The Charm of Chimes

Digging through boxes in the attic, 

I discovered a set of tarnished flatware.

I believe they were my father-in-laws.

Looking at the discolored pieces, I knew there was no

 chance I would ever take on the task of cleaning them.  

Chimes from flatware are nothing new.
Still, they are a charming adornment for an outdoor space
and quick to assemble.

Less than one hour from start to finish. 

I think these held syrup

Many things around the house will work:

cookie cutters, kitchen utensils, keys, small glass bottles.
You can find all of these items at the thrift store. 

For drilling into metal you will need a power tool
and a small cobalt drill bit.

After drilling a hole all the way through the handle,

file off the burrs before stringing with fishing line.

Pull line through drilled hole, double knot and again

after securing to the mesh basket,  

fashioning various lengths for each utensil

It is easier to start from the middle and work outwards.

Make sure there's at least 1" of space

between each secured item.

Afterwards, apply a dab of cement glue to all the knots for a permanent fix.

15 pieces of silverware and glass bottles made this too heavy

to hang with fishing line, so I purchased 4ft of black chain

at the hardware store (sold by the foot). 

4 equal chain lengths, 1 for the middle, and 3 evenly spaced

around the top perimeter of the basket creates balance.

An old drapery ring joins the 4 lengths of chain for hanging.

I had all items on hand, except the black chain.

Total cost, $4.49.

They chime beautifully.

The Crab Nebula

smoky haze reminds me of swirling gases in outerspace

Last summer, I painted the tv/game room a pumpkin orange.

album frames are from Restoration Hardware

A couple of space themed movie posters and framed album covers 

helped turn the once bland walls into a cozy, modern, fun room

with a hint of retro appeal.

However, I was drawing blanks when it came to decorating

the large wall space behind the pool table.

Adding more album covers or movie posters seemed excessive. 

The bar mirrors that used to hang on the wall 

no longer suited the ‘family’ décor.

I had purchased a poker table for my husband over the holidays.

The table top was protected in the carton by

(2) 48"x48" x1/8" mdf boards.

They took up a lot of space but I'm glad I saved them.

After months of debating, a recent viewing of the Crab Nebula

set in motion an idea for the vacant wallspace.

One of the boards would make an ideal canvas

for my "interpretation" of the Crab Nebula and
a perfect compliment to the movie posters.

I lightly sanded the sheen with 100 grit sandpaper,

cleaned, and followed this up with 5 coats of gesso.

I also applied gesso to the back as well.

The size of this board would be expensive to frame

and the thinness (1/8") would make it display more like a poster. 

Not the impact I was going for.

My solution was to attach a hidden frame

made from square wood stakes

that would allow the board to set out from the wall,

creating a shadow effect.

  

The frame is reinforced with L-brackets

making the mdf very sturdy but not too heavy.

Picture sits out approx. 2" from the wall.

The rough cleat also provides a convenient way to hang on the wall.

I created the effects by applying acylic paint 

with rags, cellophane, feathers, and sponges.

The vibrant colors and scale of this painting did not stand out

until I added stars using qtips.

Amazing how that little detail, really transformed the picture.

Total cost, < $20. 

That pleases me the most. 

I am still here in spirit.

Work is crazy for me the first two months of the year.

 I barely have time to read others blogs. I realize now,

I should have offered up an explanation sooner as to my lack of posts.

My load will lighten up considerably

around the week of Feb. 22nd, at which time, I look forward to

getting back into the swing of things with weekly diys.

I hope that the new year finds everyone happy, healthy and harmonious.

I offer a glimpse into diy 2010.

quartz crystals + gunmetal necklace (a thrifty purchase)

= a quality piece

Breadmaking 101

Inspiration

and the interpretation

vintage restored

Dumas' work reinvented

The Gift of Glitz

Last week, I wore my earring(s) out in public.

This bauble stood out, arriving at the fête a split second before me.

When I shared with a few who commented on the ring

that it was fashioned out of old earrings,

they could barely believe it!

