mary Harding http://
Karen Totten http://starryroadstudio.
Jan Molten Mayhem http://moltenmayhem.typepad.
Linda Landig http://lindasbeadblog.com/
Kristi Harrison http://kristibasket-
Kimberly Sturrup http://bahamadawn.blogspot.
Sally Russick http://thestudiosublime.com/
WOW Melissa, I think that says it all!! That is crazy beautiful and crazy creative, just as I expected from you my friend. Thank you so much for joining my Hop!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas of working with color here...I'll look forward to following your blog and seeing the progress...I love the artistic feel of your design....those purple bars are just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSo dramatic! I am intrigued by this new material you described, and its color possibilities!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great piece! I love love love the art appeal and it is a true work of art! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! you are very creative! i love the modern look and the color that you chose! stunning piece!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely an art piece, so labor intensive with all the little wire accents in the dyed beads, so creative and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow, I am speechless and that doesn't happen often. Truly original, creative (recklessly so) and beautiful. I would love to see more pictures. Wow, love it. Laura said it - "This is definitely an art piece."
ReplyDeleteA stunning piece! The work you put into this is amazing. I would not have thought of using these colors, but they work very nicely with the colors in the focal. The techniques you used are amazing. I would love to spend a week watching you create.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, your bracelet is stunning! I love the unexpected use of purple and the design including your own materials and dyes. It is incredible and I'd love to see additional close-up pictures, as your design is truly one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteREALLY creative. I would never have had that in me. It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove how modern it looks! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteUmmm! Melissa! I am totally speechless! AWESOME!!, is all that is coming to me has I stare with mouth gaping open!! AWESOME!!!!!
ReplyDeletewow, so different. Very cool piece!
ReplyDeleteI love the modern feel of this piece and the gorgeous purple is so yummy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique and modern piece - definitely a work of art! Nice job.
ReplyDeleteVery,very cool!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what an interesting material. I'd love to see it up close.
ReplyDeleteYour design is super unique and I like that. I would have never thought to use a violet shade with the copper, but it really turned out great. I think this is the first time I've been to your blog but I have a feeling I'll be back! Yay for blog hops!!
Just gorgeous! All the designs I've seen have been beautiful, starting, of course with Kristi's designs. Your bracelet is unique and dramatic! Love it! I wish I'd been able to do this one!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece of art. Melissa you always give it your all and of course you have to try new things.
ReplyDeleteI just noticed you posted this at 3:10am. Proves my theory, you never sleep.
ReplyDeleteThanks all! I really appreciate all of your kind words. This was a fun challenge, wasn't it! And yes, I do sleep! ; )
ReplyDeleteThat is a truly stunning piece of art Miss Melissa! I am intrigued by the faux bone. I used it once in a class with Sherri Haab but we really didn't do much to it other than adhering transfers to it and using it as the base for a pendant (that is still sitting on my table!) I am very intrigued by this material and think that you have made something very classy and mysterious in a way. I love it!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the day!
Erin