The CHANGE IT UP Blog Hop From B'sue Boutiques...Mixed Media Jewelry Making with Vintage Jewelry Findings

 

For us as artists, nothing could be truer.....if we don't look at things from a new angle, we will stay in the same old rut and never grow.  Our work will become stale and ordinary.

That does NOT mean, however, that we cannot stay true to our roots.  My style roots  are in vintage jewelry and always will be.   I'm not a big repurposer, I prefer to let the old pieces alone unless there just is no other hope for them, then yes, I'll cabbage a component and use it.

More than anything, however, I love to take the brass stampings and vintage jewelry supplies we offer at B'sue Boutiques and see what new thing I can do with them.  I prefer to take today's techniques, mix them with the old, tried and true....and see what design I can create that is true to me and true to my first love....vintage jewelry.

For this hop we were to use at least one of the components in this collage:

I chose two of them, the leafy swag top left, and the pretty heart at top bottom.

I determined that I wanted to do a little beading on wire with my designs, and I made three, each one a little harder than the one before.

My first is this one.....

 

As you can see the heart is encased in filigree to build a back for it, as it is a hollow piece.   I have been doing this for awhile.....my first was ten years ago....here is a patina piece:

I used this filigree...raw brass, turned sideways:

Find it here at B'sue Boutiques:  http://www.bsueboutiques.com/product-p/fil07772.htm

I turn it SIDEWAYS and then begin to bend it across the heart until it lines up just right, then tamp down the front with flat nose pliers.

Generally I patina first, but in the case of paints, I put the heart together first, and this case I used Krylon cream spray paint, let dry, then light mist of Amber Sea Glass Krylon until I got just the shade of pinkish brown that I wanted.  Since I would be working with light chocolate pearls and creme baroque pearls, I thought that would be a good mix.

And it includes that lovely little German filigree cat, they came in JUST in time for my project.  The German filigree is amazing and comes in in this rich chocolate patina, which is aged brass.   Find that kitty here:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/vintage-filigree-scaredy-cat-dark-brass-32x30mm-p/rare04210.htm

I used some dark, bronzey chainmaille chain I had gotten from a vintage buy.  It is very inspiring!

The pearl drop is attributed to old Miriam Haskell stock.

And here is the back:

Going on, I challenged myself to embellish the next piece with tapestry beaded  leaves:

This is much in the old Haskell style, not that I imagine myself to be an ace at working in that vein.....but I intend to perfect this technique and will continue to work on it and share it with you.  More photos:

The key is to use fine wire...I used 28 gauge copper base gold plated wire....and to try to work tight so as little as possible shows.

I still need work, but I am not ashamed of this.

I did attach the leaves and other components with glue.   Being true to form I would have determined placement before positioning, and drilled out the heart base so that it would be wired into place instead.

I will challenge myself to do that soon!  This time, I had to get done....and to be sure, glue is quite secure so long as you have a solid technique and are not messy about it.

More pix:

I made a small pair of drops to go with the piece, which I will probably put up for sale soon.   A pair of earrings, just simple ones, helps to sell a piece.

The back is the same as the previous piece.  No I have not signed these yet.  I will engrave my maker's mark on a tiny brass blank and antique it, then lacquer it....and glue it on the back.

Moving on to my last piece...

For this one I used our small necklace blank:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/neck-base-raw-brass-3-20-inches-p/base02847.htm

THEN, I cut apart the leafy stamping and applying it to the sides of the blank, I centered the piece with the heart.  The heart is topped with the central leaf from the swag.

Everything in this case was painted first, except the back..I will explain that later:

Then I tapestry beaded around the sides of the heart with seed beads and firepolished beads in shades of pink, adding bits of fine vintage pearl chain which were glued in place.  A small ornament that was tapestry beaded was added, wired in place.   Then bit by bit I added the other embellishments, including the rose montees. 

