I like doing DYI projects. Stumbling on homemade beauty products is amazing. Making them are fun to do. They usually have items we already have in our home. Here are a few example:
http://beauty.about.com/od/skinflaws/a/facemasks.htm
http://skincare.about.com/od/SkinCareRecipesforYourFace/a/Homemade-Face-Wash.htm
On this one, the recipe is at the end of the article:
http://naturalbeauty.about.com/od/SkinCare/fl/Smooth-and-Hydrate-Organic-Body-Serum-Tutorial.htm
Here are a few recipes. Good ideas for having a spa treatment at home:
http://spas.about.com/od/skincare/
What lead me in liking so much homemade beauty product? A few years ago, I was a bit out of control with my eczema. I visited regularly an dermatologist. He gave me various prescriptions for my skin. What I liked the most was his homemade lip balm prescription. I had to apply it twice a day and putting regular lip balm during the day. Because his homemade lip balm was so effective, I didn't have to go for the commercial one during the day. I had love it so much that I couldn't step back to buying lip balm only.
It is amazing, sometimes, how homemade products can be more effective than store bought ones. In many occasion, homemade is less expensive too. In addition, it is fun to do. Also there are more chance to use the product we make. I know I am a bit proud when I make it. There was a few occasion where it was the subject of small talk with some people. It also make me popular. I can give some gifts at a fraction of the price. I can put all in the packaging. Usually, I make soap to give. I do personalized ones with essential oils. For example, I have created a "healthy essential oils mix". It include a citrus essential oils, eucalyptus and a essential oil for the skin.
I like writing about mad scientists but sometimes, I feel a bit like one. One who is sane, anyway...
Monday, 30 June 2014
Thursday, 26 June 2014
Unexpected inspiration.
I think I am on something. I have a germ of an idea. I don't know if it will develop even further. At least, it can be the base for an unknown undeveloped story. Until now, I thought you tube could be a waste of time most of the time. There are some video that are really worth viewing for their instructional purpose. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtQkWPrq4oA&index=16&list=WL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZlrbymT6As&list=WL&index=17 and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blMvjVapgV0&index=21&list=WL
can be good example on good interesting and informative video. They show techniques for jewelry making. I have seen the first two person on the first two videos elsewhere. I know they are well known in jewelry making. Right with that, I should have been inspired by that. But with the recent idea I have, it wasn't the case.
My recent idea is related with writing and was triggered by fringe ideas. I should not waste time on that, I know. The plain truth is ideas comes from anywhere, without being asked. Thinking of it, conspiracy theories could be the basis for great speculative science fiction and alternate history. Those concocting these theories probably have facts they say are true. I can't say if they are right or not. I don't really care what they think. I just know that sometimes, a weird idea can become a great story. Fiction, as in science fiction and fantasy, have a broad spectrum. We can play with it ad nauseum.
I never expected to be inspired by fringe ideas. I didn't asked for it. It just happened. Now, I don't know if the idea will develop even further. There is a folklore idea I would like to attach to it. I just don't know yet how they would be liked together without falling into cliché. I don't want to go into easy solution and quick easy techno babble.
I have notes on that idea. Now, I have to let it evolve, I hope a story will develop out of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZlrbymT6As&list=WL&index=17 and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blMvjVapgV0&index=21&list=WL
can be good example on good interesting and informative video. They show techniques for jewelry making. I have seen the first two person on the first two videos elsewhere. I know they are well known in jewelry making. Right with that, I should have been inspired by that. But with the recent idea I have, it wasn't the case.
My recent idea is related with writing and was triggered by fringe ideas. I should not waste time on that, I know. The plain truth is ideas comes from anywhere, without being asked. Thinking of it, conspiracy theories could be the basis for great speculative science fiction and alternate history. Those concocting these theories probably have facts they say are true. I can't say if they are right or not. I don't really care what they think. I just know that sometimes, a weird idea can become a great story. Fiction, as in science fiction and fantasy, have a broad spectrum. We can play with it ad nauseum.
