The greatest fulfillment I get from crafting my own accessories is when I come up with something I can wear and I get complimented for it. I had stopped working for quite a bit since the start of the year but have started fixing my supplies and trying to get organized again.
I’ve been concentrating on creating pieces I can wear and sort of “experimenting” on new designs for the shop (for whenever I will open it again.). Here’s my first antique brass and polymer clay necklace completed last week. The pendant has been with me for quite a while, having been completed earlier this year. A polymer clay cabochon was set over an ornate antique brass pendant, and the outline of the inner setting was lined with glass bugle beads. (Crafter tip: I line the base of the cabochon with polymer clay to have the cabochon and any embellishments a medium to attach to.)
For polymer clay embellishments put atop the antique brass filigree, I press slightly to let the filigree’s pattern sink into the base of the clay, then I glue it from the back by painting superglue over the holes in the pattern to secure it. I used a double-sided rose bead to connect the filigree.
I did three each of the filigree connector but it came up too close to the nape, so I am going to reduce this to two filigree connectors per side. It’s an elegant yet understated piece perfect to wear over a turtleneck or a low cut blouse.
I’m thinking of calling this Sansa’s Bouquet, from a favorite series now playing on HBO entitled “Game of Thrones.” (For more pictures, click here. How-tos on the beads and filigree to follow in my GothamChick blog in the coming days…)
Why do I even work with polymer clay and all these? I like creating. I like doing something productive. Some people bake. I craft.
I like learning about new things. I really got into polymer clay because of my sister, Ofie. They have yet to work with the clay I brought home and all the tools I brought her last December, but I’m hoping that she can start experimenting, too, to create the souvenirs they were hoping to create and maybe start a business with.
I make my own molds from actual cabochons and assorted findings. Buttons are a good source for shapes and textures, too. Some pieces I create freeform by molding the clay by hand. I’m hoping to one day create a collage pendant made from different elements instead of a singular cab. Getting there.
For now, I’m feeling all pretty wearing my latest creation. I still have to get back to practicing stringing beads, and I have been pooling my rose quartz beads together. Rose quartz has been said to be a “soothing and very happy stone.” Crystals and Jewelry further says:
Emotionally rose quartz brings gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness and tolerance. It raises one’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. It helps balance emotions and heal emotional wounds and traumas, even grief, bringing peace and calm. Rose quartz removes fears, resentments and anger. It can also heal and release childhood traumas, neglect, and lack of love, in part by enhancing inner awareness. It can help with reconciliation with family and others. Overwhelming or unreasonable guilt is eased by rose quartz.
In the psychic and spiritual realms, rose quartz is often used to attract love, and for love spells. It is also used to ease the process of transition in dying. Rose quartz can be helpful for dream recall and dream work.
Physically rose quartz is used in crystal healing to benefit the heart, the circulatory system, fertility, headaches, kidney disease, migraines, sexual dysfunction, sinus problems, throat problems, depression, addictions, ear aches, slowing signs of aging, reducing wrinkles, spleen problems, fibromyalgia, and reaching one’s ideal weight / weight loss. Rose quartz is also helpful and protective during pregnancy and with childbirth. It is also sometimes said that rose quartz is helpful for supporting brain functions and increasing intellect.
So in the meantime I keep a stone or two always in my tote. Need to keep my brain cells and my heart healthy. (Ha!) I’ve always liked it because it was pink. Just hate that it reacts to silver-plated findings, so I cannot use silver plated pins to string it with. (Again, taking care of me.)
Monday… I liked the long weekend but sometimes staying home is even more tiring. I’ve whipped up a bistek dinner, ginisang chayote (sayote) for lunch the next day, a lobster dinner yesterday, and negamaki for lunch today, so after three and a half days of cooking, it’s time to do leftovers. (Thank God!)
Time to get dinner ready.
Pinay New Yorker 