Hydro dipping Part 2

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I chose to remove the top edge of the plastic jar to make it more open.

I gave  the container a smoother lip using air dry clay. 

I've never used air dry clay before. 

Instead of using the silicone molds  I opted to simply mold the clay around the ragged rim.

Afterwards I painted the rim with acrylic paint. 

That's it***

Thank You Card Earrings

I've just made my first pair of earrings. At one time I was only doing necklaces but then I decided to branch out now that I'm on a FACEBOOK fast until March 24th.

It started with me getting a thank you card that I really had not expected. It was beautiful and the sentiments expressed were the same.

1. I had balsa wood ovals in 3 sizes. After tracing around the paper, I cut them out and put them to the side.
2. I painted the largest ovals on both sides with the pea green acrylic paint you see in the picture. Since the medium and small ovals would only be seen on one side, I only painted one side.
3. After the paint dried, I glued the paper on top of the painted wood.
While I was at it, I took a map pin and pressed holes in the tops of the larger ovals prepping them for earring backs later.

I wanted a rough edging of metallic gold around the edges. I mixed the paint with glue to insure that the paper would stay down.

After the glue dried, I gave them 2 coats of  decoupage clear coating on the front and back.

 I have to admit that I used a gold nail polish on top of the green acrylic paint and then a gold metallic acrylic paint on top of that. I didn't know how it would turn out but I like the texture when it was dry.

 I had a few rhinestones left over from another project and used those to give it a little more bling.
I'm pleased with the way they turned out. I may make a pendant for a necklace.

BUT WAIT, THAT'S NOT ALL !

I just couldn't leave well enough alone.

Seeing the purplish water color stain, I ventured into making a cylindrical pair of earrings out of the paper.

It began with painting one of my business cards with purple metallic polish on both sides. I wanted a two tone look. You can see where I've cut the purple and green paper from the thank you card.

I  glued the card stock over the painted purple card sandwich style and let it dry. Then I cut it into two slender pieces just as you see in the picture.

I wanted beads at the stop of the earring and something  dangling at the bottom.
I went overboard and this is what I got.

 It was resting on my shoulders in a bent formation. It was more than I wanted to wear. I had to decide what I'd do. 
In the end I kept the top purple part and fit it with earring backs.

 

The pear and leaf dangles, I put back in my stash to use for future projects.

 WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PAPER ?
I'd spent a lot of  time on the paper, painting, measuring, cutting, top coating.  It was hard letting go and I couldn't think of anything else I could use it for. After much hesitation, it ended up in the trash.  Sometimes you just have to let go and learn from your mistakes.
THAT'S IT***

DIY Necklaces or Copycat 3



:? Once again I can't remember where I found this image. I often copy and
 paste pics on an inspiration page w/o copying the url.

 THE EYES HAVE IT
The inspiration for the necklace below came from these brooches made from eyeglass lenses. As usual I used what I had on hand.

closeup of necklace

The lens is from a cheap pair of dollar store reading glasses. I have several pair . As they break, I save them for crafts. I painted it green with a Sharpie marker. The glass looking baubles are actually plastic and come from the Dollar store. I bought a roll of gold chain a while back and used that for the necklace drop. It is too long so I will be cutting off a portion of it. I will still make it long enough to slip over the head.

SHELLING IT OUT



courtesy of www.anthropologie.com



I had seashells in my stash and shells that had been given to me. When I saw the anthro necklace I searched about the NET on a way to color the shells with the marbled distinction as the inspiration. I came across several nail tutorials on how to do fancy nail colors with polishes and a cup of water.
I had to practice a few times but I finally got it to my liking. I ended up doing the gold and yellow wooden bead the same way. The pink , white and black bead, I rolled through paint.  I chose pink, yellow, gold nail polish which I already had. After coloring the shells and allowing them to dry, I gave shells and beads 3 coats of finish. I dilled a small hole in the shells and threaded a thin silver cord through everything tying it in a knot at the back.

NOTE: The twirling of the shells in the polish and water is addictive. I tried using acrylic paints in the water but they only sank to the bottom. Without changing the water I put nail polish on top.

WARNING: Don't use a foam cup. The reaction of the polish with the acrylic paint caused it to eat a hole in the bottom of the cup in the exact spots where the paint had sunk to the bottom. All of a sudden you have water everywhere.  This happened twice. That's why I know it was a chemical reaction.



Closeup of shell necklace



DIY seashell and bead necklace



P O P    PINK, ORANGE, PURPLE



www.anthropologie.com



Composed of wooden cut outs, glitter paint, acrylic paint, cardboard, colored gift tissue paper, chain, self made jump rings.



DIY anthro necklace. No purple stones so I used glitter paint as a  temporary fix.



I haven't placed a clasp on this necklace. I plan to change the purple and orange areas to something more substantial.