tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789797064208530462024-03-18T20:40:12.406-07:00Create Recklessly with Melissa Cable<a href="http://www.melissacable.com/">www.createrecklessly.com</a>
<p></p>Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-35057816402644313422015-10-28T11:16:00.002-07:002015-10-28T11:16:39.419-07:00Create shoes...recklessly!As some of you know, one of the very first things I made with leather was a shoe. One silver high-heeled, wearable shoe with Swarovski crystal inlays. But, alas, I only made one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2AsBNiy2GxqpWQn6HkN7igNlqH_ylK4AH3WapWTJmuvjpNv5dgcazjHw7BEFuR4IZEJ_J1RlTQyDKLhNDAcUvwpbJa4WLEju_2RVzsX-fWtBmnVSFUSbr2GJ-LOMCU9z8E-fy1zd-hM/s1600/2shoe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2AsBNiy2GxqpWQn6HkN7igNlqH_ylK4AH3WapWTJmuvjpNv5dgcazjHw7BEFuR4IZEJ_J1RlTQyDKLhNDAcUvwpbJa4WLEju_2RVzsX-fWtBmnVSFUSbr2GJ-LOMCU9z8E-fy1zd-hM/s320/2shoe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But that's about to change! While I won't be making another one of these fancy ladies, I am set on making a pair of embellished tennis shoes. I recently stumbled upon this Kickstarter campaign and I couldn't resist. I exchanged emails with the founders of the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/149634110/oneday-sneaker-kit?ref=hero_thanks" target="_blank">ONEDAY Sneaker Kit</a> and they made a new fan.<br />
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/149634110/oneday-sneaker-kit?ref=hero_thanks" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVsQJ4pwtMOzUPpvERyFlOYBP3DVvHOXESMKtnRv2OHH2mgBPwuHs-4I8f-F1Us4B3638sQbJDQ9hmoYJ86R7-Gf0ebFeLNMBXpGLyCmF4Whd6xP6AVljygf_GO4ohb4g02IkMSUcfzg/s320/ONEDAY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why not join me? Consider backing their <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/149634110/oneday-sneaker-kit?ref=hero_thanks" target="_blank">Kickstarter campaign</a> and lets make some shoes together! Many of the techniques in <a href="http://www.createrecklessly.com/collections/books" target="_blank">Beautiful Leather Jewelry</a> will work for the shoes and the Create Recklessly with <a href="http://www.createrecklessly.com/collections/leather" target="_blank">leather toolkit</a> and hardware would add beautiful embellishments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHxw5UMNF2DzGYnP7PY3U5IRisqJyConbGuIVWAKSqaASp64lrLqIyK4Umc0ZGdnqe827a2nzTZz6vXI7j4lxRbvpVcZhgVArXY12g-NppFsoW72wJEJ1fgs82pBbPhPnpLj1ksPVN7o/s1600/tool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHxw5UMNF2DzGYnP7PY3U5IRisqJyConbGuIVWAKSqaASp64lrLqIyK4Umc0ZGdnqe827a2nzTZz6vXI7j4lxRbvpVcZhgVArXY12g-NppFsoW72wJEJ1fgs82pBbPhPnpLj1ksPVN7o/s200/tool2.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsxSTYWoLFGFQnTW6b1Pey85Q89khZfqYxECHIRW28wePLAQJ0KdDKr9ZkDQ_M0an8B4v8r7vaIajIm7aQDgeN-rUxxOPbJTSCfb6rKIVe3EK-8X6yg37QOloynTKrmUD0i-6Au1yUGE/s1600/leather+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsxSTYWoLFGFQnTW6b1Pey85Q89khZfqYxECHIRW28wePLAQJ0KdDKr9ZkDQ_M0an8B4v8r7vaIajIm7aQDgeN-rUxxOPbJTSCfb6rKIVe3EK-8X6yg37QOloynTKrmUD0i-6Au1yUGE/s200/leather+cover.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
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Isn't it fun to live in a world where we can support and play with artists in the Netherlands with just a click of a button?</div>
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Have a great week!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melissa</span></div>
<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-88605724896305528212015-04-01T00:01:00.004-07:002015-04-01T09:21:59.064-07:00Don't discard those oyster forks yet!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Okay, so we had some fun this April Fools and if you are a blog subscriber you received our </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/biBvuL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;" target="_blank">"ad"</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> in your email. But now, in all seriousness on this not so serious day, we have lots of great news to share!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today starts a new chapter of Create Recklessly. Our product line of leather tools by Beadsmith was previewed in January at the CHA show and has since been featured in Tucson, at the Craft, Stitch and Hobby Show in the UK, on JTV and is making its way into bead stores. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Leather patchwork kits from <a href="http://www.jtv.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-jtv-Site/default/Search-Show?q=create+recklessly" target="_blank">JTV</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the coming months we will have sneak peaks at the new artists joining our team and the amazing products they are creating. Until then, we will bring you some new techniques for leatherwork and more, starting with new ways to inlay, my favorite way to create leather closures, an interview with the Director of the Leather Research Laboratory, and then we'll talk wood... because we're reckless that way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsxSTYWoLFGFQnTW6b1Pey85Q89khZfqYxECHIRW28wePLAQJ0KdDKr9ZkDQ_M0an8B4v8r7vaIajIm7aQDgeN-rUxxOPbJTSCfb6rKIVe3EK-8X6yg37QOloynTKrmUD0i-6Au1yUGE/s1600/leather+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsxSTYWoLFGFQnTW6b1Pey85Q89khZfqYxECHIRW28wePLAQJ0KdDKr9ZkDQ_M0an8B4v8r7vaIajIm7aQDgeN-rUxxOPbJTSCfb6rKIVe3EK-8X6yg37QOloynTKrmUD0i-6Au1yUGE/s1600/leather+cover.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also find more information about leather in the April/May issue of <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/sbs-wire-jewelry-april-may-2015?source=igodigital" target="_blank">Step by Step Wire</a> or just jump right ahead to Tammy Honaman's fabulous leather cuff featured project... I even saw that they have <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/crop-circles-bracelet-kit" target="_blank">kits</a> for her design! If you are looking to learn in person, join me at the <a href="http://search.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/beadandbuttonshow/default.aspx?mode=search&ins=T602" target="_blank">Bead and Button Show</a> this June or at the <a href="http://autumnartistretreat.weebly.com/" target="_blank">November Autumn Artist Retreat</a> here in WA at the Suncadia Resort. Two of my favorite wire artists will be there...Tracy Stanley and Sarah Thompson (I will be sneaking into those classrooms)! And then, of course, you can learn in the comfort of your own home with the book <a href="http://www.melissacable.com/collections/books" target="_blank">Beautiful Leather Jewelry</a> or by viewing a <a href="https://www.craftcast.com/recordings/learn-make-beautiful-leather-jewelry-techniques-todays-trends-melissa-cable" target="_blank">Craftcast</a> class!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And on a final note, my heartfelt thanks. For joining us here. For stopping by to say hi at the shows (and for bringing me coffee...you know who you are!!). For dropping me a message with a photo of what you are making. For leaving me comments just when I am sure no one wants to hear what I have to say. For sharing my excitement in the silliest of reckless things (remember the April Fools post a few years ago where I attempted to turn my flexshaft into a pottery wheel? Yep, still removing clay off the walls). For helping me realize this reckless dream! I know I'll have more to say on this later, but not on April Fools.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Create recklessly,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melissa</span>Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-41790772776583708942015-02-09T22:20:00.002-08:002015-02-09T22:20:32.842-08:00Snap Bezels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsTBg-w7uXvlfdwJflqqDzid9BYb07SoFQY13Pg4IkzyZ8VFPZO_aDWe77m9XLZZKpJjjo7zFY__a-xGEOUp9xMvrJPLscLKZljZzyIz6aAPebVRVJiVMDV7rGobIvPi8cwiiPQBpPOY/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsTBg-w7uXvlfdwJflqqDzid9BYb07SoFQY13Pg4IkzyZ8VFPZO_aDWe77m9XLZZKpJjjo7zFY__a-xGEOUp9xMvrJPLscLKZljZzyIz6aAPebVRVJiVMDV7rGobIvPi8cwiiPQBpPOY/s1600/final.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Polymer clay snap bezels by Melissa Cable</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RlCFauXY0qZSBZ471UOZfZk3SHryJhHEZqfNxyayw8bXqbJJ_2qfN-F8CsZmnJPEaUnO867wBrNMcvqDZpIrf2G_ZBuqKC6arq5MFg16uK-pID-uEX3Q32FI6eXizc1yNSYkHpmd-Z8/s1600/CRtoolkit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RlCFauXY0qZSBZ471UOZfZk3SHryJhHEZqfNxyayw8bXqbJJ_2qfN-F8CsZmnJPEaUnO867wBrNMcvqDZpIrf2G_ZBuqKC6arq5MFg16uK-pID-uEX3Q32FI6eXizc1yNSYkHpmd-Z8/s1600/CRtoolkit.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>I am home from the Tucson launch of Create Recklessly leather tools and supplies and I couldn't be more inspired...and tired!<br />
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After a busy day unpacking and catching up with my family, I finally had some quiet time to myself. I kicked up my feet and grabbed the most recent issue of <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/step-by-step-wire-jewelry-february-march-2015" target="_blank">Step By Step Wire</a> magazine, which contained a polymer clay article I contributed. Then, I drifted off to sleep for a long needed nap. I found myself dreaming of setting snaps! Afterall, I must have demonstrated how to set a snap over 100 times last week. So, it should be no surprise, that when I woke I was convinced that a snap receiver (the female part) would make a perfect bezel for polymer clay.<br />
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And sometimes inspiration happens just like that. But, could the leather survive the toaster oven? Hmmmmm... Nap done, reckless creation about to commence...<br />
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I always start with the "proof of concept" phase, where I throw something together just enough to test if it works. Luckily, it did not go up in flames (literally and figuratively), the leather did not get hard, did not curl and the color did not fade...all things I suspected might happen.<br />
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Then it was time for some real tests. I made an entire bracelet and placed 6 other leather samples in the toaster oven. I wanted to test different types of leather (chrome tanned vs. vegetable tanned) and different colors of leather in case the dyes affected the outcome. I also kept an identical piece of each leather outside the toaster oven as a control.<br />
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The results were consistent. Every piece of leather shrunk in both length and width by 5% exactly. I had hypothesized that the vegetable tanned leather would shrink more, but it too shrunk by 5%.<br />
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Of course the most important thing with this technique is to use caution. The leather can catch fire if it comes in contact with the heat coils or is baked at high temperatures. Some leathers may be treated with different coatings or dyes that could react with heat differently than the Create Recklessly leathers. Be sure to do your own testing with the leather you are using and always supervise your toaster oven.<br />
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Give it a try...and be sure to share pictures...I would love to see YOUR snap bezels...maybe with some resin, concrete or epoxy?!?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyx1WHz1Xhm-Lf3xrhcsR4b-0lrn5fwlpebiPa4LbEJlaFm5zGpaOB4-wkdzWF7AQJw74zBr36IBl0yE_SeQLFChj8WM_0enRZc8X5eMvbBgfEU1cZZIMhf_2YylHpa62Hz1UffuKKZBc/s1600/Setter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyx1WHz1Xhm-Lf3xrhcsR4b-0lrn5fwlpebiPa4LbEJlaFm5zGpaOB4-wkdzWF7AQJw74zBr36IBl0yE_SeQLFChj8WM_0enRZc8X5eMvbBgfEU1cZZIMhf_2YylHpa62Hz1UffuKKZBc/s1600/Setter.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a></div>
1. Preheat the toaster oven.<br />
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2. Pierce a hole in the leather using the 3/16" hole piercer.<br />
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3. Place the eyelet through the hole from the back of the leather.<br />
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4. Place the receiver over the eyelet.<br />
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5. Use the medium eyelet setter to set the eyelet inside the snap.<br />
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6. Roll conditioned polymer clay in a pea-sized ball and press into the snap receiver, removing clay as needed.<br />
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7. Use stamps to decorate the clay. I also used a gold Sharpie for dots.<br />
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8. Bake as directed (I chose a clay that would bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes at the thickness I was using)<br />
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9. Apply any finishing techniques to the clay as desired (buffing, sealing, etc).<br />
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I better get to work developing a project with all these leftover snap pieces!<br />
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Create recklessly,<br />
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Melissa<br />
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PS - Look for our new online store at the end of this month, complete with a new store manager... former beadclub customers might recognize her! ; )<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-37062961666789418582014-05-23T12:34:00.001-07:002014-05-23T12:34:24.956-07:00Cheers to School Teachers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /> Leather coffee sleeve using Tierracast Rivetables</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Melissa Cable</span></div>
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School is getting ready to wrap up and the fifth grade moms asked me to come up with a little thank you gift for our elementary school's teachers and staff. I have lots of scrap leather that I was happy to donate, but a bracelet proved tricky due to varying tastes, sizes and genders. I took a sip of my Starbucks as I was contemplating other projects (a leather wrapped-pen, book marks...) and then I noticed the cardboard sleeve on the cup. Bingo! Leather coffee sleeves!<br />
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<a href="http://www.tierracast.com/newprods/leather_findings_2.php" target="_blank">Tierracast's</a> new rivetables were perfect for adorning the sleeves, both functionally and aesthetically. It was an easy project and the other moms and I had fun making 45 of them over morning coffee. While these were simple, I envisioned how I could make customized sleeves...with engraved drawings from my children, colorful stitches, tooled patterns, handmade hardware. I can't wait to have the time to try!<br />
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Make sure to use a leather that has a finish on it or apply a sealant (so it can be easily wiped in case of drips). For this same reason, you may also want to apply edge coat to the exposed edges of the sleeve.<br />
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<b>Tools and supplies:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.beadsmith.com/" target="_blank">Beadsmith</a> leather hole punch <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(LP200)</span> set to 2mm hole<br />
Tierracast rivet setter <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(79-0103-00)</span> and small steel block<br />
Scissors or leather shears<br />
Pen<br />
3 Tierracast rivetable charms <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Item 94-5797, 98, 99)</span><br />
3 Tierracast cap rivets <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Item 01-0060)</span><br />
Starbucks coffee sleeve<br />
Leather 2.5" X 10"*<br />
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1. Use the 2mm leather hole punch to pierce 3 holes on the coffee sleeve (centered on the glued seam of the sleeve)<br />
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2. Careful peel the seam apart. Place the sleeve on the back of a piece of leather and trace it, being sure to mark the holes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGe_PzjZDPs5iU8lYqm7DnhlQqLWy7To0ZLNFqWTaUEwk0gn0C0hPR_S8HHhnAPZKS5X0dTQ12XXYnwP8C-UhvJwcbJh4gdhCjtGlTu6Efnw6AlYsj-3gpyv-tu0c-tgRmGJ7V9uQ2Ms/s1600/template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGe_PzjZDPs5iU8lYqm7DnhlQqLWy7To0ZLNFqWTaUEwk0gn0C0hPR_S8HHhnAPZKS5X0dTQ12XXYnwP8C-UhvJwcbJh4gdhCjtGlTu6Efnw6AlYsj-3gpyv-tu0c-tgRmGJ7V9uQ2Ms/s1600/template.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Cut out the leather and use the 2mm leather hole punch to pierce the holes in the leather.<br />
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4. Place the peg part of the cap rivet from the back of the leather on the end that is notched. Place the hole on the other end of the leather over the peg, put the charm on the peg, and then place the cap over the peg, pushing down firmly. Repeat until all 3 charms are applied.<br />
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5. Place the back of the pegs on a steel block (the block will be sitting inside of the sleeve). Place the rivet setter on the rivet cap and strike it firmly with a weighted rawhide or other hammer.<br />