I never expected to be inspired by fringe ideas. I didn't asked for it. It just happened. Now, I don't know if the idea will develop even further. There is a folklore idea I would like to attach to it. I just don't know yet how they would be liked together without falling into cliché. I don't want to go into easy solution and quick easy techno babble.
I have notes on that idea. Now, I have to let it evolve, I hope a story will develop out of it.
Tuesday, 24 June 2014
Friendly plastic
Last week, I have read an article on Friendly plastic in a local beads magazine (Perles et cetera. Too bad they don't have any website). I have found an example of Friendly plastic on amazon.ca
(http://www.amazon.ca/Amaco-Friendly-Plastic-2-Inch--Metallic/dp/B002Y2MROY/ref=sr_1_2_m?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1403446677&sr=1-2&keywords=friendly+plastic)
With those strip, we can do a lot. Just cut them in piece and heat them. We can put various colored strips piece together. The heat fuse them together. I like putting them together and experiment.
I had taken a class in a local craft store. It was 2 years ago, already. I had a lot of fun. In class, we used a big hot plate and a kind of blow dryer. In the article I have read, they say an oven can be used. As I read, I found it strange. I wasn't ready to use my cooking oven for that. You know, I am a bit afraid of chemical that can be release while hot. Quickly, I remember that I have a tabletop little oven that I use for my fimo. I could try with that one. If I am not pleased with the result, I could buy an hot plate on amazon.ca. I have found a few in my price range.
I haven't done it since that class. While reading that, I thought I could do it again. I have all I need to do it again. I do have cool colors too. Lots of them. I have to be careful with the blow dryer. The back of the colored plastic is black. With the blow dryer, the back layer tend to show up quicker. It does take a bit more time with the hot plate. In either case, we can reheat them a few times, if the need is there. So, we can do elaborate piece with that material. I think it is it's advantage.
Sometimes, some reminder is always good in crafting!
(http://www.amazon.ca/Amaco-Friendly-Plastic-2-Inch--Metallic/dp/B002Y2MROY/ref=sr_1_2_m?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1403446677&sr=1-2&keywords=friendly+plastic)
With those strip, we can do a lot. Just cut them in piece and heat them. We can put various colored strips piece together. The heat fuse them together. I like putting them together and experiment.
I had taken a class in a local craft store. It was 2 years ago, already. I had a lot of fun. In class, we used a big hot plate and a kind of blow dryer. In the article I have read, they say an oven can be used. As I read, I found it strange. I wasn't ready to use my cooking oven for that. You know, I am a bit afraid of chemical that can be release while hot. Quickly, I remember that I have a tabletop little oven that I use for my fimo. I could try with that one. If I am not pleased with the result, I could buy an hot plate on amazon.ca. I have found a few in my price range.
I haven't done it since that class. While reading that, I thought I could do it again. I have all I need to do it again. I do have cool colors too. Lots of them. I have to be careful with the blow dryer. The back of the colored plastic is black. With the blow dryer, the back layer tend to show up quicker. It does take a bit more time with the hot plate. In either case, we can reheat them a few times, if the need is there. So, we can do elaborate piece with that material. I think it is it's advantage.
Sometimes, some reminder is always good in crafting!
Monday, 23 June 2014
The grotte Chauvet is on the World Heritage list
I know it is more an news than anything. The grotte Chauvet is on the Unesco's World Heritage list.
https://twitter.com/France_Unesco/status/480705176823930881/photo/1
It is not really something very crafty, I know. It is old cave art. I admire the people who had done the paintings. They may have felt a bit like me, an urge to create something more permanent. It is incredible it stood the test of time. They have created something with the tool they had. It is not a painting as we see in museum, classic like Monet, Picasso or Van Gogh. They are classic in a more primitive way. It is also a testimony on the creativity of our ancestors. Even if they were in a more simpler time, they had talent. They were able to reproduce animal forms. They observed their surrounding. They were also among the first to express themselves in a unique way. It was unique in their times. Now, we can see cave art on walls, as graffitti or murals. For us, it is nothing new when we looks at those murals.