Being true to form all the montees would be wired on, but E6000 glue is very secure and so long as one is neat is just as sturdy, so because of time I went with glue.  One day soon I will challenge myself to take time for the wire and perfect the technique.

As you can see, this one has matching earrings, too.

The back was a quandary.  I spray painted it with my same colors for the rest of this body of work to try and hide the bit of wire, it's okay but I need to think about this.....there was no way to do what I wanted to do without wrapping the wire around.  Perhaps a better idea would be to do low profile seed beads around the back.

It's hard to see my engraved signature so I will re-do that and add a plaque.

On this one, I may procure some ultrasuede and just cover it.....I'll ruminate on that.   All in all, this is very comfortable to wear and I love how it falls.  I will probably sell it.

I very much enjoyed this excersize which will, hopefully, open a determined new door for me, one I have gone through in the past but a journey not completely taken.   As I find new and better ways to embellish brass pieces in this style I will share the findings with you via blog posts, posts at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group and in my You Tube free instruction videos, which you can access here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/bsueboutiques/videos

As always our website is B'sue Boutiques  where you will find the good stuff for making jewelry in the vintage style, many brass stampings and vintage jewelry supplies for mixed media jewelry making!

If you are new to our site, use code NEWTOBSUE in the coupon box and get 5.00 off a small 30.00 order as well as a little welcome gift!  Most folks who come see us love the site and come again!  We hope you will.

If you are not new to B'sue, you should know we have been restocking like mad all week!   If you need a bulk order be sure to take advantage of the TAKE20 code which will be good the rest of this week.  It will give you 20% off an order 150.00 up and on TOP of that you will also get the standard 10% automatic discount for over 100 and FREE US SHIPPING too!  AND.....substantial free gifts this week, as we celebrate our blog hop.

OKAY.....enough of that and of me!  MANY OTHERS are participating and want you to come and visit their posts!  Will you take time for that, possibly leaving them some encouraging words about their work?   We'd sure appreciate that, and we ALL thank you for coming!

HERE IS THE LIST OF PARTICIPANTS:

Mary Deis

The Rose Sword

http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/

Jann Tague

Clever Designs

https://janntague.wordpress.com/

Lori Beekman

B.Accessorized

https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/

Renee Hong

Fine and Dandy Jewelry

http://www.fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott

Exotic Peru Jewelry

http://exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com/

Dana Hickey

Magpie Approved

http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com/

Mary Beth Quigley-Spiker

Q Settings

https://qsettings.wordpress.com/

Karen Eaton

KJewelry Creations

http://kjewelrycreations1.blogspot.com/

Shari Gardner

SLG Jewelry Designs

https://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/

Alison Huie

Ally's Baubles

http://allysbaubles.blogspot.com/

Pamela Anger

Novegatti Designs

http://www.novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/

Carole Carlson

Beadsophisticate

https://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/

Cindy Peterson

Howling Dog Jewelry

https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/

Marcia Tuzzolino

Aurora Designs

http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me/

Charlotte Smothers

Sea Horse Ranch Life

http://seahorseranch.blogspot.com/

Catherine Shattuck

Victorian Rose Boutique

https://vrbrose.wordpress.com/

Clare Wells Nemeth

Papercrafting Magic

http://papercraftingmagic.blogspot.com/

Erin Whitacre

Shattered Time

https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/

Lynda O'Mara

Lomara Creative

http://www.lomaracreative.com/

Ginger Hammond

Lynn Leigh Designs

https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com/

Ingrid Anderson

Lilis Gems Artisan Jewelry

https://lilisgems.wordpress.com/

Deb Beechy

Beetique

http://www.beetique56.blogspot.com

Harry Wood

Oscar Crow

http://oscarcrow.blogspot.com/

Delyssa Maxwell

Past Time Fancies

https://pasttimefancies.wordpress.com/

Paula Gaskill

Lovely Layla Bugs

http://lovelylaylabugjewels.weebly.com/blog

Irene Hoffman

Heart's Dezire by Irene

https://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/

Alexandra Sefton

Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

http://wilywolverine.blogspot.com/

Leslie Carver

Adorn Divine Designs

http://adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/

 

Comments

[Charlotte]

So much to learn from these pieces. The oven patina is awesome. Miriam and Company would hire you on the spot. The assemblage is delightful. I'm inspired. Charlotte

[Beth Trubman]

Everything is amazing, beautiful, unbelievable. I wish I had a smidgen of the talent you have Brenda. Thanks for sharing with us.