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6. Might I suggest a triple tall americano with that?<br />
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Create recklessly!<br />
<br />
Melissa<br />
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*You can reduce size of sleeve to use just 2 charms with a 2" X 10" piece of leather.<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-67230378634973324082014-05-13T12:40:00.001-07:002014-05-13T19:14:06.590-07:00Back, but Never Gone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPLd5lFyE75IHdmiklJjC-6MqLQ6ya06E7NzwFWqfWRJ7fQkJ6EtHsKfKspUGRIczswSfHUl07aSMSM1uQ3U4Bll4xTz96Un7FtjSzUnlXtiyQ4flTMgjFTaDmq1jilbltSeUR-SvGLM/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPLd5lFyE75IHdmiklJjC-6MqLQ6ya06E7NzwFWqfWRJ7fQkJ6EtHsKfKspUGRIczswSfHUl07aSMSM1uQ3U4Bll4xTz96Un7FtjSzUnlXtiyQ4flTMgjFTaDmq1jilbltSeUR-SvGLM/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Creating recklessly at home...almost done!</span></div>
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I have been on hiatus...not just from this blog but from from my normal day-to-day joy of making. Due to water damage resulting from a leaking refrigerator and improperly installed decks, we began repairs and remodel on our home in January. This meant that the entire contents of our first floor was packed into the kids room and studio while my family and dog moved downstairs for the last 4 months. Except for a piece I made for the <a href="http://www.helby.com/designers.htm" target="_blank">Beadsmith Inspiration Squad</a> and an article I wrote for <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/step-by-step-wire-jewelry-june-july-2014-digital-edition" target="_blank">Step by Step Wire</a>...I have created nothing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHaOxlR2GL7_Ha0DhyoEph6S6bzq85XBOn2fxnn2_IjD_XRuXFTGujfOvSFUlcEavOjlMjMiBQdtbvtitLsIr_3d0tXmN3g-RKcS4F2b28ciJ063kI1l8N0DckDRvqWiBPH7i5A67UX0/s1600/CABLEInlay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHaOxlR2GL7_Ha0DhyoEph6S6bzq85XBOn2fxnn2_IjD_XRuXFTGujfOvSFUlcEavOjlMjMiBQdtbvtitLsIr_3d0tXmN3g-RKcS4F2b28ciJ063kI1l8N0DckDRvqWiBPH7i5A67UX0/s1600/CABLEInlay.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.helby.com/designers.htm" target="_blank">Beadsmith Inspiration Squad </a>Project Using "O" beads inlayed into leather.</span></div>
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It has really bothered me the last few months that I could so easily step away from making things and teaching. Normally if I go a week without making something I go stir crazy. I get restless. But this time was different. I didn't miss it. At all. Am I burned out? Should I switch directions and do something else? Do I really like what I do as much as I thought? Questions and doubts filled my mind. Well, now that the remodel is done I have figure out why I didn't miss it. It is simply because that over the last four months my artistic medium has been our home. I have created recklessly with my home, designing a space for our family that is comfortable and functional. <br />
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Now we all know how uber-talented the dear <a href="http://tracystanleywireandmetalarts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tracy Stanley</a> is. Turns out, her husband Warren is just as talented! He served as our general contractor, and lets be honest, he knew how to handle every crazy idea I had and made them all come to fruition. Afterall, he lives with someone like me...someone who I suspect has to create to thrive. When I told him I was going to take a class in working with stainless steel so that I could make my own brackets for this crazy installation I wanted, he didn't even blink. I'll post on that project when the installation is done so you can see the journey from start to finish.<br />
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But now the remodel is nearly done, a little paint and stain and the upstairs interior is finished. With that part of my creative life nearly over, I notice I've been getting restless again. Luckily, the <a href="http://search.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/beadandbuttonshow/default.aspx?mode=search&ins=T602" target="_blank">Bead and Button Show</a> is just around the corner. I can't wait to teach lots of <a href="http://search.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/beadandbuttonshow/default.aspx?mode=search&ins=T602" target="_blank">leather and Faux Bone classes </a>and get back to making and teaching.<br />
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So here I am, I'm back. But really...I never left.<br />
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Create recklessly,<br />
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Melissa<br />
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PS - A quick shout out to another instructor stretching their creative wings! <a href="http://search.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/beadandbuttonshow/default.aspx?mode=search&ins=T855" target="_blank">Linda Franzblau</a> serves as the Marketing Manager for Kalmbach books and I have worked with her on my last two books: <a href="http://www.kalmbachstore.com/64438.html" target="_blank">Metal Jewelry in Bloom</a> and <a href="http://www.kalmbachstore.com/67036.html" target="_blank">Beautiful Leather Jewelry</a>. I was pleased to see she's stepping away from the desk and teaching some <a href="http://search.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/beadandbuttonshow/default.aspx?mode=search&ins=T855" target="_blank">classes</a>. Be sure to check them out!<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-28047479741411211122014-04-07T10:35:00.000-07:002014-09-25T13:55:36.317-07:00A Create Recklessly Challenge: Now That's A Jig!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://eepurl.com/R6_3n" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8ouIvlIu6oc5I6z6mPO2yx-KrUeKvdj9xusfyslFPyGbJMY70XUWlPzhnLtwIuDKcLf-TYglDB7GWiTf23E4mp7Qgozdh5IKhpozrUOmKtp1vnc4Oxl6CY8yNv7ii8XuGltM5q-QG_E/s1600/WRK140401.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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Did you get a chance to see the <a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/10/inspiration-from-inspiration-now-thats.html">waxed string template trick</a> for "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103465551/now-thats-a-jig-starter-kit">Now That's A Jig!</a>" in the Spring 2014 issue of <a href="http://www.kalmbachstore.com/wrk.html"><i>Wirework</i> magazine</a>? We'd like to see what YOU do with this trick!<br />
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Be one of the first 50 people to <a href="http://eepurl.com/R6_3n">sign up</a> and we'll send you a small pack of waxed string to create recklessly with! Create your own template on any jig and email us a photo of your finished jewelry piece and a photo of your waxed string template. We'll post them here on the Create Recklessly blog for our readers to vote on their favorite. Didn't make it in time to become one of the first 50? No problem. Track down some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/WikkiStix-804-Wikki-Primary-Colors/dp/B0011E2S7C/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1396891609&sr=8-8&keywords=wikki+sticks">waxed string </a>at your local craft or party supply store and join the challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Now-Thats-a-Jig/248394055243311" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRVz4jmLdpxlt_VXX_vbOlWETSixDeqR1RJygX00izdQ4zf5sF8u6cC2yq4n4mIr-44BX47mWTg79T7oH7UwOtNNDzTh7hv-9TaJdRois3dwN1ZJSdIhb-Ll8TRm3naGiXPEHOPR6mcY/s1600/NTAJlogo.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103465551/now-thats-a-jig-starter-kit" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH4Dir2p_k35GdEl2GCkgNP-5tElL2IV_iW-5AUtPVjC0PHI2ZlUsfB1b4L5uLVoYJwvYBhVafKCVbnZx_H3onY9jGdiVULtp-txxi3nPu229pnlpTrU5NhGnYuYRFp7rNpKxJADvxpU/s1600/NTAJ.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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The winner will receive the amazing "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103465551/now-thats-a-jig-starter-kit">Now That's A Jig!</a>" courtesy of the wire maestro, Brenda Schweder herself!!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Details</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Deadline extended! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How to Enter: </b>To enter, create a template on any jig using waxed string and make a piece of jewelry (bracelet, necklace, or earrings). Email a photo (JPG) of the finished piece of jewelry and a photo of the waxed string template <b>by December 15, 2014</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Voting: </b>Voting will take place <b>between January 1, 2015</b> and <b>January 15, 2015.</b> Voters can vote for as many entries as they like, but they can only vote for each entry once.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Winner Selection: </b>The winning piece of jewelry will be the one that has the most votes. Other winners may be selected at the blog owner’s discretion. Winners will be notified via email on <b>February 1, 2015</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Mail JPG photos to: </b>melissa@melissacable.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rules:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: white;"></b></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white;" type="disc">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One entry per person.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All submissions must be made from a template you made with waxed strings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Winners will be chosen by the readers of Create Recklessly. <i>A</i>ll decisions of the blog owner shall be made at their sole and absolute discretion and will be final.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Create Recklessly readers can vote for as many entries as they like, but they can only vote for each entry once.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By entering, entrant is assuring beadclub LLC that their submission is an original design of the entrant and that the entrant has the right to submit it for use by Create Recklessly without the consent or approval of any third party. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By entering, each entrant is granting beadclub LLC the perpetual and royalty-free right to use the photographs (without photo credits) and the name of the entrants and winners.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.</span></li>
</ul>
Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-39500605892370843512013-11-24T22:24:00.001-08:002013-11-24T22:24:19.549-08:00Melissa's Coconut Butter Chocolate, Banana, Rum, Bacon Bark<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxIbcVlibaQs5XlTCFDTCes2-W0HXj-ZWymU7NgMVTPSsDLROiC_FQU4EjxQjaFWxQuYJJOrU8viS5_JKJRYtUtFRonN5gi0lF07rVJxMBDLYalXmGfZndthU90VbOqiVMiQHItsLask/s1600/bark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxIbcVlibaQs5XlTCFDTCes2-W0HXj-ZWymU7NgMVTPSsDLROiC_FQU4EjxQjaFWxQuYJJOrU8viS5_JKJRYtUtFRonN5gi0lF07rVJxMBDLYalXmGfZndthU90VbOqiVMiQHItsLask/s200/bark.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Melissa's Coconut Butter Chocolate, <br />Banana, Rum, Bacon Bark</span></div>
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I stumbled upon the recipe for <a href="http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2011/12/08/edible-holiday-gifts-whiskey-caramel-mashamallow-and-bacon-bark/">Chocolate, Marshmallow, Whiskey, Caramel, Bacon Bark</a> (pictured and linked below) and made it for my husband and his friends for their recent "guys night." I won't even begin to tell you how much sugar this recipe uses. But I will say, it was sticky, chocolaty heaven!<br />
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<a href="http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2011/12/08/edible-holiday-gifts-whiskey-caramel-mashamallow-and-bacon-bark/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs8i1HMSG2jflrqBrxq4INFEL6lZ0j_mjJMZxityCNkckBcfatngeZp7C1KTdlxTezz7RK9XjCKl7VYpstDQR6gy9qBFz4qpzpNGHXNEd0D7_w9xGzeu2duDUhXCO4M-kjwO67wK694c/s200/Whiskey-Marshmallow-and-Caramel-Bacon-Bark_Endless-Simmer.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2011/12/08/edible-holiday-gifts-whiskey-caramel-mashamallow-and-bacon-bark/">From EndlessSimmer.com</a></span></div>
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One of the guys, like me, had just finished his <a href="http://www.whole9life.com/2013/08/the-whole30-program/">Whole 30</a> (no dairy, grains, sugar, alcohol, legumes for 30 days) and we joked about how we could make this Whole 30 compliant.<br />
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So of course, my mind mulled over this thought all day. And, although this is not compliant and I certainly wouldn't call it health food, it is dairy and processed-sugar free. But, there is rum hidden inside...and bacon...well, that's not so hidden. If you like frozen chocolate covered bananas, trust me, you'll love this!<br />
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8 oz. jar of coconut butter<br />
2 Tbsp cocoa powder<br />
1 medium overripe banana<br />
3 Tbsp rum (Zaya is my favorite)<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
1/4 cup crispy crumbled bacon<br />
8X8 pan lined with parchment paper<br />
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1. Place the coconut butter into the microwave, lid off, for 1 minute. Stir the jar so that the butter has even consistency. You can heat it again 15 seconds at a time, but if you overheat it you can burn the unstirred butter at the bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gfoRtMp9ptERYQZZj-3M_vWKVbJnFQEHQR_XA5IPmWc55ins7iVk4W7uOXin-u8vkDeIK8ALYd3s-C1gsmQhgD9InA1sze1ffaXji0d30cVf2NS7iArcYSfKTKSk634Yz1ExTGtJ8wc/s1600/buttercocoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gfoRtMp9ptERYQZZj-3M_vWKVbJnFQEHQR_XA5IPmWc55ins7iVk4W7uOXin-u8vkDeIK8ALYd3s-C1gsmQhgD9InA1sze1ffaXji0d30cVf2NS7iArcYSfKTKSk634Yz1ExTGtJ8wc/s200/buttercocoa.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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2. Spoon out half of the coconut butter into a small dish and mix with 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder. Reheat as needed to get a smooth consistency.<br />
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3. Spread half of the chocolate mixture into the 8X8 dish and place in the freezer until firm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTkIlD9rf_dHd6CNec6Fk_zAg3ZIRAX9GB7fCltClPvfdvO7MBFGUudCAcBEbT0xv6JfpvjTfVgcQSPTQdr0tKTKmW4-TeoSk1N7q6GDk1mNnL18A5X-82M9CGc8AIglQtxLxijJ7_0Y/s1600/chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTkIlD9rf_dHd6CNec6Fk_zAg3ZIRAX9GB7fCltClPvfdvO7MBFGUudCAcBEbT0xv6JfpvjTfVgcQSPTQdr0tKTKmW4-TeoSk1N7q6GDk1mNnL18A5X-82M9CGc8AIglQtxLxijJ7_0Y/s200/chocolate.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
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4. Mash up the peeled banana with the back of a fork until smooth. Place it in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turn light golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 3 Tbsp of rum and the vanilla. Stir in 1 Tbsp of coconut butter and reheat the entire mixture if needed to get an even and spreadable consistency.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsALevaGWousQFoMqFYRhmR8DS7LfT-wZaaG1CWYa4jDc-203dBV3h4IWhVwGkZAXhll9Xeske2VmHrNlvsoTx6WMNit-nfnXP428s4dCIfk6EzASprrRT9LywFZTXyh8jxRgRC-CHhts/s1600/banana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsALevaGWousQFoMqFYRhmR8DS7LfT-wZaaG1CWYa4jDc-203dBV3h4IWhVwGkZAXhll9Xeske2VmHrNlvsoTx6WMNit-nfnXP428s4dCIfk6EzASprrRT9LywFZTXyh8jxRgRC-CHhts/s200/banana.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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5. Remove the chocolate from the freezer and spread the banana rum mixture over the chocolate. Return to the freezer until cooled. The banana mixture will become firmer but will not solidify completely.<br />
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6. Reheat the remaining chocolate mixture. Remove the pan from the freezer and spread the remaining chocolate mixture across the banana. Top with crumbled bacon, pressing it in lightly. Return to the freezer until chocolate is firm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMf-mVKFqFWVt7Nh7xGQiYkVIsDAM4AwjDg2WzbZbI7Zy9ZcHEmoVE0fEdZHU-jv82tYSU1f3aX86hoRxp_kjz4fMtS2xeYcnzvQnHonSvZCFJVszamP-1RNsYxfsiaiVyWf37tslxyo/s1600/bacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMf-mVKFqFWVt7Nh7xGQiYkVIsDAM4AwjDg2WzbZbI7Zy9ZcHEmoVE0fEdZHU-jv82tYSU1f3aX86hoRxp_kjz4fMtS2xeYcnzvQnHonSvZCFJVszamP-1RNsYxfsiaiVyWf37tslxyo/s200/bacon.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
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7. Remove from the pan, break into pieces and store in an airtight container the refrigerator.<br />
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Creating recklessly in the kitchen this week,<br />
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Melissa<br />