By chance, we still marvel at those old cave art. On some level, we recognize it's importance. It had helped define us in a unique way. I feel awe when I look at them. I also feel infuse by that art. It is as other elements that had influenced me in the past. I feel inspiration while looking at those creature of a time past. It would incredible to be able to reproduce those more primitive work of art in a jewelry piece, for example. Just the outline. I think they would be still recognizable in those simple form.
It speak to me on a more primitive level, without words. It is stirring something deep in me. In a sense, when I am creating, I may search to recreate that feeling. To recapture the past. It is not nostalgia. It is something that can't be explained with words. Something true and to express something deep, with meaning.
https://twitter.com/France_Unesco/status/480705176823930881/photo/1
It is not really something very crafty, I know. It is old cave art. I admire the people who had done the paintings. They may have felt a bit like me, an urge to create something more permanent. It is incredible it stood the test of time. They have created something with the tool they had. It is not a painting as we see in museum, classic like Monet, Picasso or Van Gogh. They are classic in a more primitive way. It is also a testimony on the creativity of our ancestors. Even if they were in a more simpler time, they had talent. They were able to reproduce animal forms. They observed their surrounding. They were also among the first to express themselves in a unique way. It was unique in their times. Now, we can see cave art on walls, as graffitti or murals. For us, it is nothing new when we looks at those murals.
By chance, we still marvel at those old cave art. On some level, we recognize it's importance. It had helped define us in a unique way. I feel awe when I look at them. I also feel infuse by that art. It is as other elements that had influenced me in the past. I feel inspiration while looking at those creature of a time past. It would incredible to be able to reproduce those more primitive work of art in a jewelry piece, for example. Just the outline. I think they would be still recognizable in those simple form.
It speak to me on a more primitive level, without words. It is stirring something deep in me. In a sense, when I am creating, I may search to recreate that feeling. To recapture the past. It is not nostalgia. It is something that can't be explained with words. Something true and to express something deep, with meaning.
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Ideas in the shower
I always marvel when I get an idea. Usually, it comes suddenly, like a brick that hit me on the head. It can happen often or not. I just notice that there are place where it happen more often than other. The shower is a recurring place. It equals dreams as a source of ideas. There must be something to it.
I remember, not exactly where, that I am not alone living that strange phenomenon. Showers seems to be a good trigger for ideas. I think it is a relax place where we are more receptive to ideas. The problem is to keep the ideas long enough to note them. It is an very inconvenient place to take notes. No hand recorders, because of the water. No pen and notepads for the same reason. I know that underwater archaeologists have special pens and papers to take notes while underwater. It is too bad it isn't available on a common ground. It would be perfect while under the waterfall.
Today post had been brought to you by the shower, one of eternal source of inspiration and ideas.
I remember, not exactly where, that I am not alone living that strange phenomenon. Showers seems to be a good trigger for ideas. I think it is a relax place where we are more receptive to ideas. The problem is to keep the ideas long enough to note them. It is an very inconvenient place to take notes. No hand recorders, because of the water. No pen and notepads for the same reason. I know that underwater archaeologists have special pens and papers to take notes while underwater. It is too bad it isn't available on a common ground. It would be perfect while under the waterfall.
Today post had been brought to you by the shower, one of eternal source of inspiration and ideas.
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
Greek mythology is soaking on us
Greek mythology is having a revival for some years now. How still remember Hercules with Kevin Sorbo? On that show, there was the best Ares portrayal ever. Even if that show did took some liberty with mythology, it could be a starting point in learning more on that subject.
My own interest in Greek mythology goes a few years back. It was a cynical high school history teacher that started it all. He was talking about those gods and goddesses saying that no one was believing in them, as then than now. I don't think he grasped much of it. He didn't see how much Greek mythology was around us, creeping in our minds, in our society.
