It’s A Wonderful Life, Happy Thanksgiving and More Mushiness

Is mushiness really a word? Probably not, but luckily it’s my blog and I can make up any word I want! So there–all you grammar police. Which while I am on the subject, I don’t know where I picked up the dash habit — ? I think dashes–are the new dots…… It will drive some of you nuts, all 2 of my readers but whatevs—-. I think some sweet little english teacher is turning over in her grave right now.

So……can you believe I have never seen the classic movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” until yesterday? I am not a big movie person and I really dislike old movies. But I had to watch it for my daughter–which leads me to the reason why I have been AWOL lately. My daughter’s high school is putting the production on in a few weeks and every year I help as stage manager. I have been doing it for years but it takes literally weeks of my time. I usually can do nothing else–it’s hours a day, everyday. It was a cute movie but unbelievably corny and in my opinion, I think Frank Cappra ripped off “A Christmas Carol” just saying–now Frank Cappra is doing summersaults!

Anyway, while I am here I thought I would wish you all a wonderful Turkey Day! Here’s the mushiness part of the blog I promised.

I am only thankful for one thing on Thanksgiving, I wish it every time I blow out my birthday candles, crack the wishbone, see a shooting star (yeah right) or anytime I need to make a wish for something

This is what I wish for (we are missing Franky my son’s girlfriend who should be in the pic). This handsome group is what I am thankful for. My happy, healthy and wonderful family, that’s all any Mom could ever want.

Oh geez–I just blew it that was our Christmas picture–well pretend you didn’t see it. Okay, I will sign off and bid you a Wonderful Holiday. I hope to get some studio time in soon and put some new work up–

My Obsession With Reliquary Cases

Well at least I had a better day in the studio.  No cuts, no bleeding–that’s a good day.  Not to mention, my 3 new reliquary cases.  I don’t know why I am so obsessed with them but I am.  The funny thing is I just like to make the cases.  I always think I will fill them and make some kind of jewelry out of them, but it never happens.

Reliquary Cases

These are out of the watch tins, riveted, with an acrylic center.  The usual stuff–but the medals are interesting.

Reliquary Cases by Sarjeant & Co.

Masonic Medal

This case was made from the medal to the right.  I have tried and tried to find out which masonic organization this is from and can’t find it.  As you can see I removed the middle, removed the scales and riveted them to the top of the medal. Polished them up a bit and VOILA!  a new case.

None of these are listed yet.  I will probably list them next week, I just wanted to give you a sneak preview.

Reliquary Case

This one is from the “Astra Castra Numen Lumen” medal that I had listed.  If you want any medals in my shop you better grab them quick, if not I will make a case out of them!  This one is ‘rosary style’ meaning it has the 2 links on top and 1 on the bottom.

Last, but certainly not least is a finger rosary with a sterling silver sacred heart medal riveted to the top.  Man, I have written riveted about 6 times in this post.  My torch is probably thinking I abandoned him.  I need to get back to my torch–no more rivets–I must stop riveting–I need riveters anonymous!!!!!!

I am still trying to figure out how to make glass tube lockets so that you can add your own stuff inside and then glue it closed.  It sounds easy but it isn’t because the brass tube has to fit the glass exactly right so I need hunt more brass tubing down.  It’s next on my list of things make.  I think I will take tomorrow off from the studio stuff and enjoy the outside world.

I am excited to have some girlfriends over Saturday for a day of soldering.  They have never soldered, I think we will make Christmas ornaments–fun, fun…

 

You Ever Have One Of Those Days?

You ever have one of those days when everything goes wrong?  I will rephrase that and say, when nothing goes right. It’s like the cup half empty or half full thing–it depends how you say it–either way the day sucked.

Anyway, the first problem is I am tired. I don’t work well when I am tired –especially with fire, power tools and sharp objects.   I wish I could say that my art is my living, but I can’t.  Actually, if I made me living out of it I probably wouldn’t do it anymore. I am weird like that.

So yes, I have a real job, kids, family, dogs, friends, holidays, all the usual things that fill my day 100%.  Luckily, I only work part time and the rest I can play in my studio–which by the way, my studio is beautiful.  Someday, I will show you.

I was so excited to have 3 days off today. I planned to get loads done.

So I start off by cutting myself. You like my disgusting nails? Actually, these are nice nails for me. They are usually worse.  Looks like I build cars for a living.  Anyway, It wouldn’t be a studio day if I didn’t cut myself–without fail.   You would think I would keep band-aids around. Of course not. Instead, I use whatever I have laying around duct tape, masking tape, plastic baggies, my shirt, in this case it was hemming tape.

I finally get my finger squared away, sit down, ready to start my big 3 DAYS OF CREATIVITY and then…… draw a huge blank.