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PS - If you are in the Seattle area, join me up at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/551232538287856/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular">the Ranch Center for Arts and Craft </a>on December 14 at 10am for a class called "Get 'Er Done." Bring your unfinished projects or projects you've been meaning to start and I'll help you jump in, recklessly, and get 'er done! We'll cover lots of techniques and materials as we learn from the varying projects students bring. And...I'll bring some of the chocolate, banana, rum, bacon bark! Visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/551232538287856/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular">the Ranch's Facebook page</a> for sign up information.Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-1941897982235583252013-11-04T16:48:00.001-08:002013-11-04T21:32:27.687-08:00Leather Embellished Wood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyK29lo73qeKUwNfoAEncSXOGky4Qp9cr2tStOLrZ6Wd8R3NpVdVDU5SIXfrzj6VVMSQr-WdRMl66e-UDI1g-V-qJ4-4T9RLarPtyYvHVNlniNcrgdY0Nvg-ZdFwObjpC_Er29ofAEpw/s1600/woodleatherfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyK29lo73qeKUwNfoAEncSXOGky4Qp9cr2tStOLrZ6Wd8R3NpVdVDU5SIXfrzj6VVMSQr-WdRMl66e-UDI1g-V-qJ4-4T9RLarPtyYvHVNlniNcrgdY0Nvg-ZdFwObjpC_Er29ofAEpw/s320/woodleatherfinal.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wood, Leather by Melissa Cable, 2013</span></div>
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Some of my favorite projects in my next book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Leather-Jewelry-Timeless-Techniques/dp/1627000658/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383610495&sr=8-1&keywords=beautiful+leather+jewelry">Beautiful Leather Jewelry</a> (Jan 2014), are leather embellished wood beads. There are capsule beads, spool beads and more. So when I saw a Facebook ad for wood plugs by <a href="http://www.widgetco.com/wood-plugs">WidgetCo</a> I was both excited and horrified. Does Facebook know me THAT well...eek!<br />
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But, regardless, off to <a href="http://www.widgetco.com/wood-plugs">WidgetCo</a> I went and ordered a variety of <a href="http://www.widgetco.com/wood-plugs-side-grain-face-grain">face grain wood plugs</a>. I am always happy to feature a company that has great products and service and this company qualifies. The wood plugs were beautiful, the package came quickly and they even followed up with an email (promise this is not a paid endorsement, they don't even know I am writing this!) I included a copy of my order here to make it easier for you in case you decide to make one.<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">If you leave a comment below, I'll draw a name and send the winner some of my wood plug stash! Let me know if you've worked with wood and why or why not. I'd love to hear what you've been doing.</span><br />
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I'll admit, I was a cold connections snob. I did not count adhesives among quality connections. But a class with Bob Ebendorf changed that, thank goodness, because much of the work I do with leather and wood would be difficult if not impossible without adhesives....including this bracelet as it is made by drilling holes in the sides of the wood plugs and gluing them together with 2mm round leather cord. Here is a quick step-by-step on making this bracelet, with TWO types of glue...eek!<br />
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1. Mark the holes on the wood plugs. This is best accomplished using the tape covered circle template I described in my post "<a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/02/finding-center.html">Finding Center</a>." Remember that the interior plugs will have 4 holes, the exterior 3 holes and the corners only 2 holes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMgTfcOZa91UXJAk3vmIg4_qhvDgADS_RhV2UjudT9yiYRXIqwljWa2rTJ6efo9zstwn8Cev2HavnVEEzi-wHLG0YxID5lEbGS3WrxzAjcX8SbX24kw7U7GMvDJb3Suezf_mobrwAWCY/s1600/center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMgTfcOZa91UXJAk3vmIg4_qhvDgADS_RhV2UjudT9yiYRXIqwljWa2rTJ6efo9zstwn8Cev2HavnVEEzi-wHLG0YxID5lEbGS3WrxzAjcX8SbX24kw7U7GMvDJb3Suezf_mobrwAWCY/s200/center.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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Let me make the mistakes for you...be sure to mark your holes! I failed to do this with my piece, I jumped right in because I was anxious to try it! Next time, I will definitely be more precise.<br />
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2. Place the plugs in a small vice (this is my favorite ZONA vise). Be sure to put scrap wood below the plugs so you don't drill into your vise. Use a drill size that works with the leather you chose. I used 2mm leather and a 3/32" drill bit.<br />
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I painted the sides and back of each wood piece with a metallic bronze paint, which is optional. I also painted the leather cord in a light coat of the same paint.<br />
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3. Place a needle tip on a bottle of Zap A Gap. Work in vertical sections by connecting three plugs together at a time. Drop glue into the hole and slide a piece of leather into the hole. Hold for a moment to let it set. Be careful to use only 1 drop of glue...excess glue can and will ooze out of the other holes easily.<br />
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Trim the leather so that it is approximately 1/2" so that you have 1/4" between the wood and 1/4" to glue inside the adjacent plug (1/8" for inside smaller plugs). Keep glueing vertical sections of three together, making sure they end up the same height. When you are done with vertical sections, connect these sections together by gluing in leather cord horizontally between the holes.<br />
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4. Punch circles out of leather and place edge coat on the edges to both clean up the edges and frame the leather. Use Tandy Leather Weld to glue the leather discs on top of the wood as desired.<br />
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TIP: I remove the lid from the leather glue and leave a paintbrush inside. Early on, I put painters tape around it to keep it sealed, but now over time, it has created its own glue plug. While not attractive, it works well and I always have a brush for glue.<br />
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5. I spray sealed the entire piece with a shiny acrylic sealant, which really made the wood pop, and then on the center end plugs I inserted <a href="http://timholtz.com/prod_cat/fasteners/">antique copper eye screws</a> to attach the hook clasp.<br />
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This bracelet is amazingly strong (which is why I love and prefer Zap A Gap for my cyanoacrylate needs). I tried to pull two pieces apart and no matter how hard I tried, could not get them to separate. I had to trim the leather cord and drill into the leather when I accidentally left a piece of leather too long!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and I hope you get a chance to Create Recklessly this week!<br />
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Melissa<br />
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06;">PS: The winner of the <i>Surface Texture Bible</i> is....Angi Mullis! <br />Let us know how you like it Angi. : )</span></b><br />
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Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-7486375078258911212013-10-25T12:09:00.000-07:002013-10-25T12:42:33.105-07:00Inspiration from Inspiration: Now That's A Jig!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/103465551/now-thats-a-jig-starter-kit?ref=shop_home_active"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsxTRXBqZaPq73ewQ2qKszyjphlt0q3nZJaiXplXx_lx2q_RlKYzrKOR6xaTUS-zFGBuI-BeQwbinlkwjGrczFib50bgpBoHm44eBC6R4WTlwdJi_WncN-a_zLmVtX-23pvmJYIzGGJs/s200/IMG_5168.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/103465551/now-thats-a-jig-starter-kit?ref=shop_home_active">Now That's A Jig</a> with </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">wax string template</span></div>
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The <a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/10/leather-embossingdebossing.html">embossed/debossed leather</a> I made yesterday has been rattling around in my brain. I am so inspired by its texture and now envision a collar made up of triangular pieces. The original inspiration of organic texture on a refined shape is asserting itself (<a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/10/leather-embossingdebossing.html">see last blog</a>). Little did <a href="http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/">Eva Sherman</a> know her bracelet would spark such a creative flurry!<br />
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I decided to try and mimic the texture on the leather using wire... and when I think wire, I think <a href="http://www.brendaschweder.com/">Brenda Schweder's</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/brendaschweder">Now That's A Jig!</a> I use this tool constantly in my workshop, but to be honest, most often I use it for things other than wire. The many threaded holes allow me to screw things down, anchor objects, bend sheet into neat corners...the list goes on and on. So I am always thrilled when I can go back and use it for its original purpose...wire!<br />
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What I am really excited about sharing is that, because I had the wax covered string out from part I of this project, it occurred to me that these strings would make great templates on the jig! They stick nicely, won't damage the jig, and I know exactly how much wire to use because I know the length and quantity of the string I used.<br />
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The trick is to lay the strings down as if they are one long string, allowing you to have an unbroken path for your wire. I had to adjust my strings as the original path (below) was not an unbroken path.<br />
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Next, place peg at all of the turns. I used the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/103480666/ntaj-peg-mix-round?ref=shop_home_active">1/8" pegs</a> but could have used some of the larger or smaller ones as needed. When I make the final version of these components, I may use the 1/4" in the corners.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">TIP</span></b>: If you get a post stuck did you know you can use the top of another post to help grasp it to twist it out?<br />
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I used 14 gauge wire. In the future, I will anneal it first. I used three 6" wax strings so I knew I needed at least 18" of wire...I cut about 24" to give me plenty of tail to anchor as I pulled on the wire. I started in one corner at the center of the wire and began to follow the path.<br />
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Once done, I pulled the wire off the pegs gently. When I am done with this project, my plan is to remove the pegs and then carefully transfer the wax sticks to a piece of paper for future use.<br />
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I then soldered the wire form in select areas and ran it through my rolling mill to flatten and apply texture. I need to practice refining the shape a bit more, but there is proof of concept here I believe. I traced the shape on the back of the leather and cut it out. Design wise, I am not fond of the difference in the "weight" of the two components and will likely experiment with soldering bezels for stones or other things onto the wire in order to beef it up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sESB8WxDknGVyn_fXZor-0od_t3d9sMhk54SITmlnJ6cI6UCyQX60uaUZLGRZ88jignTlxa_S6A0T_tRbmyJ0zNDT4NAhLYi4SC0lI0qNrPH5vijsOaBwJtbCI-odziBKYwoTwojh0s/s1600/IMG_5173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sESB8WxDknGVyn_fXZor-0od_t3d9sMhk54SITmlnJ6cI6UCyQX60uaUZLGRZ88jignTlxa_S6A0T_tRbmyJ0zNDT4NAhLYi4SC0lI0qNrPH5vijsOaBwJtbCI-odziBKYwoTwojh0s/s200/IMG_5173.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Also, I mentioned in the last blog post that I was thinking of finishing the cut edges by pulling the leather up, cutting the string back and then gluing it flat. That worked beautifully.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9WGfLdQUbM6Goob50YmEsygcHkuUb6qdSPjshU30uV4ZE-59zn5ktyNJ9FhRGrdscV9cKIpHlUxZYn-bKDig_RJN2S7t4KnIrl_p21jwOLiJhjuDHmxWJW68sFpie5PwV1AqmkSFgLI/s1600/IMG_5176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9WGfLdQUbM6Goob50YmEsygcHkuUb6qdSPjshU30uV4ZE-59zn5ktyNJ9FhRGrdscV9cKIpHlUxZYn-bKDig_RJN2S7t4KnIrl_p21jwOLiJhjuDHmxWJW68sFpie5PwV1AqmkSFgLI/s200/IMG_5176.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
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Thanks again for stopping by. I'll be sure to post the final piece once I get all of the components made.<br />
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Create Recklessly!<br />
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Melissa<br />
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PS - <span style="color: #cc0000;">Leave a comment below and I'll draw a name next week and send the winner a pack of waxed string to make their own templates! </span>: ) Let me know if you shared the post on any of your social media and I'll enter your name twice. Shameless self-promotion, yes, but I've learned some great things from our readers! My favorite tip was where to get colored 2.5mm CZs....I use them constantly now! Thanks Georgette and Julie!<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-14131652007143562612013-10-24T12:40:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:40:45.908-07:00Leather Embossing/Debossing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcy6ZsSLGfywl-HyMSGp2oQcawfphCD6VCCOWZcAQUZN30RKR3WK7PUIhAlZ6Fy9Qsm5q4j4XWgbXi0c9IajZd2Qv7O-N7Z26mH_VBPA69bMb-0vwccLXL5jlJDAbOv2QDOzRCZ0eDCQ/s1600/IMG_5161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcy6ZsSLGfywl-HyMSGp2oQcawfphCD6VCCOWZcAQUZN30RKR3WK7PUIhAlZ6Fy9Qsm5q4j4XWgbXi0c9IajZd2Qv7O-N7Z26mH_VBPA69bMb-0vwccLXL5jlJDAbOv2QDOzRCZ0eDCQ/s320/IMG_5161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Embossed/Debossed Leather sample</span></div>
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Earlier this week Eva Sherman posted <a href="http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/2013/10/year-of-jewelry-project-weeks-41-42-43.html">week #43 of her "Year of Jewelry Projects"</a>. I have been a big fan of watching these mostly fold-formed pieces being created throughout the year, but something about this one really inspired me. I loved the organic texture on the refined rectangle shapes.<br />
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<a href="http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/2013/10/year-of-jewelry-project-weeks-41-42-43.html"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnivjLOBdQ4obj2aV1urqA5GUVmHiMNi0CRIvn3Wl_xS7lUd9mituhoo4KQoAbKcY46dhoJVUMKuw4nXht3LV9YdoV0hUii3GGtF4oLpyTlF9sJ_LwxfgPf8nOuYH8b2pVShDZ8CNTVGI/s320/YOJ+Week+43+-+Micro+Fold+Formed+Link+Bracelet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I immediately envisioned creating an embossed leather version, probably because I had just finished proofing the galleys of my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Leather-Jewelry-Timeless-Techniques/dp/1627000658">new leather jewelry book</a> and was enjoying perusing the book <i>The Surface Texture Bible</i>. In fact, I bought two of these books at my local book clearance store, so leave a comment below and I'll draw a name and send the second copy out as a prize!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimml-L4UmTe67dujN5lFlCLizzyDXhcLyh0fgXu6aGMtkYqhBNLkS1QkhbRzIlSD6x1dx24qZq5mJa6DwBdIo0DAVfOX-_L60hrCxuJpE5HZNgLgwe_wnStADNL0cqAvgG5ZVoLuK3X3g/s1600/IMG_5163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimml-L4UmTe67dujN5lFlCLizzyDXhcLyh0fgXu6aGMtkYqhBNLkS1QkhbRzIlSD6x1dx24qZq5mJa6DwBdIo0DAVfOX-_L60hrCxuJpE5HZNgLgwe_wnStADNL0cqAvgG5ZVoLuK3X3g/s200/IMG_5163.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Leave a comment below and <br />you may win this book!</span></b></div>
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The first thing that came to mind was a project I did with my daughter's kindergarten class in which we laid down wax colored string (also known as Bendaroos or Bendy Sticks) onto a wood frame and then did paper maiche over them. I mulled over gluing down string or using hot glue, but the wax string method seemed the least messy, the most flexible and was a technique I was familiar with.<br />
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My poor kids. They are getting used to hearing, "Hey everyone, put on your shoes, we are running up to Michael's." So off we went, and although no longer carried at Michaels, the wax string was found at the adjacent party store.<br />
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A step-by-step of how I created the embossed/debossed leather (can't decide which it is technically) is below. I had intended to cut the leather into rectangles, paint them and connect them together in the same fashion as Eva's piece. However, I found that I am really drawn to this piece of leather and its texture and am going to sit it aside and play with its use in my brain for a while.<br />
