Candy Tin Roses

Valentine’s Day held a hidden surprise inside my box of chocolate!  Just like Forest Gump, you never know what your gonna get…….

This lovely tin had soft roses raised on the lid.  I turned it over and saw with my metal clay eyes, Rose Molds!

After taking a bit of left over clay and kneading it with a drop or two of water, it was perfect for pressing into one of the rose shapes.  I used a little silicone hand lotion on the lid and the clay came right off the mold, shaped so softly like a rose.

With just a bit of sanding and after firing with a torch, I had a gorgeous fine silver rose with delicate detail and curves that were smooth.
I burnished a tiny spot on the back to solder on a bail.  The bail is handmade from sterling wire, stamped with “love”.

This necklace is so feminine and brings to mind something that a bride would wear on her honeymoon!  I crocheted wire with glass beads to make the chain, which ends with a few inches of Rollo chain behind the neck for comfort.

Like is like a box of chocolates!

Snowflake Jewelry - Frosty Fun Fashion Must Haves

All designed by the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy, this snowflake gallery offers a variety of styles to fit any budget. Take a look and find your favorite and grab them before they are gone!



The Metal Clay Heads Team is an amazing group of artists that design and create jewelry with top quality materials, extraordinary skill and take care of their customers like family and friends.

You are sure to find your next treasure in one of their shops on Etsy.

10 Days and 10 Grams - Playing in Leaves with Silver Metal Clay

Summer Leaf Collection by York Avenue Studio

When the price of Silver shot up, it seemed like my chances to work with Silver Art Clay were shot, too.  I’d just begun building techniques and skills working with precious metal clay and enjoyed making jewelry with fine silver to the point that it was my focus for future designs.  The price hike certainly busted my big plans, but I have been fortunate enough to still have the chance to work with fine silver, just on a much smaller scale.

First thin layer on leaves

With only 10 grams of fresh clay, I decided to try a technique of painting leaves and for 10 days I have had the pleasure to work with metal clay, enjoy the process of creating fine silver pieces, stretch my design skills to include a pendant with a hinge and just truly enjoy the entire time.  I have some amazing new pieces of jewelry and I am writing this post to reveal the photos of the projects and the stories behind the scenes.

10 grams of silver metal clay is not much, about the same amount as one stick of gum.  I used half the package as slip by adding water and thinning the clay until I could paint with it.  I scouted around my yard for tiny leaves that had nice shape and texture, picturing what they would look like as silver.  I selected a Violet leaf, three tiny Maple leaves and an Elm leaf.  They were small and I figured each leaf would require about 1 gram of silver, give or take.

Thicker layers with some curling as they dried

The technique for using real leaves with metal clay is basic, just paint thin layers and let them dry.  Fire them and finish, voila!  But, along the way, chatting with other metal clay artists, I discovered so many different methods and variations to the process, each idea or tip added even more possible outcomes and results!  It is amazing how each artist interprets the layering and resolves little issues along the way.  My Etsy team, Metal Clay Heads, had so many helpful suggestions and photos of their own leaf projects!  It was like having them by my side along the way, super great members with tons of experience to share.

I started with thin layers, then progressed to thicker paste-like layers.  As the layers became thicker, the leaves began to curl as they dried.  For my projects, this was a good thing.  But I was given a few tips that would help for keeping the leaves flat, if that is what I was hoping for.  There are also many ways to keep the leaves from sliding around or blowing away, and more tips on how to manage the silver that leaked under to the front of the leaf.  Great ideas that I have tucked away for future use!

The first leaf that was thick enough to fire was the little Violet leaf.  I layered my logo cutout on the back, dry clay to dry clay, using slip.  Once dried, I torch fired it and was thrilled to see the result!
I already had a design in mind for this leaf and make a bail with fresh clay, added a genuine Peridot gemstone and carved some leaf, stick and berry accents.  I fired the second time, did some finishing, used some Liver of Sulphur patina gel and was thrilled with the final piece!

Fine Silver Leaf with Peridot by York Avenue Studio

Fine Silver Leaf with Peridot - Back - York Avenue Studio

The next leaves ready were the tiny Maple leaves.  I had a design in mind for the upcoming Metal Clay Heads Team Challenge, which is to use the technique of a working hinge and the theme is Magical or Mysterious.  I put a lot of thought into this tiny pendant and with big expectations that I would have success, I carefully worked on the details and was thrilled that the planning worked out well!