You know those days when it just ’empty’ upstairs.  Nothing comes to you? I just kept looking at this mess thinking I have 3 days off and I need to make something  fabulous.  Nothing………………

My plan B when I am drawing a creative block, is Mr. Ipod.  Music can always pull me out of a funk.  Today it was Glee, all day all the time. Yep, I am a “Gleek” with a big “L” on my forehead.   ‘Whatevs’…….as my child would say.

So now I have wasted half the morning, stalling with things to get my creative juices moving.  If stalling translated to jewelry pieces, I would have had 100 pieces made today!  The computer is the best time waster of all.  Hence, me posting on my blog for no good reason.

Then this happens…….yes, look at these faces, only a mother can love.   These eyes are saying, “I am bored, sick of being in this house and please MOM–TAKE ME OUT!!”

We can now add guilt to my list of other issues today.

So that’s the end of my sad story……………….my son actually ended up walking the dogs for me.  I am still on the computer and have decided sometimes you just have to cry, “Uncle” and just figure tomorrow is another day.  So for now, I will cry “UNCLE”!!!!!

New Reliquary Cases

I had this long post about  “Trench Art” which is fascinating but I can’t seem to finish it.   I will eventually post it  instead I thought I would post something easy.  Like my new cases.  I just love these cases!  I keep making them and making them, which is unusual for me because I get bored easily.  These are just so much fun, and I love treasure boxes, treasures–especially little ones.

When I first started I would just list them without anything in them.  I decided that customers/designers needed to see what it would look like with SOMETHING in them even a picture.  I wanted something different besides the masonic eye, so found Mr. Peacock Circus Man.    He  didn’t make the final cut–so I wanted to give him so ‘air’ time anyway

.

So I ended up with a piece of red felt–kind of giving it the Christmas feel if you want, or not.   I think next round I will add a ring to the bottom so you can use it rosary style if you want.

Reliquary Case--Sarjeant & Co on Etsy

Here’s a case with a finger rosary.  It has a plastic container in the back,presumably for Holy Water.  I am not sure.

Basic Brass Etching Techniques and Tutorial

Etched Brass Pieces on Sarjeant & Co on Etsy

How about an etching tutorial?

These etched pieces are for sale in my store Sarjeant & Co. with the exception of the corset. I sold out of the corset and will probably not make anymore (okay that’s a lie, I have ONE more but it’s not for sale).

Anyway, here’s some basic information on how to get started in etching. This is my own ‘self taught’ way of etching–I am not an expert. There are many ways to etch. I will show you my way. I have only etched brass.

I use an ‘etching’ tank. I made this tank with household items I picked up at Wal-Mart.

Etching Tank by Sarjeant & Co.

Etching Tank Supplies:

Plastic Container with vacuum lid (I couldn’t find a picture but I got it at Wal-Mart)
Cheap aquarium pump with tubing
Acrylic 8 x 10″ sheet available at Lowes (used for picture frames)
Hot Glue gun
Bic Pen (old school kind, you will take out inside and use outside)

Use your dremel or flex shaft and cutting disc and cut a hole on the side just below the lid so the tubing fits in even with lid closed. Take the acrylic sheet and hot glue it to the bottom of the container this makes it stable so it doesn’t topple over.

Attach tubing to pump, I then hot glued pump to the tank. Next, You need to drill holes in the clear plastic bic pen sheath. Hot glue the clear pen sheath to the tubing. Take the entire contraption (the bic end with the holes) and hot glue REALLY WELL to the inside bottom of the tank.

Basically, when you plug in the aquarium pump all the chemicals will bubble from the holes in the drilled bic pen sheath. This makes the etching work quicker and circulates the chemicals for a cleaner etch. Heat also helps, I tried an aquarium heater –don’t waste your money. By the time it heats up you will be done. It works fine without heat.

This is the hardest part of the entire process. Finding the FERRIC CHLORIDE!!!!! Apparently Radio Shack used to sell it but guess what–NOT ANYMORE! I tried Fry’s and they had it one time about a year ago. But that was the last time I found it. I had good luck with a little Mom and Pop Electronic Store about 20 miles from my house. I bought 4 bottles, all they had. You can order the ferric chloride online but the shipping prices are crazy expensive! I suggest you go find a store near you and buy all they have before someone else does.

I know there are ways to etch with muriatic acid but it seems way to dangerous for my taste. I just take the ferric chloride and dump it into the plastic tank, about 3/4 of the way up. Make sure to use gloves when handling Ferric Chloride, it will stain anything and everything you come in contact with including your hands! Ugly, ugly.

Use some Staz-on and a rubber stamp and stamp an image on some clean, scrubbed brass. I think stamping is the easiest ‘resist’ to use. You can draw an image, or iron on with pNp (never works for me). I think stamps are the easiest to work with. When you are done take a sharpie and cover all the edges completely. Remember anything that is not covered with some kind of resist will be etched. Take simple packing tape and completely cover the back.