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1. Lay the waxed string across the backside of a piece of 2-4 ounce vegetable tanned leather. Press firmly to keep the string in place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBW5ruFJP_wJ-re-MgxpWkzkAj4kSgzOv51cRD4KmYNEmm_z_PARkfMl4H35aHRTOP1I9_jPZn1FYXWkTTuSNdDZgMbgdCx0fOTSHWGgZbBH2peIz3avJOuwCjPHdCmGd8sOsYroVi4w/s1600/IMG_5154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBW5ruFJP_wJ-re-MgxpWkzkAj4kSgzOv51cRD4KmYNEmm_z_PARkfMl4H35aHRTOP1I9_jPZn1FYXWkTTuSNdDZgMbgdCx0fOTSHWGgZbBH2peIz3avJOuwCjPHdCmGd8sOsYroVi4w/s200/IMG_5154.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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2. Paint 1/4 of the leather and strings with a thin coat of leather glue, I prefer Tandy's Leather Weld. Lay a 1 ounce piece of leather over the strings, backside down, and use a wet paper towel to gently press the leather down, wetting it so it becomes flexible and defining the outlines of the string at the same time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W6-Nh6-E1Fj3p3u-p46ecmiomk6tnkJKoDdjoJP_rWD9e53QmEsDOTGlWWq_FUpqwGqkiHPs-bTmyug_3CRBu0kOjPMH24IrBdi0ZWly8fY0Hg8p9vsnk6dGLIjksS0a1hswrOkJhck/s1600/IMG_5155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W6-Nh6-E1Fj3p3u-p46ecmiomk6tnkJKoDdjoJP_rWD9e53QmEsDOTGlWWq_FUpqwGqkiHPs-bTmyug_3CRBu0kOjPMH24IrBdi0ZWly8fY0Hg8p9vsnk6dGLIjksS0a1hswrOkJhck/s200/IMG_5155.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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3. Use dapping punches, chasing tools or leather modeling tools to press the leather down into the recesses. You will need to go over the sections several times as the leather will keep pulling from its neighboring recesses as you stretch it. I found that pressing on both sides of the string helped stretch the leather evenly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zAmFoLMpAduun-29r4zh6mj_qVQtGYYWRieDu_QFyv6mF8btutEKd2JuFnjfuosnhBRBw5__ZDHvT7nKPLwhW4vkQGbyaaBZwlgRJ9C2zkuvqT3BKQ9xV33fzE4ypekMePREHTE8GDU/s1600/IMG_5156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zAmFoLMpAduun-29r4zh6mj_qVQtGYYWRieDu_QFyv6mF8btutEKd2JuFnjfuosnhBRBw5__ZDHvT7nKPLwhW4vkQGbyaaBZwlgRJ9C2zkuvqT3BKQ9xV33fzE4ypekMePREHTE8GDU/s200/IMG_5156.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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4. Glue and wet the next 1/4 section and repeat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWep4Lq3-OOZMqbmslY_euFvG1CFZfeGGmsG54EVmw96HpUU3WKXRMgr2wWyOu2y7J3fz1Z28QBz1Nu7e94x8WG45h5sSCl05G2IKML2-8udzh6fFVUXYztdV4TzOcEJZVdian4boWo4/s1600/IMG_5158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWep4Lq3-OOZMqbmslY_euFvG1CFZfeGGmsG54EVmw96HpUU3WKXRMgr2wWyOu2y7J3fz1Z28QBz1Nu7e94x8WG45h5sSCl05G2IKML2-8udzh6fFVUXYztdV4TzOcEJZVdian4boWo4/s200/IMG_5158.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
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5. When I finally do a finished project, I will need to determine how I will deal with the cut edges. I will likely pull the leather up, trim the string and glue the leather back down flat. I'm also curious to see if the wax migrates to the surface of the leather and stains it. This will cause blemishes if I use a water-based dye or may prevent adhesion if I use an acrylic leather paint. I'll share the results when I get there!<br />
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I know I still owe you a post on how to create line art from paintings (<a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-inspiration-comes-from.html">see my last blog post</a>). I recently took apart my etching tank for a good cleaning an once I get it back together I will get on it. It's a fun exercise and I look forward to sharing it.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by. Create Recklessly this weekend!<br />
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Melissa<br />
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PS - Stop by my daughter's new blog <a href="http://diaryofacursedbrother.blogspot.com/">"Diary of a Cursed Brother"</a> and see her new project. November is <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month</a> and it is a great time to get writing!Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-84814042692557270302013-09-19T10:25:00.001-07:002013-09-19T10:55:24.718-07:00My Inspiration Comes From...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnzmcUAJ2gdnHbOCRajOBZV0pkDpCGm_t5KGInXhTQk-lC7ZcY2VIniPp_lQnS2cBi9HPNCk2RyAdsZbKyUZgNvKfsgcwgVab8errxj3Vy4WyZmkKSDLHHqZfD-l-r2t6yt9NOW-9PgQ/s1600/barbpaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnzmcUAJ2gdnHbOCRajOBZV0pkDpCGm_t5KGInXhTQk-lC7ZcY2VIniPp_lQnS2cBi9HPNCk2RyAdsZbKyUZgNvKfsgcwgVab8errxj3Vy4WyZmkKSDLHHqZfD-l-r2t6yt9NOW-9PgQ/s400/barbpaint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Untitled </i>by<i> </i>Barbara Fox, acrylic on canvas</span></div>
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Last month I put everything aside to redecorate my daughter's bedroom. As I removed everything from her walls so that I could paint, I took down a painting that has been a part of her room since she was born. Before that, the painting hung in my retail shop, before that in my office, and before that in my living room. The 90's frame is enough to signal I've had it for a while. It was painted by my friend Barbara. With our Synchroblog topic this month of "My Inspiration Comes From..." it was the perfect time to introduce you to this driving force in both my personal and professional life.</div>
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At nearly any given time during my sophomore and junior years of college I had three jobs, including being an assistant to a woman named Barbara Fox. At that time Barbara was one of the longest survivors with her type of metastatic breast cancer. She had been diagnosed in her late 20s and was then in her 50s. Her team of physicians asked her to document her care, as they were curious what might be her secret to survival. That exercise lead her into writing an autobiography.</div>
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I have so many stories that I am having a hard time deciding where to start! So I will boil it down into one simple point...Barbara changed my life. Barbara was an extremely independent, confident, vibrant, professional woman. I will always remember her bright pink lipstick, bleached blonde hair and the twinkle in her blue eyes. Now, I know that sounds like such a cliche, but seriously, this woman had twinkle.</div>
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For well over a year, I would show up a few times a week, be handed a pile of yellow legal note pads filled with her crazy handwriting that only I could decipher, and enter it into her Macintosh computer. We'd spend the last hour of my time visiting. It was during this time that we really got to know each other and became friends and confidants.</div>
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About a year after I met her, her cancer returned. Over that year, more often than not when I arrived, she would say, "let's go on an adventure." I'd drive her up the Southern California coast through Malibu in her red convertible Mustang (again...seriously cliche...Malibu, Mustang...but trust me, this is an unembellished true story) and we'd stop for lunch where inevitably we would strike up a conversation with some stranger. In almost every situation, people went out of their way to give her their contact information, hoping to connect more with this charismatic woman.</div>
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She'd speak with anyone. For nearly an hour, she and Patrick Dempsey discussed the merit of green beans in the salad we were eating at her favorite restaurant. She chatted up the parking valets at Johnny Carson's house on the night of his last show, nearly scoring a secret way into his party until their bosses showed up. The employees at her favorite clothing store would hold clothes aside for her until they went on sale. And on Friday nights, she and her girlfriends would go skinny dipping in her pool. Barbara had had a double mastectomy, but she was always, by far, the most comfortable one in the pool.</div>
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When Barbara became too sick to go out on our adventures, I would show up and she would hand me an envelope with cash and have an assignment for me. They included going to a movie by myself, sitting down at a restaurant and having a meal by myself, or treating myself to a terribly ridiculous piece of clothing. She convinced me to go out and get a job at a newspaper, I was a journalism major afterall, what was I waiting for?</div>
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Part of who I am is because this woman demanded that I respect myself enough to be independent. I hang Barbara's painting in my daughter's room as a reminder to pass on Barbara's independence and love of life. And perhaps through this post, I am able to do so just a little more. </div>
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On a final note, when Barbara passed away, her attorney called and said the unfinished book had been left to me. I struggled to finish it for a while, but I could never recreate her experiences or gain her expertise. But then it occurred to me that the true story wasn't how she lived with her disease, it was simply how she lived. So one day, I hope to write our story, one of a woman at the end of her life, and another at the start of hers. Maybe that day started today.</div>
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Create (and live a bit) recklessly today!</div>
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Melissa<br />
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PS - So, thanks for hearing me out today! Phew...a little more personal than I normally get and I find it curious how uncomfortable and uncertain that makes me feel. But, I'll return to jewelry in my next post when I show you how to use photoshop to turn your favorite painting into a black and white image that can be etched into texture plates...using Barbara's painting of course!</div>
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Please visit the other bloggers this month:</div>
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<a href="http://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog" style="border: 0px; color: #d05e0b; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog</a></div>
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Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-48964608871974516462013-09-05T14:37:00.001-07:002013-09-05T18:51:49.625-07:00Inlaying Wire into Wood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9XDRTQV2H6h68PON_F9oTBaAeQVXcqLcjXvG0gUyMglbIZrg3dXEkmSKgmnI78CHFzTQsN81JgL1PWfDw7OwhVqsN8ysPIyFTULwIeBydYA3toza9g01Tel4Z5T_OsGrO3d3LM9b1NA/s1600/wireinlay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9XDRTQV2H6h68PON_F9oTBaAeQVXcqLcjXvG0gUyMglbIZrg3dXEkmSKgmnI78CHFzTQsN81JgL1PWfDw7OwhVqsN8ysPIyFTULwIeBydYA3toza9g01Tel4Z5T_OsGrO3d3LM9b1NA/s320/wireinlay2.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wire inlay experiment #1, Melissa Cable</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Brass, sterling silver and reclaimed wine barrel</span></div>
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I am completely enamored with <a href="http://www.boundearth.com/">Andrea William's </a>work. Her inlaid beach stones have been haunting my brain. I love jewelry that makes me go "how did they do that!" I let it rattle around in my head for a while and find, almost always, it inspires me in some way. This exercise was born of that inspiration.<br />
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I have been playing with wood on and off this year and thought I'd take a stab at inlaying wire into wood. My kids are back in school so once again between the hours of 10am and 3pm I can get some uninterrupted work done.<br />
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1. I used a cross cut bur from my <a href="http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Dentsply-Maillefer-2-Bur-Assortment-24-Piece/345936?Pos=58">favorite bur assortment</a> to carve out lines in the wood, which was a slat of reclaimed wine barrel from the <a href="http://www.stikwood.com/collections/all">Stikwood</a> assortment I recently ordered. I tried the round, cylinder and flame burs but the cross cut seemed to work best for lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyBaqUn2hAHs3xgV4kDi-KanSY3i2v-nD768Q7zZSt7d4RBZkDyH3Vhhp6qhw4sFihM0tXappgs0kZNuWnAf2kEVtaRrvQiWb7czAIcZMxjX5n3yQUWUY5XPIKfXqattutpAOGEUjYgw/s1600/carve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyBaqUn2hAHs3xgV4kDi-KanSY3i2v-nD768Q7zZSt7d4RBZkDyH3Vhhp6qhw4sFihM0tXappgs0kZNuWnAf2kEVtaRrvQiWb7czAIcZMxjX5n3yQUWUY5XPIKfXqattutpAOGEUjYgw/s200/carve.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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2. I flattened 16 gauge wire using a chasing hammer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGO4P9n5Ae_9MZkkEnao8ZRvp4H7Yb6vdohe_YViPElfqBBiBMzPwvKYuodlz2z-hojXJTS5m5F-XaM3ZMH2_GbaMXG0yJ4CMySanDhtZMNtY55g3zmpHeWU6PDWqZCNmoIhWa2bIhJM/s1600/hammerwire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGO4P9n5Ae_9MZkkEnao8ZRvp4H7Yb6vdohe_YViPElfqBBiBMzPwvKYuodlz2z-hojXJTS5m5F-XaM3ZMH2_GbaMXG0yJ4CMySanDhtZMNtY55g3zmpHeWU6PDWqZCNmoIhWa2bIhJM/s200/hammerwire.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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3. I inserted 1/8" brass brads (mini hobby nails) into a solderite block and flowed some solder onto each head.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj7GlIadC730eK4N4-kEsYTtrRn1tdpTo6qM3asAKPep0lnuqij5S1FwbJLSgldBT5Zg1-KzWEVAuvcYaehXpuM208IuXuyO98_lX4PTlE2Ec8HgxN4pc0uIin1M6ELHWyeSb6ZICorw/s1600/nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj7GlIadC730eK4N4-kEsYTtrRn1tdpTo6qM3asAKPep0lnuqij5S1FwbJLSgldBT5Zg1-KzWEVAuvcYaehXpuM208IuXuyO98_lX4PTlE2Ec8HgxN4pc0uIin1M6ELHWyeSb6ZICorw/s200/nails.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_O_fPbXRHPcwY3-xsPxAqbAYdgm5YWYJQr9IUPfnDALyvPMpOQp6YpjUe54Gu37L5SipeVyWPtdbaWv4DGBlhucFpEqMPh3_x385wTvTpEosA3tLbD6wXtmJtTRAImAJVjQLfAGB4ho/s1600/nailbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_O_fPbXRHPcwY3-xsPxAqbAYdgm5YWYJQr9IUPfnDALyvPMpOQp6YpjUe54Gu37L5SipeVyWPtdbaWv4DGBlhucFpEqMPh3_x385wTvTpEosA3tLbD6wXtmJtTRAImAJVjQLfAGB4ho/s200/nailbag.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
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4. I soldered the flattened wire on top of the brads.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfUHJxWQx5UXnvrrsQgiMaBUHiZ4tZxeg_BPrp0KDLdC0V4zDeDsbAz5yJJXYuOi-9Ia_1hTPyYeKJSpOuyBqN5ux5XzDVFZVP16HKXeglEj5VTbyvFMorlk_8BecULtfqej1L5iT3rQ/s1600/solderingwire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfUHJxWQx5UXnvrrsQgiMaBUHiZ4tZxeg_BPrp0KDLdC0V4zDeDsbAz5yJJXYuOi-9Ia_1hTPyYeKJSpOuyBqN5ux5XzDVFZVP16HKXeglEj5VTbyvFMorlk_8BecULtfqej1L5iT3rQ/s200/solderingwire.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmBP29ghaSvFonMbnbXhy2LHMHldVDx1YXVLUULxjJYR2DXYcd8FiPkF-PoYTrGb6jMn3n1iGaa-S7IEqumOxhnfc_bn5AV78bMXs8Mqeqffa7xLWrBsB6nSp-NG0UXLGuiRVSatSYWw/s1600/soldered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmBP29ghaSvFonMbnbXhy2LHMHldVDx1YXVLUULxjJYR2DXYcd8FiPkF-PoYTrGb6jMn3n1iGaa-S7IEqumOxhnfc_bn5AV78bMXs8Mqeqffa7xLWrBsB6nSp-NG0UXLGuiRVSatSYWw/s200/soldered.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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5. I used a hammer to gently flatten the nails to harden them and then hammered the wire into the carved slots in the wood.</div>
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6. I used 240 grit sandpaper all the way down to 600 to sand the wires flat.</div>
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7. The silver dots were made by using a jewelers tap and die and turning 14g silver wire into screws that were inserted into smaller pre-drilled holes in the wood. They were cut short and then the tops hammered flat.</div>
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8. The stone is actually a leather compression rivet to fill a hole where I had unsuccessfully tried to inlay a 4mm bezel-set stone. I tried to countersink the bezel but did not leave enough wood for the nail that was soldered onto the back of the bezel.</div>
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9. I set an eyelet in the corner to hang it from a chain.</div>
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I learned a lot through this process. The wood I chose had a deep, pronounced grain and it cracked at the end of the small wire inlay. It was easily glued using wood glue but I know next time to choose a more compact wood or to stay further from the edges. I also wish I had used 14g wire for the inlay based on the size of the bur I used. While that would mean more sanding, it would have filled the carved lines better. I'm quite sure this is not the last time I'll play with this. One of the things I like best about Andrea's work is the fine lines...they are the perfect contrast to the heavy stones. I'll likely order a smaller cross cut bur and practice being more precise at carving so I can do some finer work. </div>
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But first, it inspired me to spin this into another experiment... inlaying wire into leather. I plan to carve some leather and solder tube rivets onto wire and inlay it into the leather...good thing school has started!</div>