Here is the big reveal with descriptions:

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Along the way, the Elm leaf project went south, and I plopped the leaf back into the slip jar to reuse the clay.  But, I picked some fresh Bella Donna leaves and made them into gorgeous little earrings!

Fine Silver Bella Donna Leaf Earrings by York Avenue Studio

I would highly recommend trying some leaves with metal clay for anyone who is just starting out or for anyone who is stuck without any inspiration for a time.  Making leaves is so rewarding and without fussing over the detail or shape, just letting nature be the “mold”, the result will be beautiful detailed pieces of jewelry for charms, earrings, pendants, etc.  The added bonus is that just a little clay goes a long way!

Closed - Jewelry Giveaway! Genuine Amethyst Sterling Silver Heart Necklace

Purple Amethyst Silver Heart Necklace by York Avenue Studio

Why does anyone buy colored gemstone jewelry?  Why not just buy gold and diamonds?  I'm curious why customers buy colored gems.  I know why I love colorful jewelry, but want to know what a person thinks that gets them online to search out a great gemstone ring, for example.  Is it an upcoming birthday for a daughter or a neice, Mother's Day, an engagement or anniversary?

Is the specific color gem they choose based on the birthstone for the one receiving the gift or is it the perceived value of the classic three precious gems Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire?

I'd love to hear how people select their gems.  If you leave a comment below with your preference on selecting gemstone jewelry, maybe a true story of a past purchase, or even just describe your favorite gemstone, etc. you will be entered into the Free Giveaway for the Purple Amethyst Silver Heart Necklace! 

I'll announce the winner April 9th along with my reasons why I love colored gemstone jewelry and why I started my collection and my shop.

Purple Amethyst Silver Heart Necklace by York Avenue Studio

This solid .925 Sterling Silver Heart pendant is both semi-textured and shiny.  The classic symbol of love and devotion.  The genuine Amethyst gemstone is 5mm round and .40cts with light purple color and super clarity!  I will include an 18" sterling silver chain.  Amethyst is the birthstone for February.  Retail value is $130.00.

Other ways to enter:

If you Follow my blog, you'll also be entered automatically for the Giveaway!

If you'd rather send me an email with your comments on gemstone jewelry, you will also be entered to win!

Share this link and tell your friends and family to visit and enter, too!  Fellow jewelry makers are welcome to enter as well as anyone, ANYONE, who enjoys genuine gems!  My only limitation is that I will only ship the item to an address within the US or Canada.  I'm sorry that I can't ship international on this item.

Good Luck and I can't wait to read your comments!

Kathy

3rd Place Winner! Metal Clay Heads: March Challenge - The Elements

Earth Goddess Amulet by York Avenue Studio

The voting is Closed - My Earth Goddess was voted ito 3rd Place!

The Etsy team Metal Clay Heads has a Challenge every other month with a selected theme and technique for members to create beautiful metal clay designs and the submissions are posted on our blog for everyone to vote!

Metal Clay Heads: March Challenge - The Elements: "Our theme this time is The Elements - Water, Fire, Wind and Earth. The required technique is using syringe or snakes when creating the desig..."

Here is how I created my entry into this Challenge:

Sketch up of idea as the design hit me initially

Maybe it was the oncoming of the full moon, but this idea just "hit" me and I grabbed a pen and the first paper I could find, which was the back of an envelope on the counter!  I wanted to create a special pendant for myself to wear daily, something sturdy and smooth, something that wouldn't jab my son when he jumped up on my lap and hugged me!

I recently lost my dad, less than two weeks ago.  He was in hospice in MI with just days to enjoy and I'm in NJ and didn't get there in time.....big misfortune and lost opportunity.

I also recently lost my doggy, about a week prior, and missing her hour by hour, still "hearing" her in the background only to re-realize she's not here.

Trying to stay positive has been tough lately, and these last events plus more....well, I decided to focus on what I have that is good and appreciate it.

This amulet represents the Earth Goddess, which to me means Motherhood.  I have 5 amazing children and I am surrounded by their love, which IS my life!  The swirls on this pendant would represent them.  In my final design, I used 5 spirals in her hair and on the back, I enscribed each child's Zodiac symbol for the month they were born.