There the planets and most moon that have Greek and Roman name derived from mythology. Space programs had used that too (think Apollo, Mercury and Saturn). Car industry had their hint of it (Mercury and Saturn). Psychology and medicine have used myth for their own purpose. There is a condition called chimerism. It is a condition where two sets of adn are in one person. Other people swear by the Oedipus concept. I sometimes wonder if Freud understood the myth. In the myth, Oedipus was first unaware of his fulfilling of the prophecy (killing his father and marrying is mother). Not to forget language. In french, mardi is Mars day, Mercredi is Mercury day, Jeudi is Jupiter day, Vendredi is Venus day and Samedi is Saturn day. Aphrodisiac, erotic and panic are derived from well known Aphrodite, Eros and Pan. Odysseus spawn an odyssey and today, it still apply to well, an really big voyage and a bit of a quest. Thanatology is the science of embalming, from Thanatos, the personification of Death. The Muses are alive and still kicking us with inspiration. Medusa have a beautiful entertainment career while turning us into stone. Sirens makes us dreams and they also have a good life, even being turned into a mock documentary. In botany, there are some plants that have mythological naming or reference (Artemis and laurel/related to Apollo).
I sure miss other mythological reference. For sure, Greek mythology is still alive, it is still strong. It can't be diminished into unbelieving. It makes a disservice to our cultural background, our language and our science/technological advances.
It also had inspired me on a personal level. I wrote a few piece on Greek mythology, having fun while doing so. I don't think I am the only one. I remember having fun while the idea of the god Ares going to Mars the planet had dawn on me. This is why I had write about Greek mythology today. It is an inspiration to many artists, not only a sign of a cultured mind.
My own interest in Greek mythology goes a few years back. It was a cynical high school history teacher that started it all. He was talking about those gods and goddesses saying that no one was believing in them, as then than now. I don't think he grasped much of it. He didn't see how much Greek mythology was around us, creeping in our minds, in our society.
There the planets and most moon that have Greek and Roman name derived from mythology. Space programs had used that too (think Apollo, Mercury and Saturn). Car industry had their hint of it (Mercury and Saturn). Psychology and medicine have used myth for their own purpose. There is a condition called chimerism. It is a condition where two sets of adn are in one person. Other people swear by the Oedipus concept. I sometimes wonder if Freud understood the myth. In the myth, Oedipus was first unaware of his fulfilling of the prophecy (killing his father and marrying is mother). Not to forget language. In french, mardi is Mars day, Mercredi is Mercury day, Jeudi is Jupiter day, Vendredi is Venus day and Samedi is Saturn day. Aphrodisiac, erotic and panic are derived from well known Aphrodite, Eros and Pan. Odysseus spawn an odyssey and today, it still apply to well, an really big voyage and a bit of a quest. Thanatology is the science of embalming, from Thanatos, the personification of Death. The Muses are alive and still kicking us with inspiration. Medusa have a beautiful entertainment career while turning us into stone. Sirens makes us dreams and they also have a good life, even being turned into a mock documentary. In botany, there are some plants that have mythological naming or reference (Artemis and laurel/related to Apollo).
I sure miss other mythological reference. For sure, Greek mythology is still alive, it is still strong. It can't be diminished into unbelieving. It makes a disservice to our cultural background, our language and our science/technological advances.
It also had inspired me on a personal level. I wrote a few piece on Greek mythology, having fun while doing so. I don't think I am the only one. I remember having fun while the idea of the god Ares going to Mars the planet had dawn on me. This is why I had write about Greek mythology today. It is an inspiration to many artists, not only a sign of a cultured mind.
Monday, 16 June 2014
Thinking and searching for tarot ideas
I am looking at the photos I have for my tarot deck. I think I have found the perfect background for the Temperance and the Star card.
Of course, I think I will take a closer frame for the temperance. For the Star, it will perfect as it is, I think. It will be perfect to kept them a little bit different with the same place. Now, I will have to find elements to complements those two cards.
I also found the perfect King of Swords.
It will be the strait fir tree. I will delete the rest. Could also be a good tree for the Ace of Swords. I haven't made my mind yet. Maybe I could use the horrible house as the Devil. Too bad I can't take picture of the inside. It had been demolished. Thinking of it, it could do a perfect Tower. I could split the card in two with the before and after demolition.
I think I have found the perfect 9 of Pentacles:
It will make original to take a house instead of a courtyard. In addition, what is in front of the house add to the charm.
I have found the Ace of Wands:
It is a little oak. Thinking of that, I could use that kind of photo of the aces. So, I will have to find a good ace of swords, now. Maybe a small ornate fir or another coniferous could do the trick. So, big trees will be used as Kings and small one for the Aces.