You will need another container of white vinegar to neutralize the etched brass when you take it out of the ferric chloride. Make sure the area you work in is protected–like I said the stuff stains.

Now’s a good time for my disclaimer:
*Be smart–wear gloves, use in a properly ventilated area, read all directions, dispose of chemicals properly, etc., etc.

Okay so you got your tank ready and built, your container of white vinegar ready, you have cleaned your brass, stamped it with something cool, used sharpie around the edges, taped up the back completely with clear packing tape.

It’s time to etch———–yeah!

Take a couple of pieces of masking tape, tape the ends to the brass –then lower it into the tank and tape the other end over the side of the tank (sorry I will take more pictures next time–it’s that darn attention span of mine).

Set the timer for about 20- 30 minutes–plug in the aquarium pump and let it rip!  You will have to just pull it out of the tank periodically and check the etch, if you like it then take it out and put in into the vinegar bath to neutralize.  Then into soap and water and clean well with a brush.

I usually need to shine up my stuff with a little steel wool and then coat with Renaissance Wax–my favorite sealing type agent.   That’s all folks!  I hope I didn’t confuse you too much.   Until next time………………

Making Connections (And I Don’t Mean Jewelry)

Sarjeant & Co. opened in July of this year.  It is my third shop on Etsy in 3 years.  It fascinates my how over the years, jewelry has connected me to so many people–literally.   With my current shop I make  pendants, reliquary cases, tube lockets, things the etsy designer can connect to other pieces, which connects them to others, and it goes on and on.

Reliquary Case by Sarjeant & Co on Etsy.

Anyway,  these etsy artists started as customers and quickly became my etsy friends.  Many I will never meet or ever hear their voices, regardless I consider them my friends.  I wanted to ‘share the love’ again and show you a few of the more of my designer/customers and their shops.

Let’s start with the funny and very prolific jewelry designer Betty of LilyoftheVally.  I call her Moosie and she calls me Elkie.   Why?  Well, when you hear the names “Betty” and “Donna” do you think of 2 young people or 2 old people?

"His and Hers" Betty of Lily of the Vally

Exactly!  I don’t think it makes you think of  2 kids in diapers–at least not pampers. Probably the other ‘DIAPERS’. So-o-o-o we thought we would change our names to ‘younger names’ We had names from ALL walks of life—if you get my drift.

But, somehow Moose and Elk stuck plus it’s very tiring to try and think up a new young person type name every time you email someone.

"Polly" by Betty of Lily of the Vally

Of course, Moosie and Elkie definitely make us sound like teens.  ‘What-evs’  nod and agree.    Anyway, she is quickly approaching 1,000 sales. Something I can only dream of……  Check out the rest of her shop Lily of the Vally–no that is not a typo.  Maybe she will have a 1,000 th customer appreciation sale or something–I made that up–you better check with Betty.  Well, that’s what I would do if I had 1,000 sales!!!   I only have about 810-ish more to go!

Then of course there is my long time friend Mariam of  The Hand of Fatima.  Mariam has hung in there with me for 3 shops since the beginning of time for me.   She is another one of those ‘almost 1,000 sales’  friends-o-mine.

"Birdsong of a Nomad" by Mariam of The Hand of Fatima

Her jewelry comes with these  wonderfully scripted stories she writes for each and every listing.  They are fabulous like her jewelry!  I don’t know how she does it, I can barely get out, “brass tube” on my listings and I am exhausted!

"Time Lost in Las Vegas" by Mariam of The Hand of Fatima

"The Dead Railroad" by Mariam of The Hand of Fatima

I had huge plans to ‘share more love-but I am BEAT.  Instead I will leave you with probably one of the funniest listings? designs? (I am not even sure what to call it) I have ever seen!  It is so clever, and I LOVE clever.

If I had one ounce of guts (that was not actually the word I was going to use)  I would buy one of these and wear it.   This is by Detroit Knitter on Etsy.  She will even add a nipple ring for free!

"Boob Scarf" by The Detroit Knitter on Etsy

New Odd Fellows Pinbacks

For some reason I am hugely attracted to all stuff masonic–I think it’s the same reason I am attracted to Sacred Heart medals–the imagery and art is fabulous.   I try to  get away from it but it seems to always draw me back in.  I am always on the search for pinbacks at a reasonable price with great art.  Here are a few:

Odd Fellows Pinback "Sarjeant & Co"

Odd Fellows Pinback "Sarjeant & Co"

Odd Fellows Pin from "Sarjeant & Co"

 

Odd Fellows Pinback by "Sarjeant & Co."