I’m not quitting my day job....

heartily convinced that these women,
business professionals like myself,

would soon be rummaging through their junk jewelry
to see what cast offs they could transform into
'one-of-a-kind'  wearable treasures.

Their enthusiasm,

inspired me to make one as a gift for a friend.

This earring is probably from the late 60's.  However, 

 the black glass beads remind me of the Victorian Era.

I know you’re reading this…and I got your message.
You're right! It will look great with your gray sweater dress.



You're tantalized!

No you can't swing by to pick it up!

You’ll just have to wait until girls nite out.
(Wear the sweater dress.)

Besos y abrazos!

EarRings

In my quest to secure fancy adornments for my person

(the tree is already trimmed)

I again searched through my junk jewelry.

The earrings are becoming my favorite for ideas this season.

With specimens like these, who could blame me?

Most of these are fairly old but very well made,

and as beautiful as the woman who wore them.

My grandmother would cheer my efforts for finding

new ways to enjoy them as much as she did.

I know she would approve of the ocean pebble cuff.

She would also suggest that I need a cocktail ring.

Ring blanks.

You can get these from any costume supply store.

I decided to use the blue stone for my cocktail ring.

With a little more effort than my time permits

(I leave town tomorrow)

the other ear rings will make great stocking stuffers

for a few friends. 

The scale is pretty impressive but a little boring.

It needs a hood ornament!

My selectiveness and the fact that the back needs to be flat for a

permanent fix will limit my choices considerably.

Three to be exact.

I remove the post and carefully file (dremel)

any rough spots then attach with E6000 or a 2 part epoxy.

 This earring I used is 14ct gold with a sterling silver center.

I lost the other one a few years ago.

I think it is a nice compliment to the color and scale of this ring.

Festive, non.  'Tis the season!

Ocean Pebbles

The month of Dec. presents me with many opportunities

for holiday socializing with clients after work.

If I had to pick only one accessory item this season that would
put me in a more festive mood as well as spiff up
my work attire for these after hour functions,
I would choose the cuff bracelet.

Studded Leather

Roberto Cavalli

Medina Cuff

Monica Vinader

Black Onyx

Kara Ross

Ocean Pebbles

Nonflammable

This far, I have managed to stay within the boundaries of
my significantly reduced personal spending budget.
(Negative adj. for prev. months purchase of Fiorentini and Baker Boots)

Until I find one of my wish list items in my stocking (hi honey),

I will rely upon the imposing resouces at hand.

The junk jewelry drawer.

A selection of old earrings. 
Most of these were my grandmothers.

Hmmmmm.

Not feeling it yet.

A few alterations and additions resulted in a haute mess.

I blamed my wine consumption.

Back to the cast aways

where I came up with a clearer plan.

After making my selection, I carefully remove the earring back

and the frame around the cabochon, if there is one.  For tough

settings, hold under water to loosen the old adhesive.

After removing,

clean in warm, soapy water to remove all residue.

Plan the design.

Hint: Apply thin strips of masking tape to the back
of larger cabochons to get an idea of how
the pieces will look together on the cuff blank.

You can get cuff blanks at a costume supply store

for very cheap. This one is brass and cost less than $3.00.

I use E6000 adhesive, but a two part epoxy works just as well.

Use in a well ventilated area. (OPEN A WINDOW)

I don't recommend applying pieces to the back side of the cuff.

Metal, plastic, or glass....use your imagination. 

As long as there is enough of a flat surface

to apply the adhesive, anything will work.

Use tweezers to affix smaller components.

A toothpick will clean up excess residue

without marring the surface and goop off

will help remove sticky residue from cuff base.

Let setup overnight and go back over

with a toothpick to see if any beads are lose.

I really like this assembly.

The brass beads compliment the pearl cabs nicely.

I was unable to effectively capture the lustrous details of this cuff.

It turned out so well (better than I expected), I  plan on wearing

this next week while in Quebec City.