I think I will have to look more attentively in my photos. There are more that I thought I had.
Of course, I think I will take a closer frame for the temperance. For the Star, it will perfect as it is, I think. It will be perfect to kept them a little bit different with the same place. Now, I will have to find elements to complements those two cards.
I also found the perfect King of Swords.
I think I have found the perfect 9 of Pentacles:
I have found the Ace of Wands:
I think I will have to look more attentively in my photos. There are more that I thought I had.
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Internet and the creation process.
Internet is a double edge sword when it comes to the creation process. It have advantages and less desirable effects.
On the advantages, it is convenient to find information and ideas. I need to see the process for the beading loom? I go to you tube and find content about beading loom. I want to learn about new products? There is the sections of jewelry making and beadwords on about.com or other similar website. I think there are some on you tube too but we have to know what we are searching for. There are a wide range of site waiting out there for the creators. I remember someone who recommend me the ganoskin website (http://www.ganoksin.com/). It is for those who are in the metal area of jewelry making. I am not really familiar with other website. I know there is various paper magazines who have their own website. I know of the interweave website (interweave.com) where it is a bit like central command for many magazines. Not to forget etsy (etsy.com) and deviant art (deviantart.com). I also discovered http://www.craftfoxes.com/ lately. It seems new. I will keep an eye on it, for sure.
On the other side, and it is what I am experiencing lately, we can become lost in the web. I have found many videos on you tube relating to the crafted minded. It is very easy to start clicking on some related videos on the sidebar. Soon enough, I ended looking at some old music videos and other unrelated crafting subjects. Those unrelated videos are not always relevant on the creative side. I always hope it can trigger some ideas. Not always true. After a while, I get the impression my mind turn into mush. A little more and I feel becoming brain dead.
As I consider all that, I start to think of some way to find inspiration while not falling into excess and junk. Focus could do the trick. At the same time, not always easy to judge where the inspiration will hide next time I go on the internet.
On the advantages, it is convenient to find information and ideas. I need to see the process for the beading loom? I go to you tube and find content about beading loom. I want to learn about new products? There is the sections of jewelry making and beadwords on about.com or other similar website. I think there are some on you tube too but we have to know what we are searching for. There are a wide range of site waiting out there for the creators. I remember someone who recommend me the ganoskin website (http://www.ganoksin.com/). It is for those who are in the metal area of jewelry making. I am not really familiar with other website. I know there is various paper magazines who have their own website. I know of the interweave website (interweave.com) where it is a bit like central command for many magazines. Not to forget etsy (etsy.com) and deviant art (deviantart.com). I also discovered http://www.craftfoxes.com/ lately. It seems new. I will keep an eye on it, for sure.
On the other side, and it is what I am experiencing lately, we can become lost in the web. I have found many videos on you tube relating to the crafted minded. It is very easy to start clicking on some related videos on the sidebar. Soon enough, I ended looking at some old music videos and other unrelated crafting subjects. Those unrelated videos are not always relevant on the creative side. I always hope it can trigger some ideas. Not always true. After a while, I get the impression my mind turn into mush. A little more and I feel becoming brain dead.
As I consider all that, I start to think of some way to find inspiration while not falling into excess and junk. Focus could do the trick. At the same time, not always easy to judge where the inspiration will hide next time I go on the internet.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
There is more to safety.
In the last few days, I rediscovered the danger of beads and small children. In general, children are attracted to beads. Here how it is working. Children, around 4 to 5 years old and up, like to play with it. They start to understand what can be done with them. This is an interesting period where they can be taught some basic techniques. They can be given some beads with big hole and yarn. Later on, the yarn can be downsized to threads.
For younger children, 3 years old and down, it is trickier. They seems curious about beads. They look at it. There is also the period where they put everything in their mouth. The young children need to be closely watched around beads. When I say watch, it is closely and constantly watched. They can't be put away from the beads. They always come back to look at them. The younger they are, the more true it is.