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Creating recklessly in a quiet house,</div>
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Melissa</div>
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-35587232590316301832013-08-26T12:12:00.002-07:002013-08-26T12:12:22.100-07:00Chang "My" NoodlesIt's been a while since I've posted a recipe. After a week of belated Spring cleaning (meaning a week of eating take out while my house is in a state of disaster) I am sitting down and planning meals for the next few weeks. In the process, I came across one of my favorite recipes. Although not reckless in itself, how I fell in love with this noodle dish was unintentionally, unconsciously and uncontrollably reckless.<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
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Melissa<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chang "My" Noodles</span></b><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">While pregnant with my oldest daughter, I craved this soup
constantly. When my local Thai food restaurant, Typhoon, took it off the
menu, I had a pregnancy-hormone induced breakdown in their lobby. There were tears. And sobbing. I'll leave it at that. </span></i><i>As a compromise (mostly, I believe to get me out of their lobby), the
chef agreed to make it for me every Monday, on which my husband picked it up
weekly on his way home from work. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The restaurant closed last year, but luckily, without pregnancy hormones I could be creative enough to learn how to make it myself rather than throw a tantrum (although I think there may have still been some tears). After some research, I was
able to adapt a Seafood Hot Pot recipe by Sam
Hazen from <a href="http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2006/10/thai-seafood-hot-pot">Self Magazine</a> (November 2006) to reflect the flavors of this traditional soup from the Chang Mai region of Thailand (an area known for its beautiful <a href="http://www.somerset-silver.com/sales/categories.php">silver</a>). This soup is also good with shrimp in
place of the chicken.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PbTCA6mKyMVEVlNzasK8QcCS-VUBllcofl9ZgQs1sVsDpJSt_O73FWN0mq3BzW2JkvTBFPhpgaHiaz1S8klsslQ7nPxEMUeDCVYZP8rErLNvfhxU_yHKho5UQxrPhGMdvEAfmq0RP2U/s1600/recipepix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PbTCA6mKyMVEVlNzasK8QcCS-VUBllcofl9ZgQs1sVsDpJSt_O73FWN0mq3BzW2JkvTBFPhpgaHiaz1S8klsslQ7nPxEMUeDCVYZP8rErLNvfhxU_yHKho5UQxrPhGMdvEAfmq0RP2U/s1600/recipepix.jpg" height="199" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 Tbsp of olive oil</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 small diced onion</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2 thinly sliced shallots</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 minced clove of garlic</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 large thinly sliced raw chicken breast</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 cup of sliced mushrooms</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3 cups of chicken stock</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 can of <a href="http://www.thaikitchen.com/products.aspx">coconut milk</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>½ tsp <a href="http://www.thaikitchen.com/products.aspx">Thai chili paste</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2 Tbsp <a href="http://www.thaikitchen.com/products.aspx">fish sauce</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3 Tbsp of rice vinegar</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 tsp curry powder</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 Tbsp soy sauce </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 Tbsp sugar</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>4 ounces of <a href="http://www.thaikitchen.com/products.aspx">rice noodles</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 lime, juiced</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2 cups of baby spinach</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>6 sprigs of cilantro, plus some chopped for garnish</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 cup of bean sprouts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">1. In the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> olive oil</b>, sauté the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> shallots</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">garlic</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">onion </b>until soft, about 3-5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">2. Add the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> chicken breast</b> to
the onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add 1 cup of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> mushrooms</b> and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">3. Add <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">chicken stock</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">coconut milk</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">rice
vinegar, fish sauce<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,</i> Thai chili paste, curry powder, soy sauce </b>and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> sugar</b>. Bring to boil over
medium high heat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">4. Add <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cilantro</b> and simmer for 10 more minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">5. While simmering, bring a medium
saucepan of water to boil. Stir in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">rice noodles</b> and remove from heat. Let stand 7-10 minutes until
soft. Drain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">6. Remove cilantro. Season
soup as desired with the juice from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">one
lime</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">7. Add <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">baby spinach</b> and allow to wilt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="color: black;">7. Divide noodles between 4 bowls
and top with soup. Garnish with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bean
sprouts</b> and chopped cilantro. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">PS - If you are in the Los Angeles area, be sure to try out <a href="http://fresh.amazon.com/welcome">AmazonFresh</a> grocery delivery services, now available in your area. We've been using it here in Seattle for years and its great!</span></div>
Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-82860377005099911952013-08-18T19:27:00.000-07:002013-08-18T19:40:33.649-07:00Warm Connections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66BtvAfFGgwKVkqAePO063eRGccqVt6O7FBDAdvuHTuxzVxcdaYlUtE2aGEqATg3RxB73UKIQQk5yxPuR2es4-nQgFzKUW6OYrpbgpQAzh4GttkesxPA4dY18pR7NM4syGa8L4xmPCuo/s1600/halstead300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66BtvAfFGgwKVkqAePO063eRGccqVt6O7FBDAdvuHTuxzVxcdaYlUtE2aGEqATg3RxB73UKIQQk5yxPuR2es4-nQgFzKUW6OYrpbgpQAzh4GttkesxPA4dY18pR7NM4syGa8L4xmPCuo/s1600/halstead300dpi.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />Hilary's Garden: Brass, Sterling silver and spinel by Melissa Cable</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Warm Connections</span></b><br />
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Anytime I learn something new, I find myself in a phase that I call the "why phase." This is a period of time in which I question whether I am doing a particular technique out of habit, because it is new and I am excited to apply it, or because, simply, it is the right thing to do in that particular circumstance.<br />
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Case in point, now that my soldering has improved, I want to solder everything! However, my most recent creation really pushed me to stop and consider when to combine cold connections with soldering...what I am going to call "warm connections" for the sake of this discussion.<br />
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Hilary's Garden was commissioned by Hilary Halstead Scott from <a href="http://www.halsteadbead.com/">Halstead Beads</a> for their 2014 <a href="http://www.halsteadbead.com/Shopping-Cart/Item/CATALOG/">catalog</a> (available in January). I've had Hilary as student and know she has the mad skills to create some killer flowers herself, so I was especially honored and excited that she would ask. Even more inspiring was that there were no parameters...no request to use certain items, no specific jewelry type, size, or color...I had a blank canvas to work from.<br />
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I happened to have some <a href="http://www.halsteadbead.com/Shopping-Cart/Item/SN216/">Sterling silver branch pieces</a> that they had in their catalog and they became my source of inspiration. They had three loops - one on each end and one in the middle. Rather than give you a step-by-step on how to make this, I believe there is more learning in the thought process. I first considered:<br />
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1) Connecting the branches together with jump rings and riveting the flowers to the center loop. (Problem: The flowers covered most of the branches.)<br />
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2) Soldering the flowers together and between two branches. (Problem: The branches became solid, meaning the necklace would not have any flexibility.)<br />
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So I finally decided on a hybrid. I soldered the flowers together and then soldered them to a tube rivet. I then use the tube rivet to connect the branches together, which allowed them to still pivot freely. Surprisingly, it took me a long time to get to that solution...I had a mental block with soldering something that would eventually be riveted anyways! But when I finally stopped and realized that this "warm connection" had purpose, it was the right thing to do, the choice became clear.<br />
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It is also of interest to note that once I was all done with the necklace, I didn't like the look of the empty center rings on each branch and I was frustrated with myself that I hadn't soldered on some brass ball bearings from the start. At this point, everything was polished and ready to go.<br />
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Warm connection to the rescue! I soldered the ball bearings to a tube rivet and riveted them on. Now, if I were to remake this necklace, I would solder them in from the start, but finally becoming comfortable with using "warm connections" allowed me to make, what I feel, a much stronger piece with the addition of the brass accents.<br />
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To sum up the lesson learned: You never graduate from one technique to another, you simply add a new technique to your toolbox. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by, and create recklessly this week!<br />
<br />
Melissa<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">PS - <i>Congratulations to <span style="line-height: 22px;">Rebecca Rose of <a href="http://www.sculpturings.com/">Sculpturings</a>, this year’s winner of the <a href="http://www.halsteadbead.com/Grant/">Halstead Grant</a> for design excellence and business strategy acumen in the silver jewelry market! Be sure to check out her work...its gorgeous!</span></i></span><br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-34652148839214281832013-08-14T18:03:00.001-07:002013-09-19T10:14:42.745-07:00Pinterest Inspired<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><i>The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post every other month on the same topic, sharing our experience or perspective. On alternate months we undertake a Pinterest Project where we each take inspiration from a pinterest picture, create something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then post about it.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><b>This month's topic: Pinterest Inspirations</b></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFS6IS_toNaRyHhzBJoxP3eqLOMK-UjcDqLyPuVRHYy2kDyvJHDQKPpLYpZpSVkUbMjyktWGwgAQXx2xGdkCNQadpsCcUKfr_z-yOyrFJbXSbhm4dCGlarLGs3tHPCU22bxSQP9J5iAQ/s1600/Planterpendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFS6IS_toNaRyHhzBJoxP3eqLOMK-UjcDqLyPuVRHYy2kDyvJHDQKPpLYpZpSVkUbMjyktWGwgAQXx2xGdkCNQadpsCcUKfr_z-yOyrFJbXSbhm4dCGlarLGs3tHPCU22bxSQP9J5iAQ/s1600/Planterpendant.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Melissa Cable (Copper, C-Koop enameled headpins, air plants)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;">This month we were tasked with creating something inspired by a Pinterest pin. I had seen this planter last year and pinned it so that we could make it for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day. It was the perfect inspiration for my kitschy pendant.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/outdoor/diy-garden-planter-birds-bath.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PTrm3QXfoiYb-5WLOKlDwBp8sGpgUuVQZRThJWH2hkBLg6eXyc5h7-mb6An5nbrJ7TCcK4qvvgH80lJ2wsWP1kwyDhZjmwmPFcIT7zRSVs3Dbcr-QuvztIHdb32bl8ogpLeTghJtKww/s1600/pinterestpin1.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">From <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/outdoor/diy-garden-planter-birds-bath.html">www.homestoriesatoz.com</a></span> </div>
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This pendant really stretched my soldering skills! Believe it or not, the plants are real. They are <a href="http://www.airplantsupplyco.com/collections/air-plants/products/air-plant-grab-bag-tiny-plants">"air" plants</a> and just require a light misting now and again. I'll be interested to see how this affects the patina of the copper over time. </div>
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Want to give it a try? Step-by-step instructions are below...sorry there are not more photos...I got so excited while making this that I forgot to stop and shoot pictures!</div>
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1. Start with a trip to the hardware store (yay!) to buy <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_83263-137-CL600_4294822003__?productId=3506814&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1">1"</a>, <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_21720-137-CL600_4294822003__?productId=3505106&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=">0.75"</a> and <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_21710-76063-21710_4294822003__?productId=3319494&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1">0.5"</a> copper couplings and some 3/32" copper tubing. I suppose you could buy <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_186096-137-CLC617_4294822003__?productId=3504924&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1">slip caps</a> and have less soldering.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9NB3rITXFqVOPvufJATgYIGTSHgtq-xbJKdmQgQBOwX9LtAnXPZJyz3VnoxjsOfmNfa7MO1CnEpeLf2fQPLoJaGdSC7-USZWM9qfrZml79xAAfwaMNh7RSc-Yd33FP-fT9mwzuPBP7c/s1600/couplings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9NB3rITXFqVOPvufJATgYIGTSHgtq-xbJKdmQgQBOwX9LtAnXPZJyz3VnoxjsOfmNfa7MO1CnEpeLf2fQPLoJaGdSC7-USZWM9qfrZml79xAAfwaMNh7RSc-Yd33FP-fT9mwzuPBP7c/s1600/couplings.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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2. Apply a pattern on your couplings by inking a stamp with Stayz On ink and rolling the coupling across the pattern. Heat set the ink with a heat gun.<br />
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3. Etch the copper. See the recent issue of <a href="http://art.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/en/Magazine/Current%20Issue.aspx">Art Jewelry</a> for an article I wrote on vertical etching and the Edinburgh Etch. I create a hook using a <a href="http://www.fauxbone.com/collections/faux-bone-strip/products/strip-24">3mm Faux Bone strip</a> so that I could hang my couplings into the solution.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzx7pFZvMbt5PrhByXJPy6MwlGQ0HIWwJe0GGI4WZqWZ61CcxelruxrIWlyckXFIbRlvVk4tuqkLDjAosmjDgQhMla-Hivughlgv4lbyoM2aIKcf8HN3ilN86UWkwFlDGJIDwIXDTEoM/s1600/etch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzx7pFZvMbt5PrhByXJPy6MwlGQ0HIWwJe0GGI4WZqWZ61CcxelruxrIWlyckXFIbRlvVk4tuqkLDjAosmjDgQhMla-Hivughlgv4lbyoM2aIKcf8HN3ilN86UWkwFlDGJIDwIXDTEoM/s1600/etch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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4. After the copper is etched and cleaned, use a jewelers saw and cut a 1" piece from each coupling. Lay the edges flat on 320 grit sandpaper and sand flat, follow up with 400 grit sandpaper.</div>
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5. Solder each coupling piece to a piece of 22g copper sheet to create a bottom for each pot. The 1" coupling is thick and requires quite a bit of heat, but I was still able to accomplish the soldering using a butane torch and medium solder.</div>
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6. Use a jewelers saw to cut off the excess copper sheet.</div>