 

Don’t forget I listed some reliquary cases today in my store Sarjeant & Co.  You can look in the upper left and click any of the pictures to my store to see all the cases.

 

Reliquary Cases, Reliquary Cases, Reliquary Cases…..

Here’s a peek into today’s studio adventures.   I am making more cases  with vintage masonic medals and finger rosaries. They have been a popular item in my store Sarjeant & Co lately.   So I thought I would make as many as I can today.

I have a feeling this may be the last batch.   We will see, that’s the beauty of being the proprietor  you can do what you want– when you want.

Reliquary Cases

I am probably going to list starting Friday….

Reliquary Tutorial Part II and Why I am Sharing..

So my husband says to me yesterday, “Why the heck are you showing everybody how to make your cases?”  “It’s your wealth!’.  So before we get started– let’s straighten a few things out.

Number 1:  It’s not my wealth.  We all know as Etsy artisans that $22/$24 cases will not be  your wealth, nor was it ever meant to be.   The wealth is in the enjoyment of making them (hokey I know but 100% true!), owning my own shop, keeping my brain occupied, seeing designers use them as their own and meeting so many cool people.  Truly.

Number 2: If you think about it by the time you buy the $200 disc cutter,  tools and a myriad of other supplies, it’s just way easier and cheaper to buy it from me!

Number 3: I have CADD (Crafters Attention Deficit Disorder).   Like everything I make, I will get tired of it and move on to something new.  I love the challenge and I love to try new techniques, use new tools, buy more stuff!  So if for some reason everyone goes out tomorrow and makes these exact cases and sells them, then I will move on to something else.

So now that that’s out-of-the-way, let’s move on to the tutorial–ish (ha! I had to do it)

Watch tin lid and Medal

It’s time to drill the holes in the lid and the medal.  The best thing, (sorry forgot to take pics) is to drill one hole, put your rivet in  then drill the others.  Otherwise everything moves around and you will never get it centered again.  But, of course, I am impatient and pre-drilled the top holes.  So this pic is actually with 2 rivets already in, but we can pretend we just have one hole.  You are an artist–you pretend all the time!

Marking the rivet

Now, make sure your tubing and your hole are a tight fit.  No wiggle room, or it just won’t work.  Once you get your rivet holes the right size, stick the tube in and use the skinny sharpie and mark.  The width of the sharpie is the perfect ‘extra space’ you need for your rivet!

Cutting the tubing

Cut the tube at the line.  This handy-dandy tube cutting tool from Rio is the best!

 

 

Next pop an acrylic circle in the top.  I epoxy it in, I could rivet it.  But for the price I am selling them for, it is just too much work and the epoxy holds nicely.  The disc has the paper still on it.

 

Reliquary Case from vintage watch tin and masonic medal

 

Here ya go!  Sealed with renaissance wax and ready for sale.  I think this one is already spoken for , it not you will see it in my store Sarjeant & Co.  I hope it wasn’t too confusing.   Until next time!

 

 

Reliquary ‘Tute’ (Tutorial) PART I

Well– I am going to send my favorite reliquary off to its new home today along with another.   Goodbye favorite case!

Reliquary Case (masonic medal and old watch tin)

They were popular –so I am going to make more.   Since, I have had few questions on how they are made–I thought I would give you a little ‘tute’ (that’s crafter slang for tutorial) on how I make them.

So here’s where it starts:

finger rosary, masonic medal, old watch tin

Don’t forget the really gross work area or it just won’t be right.  So depending what you are using for your ornamental top–be it the rosary or medal (if it’s a medal you may need to cut out a hole in the middle of that piece).  So for this case I am going to use the medal.

Next you need a hole in the top of the watch tin—you could do what I did forever and saw each one out.    Silly me.

Disc Cutter (Rio Grande)

Don’t go through all that work use your handy-dandy disc cutter.  It is a bit tricky because you have to center it with one eye closed since you have to punch the inside of the top lid.  So if it’s a bit off-center, no problem–“Embrace the imperfections” as a wise teacher (Sally Jean)once told me .

CAUTION: If you punch the outside after you draw a beautifully measured circle, because you don’t believe me–you will get a SMASHED lid.  I have a whole drawer full of smashed lids to prove it!

BEAUTIFUL! Watch tin with center hole

Yes, you are asking yourself why is there a drawn circle in the top AFTER she just said don’t do it!   Because,  you could draw a perfectly centered circle in the top and center it from underneath, turn it over and punch out the inside.  But–it’s a real pain in the ‘arse’ because everything moves around every time you turn it over.  You’ll figure it out…you’re smart.

That’s it for my tute-ish today.  Sorry, I have a birthday party to attend to so you will need to come back for PART II tomorrow-ish.

Sorry about all the ‘ishes’ for some reason in my mind–it  is a great excuse for everything!