New Stuff...

More BronzClay from my own molds...

 I tried firing my kiln over-night...not so good. In theory, it was a great idea...get everything ready, set it up, fire away while I sleep, and voila, wake up to some great surprises...but we have a house-full of dogs right now, and they really didn't know what to make of the kiln noise with no person down stairs working.... I've been up since 2:00am because the dogs didn't particularly like the sound of the kiln clicking on and off. It made them nervous, and when one barks or gets upset, it just spirals down from there. I'm sure you know how that goes if you've ever lived in a multi-dog house hold...

But my folks got back from out of town, and they took their two dogs home with them this afternoon. My mom brought back the bracelet I wanted to share with you, and I was able to get a few pictures off this afternoon before the light was totally gone...

Ancient Spirit-BronzClay and Brass 

I really like how the bracelet turned out. It has a nice weight and a great patina..those of you who know me, are probably laughing. I have a thing about the "weight" of things...it has to feel just right...I'm sure there are lots of other people out there who know what I'm talking about...Not too heavy so that it's cumbersome, but not so light that you can't feel it on...I always feel like the weight of jewelry connects you to a piece. Anyway, this one has the right weight...lol

I've spent a lot of time working with metal clay this week. It's funny because it was really a "side" project, and not really why I wanted to invest in the kiln in the first place. I was really interested in working with regular clay, and doing some enameling. I've yet to pull those materials out, but I'm hoping to get started this week. I'll keep you posted as I go along. For those of you who are thinking about taking the next step and getting a kiln, I would highly recommend stopping by the WholeLottaWhimsey website and checking out their information on kilns.  They have wonderful info, a comparison chart, and lots of great supplies to help you get started. I couldn't have waded through all the information I had on kilns without that comparison chart....it was invaluable.

Have a great night...light and love-amanda

Drops of Sky- Sterling Silver and Peruvian Blue Opal 

Comments

[newfry]

you're doing such a great job with the metal clay! i really like what you've come up with.

[Jennifer Woller]

Amanda,
I did laugh when you talked about the weight of a piece. I have always loved pearls and part of that is simply the weight and how they feel when you have them on. Love the bracelet!!
Jenny

[nan emmett]

that bracelet is amazing..this is just so different from your other work..but i love it..

[Davinia Algeri]

Just found your blog, so glad I did, fabulous jewelry and I love 'Ancient Spirit'.