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7. Use dapping punches to flare the top of each pot. Turn the pot over and hammer down flat on the bottom to get the edge of the pot to flare evenly and flatten some.</div>
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8. File the bottom edge and the rim edge. I used a sandpaper disk on my flexshaft.</div>
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9. Drill a 3/32" hole in the center bottom of the medium and small pots.</div>
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10. Pickle if needed and then solder a 2.75" piece of 3/32" tubing to the inside center bottom of the large pot (I used easy solder). I flared the bottom of the tube to give it more stability while I soldered. </div>
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11. Solder 1-2 headpins inside each pot so that you can use them to secure the plant. I used enameled headpins by <a href="http://www.ckoopbeads.com/">C-Koop</a> with soft solder to add a pop of color. This can be tricky as the pins easily melt if they get too hot.</div>
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12. Feed the medium pot onto the tubing and position it as desired on top of the large pot. Locate a solder point and solder the medium pot in place (I used easy). I soldered the inside rim of the pot to the tubing. Repeat with the small pot. I soldered the bottom of the small pot to the rim of the medium pot.</div>
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13. Solder a ring to the top of the tubing (I used easy), making sure to place your chain in the ring before soldering. I had also soldered a small brass ball bearing on the top of the tubing to give it a finished look, but it fell off and my 4 hour time limit was running out!</div>
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14. Pickle, patina and polish. Insert the <a href="http://www.airplantsupplyco.com/collections/air-plants/products/air-plant-grab-bag-tiny-plants">plants</a> and wrap the headpin(s) around them to keep them in place.</div>
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Have fun with it and create recklessly!</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melissa</span></b></div>
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Be sure to check out the other great Pinterest inspirations by my fellow Synchrobloggers...what an awesome group!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry" style="border: 0px; color: #d05e0b; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-5966387067601955262013-05-16T19:30:00.000-07:002013-05-17T10:26:52.117-07:00Words Have Meaning<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><i>The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post every other month on the same topic, sharing our experience or perspective. On alternate months we undertake a Pinterest Project where we each take inspiration from a pinterest picture, create something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then post about it.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><b>This month's topic: Words Have Meaning</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl0IyAfaipW9LczMGa5-VOIX62-cCFIqIkix058cCp5ltUioDByWzTZswgShOeLjhqx8NXTQEMSBp95GM_XSRjXL4Udfclm7EuyCqDTCV8YT-Ij9YTOhCkl1e0pH3TdP3ZS90WSM9kAw/s1600/Cable+Timesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl0IyAfaipW9LczMGa5-VOIX62-cCFIqIkix058cCp5ltUioDByWzTZswgShOeLjhqx8NXTQEMSBp95GM_XSRjXL4Udfclm7EuyCqDTCV8YT-Ij9YTOhCkl1e0pH3TdP3ZS90WSM9kAw/s320/Cable+Timesm.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><b>Time of My Life (2011)</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Faux Bone, Copper, Millefiori, Steel, Brass, Watch Parts, Oil</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">I have to admit that when I saw the assignment for this post, I was a bit hesitant. I don't often use words in my work. I was at a loss until I took a closer look at my piece above, which will be published in Lark's upcoming <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Showcase-500-Art-Necklaces/dp/1454703520/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368755044&sr=1-3&keywords=500+series" target="_blank">500 Series: Art Necklaces</a> book releasing this July (page 42 - and trust me, glancing through the preview I am so very honored - and a bit overwhelmed - to be included among such amazing artists).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">Until now, I had forgotten about the thought process I used in making this piece. And, I'll be honest, it is not easy to share personal narrative. This</span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.258522033691406px;"> piece was made just after my 40th birthday and after I closed my bead shop. My daughter had started kindergarten that year and I had just completed my first book, <a href="http://www.melissacable.com/collections/books/products/book-spotlight-on-wire" target="_blank">Spotlight on Wire</a>. My life had changed in many ways and I was, frankly, struggling to understand my place, my work...me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">It was the first intentional narrative work I tried and everything I did to the piece had meaning.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.258522033691406px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.258522033691406px;"> I stamped the word "TICK" on one side, intending it as the front, and the word "TOCK" on the other. However, just as I was about to drill the holes to inset the tiny glass millefiori, I stopped and asked myself why I chose "TICK" as the front. I had just assumed that was the front and was giving it no thought at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">I stopped myself from drilling and walked away from the piece that night. I thought a lot about what those two words, "TICK" and "TOCK," actually mean. They symbolize time, they have a natural sequence, they were alliterative and rhythmic. I then explored the letters as if they were markings rather than words. If they were maps, "TICK" started with roads that lead in just one place ("I"), or ended in a "T" stop where you were forced to choose one direction or another. "TOCK" started with a different marking. Its roadmap lead you in circles (the "O") but still ended in the road choice that merged in and out of a main path (the "K"). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">The choice became very clear to me. "TOCK" was the front of the piece. It denoted time (having turned 40), reminded me not to make past mistakes (the "O"), gave me permission to follow many paths (the "K") and on top of that, I was able to use the words as an abbreviation - "<b>TO</b> <b>C</b>hris and the <b>K</b>ids"...my family who is represented in the piece by the millefiori. Okay, feeling a bit naked now!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">Letters have power when they transcend their order into words and I will forever be reminded of that when I see this piece. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">Create Recklessly this week!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.258522033691406px;">Melissa</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 22.265625px; text-align: justify;">Please visit the other bloggers this month:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry" style="border: 0px; color: #d05e0b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.createrecklessly.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #d05e0b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.createrecklessly.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://silversmithblog.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #d05e0b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://silversmithblog.com/</a></div>
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<a href="http://stonezjewelry.com/blog/" style="border: 0px; color: #d05e0b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://stonezjewelry.com/blog/</a></div>
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Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-35641806547095959982013-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:002013-04-04T05:00:08.657-07:00Faux Bone Texture Trick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Needle tracing tool as a texture tool</i></span></div>
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Last Fall I taught a workshop in the beautiful Oregon wine country
(poor me). The venue was <a href="http://www.fusionheadquarters.com/" target="_blank">Fusion Headquarters</a> owned by artists Gil and Carmen
Reynolds. First of all, if you are ever in the Newburg, OR area, the Reynolds have the
most adorable apartment you can rent while touring neighboring wineries and
they are two of the most charming hosts you will ever meet. </div>
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They are first and
foremost, however, accomplished business owners and artists and have a passion for
teaching. While I taught students different ways to incorporate their glass
work into finished jewelry, Gil and Carmen explored some of the innovative ways
they’ve developed for working with glass. One of my favorites was a product
called <a href="http://www.fusionheadquarters.com/Liquid_Stringer_Medium_p/licstr.htm" target="_blank">liquid stringer</a>. It can be mixed with glass powder and piped onto glass
or mixed thicker and made into a clay. The versatility of this material is
amazing and I immediately began playing with ways to pipe it into freeform
shapes and will be experimenting much more with this material this year!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79YU3MuNrkc9GkHCaHQ_OPpG05aZvvgs9ydVgQzxh6uz1-vGL_6gg3ICE54UB3p_C7sgcXGr9b-FUacV9hHE15ynk8pyaopi1Gu71OXGV5ytj7nM2n5NkdlUhLaDg7c8Fsgp4jwiK9SY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79YU3MuNrkc9GkHCaHQ_OPpG05aZvvgs9ydVgQzxh6uz1-vGL_6gg3ICE54UB3p_C7sgcXGr9b-FUacV9hHE15ynk8pyaopi1Gu71OXGV5ytj7nM2n5NkdlUhLaDg7c8Fsgp4jwiK9SY/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Gil and Carmen worked with Faux Bone for the first time and
I am proud to say they loved it. They even made nearly identical pieces without
even knowing it (he's laughing behind that dust mask)! And as always when I teach, I learned something too. Gil used a needle tracer to trace his saw pattern out on Faux
Bone and I was fascinated by all the tiny dots it left. So, I rolled it around
on a piece of Faux Bone and rubbed in some acrylic paint to see what would
happen. It produced great, finely detailed texture (top photo). Looks like another tool I will be
adding to my bench soon (poor me).<o:p></o:p><br />
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Visit Gil and Carmen on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FusionHeadquarters?fref=ts" target="_blank">facebook</a>!<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-2226932692538425922013-04-01T11:53:00.001-07:002013-04-01T12:02:31.891-07:00How to Turn Your Flexshaft Into a Potter's Wheel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIeiu3KW5LU9Luah28wuRgsAqLw-K-CpoZi_eaqUd1ZYhouNvKVKSFwCgMbzuJdP-WC-e0wThQAcXAHhZzuu_534RYY3DHXQeyjGecXNf5NBF7bHEoy1b8vBlU8w7BecAEH28WfTI3ZY/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIeiu3KW5LU9Luah28wuRgsAqLw-K-CpoZi_eaqUd1ZYhouNvKVKSFwCgMbzuJdP-WC-e0wThQAcXAHhZzuu_534RYY3DHXQeyjGecXNf5NBF7bHEoy1b8vBlU8w7BecAEH28WfTI3ZY/s320/photo1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Last month, I took a pottery class at <a href="http://www.zhibit.org/potteryloft" target="_blank">The Pottery Loft Studio</a> in Everett, Washington. Evelia Sanchez (below left, with my lovely classmate Karin) took us through all of the necessary steps to throw a clay pot, from how to kneed the clay, loading the clay onto the wheel and work the clay before opening it into a pot. That's me below, working on my pot and the pot finished and embellished a bit. I had a blast!<br />
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Of course, I immediately wanted to go out and buy a potter's wheel...but reality set in and I knew I had not the time or funds to go down this path. But, like most new techniques I learn, it haunted my brain. I really wanted to make some small forms to incorporate into my other work, but found handforming cumbersome. And then it hit me, I had everything I needed right at home!<br />
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Before I proceed, I should mention that this tutorial, although it feels like an April Fools joke is real!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Creating a Potter's Wheel Using a Flexshaft</span></b><br />
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1. Gather your supplies. You will need a round Ziploc container lid, <a href="http://www.riogrande.com/Search/screw-mandrel" target="_blank">screw mandrel </a>and some silicone adhesive.</div>
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2. Drill a hole in the center of the lid (which is marked with a divot), place the lid on the screw mandrel with the screw on the inside of the lid, and apply silicon around the mandrel to prevent water for dripping through onto your handpiece.</div>
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3. Place your flexible shaft handpiece in a vise. I have a <a href="http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Holder-for-Flex-Shaft-Handpiece/117263?Pos=2" target="_blank">nylon attachment</a> that holds my handpiece, helping me to avoid damaging the handpiece and giving it a good, firm grip. Throw a lump of kneeded clay onto the lid, centered as best you can. Make sure it is adhered to the lid. Place a bowl of water nearby.</div>
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4. Using your foot pedal, start the "wheel" spinning, very slowly. This reminded me why I need a new pedal. Mine, the standard one that comes with a Foredom, is very touchy and hard to keep at a low speed. Moisten the clay and your fingers. Position two fingers on each side of the clay, and one finger on the other side, giving it gentle pressure. On a full size wheel this would be your whole hands.</div>
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5. Keep adding water as needed by dipping your fingers in the bowl. Once the clay raises, use your finger to push it back down. You are working towards making sure the clay is truly centered, and that there is no wobble as you work the clay up and down. What I kept forgetting to do was anchor my hand by placing my thumb on top of the other thumb. This has come up in both the pottery class and a flexshaft class I took. It allows for more control.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">6. Once the clay goes back down into a squat cylinder, it is time to open the pot. Gently place a finger on top of the clay,pushing downwards and then pushing the clay between your finger and the thumb on the outside (once again forgetting to anchor my thumb). I also tried opening the pot using a nail set. It worked perfectly and I had more control (below).</span></div>
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I still have a lot more playing (lot more = years) before I get my ceramics skills down, but the wheel worked just fine. I will, however, be seeking a slightly firmer lid with a bigger lip. My shirt, my dust collector hood and my morning coffee took the brunt of the spray when I got a little crazy with the water!</div>
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Create recklessly this week!</div>
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Melissa</div>
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-47727151447639985782013-03-26T10:46:00.000-07:002013-03-26T10:46:51.766-07:00Two women walk into an auto supply store...While having a lovely dinner with my husband's cousins last night, I heard one of the most "reckless" sewing moments ever, so I had to share it.<br />
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Maria found a beautiful large area rug at a garage sale, but the edges were frayed and the fringe was worn. However, that was nothing that she and her seamstress extraordinaire mother-in-law (my husband's aunt, Laureen) couldn't tackle. They put a sewing machine on a <a href="http://www.sears.com/craftsman-36-in-creeper-metal-frame/p-00951147000P" target="_blank">creeper</a> (those things mechanics use to roll themselves under cars) and sewed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrights-117-706-055-Double-Binding-3-Yard/dp/B000AXPWQY/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1364316160&sr=1-4" target="_blank">bias tape</a> around the edge! I can just imagine the two of them pushing this sewing machine around the rug, working together to keep perfect tension and speed.<br />
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It's a good reminder that "use as directed" is not always the way to go when it comes to our tools.<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
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Melissa<br />
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PS - Trying to convince cousin Nick to write a post for us on his paintings using ink from color laser toner cartridges. Cross your fingers...I can't wait to learn more about this!<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-44214989557509144592013-03-24T20:01:00.000-07:002013-03-24T20:01:59.945-07:00Thoughts on FocusLast week I returned from teaching at <a href="http://www.beadfest.com/" target="_blank">Beadfest</a> Santa Fe. I soooooo enjoyed the company of students who learned about metal etching, Faux Bone and leather. As I was packing leather dyes, tools and hides, etching supplies, metal tools, finishing products, and inks and tools for <a href="http://www.fauxbone.com/" target="_blank">Faux Bone</a> I had a deep sense of satisfaction. It wasn't long ago that having to pack such a variety of materials would have brought me great distress.<br />