The Blue Sapphire in the round moon being held high represents focus, protection, devotion and awareness:
"When misfortune is anow, wear the Blue Star on thy brow"

I made her face joyous, with eyes closed because that is how I laugh when I am with my kids, sometimes laugh so hard I'm in tears!

Earth Goddess Amulet with Blue Sapphire by York Avenue Studio

I used a rainbow patina on this pure silver pendant, but kept some areas shiny silver.  On the moon, there is a waxing crescent moon on the left highlighted in silver and also a waning moon on the right. 

The Earth Goddess Amulet Pure Silver by York Avenue Studio

I designed the pendant to hang so that the arms would stretch above the cord and hold the moon and star high.

I love my new necklace and haven't taken it off since I made it!

I hope you enjoyed this post and I'm so glad to share this story behind the scenes!
Kathy

Zebra Cube Charm Necklace by York Avenue Studio

Zebra Cube Charm Necklace by York Avenue Studio

My recent post for the Free Tutorial for Zebra Stripe Cane in Polymer Clay has been getting some nice traffic!  Hope everyone is enjoying their Zebra designs and I would love to see some photos!

I used one of my Zebra beads to make a necklace with tiny gray pearl flowers.  I used Liver of Sulphur Patina Gel from Cooltools.com to give the silver a nice antique/rainbow finish.  I still can't get over how smooth and shiny polymer is after sanding and polishing!  Feels great!

Zebra Cube Charm Necklace by York Avenue Studio - Back

Kathy

P.S.  Welcome to Missy Polyclay!

Pearly Sea Scrolls Necklace - My First Attempt at Polymer Clay Beads

First Beads made with First Polymer Cane

I am speachless!  Seriously, I had no idea polymer clay could be sanded and polished.  I was always turned off by the matte finish, the imperfections, the "dollar store" look of anything I had dabbled in.  I made pen covers with the kids that were fun as a craft.  No idea that it wasn't done and the finishing would bring the piece to life.

I'd seen shiny polymer pieces, cute little mini food, cupcakes, fruits, but thought they were just dipped in clear polish.  I even saw tutorials on what gloss to dip them in and about air bubbles, etc.  I wasn't interested.

I am shocked and super excited!  I am experienced with polishing silver jewelry settings and know how to be maticulous and patient and get high shine results in my metal jewelry.  I had a pre-concieved notion that if I sanded polymer clay, it would be scratched, like sand paper on a formica counter or a scratch in plexiglass.

I am so eager to show off my first polymer pieces made from my first ever cane!  As I sanded the pieces, I felt the smoothness right away, but also saw the dull, powdery look and wasn't sold yet that this would be what I wanted.  I went from 400 grit to 600 grit to 1200 grit to 2000 grit.  Very smooth feel to the pieces, but not pretty looking.

Then it happened!  I plugged in my rotary tool and started to buff.  Voila!  Each piece became so shiny as if it was wet!  Wow!  I love it!  I also see where my sanding wasn't complete and my forming of the piece in the smushy clay stages shows my inexperience with blending seams.  But, I've polished rocks in my tumbler in the past and the natural imperfections looked just the same after polishing, like creases and crevices in rock.  Rock tumbling takes 4 weeks to polish, and I only spent about an hour on the clay beads!

Pearly Sea Scrolls Necklace by York Avenue Studio

Here is my creation with my new shiny polymer clay beads!  I really love the white swirls outlined in black.  The navy blue and brown swirls show better in person.  This design idea would look great with a nice navy suit and white blouse!  Black suit, brown suit, gray........

Pearly Sea Scrolls Necklace by York Avenue Studio

In my design I've added silver spacers around the pendant hole and at the top and bottom of the cylinder beads.  The bail is wire wrapped and hooks from back to front with a button half drilled pearl as a stopper.  I used freshwater pearls to string the necklace.  I really like the little connector that the pendant hangs from.  I stamped the back with my new logo stamp from the Charm Factory!

Pearly Sea Scrolls Necklace by York Avenue Studio

All this time these parts and supplies were just sitting in my craft boxes and just a bit of inspiration from my blogging friends, I was able to make a beautiful necklace for myself at no cost!  Amazing!

Hope you like my first challenge with polymer clay.  I'd love to hear your comments!
Kathy