[Marica]

Oh wow!!! Your pieces are amazing, as always. The soft, feminine color scheme you used on all pieces is so pretty.

The last piece is a little work of art. So beautiful. I can't stop looking at it. Seed beads and me don't mix very well together lol but those bits of embroidered beads really make the whole thing pop and take it from gorgeous to extraordinary in my opinion.

You've given me some ideas on that wonderful cross filigree. I have quite a few of those. Hmmmm, time to take them out me thinks.

This is going to be one interesting and inspiring blog hop me I think. Will be checking out everyone' blogs later today and over the weekend!

[Shari Gardner]

All of your pieces are elegant and wonderfully done, as always. I aspire to have your talent one day, I have learned so much from you. Your YouTube videos are an essential part of learning for everyone that makes jewelry, new to it or old, you'll still learn something. The B'Sues Boutique Creative Group on FaceBook has become my new virtual family and everyone that is in the group is learning from each other. I love it, your store, and I'm happy I have made so many new friends.

[Teresa Schurter]

As always Brenda, your work is extraordinary. How you have the courage to cut up that beautiful brass swag, and end up with something this beautiful is amazing. It's so encouraging to see that with all your experience and expertise you're still learning and challenging yourself. Thank You for your marvelous attitude and the talent you have for encouraging us to follow your example.

[Irene Hoffman]

These pieces are over the top, drop dead gorgeous. Such a talent and such an inspiration you are to this group Brenda. Thank you.

[Debbie Beechy]

Wonderful as always, Brenda. You really inspire us!

[Karen Eaton]

SO FABULOUS!! You are the QUEEN!!!! LOVE each one! I aspire to your assemblage know-how! Thanks for sponsoring this blog hop! What a fun day we'll all have!

[Susan Bowerman]

I'm in AWE!. I sat down with my coffee, opened your blog, it isn't even six o'clock yet, and I've already learned something this new day! That's pretty spectacular if you ask me. Brenda, your passion flows through every piece you make and you are kind enough to share your rare gift and talent with all of us. Thank you!

[Cynthia Wainscott]

Mi Amiga linda, pero que preciosidades de diseños!!!!! Of course you came out with amazing designs!!!! I always admire the impeccable wait your work, and your necklaces necklines are to die for!!!!! Thank you so much for this challenge for always wanting to help us to improve. Tienes un corazón de oro y unas manos que crean magia. Te cuento son casi las 4 de la mañana and i edad working in the Studio and finally I'm going to rest with all the amazing creations in going to sleep truly inspired

[Ingrid Anderson]

Your work is beautiful! I can see the Haskell inspiration but it is definitely done in your own lovely style. Truly amazing and inspiring. Thanks for all you do! Ingrid

[Lori Beekman]

I'm always just blown away by the pieces you create. They are always sooo amazing. And you manage to create such intricate, beautiful pieces while still guiding thousands of people to become better makers, and all the other jobs you do. Amazing. Always. Thank you so much!

[Dana]

Good Morning!
I love combining beading with wirework and other techniques!
I think my favorite is your first piece or maybe the second, I can't decide. Still sipping my coffee here, too early for decision making ;)
Thank you so much for hostessing another hop! They're always a learning experience and I enjoy that very much!
With that, I'm off and hopping! I can't wait to see what everyone has been up to!
Thanks again!!