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You see, a year or so ago, I found myself bogged down by the question...what exactly is it that I do? Do I teach? Write? Design? Sell finished goods? Consult? Work with wire? Metal? Faux Bone? Leather? The questions kept pouring out and I beat myself up for having no focus.<br />
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My business school training kicked in and I decided to write myself a mission statement. I wish I had saved the lengthy paragraphs filled with shallow adjectives and lofty goals. We'd all get a laugh. But, through that process I decided that there was just too much going on. I needed to focus.<br />
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I stopped making anything, for well over a month, and accepted defeat for not being able to pick a focus. And then one night, I was having dinner with a friend and was asked, "what do you see yourself doing in 5 years." I verbally beat myself up some more for having no focus and went home vowing I would be able to answer that question.<br />
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The problem was that I couldn't imagine not doing <i>all</i> of these things. They all brought me great joy. Just because it made for an impossibly long and boring mission statement didn't mean it was wrong. In fact, I realized I had already started my mission statement the year before...<br />
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<b>Create Recklessly</b></div>
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Those two words covered a lot of things for me. I was able to check off nearly everything on my list as fitting under these two words. All that was left was teaching, writing and consulting. I hoped I didn't do those things recklessly! I thought some more and the simplest answer seemed the most appropriate...<br />
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<b>Teach Thoughtfully</b></div>
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And there it was, my mission statement. "Create Recklessly, Teach Thoughtfully." Whenever I venture down a new path I ask myself if it supports my mission statement. When I have deviated from the path and have taken on projects that were neither, I found them hard to finish, and in the end, felt like I didn't do my best. I am not proud of it, but I know myself better now.<br />
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What inspires and drives me can be stated clearly and simply in just four words. And I am okay with that.<br />
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If you had to pick four words as your "mission statement," what would yours be?<br />
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Melissa<br />
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PS - Off to <a href="https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/52957" target="_blank">Beadfest Spring</a> in a few weeks, be sure to stop on by and say hi! And yes, I'll be packing allllll that stuff up again...plus supplies for the wire project pictured on the front of <a href="http://www.melissacable.com/collections/books/products/book-spotlight-on-wire" target="_blank">Spotlight on Wire</a>!<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-12780525706514543392013-03-21T21:43:00.000-07:002013-03-21T21:48:52.539-07:00Reclaiming Framing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAEU84tX-iCn_M_-wBpxH6TsK5VGYC4qHm35_vXj_RT_dUO9sJvvuPa-2k8bk9Uv9mCtH0GkPqvmm_wkMK1oO4wZnvO0BU5T9zCnKeCg_V3G0V2wtkS3S5BuXR-E39xC7izm7EjrWalw/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAEU84tX-iCn_M_-wBpxH6TsK5VGYC4qHm35_vXj_RT_dUO9sJvvuPa-2k8bk9Uv9mCtH0GkPqvmm_wkMK1oO4wZnvO0BU5T9zCnKeCg_V3G0V2wtkS3S5BuXR-E39xC7izm7EjrWalw/s320/final.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">In Progress: Recycled Frame Fragments</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImZiZ-KhlSALuSPmkzXSePrVB_R04W2R-XvO2HtrKeRuHqMUGtY7eQxaeaWw9BjzsMBGm060n9KoZjoDTLiD918ZezDA75ZlEwKRZo7IVTDKyDkpP0I8fTyba1qZtN0zCt7musDXCVaw/s1600/frames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImZiZ-KhlSALuSPmkzXSePrVB_R04W2R-XvO2HtrKeRuHqMUGtY7eQxaeaWw9BjzsMBGm060n9KoZjoDTLiD918ZezDA75ZlEwKRZo7IVTDKyDkpP0I8fTyba1qZtN0zCt7musDXCVaw/s200/frames.jpg" width="155" /></a>One of our local frame shop owners is retiring this year after 30 years in business. She called me to see if I wanted the frame samples to "Create Recklessly" with. I was thrilled and immediately went down and filled three bins with beautiful textured and colored frames. I am swamped with deadlines right now, but the frames kept staring at me so I "budgeted" myself one hour to play with them. As a result, this blog project is not as refined as I'd like, but I'd thought it would be fun to share an "in progress" piece as I explore a new material.<br />
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<b>Prep the Frames</b><br />
I prepared the frames in two ways. First, if the frame was especially thick or angled, I cut it thinner using my band saw. Safety is of utmost importance when using this tool. The leg of the frame allowed me to safely push the frame part of the way through without my fingers coming anywhere near the blade. Second, I placed painters tape over the decorative surface to help preserve it.<br />
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<b>Create the Bezels</b><br />
I used Judy Freyer Thompson's bezel technique as previously shared in her <a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/02/guest-blog-chasing-elusive-bezel.html" target="_blank">guest blog</a>. Instead of buying copper pipes, I used copper coupling so that I could have a little bit of a lot of sizes. I used a <a href="http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/cut-off-saws/6-in-cut-off-saw-69438.html" target="_blank">chop saw</a> to cut off a slice of each pipe and then sanded and soldered them together. A decorative edge was applied using the edge of a riveting hammer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVmyo2G4omajvupxn0B3q__nESA2esRYxzCgmvTj56ah5nq9i3DO4bp-LqbsHM1q7Hi5dcp631HpEzutplmUlmxBGWqUdTT_4CgBvGP7L9rHI2cURatRzM5U9D2KxtfybaefuyT6y6H4/s1600/coupling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVmyo2G4omajvupxn0B3q__nESA2esRYxzCgmvTj56ah5nq9i3DO4bp-LqbsHM1q7Hi5dcp631HpEzutplmUlmxBGWqUdTT_4CgBvGP7L9rHI2cURatRzM5U9D2KxtfybaefuyT6y6H4/s200/coupling.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>
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<b>Drill the Frames</b><br />
I used a <a href="http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17703406" target="_blank">hole saw bit</a> in my drill press to cut the frame into circles that were one size larger than the bezel sizes. It is important that you secure your stock when using this equipment as it can easily catch on the saw bit and spin at high rates or fling across your room.<br />
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<b>Sand the Frames</b><br />
I hammered an awl into the back of the frame stock and sanded it on a belt sander until it fit the bezel snugly. You have to be careful to not oversand (you can see that the wood is actually a bit too small on the smallest bezel).<br />
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<b>Assemble the Piece</b><br />
I placed the wood pieces into the bezels, occasionally having to hammer the wood in if it was a tight fit. I then used a small hacksaw to cut the excess wood off of the back and used the belt sander to sand the back flush with the bezels.<br />
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I stopped here, but my intention is to tap some wire into screws and insert these screws through holes drilled into the sides of the bezels, this will secure the wood rounds. I would then stain the back of the wood in different shades, making the pendant reversible.<br />
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On a final note, I asked the frame shop owner what would happen to the remaining samples. I took less than 1%. Once I heard that they were destined for the trash bin, I knew what I had to do. I spent two days packing up the store. Half of the store I donated to <a href="http://tinkertopia.com/" target="_blank">Tinkertopia</a> and the other half I hand selected for my friend Linda Larsen's website <a href="http://www.objectsandelements.com/shop/" target="_blank">Objects and Elements</a>. Linda and I will go though the stock and package it up and will offer it on her site by mid-April. I hope you'll be inspired as much as I am by these beautiful wood pieces and rejoice in the fact that we saved them from the landfill. More projects to come!<br />
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Create (and recycle) recklessly,<br />
<br />
Melissa<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-37090815415765975952013-03-11T16:03:00.003-07:002013-03-11T16:03:31.810-07:00Guest Blog: Wood Finishing for Jewelers – Just a Starter Course!<br />
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<i style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Welcome guest blogger <a href="http://www.aaronbarr.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Barr</a>, jewelry designer and fellow reckless creator. Aaron is going to give us a crash course on finishing wood, a material I used in my <a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/03/faux-reticulation.html" target="_blank">last blog post</a> and one that Aaron specializes in. I know you will enjoy his work as much as I do! Be sure to check out his website at <a href="http://www.aaronbarr.com/">www.aaronbarr.com</a>. Thank you for joining us Aaron!</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Aaron Barr</span></b></span></div>
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I’ve been working with wood as a major component in my
jewelry for a while now (wow, I think it’s seven years!) and I’d have to say
that I’m still just a beginner when it comes to finishes. There are just so many options out
there! There’s varnishes and
polyurethanes, lacquers and shellacs, sealants, oils and stains...oh my! Books and books have been written on the
possibilities, but most of them focus on working with larger pieces like tables
or doors rather than the small, hand-held pieces we jewelers create. Yep, we have rather different challenges to
overcome. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrS9zyCPTENKKvC7lsS8gUerCvHU7IXj7g8kLJS016RlZlP6cDNqjcWoje8CJiBrwHDkcNcmGy9pKep2grPqYAqtdDowCes4OODx9Sld6MlEVtjFC3xPuo1O6gdsVVRbsvrvXsgMubYU/s1600/Baby+Flames+1920x1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrS9zyCPTENKKvC7lsS8gUerCvHU7IXj7g8kLJS016RlZlP6cDNqjcWoje8CJiBrwHDkcNcmGy9pKep2grPqYAqtdDowCes4OODx9Sld6MlEVtjFC3xPuo1O6gdsVVRbsvrvXsgMubYU/s200/Baby+Flames+1920x1920.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMWLCLQVidRsll8h-mZB0Jz4KcCWSNilXBS4jRNczHcAkeKjaZoupbdZ8rurF-PQJIjDtsrxl2IJMBdumXPq-5eBy-IgIhLatP01TJXDQRPyNc-HjFlnSMLqhCUNNusjvM59gLHCGCkY/s1600/BarrAaron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMWLCLQVidRsll8h-mZB0Jz4KcCWSNilXBS4jRNczHcAkeKjaZoupbdZ8rurF-PQJIjDtsrxl2IJMBdumXPq-5eBy-IgIhLatP01TJXDQRPyNc-HjFlnSMLqhCUNNusjvM59gLHCGCkY/s200/BarrAaron2.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Aaron Barr</span></b></div>
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Rather than get into all the possibilities, perhaps I can
just tell you a few of the challenges I’ve had and what’s worked for me? Sound good?
Alright then, here we go…<o:p></o:p></div>
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1) One of the biggest challenges I’ve had is how to apply a
finish to such small pieces as pendants and earrings. When you look at the cans of finish, they say
things like “Brush on” or “Best used in a sprayer.” Well, there isn’t really enough room to do
much brushing and I’m certainly not going to set up a spray station for an
earring, so I’ve pretty much gone with the Karate Kid method – wipe on, wipe
off. (Yes, I know it’s Wax On, Wax Off,
but wiping covers more finishing options!)
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Wearing disposable rubber gloves, I basically take a rag (old t-shirt usually, though sometimes a paper towel works just fine), dip it in the finish (make sure it’s stirred according to the instructions on the container) and wipe the finish on the wood. This is easy if your wood is only on the front of your piece, like an inlay, but what if your entire piece is wood? That’s where I’ve found creating a home-made stand helps! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcay8DSP2-zbfOPizrPEAC9yKG_TjFRaXOadUjw8_iSVwheffGQlPSCBN9eFoZi095-jORgxMueVS-t_ovi_yjhp0YVg8T5JSYOkA6-wo-AQXJf6xhPa5Mcy7adrA2hi1rmsZn7ttdWKM/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcay8DSP2-zbfOPizrPEAC9yKG_TjFRaXOadUjw8_iSVwheffGQlPSCBN9eFoZi095-jORgxMueVS-t_ovi_yjhp0YVg8T5JSYOkA6-wo-AQXJf6xhPa5Mcy7adrA2hi1rmsZn7ttdWKM/s320/Image1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mine is just a couple of pieces of wood I
nailed together. I drilled some holes,
inserted some metal rods (from the big box store – designed to hold up
insulation) and voila! A drying rack. With wood earrings I usually 2-part epoxy in the ear-wires
first, then I can put the finish on easier and hang them to dry.</div>
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2) Now, what finishes do I actually use? Here are three of my current favorites.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzuxERLCvFJ8CPQxvtmuN81p4mXPDLAXE4ed122XPFX14-uCDpwb_-87W8ThowB87hoFYMKsEeRbwsj6F-ZwVnrT8Kn1a7rIafKmqijEug7JK4JgWCnA2mA9vcDubH3l1ejvzaWg4gxo/s1600/Image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzuxERLCvFJ8CPQxvtmuN81p4mXPDLAXE4ed122XPFX14-uCDpwb_-87W8ThowB87hoFYMKsEeRbwsj6F-ZwVnrT8Kn1a7rIafKmqijEug7JK4JgWCnA2mA9vcDubH3l1ejvzaWg4gxo/s320/Image2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=246" target="_blank">Zinsser Bullseye Sealcoat</a> is an absolute essential! It seals any wood with a hard shellac
coating. This is great for woods the
wearer might be allergic to, like some exotics, and particularly great as you
can also put either oil or water based finishes on top of it. I often do two coats of Sealcoat and follow
it up with a spar varnish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.mccloskeyspecialeffects.com/val/resident/manowar.jsp" target="_blank">Spar varnish, like Man O’ War</a>, gives a very hard, waterproof
surface which is nice for jewelry since it is against the skin and might get
worn in the rain. Not that anyone would
do that… umm… Anyway, the biggest plus
of most spar varnishes is that they are UV resistant. Many woods tend to fade
in color over time (yes, I’m talking to you Redheart!) and a UV protectant
helps with that. Note: different spar
varnishes have VERY different color tones to them – Man O’ War gives a strong
amber hue, so I use it for certain woods and other brands for when I don’t want
to change the color so much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just recently I found <a href="http://www.dalyspaint.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=28" target="_blank">Daly’s Kitchen Wood Treatment</a> which is
made right here in my hometown of Seattle.
It’s designed to be wiped on butcher blocks and cutting boards, so I
know it’s safe to have on my hands. I
don’t even wear gloves! Following the
wiping instructions, it gives a warmth to the wood while keeping it still
feeling like wood. As opposed to
Sealcoat and spar varnish, there’s no coating here as the product just sinks
right in. Daly’s keeps the natural feel when it’s appropriate. I definitely sand the wood with much finer
grit sandpaper when using Daly’s (as high as 800 grit sometimes). Also, (and yes, I’ve learned this the hard
way) since Daly’s is sort of like a wax, don’t use it on pieces with tiny
grooves or designs – it really needs to be rubbed in, which isn’t easy in those
details. Go with a liquid finish
instead. <o:p></o:p></div>
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3) Finally, I do want to say that every type of wood reacts
differently to each finish, so I HIGHLY recommend testing whichever finish you
choose before applying it to your masterpiece!
Here are some test blocks of black walnut and lacewood. See how the different finishes give different
hues on each? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f277xcCmZp9BWKHkaAg3Z64-JdUAy5wVASQ2d6oYoB34U6arvTevij9wdY_YJQhB3wPg1Ri82glekSbjPwl6JPV-LTattELys4C12BJ7OKWmOZFqoLskKw1oWeQogbuDBDvWCNHu_y0/s1600/Image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f277xcCmZp9BWKHkaAg3Z64-JdUAy5wVASQ2d6oYoB34U6arvTevij9wdY_YJQhB3wPg1Ri82glekSbjPwl6JPV-LTattELys4C12BJ7OKWmOZFqoLskKw1oWeQogbuDBDvWCNHu_y0/s320/Image3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some make the wood ‘pop’ and some just look horrid, so it’s
definitely worth testing first. I’ve
started keeping a list of what works best for me with each type of wood!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It definitely takes some experimenting, but wood is truly a
spectacular medium and I hope you try it.
