Junk Jewelry
I’m starting to get into making junk/altered/found item jewelry. I like how it forces me to be more creative in how I look at everyday objects. Plus, I’ve never been a traditional jewelry fan. I guess that is because of the artistic kinda girl I am, I’m always drawn to more “funky” stuff.
It started recently when I found out about a charm swap, being run by Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine. ( http://quiltingarts.com/cpsmag/cps_challenge.html )Send in up to 5 charms, and get that many back made by other people who enter their charms. I’m looking forward to seeing what I get back that other people have created. I’m working on my 4th charm now. Because of course, I’m sending in the maximum number of 5! Charms must be in their offices by April 13th, so I need to get busy and finish my last two. I’m trying to make them all as different as possible. One turned out so well, I’m going to make another just like it, but in a different color for myself to keep and wear. I’ll post some pictures later today.
I’m trying to look at any item, from the hardware store, to old toys, electronics… and see the pieces as jewelry items. Not only does it make for great recycling, but it really stretches your creative mind, to think beyond traditional crafting supplies. I’m going with a couple friends tomorrow to the Scrap Exchange in Durham, NC (scrapexchange.org). I’m going to be keeping my eyes open for things to use in my charm and jewelry making. Needless to say, I’m so excited. They always have completely different things in stock every time you go, so it’s always a surprise to see what kinds of cool stuff you can find.
Swappable Charms, the new ATC?
In the latest edition of Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine (digital edition), there was a small article about an artist named June Pfaff Daley (junepfaffdaley.blogspot.com) that started making charms to swap at different art retreats, etc. I thought, “What a great idea?! Not the making charms part (although that’s awesome too)… but mainly the swapping part” How many of you have made and traded ATC’s? (Artist Trading Cards, for those of you who are not in the know) However, with ATC’s you have to keep your little collected creations in boxes, binders, perhaps framed? Well, the thought that came to me as being so cool in creating charms to swap is… how great would it be to get to wear a charm bracelet or necklace adorned with the charms you have collected from other artists, as well as your own creations? You can wear them for the whole world to see and admire. So, a small artform (the charm), creates another artform. (the bracelet/necklace) I like the idea of one thing evolving into another. Which I guess is what really attracts me to altered art in the first place! I love junk and transforming one thing (primarily known to non-artists, as trash) into something incredibly attractive, artsy and unique. I hear it now being referred to as Upcycling. Since you are turning the object, not back into itself, but into something entirely new and different.
So, if you think this is a cool idea like I do, get busy, get charming and start swapping!
AHHH! I’ve been so busy!
Hello to all my readers!
I’m sorry it has been so long since I’ve posted anything substantial. My life has been a crazy whirlwind for a couple months now. Unfortunately, I’ve bought some new supplies for creating altered art, I just haven’t had a chance to work on anything yet.
I’ve gotten into a little bit of quilt making and am interested in exploring the world of art quilts, which actually has a lot in common with altered arts. I’m addicted to searching for great “junk” to use as embellishments in what ever project I am currently working on.
The other item that has taken a lot of my time is a new crafting group that I have started. I decided I really wanted to form a group where crafters and artists of all types could come together and create, fellowship, snack on food and have a great time and get tips and learn from each other as well. So we started in February and will continue to meet two times a month. We meet at North Cary Baptist Church (at the corner of Reedy Creek and Chapel Hill road) on the second Friday and last Saturday of each month in the Fellowship Hall from 10 am – 2 pm both days. This is a great location because there is tons of room and people can bring whatever they want to work on, including cricut and sewing machines. ANYONE is welcome to join us. For more information you can visit my other blog at http://creationcrafts.wordpress.com, the church’s website (which I design and update) http://www.northcarybaptist.org/craft.html, or email me through either blog (my email address is listed on the Creation Craft page of the website).
You don’t have to sign up, or join anything… and best of all it is 100% FREE! Just show up with something to work on and a small snack to share, and come have a great time! I’ve really enjoyed the first two meetings and am looking forward to the third, which is coming up on March 13th.
I’m hoping that having this time set aside each month will help me continue my artwork, which can sometimes (most of the time) take a back seat to all the other things in life I have to take care of. You know, all the really fun stuff like, laundry, kids, cooking, cleaning, caring and cleaning up after two dogs and two cats, teaching AWANA, participating in a scrapbooking meetup group, going to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and completing my lessons for that as well as my Sunday School class, going to choir practice… need I say more? LOL.
I’m resolved to try and keep up with all of the above mentioned things and reinvigorate this blog and my new blog with new and hopefully exciting information.
See you back here soon!