One child and beads is well enough. Two children around beads and it can be very tiring. Especially if they are from the two groups previously mentioned. Each one being attracted for their own reason. One being able to say she was to make something. The other one trying to catch one and isn't distracted by her other toys. It can quickly becoming nightmarish.
So, this would be one more thing to take into consideration when doing some jewelry making. Protecting the surface is not enough. Stay alert for little fingers. It is true for the beads. It can also be true for the pliers too.
For younger children, 3 years old and down, it is trickier. They seems curious about beads. They look at it. There is also the period where they put everything in their mouth. The young children need to be closely watched around beads. When I say watch, it is closely and constantly watched. They can't be put away from the beads. They always come back to look at them. The younger they are, the more true it is.
One child and beads is well enough. Two children around beads and it can be very tiring. Especially if they are from the two groups previously mentioned. Each one being attracted for their own reason. One being able to say she was to make something. The other one trying to catch one and isn't distracted by her other toys. It can quickly becoming nightmarish.
So, this would be one more thing to take into consideration when doing some jewelry making. Protecting the surface is not enough. Stay alert for little fingers. It is true for the beads. It can also be true for the pliers too.
Monday, 9 June 2014
Dreams
Dreams are great for creativity. I had many dreams that came up as ideas for my writing. It was a starting point. It triggered a writing idea. After that, with time, the idea mature and become a full story. It happened to me on a few occasions in the past years. Some ideas changed a lot since their beginning. For other, it was less drastic changes.
I also use dreams to develop writing ideas. It can start with a dreams I had. I will let it develop over the nights that follow. It will end up as a writing idea over time. It vary on how long it can take to come to something I am satisfied. It is not a quick process, that for sure.
Last morning, I had an idea that I thought to be "mature and ready to be written. But I got an additional idea that put more on the story. It is linked with the beginning but the idea in itself is place at the end. Let's go with the explanation. Pretty much at the beginning, my two main characters are living kind by their own, having a lot of time in the street. They are young, at the time. There is a event that remove them from the street and into their proper place, where they should be. Fast forward later, when their children are starting to get into their teenage years or near it. It is where my brain pick up on an idea. They interview some young living on the street. They decide to return on the street to meet old friends. They do so with the persona they had when younger, the alibi they had at the time. They do it undercover for some reason.
Because of that idea, now, I have to write that additional idea. I think it will add to the story. I also use that as a trigger for the end of my story, where they meet a group of important people from far away. I am not totally happy to write more for that story. I do understand that this is something I need to, to further develop the story. Thinking of it, maybe this story isn't fully developped...
I also use dreams to develop writing ideas. It can start with a dreams I had. I will let it develop over the nights that follow. It will end up as a writing idea over time. It vary on how long it can take to come to something I am satisfied. It is not a quick process, that for sure.
Last morning, I had an idea that I thought to be "mature and ready to be written. But I got an additional idea that put more on the story. It is linked with the beginning but the idea in itself is place at the end. Let's go with the explanation. Pretty much at the beginning, my two main characters are living kind by their own, having a lot of time in the street. They are young, at the time. There is a event that remove them from the street and into their proper place, where they should be. Fast forward later, when their children are starting to get into their teenage years or near it. It is where my brain pick up on an idea. They interview some young living on the street. They decide to return on the street to meet old friends. They do so with the persona they had when younger, the alibi they had at the time. They do it undercover for some reason.
Because of that idea, now, I have to write that additional idea. I think it will add to the story. I also use that as a trigger for the end of my story, where they meet a group of important people from far away. I am not totally happy to write more for that story. I do understand that this is something I need to, to further develop the story. Thinking of it, maybe this story isn't fully developped...
Thursday, 5 June 2014
Finding my style, improving the work
One big project I have is to be better in doing projects I have in my head. Doing it well is another one. I do break them in more manageable chunk. I know where I have to work for each of my area of projects. I am a kind of jack of all trade and master of none. Too many things grab my attention and my interest. It is hard to focus on one area of crafting. I get the impression that my creativity is overflowing and can't be contained to one craft. My mind is sometimes working in all direction. It is hard to focus in those times.