With so many natural colors and patterns, I’m sure you’ll find a piece
to inspire you! If you have any
questions, feel free to come by <a href="http://www.aaronbarr.com/">www.aaronbarr.com</a>
or my Facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AaronBarrJewelry">www.facebook.com/AaronBarrJewelry</a>. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aaron<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Note from Melissa: Join me in thanking Aaron! Drop him a note in the comments by March 19th and I'll enter your name in a drawing for one lucky winner to receive a small priority mail box of various woods, including some exotic scraps...perfect for jewelry making.</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-43216824025097303022013-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:002013-03-07T06:00:07.324-08:00Faux ReticulationI wanted to share some of the inspiration and techniques I used for the piece I featured in my <a href="http://createrecklessly.blogspot.com/2013/03/its-not-finishing-problem-its-starting.html" target="_blank">last blog</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTHFTUYAaekuiYjRxhrPSC6SQtFrDMYu3trE0SteBD-98GsAVdLtUf60jYZgqWaE80jWAJCx19AP-p9I0HyCN2QV7sgmkbA-2IS_Fp-PnZFnCJ_O3RPXP2sr88rleoZuZ0GdfoVaYdSU/s1600/observationsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTHFTUYAaekuiYjRxhrPSC6SQtFrDMYu3trE0SteBD-98GsAVdLtUf60jYZgqWaE80jWAJCx19AP-p9I0HyCN2QV7sgmkbA-2IS_Fp-PnZFnCJ_O3RPXP2sr88rleoZuZ0GdfoVaYdSU/s320/observationsm.jpg" width="240" /></a>The assignment was to create a brooch using a glass taxidermy eye. I'll admit, the eye creeped me out, but I wasn't going to question Andy's method. As the class was called "Imaginative Captures," he was looking for us to find unique ways to set the glass eye in our piece. Of course, I had to set it in <a href="http://www.fauxbone.com/" target="_blank">Faux Bone</a>. In fact, Andy got so tired of me talking about Faux Bone that he compared me to <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/19600" target="_blank">Steve Martin's romaine lettuce skit on Saturday Night Live</a>.<br />
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I wish I had taken a photo of the table at <a href="http://www.danacadesign.com/" target="_blank">Danaca</a>. Andy had no less that 50 samples spread across the table in varying degrees of completion. It was heaven. We got to touch and play with each one and examine how they worked, asking questions as we went. I was inspired by this lever (below) that he created using a bezel cup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskqVa0Tn7jUKLQwK9Li0RER0ivPzYa-UucVmLbO5s2bAGmD9dIUvwSl6PNEt8P6XhBjRW_K_AuNfA9TTpbJKkXuth4we-hIket1n8kXs-k-Qn027Loo5fw3oC_fUDBAopARfYyBemZ8I/s1600/lever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskqVa0Tn7jUKLQwK9Li0RER0ivPzYa-UucVmLbO5s2bAGmD9dIUvwSl6PNEt8P6XhBjRW_K_AuNfA9TTpbJKkXuth4we-hIket1n8kXs-k-Qn027Loo5fw3oC_fUDBAopARfYyBemZ8I/s200/lever.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR66jMbHW0oA69OXQvTU-ux_oJLDysV-I7vXfegHq1MAe_WRre1qRUMT5F5Ojq3B7_tZ8oit4SSD1ZnxQiH5C_ce3FvomPy6QcgGz-lhi0uQFF01-IgYdB2Jnr8WrSGwJpA_S86cspG8/s1600/pendulum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFR66jMbHW0oA69OXQvTU-ux_oJLDysV-I7vXfegHq1MAe_WRre1qRUMT5F5Ojq3B7_tZ8oit4SSD1ZnxQiH5C_ce3FvomPy6QcgGz-lhi0uQFF01-IgYdB2Jnr8WrSGwJpA_S86cspG8/s200/pendulum.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Volcano Set Pendulum</b><br />
As you can see, I constructed my pendulum just a little differently by using what he calls a "volcano setting," which was the first thing he demonstrated in class. It works along the same lines as my <a href="http://www.fauxbone.com/collections/tools/products/melissas-frame-flaring-tool" target="_blank">Faux Bone Frame Flaring tool</a>, so this type of setting came to mind immediately.<br />
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<a href="http://www.riogrande.com/Product/3-1-10-Silver-Filled-Single-Clad-Sheet-24-Ga/105377?Pos=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4ZnjOh_efUNb7cD7NVj0_6kcKQzeVw3T-VefR1CHgs23kCoe2evFpfqn-XBA5mUsvILMAlY9VTowGDVrL0STo9U40WjGP8hr6YiHgfu4Lc7FxPZKpObNi_9yMOtAGA-2z9UXHDAAFLI/s200/singleclad.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfVqcNRAEl3lcHQzjYdfdB7diW5DyCTUu5ggUgtqc4P0ShdoAkQiZPWPG6Tjq5C1iTabl7Y-fDPD0qPE4sJM6Rqg1FcL-Fo5_U05l4cICsvIFtLFsdTKKHpghQG_9VNTVuHwy7b-cBAc/s1600/reticulation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfVqcNRAEl3lcHQzjYdfdB7diW5DyCTUu5ggUgtqc4P0ShdoAkQiZPWPG6Tjq5C1iTabl7Y-fDPD0qPE4sJM6Rqg1FcL-Fo5_U05l4cICsvIFtLFsdTKKHpghQG_9VNTVuHwy7b-cBAc/s200/reticulation.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
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<b>Faux Reticulation</b><br />
Before I punched and flared the hole which would cradle the brass ball bearing, brass tubing, and silver bezel pendulum, I wanted to texture the metal. I began to anneal it with a torch so that I could run it through the rolling mill. I was using what Rio Grande calls a <a href="http://www.riogrande.com/Product/3-1-10-Silver-Filled-Single-Clad-Sheet-24-Ga/105377?Pos=8" target="_blank">single clad silver filled sheet</a>, meaning it is Sterling silver on one side, and brass on the other. To my surprise, the metal almost immediately "reticulated." Stunned, I stopped and thought about it, quickly realizing it made perfect sense. Silver melts at 1640 F while brass doesn't melt until 1710-1800+ F (depending on the alloy)*. That meant the silver had flowed on solid brass, creating what appeared to be reticulation wrinkles...or at least that's my best guess!<br />
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A little research reinforced I would be doing that again. <a href="http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Reticulation-Silver-80-20-24-Ga-Dead-Soft/103124?Pos=1" target="_blank">Reticulation sheet</a> (which can take some practice) costs $35 for a 3X3 sheet of 24g, while the single clad sheet only costs $13 for the same size! The only reason I used the sheet at all was that I had some left over from making the dahlia in my new book, <a href="http://www.melissacable.com/collections/books" target="_blank">Metal Jewelry in Bloom</a>. When shaping/folding/rolling metal, it gives you the opportunity to see both silver and brass.<br />
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<a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2003323/3973/wood-identification-kit-veneer-sample-pack-50piece.aspx" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFm14wAn-8SVo5N5gSTKK5YbBTwnwy47ordryXv4v0K6vv94ID_muXIOGiuhqjBijsX8fk3PTg5Uql2JgvwLTDO2c42x25609u6tPl0zI5KZ2wPGTVXj26lzrgMbgDCZA7Vzh0WdTsAs/s200/woodcraft.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Wood Backing</b><br />
As I mentioned in the last post, I tried lots of different backing materials and eventually settled on a beautiful piece of wood. Well, I have to admit, while it looks like solid wood it is actually a piece of wood veneer backed by a piece of 1/16" <a href="http://www.fauxbone.com/" target="_blank">Faux Bone</a>. I had bought a pack of dozens of different veneers at <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2003323/3973/wood-identification-kit-veneer-sample-pack-50piece.aspx" target="_blank">Woodcraft</a> after seeing jewelry made by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AaronBarrJewelry" target="_blank">Aaron Barr</a>. He uses a lot of wood in his work, and I loved what the wood had to say in his pieces. So I tucked the pack away in my studio knowing that one day, I would pull it out...and I finally did. Aaron will be joining us as a guest blogger in the next week so he can tell you more about how he works with wood in his pieces.<br />
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The benefit of using the Faux Bone under the wood was that all of the tiny rivets on the front metal plate are actually wire tapped as screws and screwed into the Faux Bone. Only the four corners are rivets that go all the way through the silver bezel.<br />
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Survey says...ding! Romaine....err, Faux Bone was the answer! Sorry Andy.<br />
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Keep creating recklessly,<br />
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Melissa<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Melting temperature source linked <a href="http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/melting-temperature-metals-d_860.html" target="_blank">here</a></span>Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-28546186796789789402013-03-05T14:13:00.003-08:002013-03-05T14:26:23.851-08:00It's Not a Finishing Problem, It's a Starting Problem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgnxmdq78gzUwC-PNkWO-7YzJdO55Gsivb2XVaMsNyRgodjBm2Ah-_MMg-0F7UXufT4YhEzyl0-E9i7OOKD-3ZikfC5UkO6Z4QuTquTaUdXrb2as4ZOKlKJ7i-Wp3Qjd49_6XU7FyUto/s1600/observationsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgnxmdq78gzUwC-PNkWO-7YzJdO55Gsivb2XVaMsNyRgodjBm2Ah-_MMg-0F7UXufT4YhEzyl0-E9i7OOKD-3ZikfC5UkO6Z4QuTquTaUdXrb2as4ZOKlKJ7i-Wp3Qjd49_6XU7FyUto/s320/observationsm.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Melissa Cable</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sterling silver, brass, rosewood, Faux Bone, glass eye and peridot</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The eye is mounted to a pendulum and swings, revealing the flash of peridot</span></div>
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I just completed a 4-day class with instructor and artist extraordinaire<a href="http://www.andycooperman.com/index.php" target="_blank"> Andy Cooperman</a>. His classes are always so liberating. He practices "ninja soldering" (just get in there, leave a pile of bodies and get out), he hates the jewelers saw, and he mocks me for using my jeweler's tap and die when you can simply use a pre-made screw (always in jest of course, and I am convinced I will change his mind on this one topic someday).<br />
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This is the second class I have taken with him (the first being his Flexshaft class, coming up again at <a href="http://www.danacadesign.com/" target="_blank">Danaca</a>) and I again walked away feeling great about what I learned <i>and</i> what I accomplished...and for me that is big. I often leave a class having learned a lot but rarely have something to show for it. Which is okay, of course, but it is so fulfilling to use the class skills to create an object that I am truly proud of (and can't believe I made). My buddy and classmate, <a href="http://objectsandelements.typepad.com/objects_and_elements/" target="_blank">Linda Larsen</a>, finished three such projects in class, including this amazing pin she made for me! (It made my heart happy).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvAJzYtAH0lY1Z-oi0vKnl8O9gQpKK8z4n8_dx94bE2vhFPwA9chXcZp9LiVbr_3wYeC0IqUChjWw2ZEBoucZMRwwwsalhHwxNcaSW3xq619lmKAHbDDZ7UB0n9aPYJSKygW3wj2Zaaw/s1600/LindaLarsensm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvAJzYtAH0lY1Z-oi0vKnl8O9gQpKK8z4n8_dx94bE2vhFPwA9chXcZp9LiVbr_3wYeC0IqUChjWw2ZEBoucZMRwwwsalhHwxNcaSW3xq619lmKAHbDDZ7UB0n9aPYJSKygW3wj2Zaaw/s200/LindaLarsensm.jpg" height="192" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Linda Larsen</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sterling silver, brass and glass eye</span></div>
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I learned both from Andy and from my own experiments and mistakes. I will share one of those accidental findings in my next post, but today I want to touch upon the most important lesson I learned.<br />
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I finished much of my piece the second day and sat with Andy for some one-on-one time. I explained that I was at the point in the project that always causes me frustration...the finishing work. How do I give the piece the perfect patina and polish. He didn't see why this was a problem. And then, like the best teachers always do, he began to ask me a series of questions, allowing me to come to my own conclusions without feeling like he was judging me or my work. I walked away not sure I had solved the problem, but the questions stayed in my mind all night.<br />
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I woke up the next morning and realized something important. I didn't have difficulty with the finishing work, I had problems with the starting work. My solder seams were sloppy (I had given myself <i>too</i> much permission in the name of learning), my filing and sanding could have been improved using the Flexshaft tools he had demonstrated rather than being done by hand, and the overall design would be enhanced by taking the time to do some mock ups and trying different materials.<br />
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So with the class half over, I started again. I pulled the piece apart, soldered the areas that needed fixed, played with dozens of backing materials from leather and linoleum to fabric and wood (which I eventually settled upon). I came home and painstakingly inserted 31 tiny hand-tapped screws into the piece (remember, I will convince him one day), and burnished every single one of them.<br />
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It was 1am. My husband had stayed up with me, vowing to be the first person to see the piece. We cracked open a bottle of our <a href="http://www.michaelflorentinocellars.com/wines" target="_blank">favorite wine</a> to celebrate. I made a piece I was proud to bring into class the next day, even knowing I'd have to share it with someone I admired as much as Andy Cooperman.<br />
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And that was the start of a beautiful finish.<br />
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Melissa<br />
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<br />Melissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78979706420853046.post-79431354934787757922013-02-26T21:40:00.000-08:002013-02-26T21:55:28.876-08:00Free "I Love Tools" Webinar (Feb 27) ...and More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ0xH1u2piCFa4sVwsS4z-hASWAMzjAvRpy_vA-tHDF-_lFgFn8VzHUZeZhM2AmcdJ4EALt2m1AYjUOrwHcEODVRtY_NNQNutiswD6DF8EU4MkzZwXQDXJVnnDslKWA2_gVAxjMJZHc/s1600/WoodlandChic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ0xH1u2piCFa4sVwsS4z-hASWAMzjAvRpy_vA-tHDF-_lFgFn8VzHUZeZhM2AmcdJ4EALt2m1AYjUOrwHcEODVRtY_NNQNutiswD6DF8EU4MkzZwXQDXJVnnDslKWA2_gVAxjMJZHc/s320/WoodlandChic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Woodland Chic Trio by Melissa Cable: Etched copper on Faux Bone, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">soldered etched copper,</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">and engraved leather laced to Faux Bone</span></div>
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I am so very, very thrilled to have been asked to be part of <a href="http://patriksstudio.com/" target="_blank">Patrik Kusek's</a> Woodland Chic Design Team! Patrik is launching his new <a href="http://patriksstudio.com/shop/woodland-chic-texture-sheet-metal-clay-polymer-clay-mixed-media/" target="_blank">Woodland Chic stamp set</a> tomorrow night on <a href="http://www.craftcast.com/post/1457549-i-love-tools-is-back" target="_blank">Craftcast's free "I Love Tools" webinar</a>. As part of this launch, he will be showing all of the different ways you can use rubber impressions to create jewelry, sculpture, books and other art.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://patriksstudio.com/shop/woodland-chic/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Eu6-QOHwHjV7gPSvqk6nDZ25DfTSZuaeUiinwVmrSFQQ1Vz0Yqs9nTiD8ZtZ-hwyI9v7Mhn1vOdBm9YuYVP1Znj76oMtaAPXbVBBQEmFRGUkOYkeVhvNlo5pUILB9lttuRCzXI3r-us/s200/woodland-chic-book.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://patriksstudio.com/shop/woodland-chic/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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If you are not familiar with Patrik, he is the author of <a href="http://patriksstudio.com/shop/woodland-chic/" target="_blank">"Woodland Chic: Metal Clay Jewelry as Nature Intended,"</a> is a Rio Grande Senior Instructor, recipient of the Saul Bell award for first place in PMC, is an amazing graphic designer and, frankly, one of the nicest people I know!<br />
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<a href="https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/595970698" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXeKwkBIkOWT1u7856ZtrsHdgZr43_pgdPKb-xWc-0UujeoyUv7lM5jtO8sE55DCNEtxYR8is9F7yKv1vepzWtIm_X0ZTCDVQXWgA5rHJaOB9IZLiy_6r0KaCAitZsHWui786ogL67sI/s320/Ilovetools.png" width="249" /></a></div>
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If you are not familiar with Craftcast's online classes, well wait no longer! This is going to be an amazing event, featuring Patrik, Robert Dancik, Barbara Becker Simon, Christi Fresen and Robert Diamante. There will be lots of prizes and you'll learn tricks for working with metal clay, polymer clay and digital resources. Patrik will also be showing off some of the projects by his new design team...and let me tell you, there are some amazing people from all over the world doing amazing things. I'm honored to be part of the group.<br />
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I'm excited to offer my <a href="http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/melissacabledesigns/6078026702/sizes/m/in/set-72157627511565532/" target="_blank">"Time of My Life"</a> pendant as a live Craftcast class on July 24th...more details to come soon. In the meantime, find a comfy place for you and your computer or tablet and get familiar with Craftcast and Patrik tomorrow night. Join me (I'll be snug in my jammies)!<br />
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See you there,<br />
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MelissaMelissa Cablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569237688024618621noreply@blogger.com3