This barrette is a makeover. Underneath the black filigree is a barrette of the same shape, but with slices of my recent leopard cane. Because I’d laid the slices out in the same order, the pattern didn’t look random enough and I found myself avoiding wearing the barrette. Well, last night I put some Sobo glue on the barrette, got out my Makins Clay extruder, and started covering the barrette with little balls and whorls. It took about 3.5 hours (two movies). I’m really glad with how it came out. Right now it’s matte, but you can see how some of the raised balls pick up the light. I used the new Fimo Classic clay, and it held up to the touch really well. I didn’t do any baking before it was finished; I just held onto the barrette clip part so that I didn’t smudge the edges while I worked. The glue held the little strings and balls very well, even while dry. So all in all, I’m happy with it.
The next project is one I started on my days off last week. I’m experimenting still with the Hawaiian Muu Muu canes, this time working on a brooch (pin). The center triangle is faux abalone. It needs to be sanded and finished, and I’m thinking of doing a layer of Lisa Pavelka’s Magic-Glos on it. I think it has a bit of Art Deco look to it, but with a twist.
It hasn’t been sanded yet, as you can see by the roughness of the hole; but this new donut really isn’t what I was looking for anyway. I’d forgotten to tent, so the NFC (new Fimo Classic) hibiscus canes took on a blue cast as they began to overheat. Otherwise, it’s a fine donut, and after sanding it might still be okay. But it lacks a continuity with the flowers; I don’t like them separated quite so much. Ah well, you learn something new each time you repeat a project.
that brooch is sweet looking. can’t wait to see it finished.
I rather like the peach donut…even “blued” which I can see
Thank you, Kathi. Yep I’m wondering if that bluish tint will sand out, I don’t know. But maybe with sanding and polishing, that little bit of blue at the edges won’t be so noticeable. I did make a bunch of 6mm spacers to go with it, so eventually if it doesn’t look too bad I’ll get it strung.
Very nice. You stated that the barrette right now is matte. Are you planning on changing that? I don’t think I would have the patience for filigree. It is very beautiful.
Beth
Really like the post, glad to see that you redo things also! Can you add more flowers to the donut? Love to see your posts! Michelle
Hi Beth,
Yeah, I wasn’t sure if I was going to give the barrette a few coats of Varathane or not. I’d even thought about antiquing it with some brown acrylic. I’m playing with this technique right now to make a few barrettes; there’s one in the oven as I type. It’s oval, white, with Duo Blue-Green and Interference Purple Pearl-Ex on it. That one I’ll have to seal with Varathane, so the powder doesn’t get all over everything. So we’ll see where this technique goes. I’m still thinking about the Art Nouveau vase.
You know, it’s wierd about the patience thing; I don’t have patience either! But for some reason, doing the filigree is actually calming for me. I didn’t start with a plan to the design, I just let it take itself where it wanted; therefore the expectations were pretty simple and I could just let the process take over and enjoy the quiet work.
Hi Michelle,
Well, if I added more flowers to the donut, it wouldn’t be smooth any longer, because adding cane slices to it would create an undulating surface. Now yes, I could to that on purpose. But what I’d wanted in this piece was a smooth flatness to it. But that’s okay, there are lots of “failures” in life and in art — and learning from them is the key to success, right?