[Elisabeth]

Thank you Brenda for your wonderful work and explanation on how you created your pieces. My favorite was the first heart necklace with the cat. It has a feel of old world but it is also modern. I love the mix up. All three of your pieces are beautiful and help me to envision what can be done with them. Thank you for all your hard work and time. Your creative genius is inspiring!

[Ginger]

Well, you have done it! You have shown us all how it is done. Such beautiful pieces. I learned something from each of these pieces. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us.

[Alexandra Sefton]

Wowie, Zowie, HowLowie!!! You did it again--what a style!! I love the wired in beads and can't wait for a vid on that. But what you did in cutting apart my fave leafy piece (I could hardly bring myself to use it in my own pieces cuz I just love staring at it--must order more!) was truly inspirational and inspired. That piece is so lovely and the cup chain dangles give such a nice feel to it. Thank you SO MUCH for this hop. I was grumbling away about it in the beginning, and then I finally realized it pushed me to create things I never would've done except for you! You're one rockin' gal and I love you. <3<3<3

[Qsettings]

You are a wonderful inspiration! Thank you!

[Jann Tague]

OMG Brenda .. I'm loving Haskell even more after seeing your Vintage Flair pieces .. they are over the top beautiful ..

[Karen Eaton]

Yayyy I found where the comment box was! LOL! Absolutely fabulous pieces!! You are an inspiration and your Challenge pieces really highlight your signature style!

[Tammy Adams]

I really love the dusty rose color palette you worked with. It's very romantic and earthy. I'm also looking forward to your tutorial on using wire for assemblage. I don't play well with glue, but I think I get more into assemblage if I could substitute wire.

[Chi]

Brenda, your blog post was very inspiring and informative. Thank you for telling us how you achieved your designs. The colorization on all the pieces is just perfect! Love your photos, they really show the fine details of your beautiful pieces. These are very definitely your style!

[Marcia Tuzzolino]

Oh my, Brenda! So happy you made these beautiful pieces to share with us, and as always, they are stunning! I love how you explained your process and am excited to work with you to learn more about this style and how to make it work for teaching your class!! Thanks for sharing yourself with us!!

[Pamela Anger & Toby]

What absolutely gorgeous pieces, and love your style! I just love them all, but of course I'm just a little partial to the heart necklace with the cat ... so pretty. All of your work is amazing, and thank you for sharing your techniques too! <3

[Sue Shade]

Gorgeous work Brenda Sue. You are simply a master.

[Vonda Stephenson]

Brenda, your pieces truly are amazing. You have proven once again that you are the Queen B. I am partial to your first piece. I love the colors and your use of the kitty. Thanks for always being such an inspiration.

[Ne Cultice]

An amazing adventure and blog, I love how you walked us through the steps. I found myself asking questions, but then I found those questions answered~! I love the filigree on the back, if you don't mind I may try that in the future on one of my own pieces~! Beautiful work Miss Brenda~! xXx

[Gillian Cunningham Wright]

Wowzers stunning jewellery and thank you for talking us through the design processes.

[Lynda O'Mara]

Wow!These are amazing. Thanks for including instructions on how you did each one so we can try some for ourselves if we're brave enough!

I love being part of this group and learning from you and the other members. Thank you.

[Erin Whitacre]

All of your pieces are beautiful! Thank You for always giving us challenges to keep pushing us to create. It means so much!

[Renee Hong]

Wow, B'sue, these are wonderful! Three! My favorite is the kitty necklace. It is gorgeous! I also love the pink and chocolate of the second necklace; on the last piece the dangling pearl cup chain really catches my eye. All those luscious vintage pearls are amazing. I sure love the earrings that go with your necklaces, too. I guess we were thinking along the same lines doing caging for this blog hop! Thank you for putting this whole blog hop together, I always learn something new when challenged!

[kate mulligan]

Amazing Brenda Sue! Each piece is an extraordinary work of art. You have such a talent for assembling pieces with the resultant flow of line,symmetry, and color. You are a true Artisan!