I know that I need to take more time to describe settings, characters and worlds I write about. All is in my head loud and clear. I want to put it all on paper as fast as I can, skipping important details along the way. I have to get major rewrite after that. I have some difficulty to go in great length in description. In college, I took an 19th century French literature class. We have to read Balzac. He is famous for his meticulous description. It is detailed to the key hole. It fill pages upon pages. He use this maniac descriptions as a way to described the mental state of his character, adding a layer to them. I know it was serving a purpose but I think it had impacted negatively on me. I remember thinking about these overprecise descriptions as too much for me. It isn't suited with what I wanted to do in my writing. My stories are more action oriented or more flowing in the stories.
For my jewelry making projects, I have to learn more on some techniques or have to buy some more expensive equipments. I do have many ideas and sometimes, it need some jewelry makers tools and professional techniques. There are ideas I can do with what I already have but sometimes, I would like to go a little bit further. A little bit of a challenge. It is like my idea with astronomy and astrology symbols. I have done a version with what I have under hand. But my main goal is to find a way to do them in metal. I don't want to make engraving. I want to do them in the metal, saw or cut in a way that is easy to do. Of course I could do them in wax first. Then again, I have to find a way to put the symbols in a recognized way. I don't want to end up in with a hole. So, I have to do some research for that kind of project.
In jewelry making, there are style I like like the tribal one. There is element of steampunk that I find appealing. There is also historical elements that I want to work with. I have to find a way to integrate all that in projects that I have. Not always easy, I think. It is not always evident to takes the elements of one style. I want to do something original and special. I probably will have to work on that more actively. I haven't put much energy on that area.
I know that I need to take more time to describe settings, characters and worlds I write about. All is in my head loud and clear. I want to put it all on paper as fast as I can, skipping important details along the way. I have to get major rewrite after that. I have some difficulty to go in great length in description. In college, I took an 19th century French literature class. We have to read Balzac. He is famous for his meticulous description. It is detailed to the key hole. It fill pages upon pages. He use this maniac descriptions as a way to described the mental state of his character, adding a layer to them. I know it was serving a purpose but I think it had impacted negatively on me. I remember thinking about these overprecise descriptions as too much for me. It isn't suited with what I wanted to do in my writing. My stories are more action oriented or more flowing in the stories.
For my jewelry making projects, I have to learn more on some techniques or have to buy some more expensive equipments. I do have many ideas and sometimes, it need some jewelry makers tools and professional techniques. There are ideas I can do with what I already have but sometimes, I would like to go a little bit further. A little bit of a challenge. It is like my idea with astronomy and astrology symbols. I have done a version with what I have under hand. But my main goal is to find a way to do them in metal. I don't want to make engraving. I want to do them in the metal, saw or cut in a way that is easy to do. Of course I could do them in wax first. Then again, I have to find a way to put the symbols in a recognized way. I don't want to end up in with a hole. So, I have to do some research for that kind of project.
In jewelry making, there are style I like like the tribal one. There is element of steampunk that I find appealing. There is also historical elements that I want to work with. I have to find a way to integrate all that in projects that I have. Not always easy, I think. It is not always evident to takes the elements of one style. I want to do something original and special. I probably will have to work on that more actively. I haven't put much energy on that area.
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Resin
Doing resin can be tricky. It must have exact measurement to have good result. I have found an handful of product that are easy to use and where I was satisfied with the result. I think it comes from personal taste for those products. What I liked the most is putting it into molds. I have found molds that have interesting shapes. I like to play with shapes and colors as seen here:
I haven't used them yet. I do have many ideas on how to use them. I am thinking to do some bead work with the cabochon. The leaf could be great on a pendant. The butterfly is delicate. I can't drill a hole in it. I haven't think to do anything with it yet. Maybe doing a bezel with it. The heart shape transparent one will probably end like the cabochon, in bead work. I am also thinking of putting a white cloth behind them. I think it would accentuate the color. I have to see if what I think will translate into reality.
Those pieces are among the best example I had successfully made. It would be time to use them and makes my ideas a reality. Even if it is more fun to do them that using them. This is my problem but I don't think I am the only one in this situation. I could sell them as is but I feel like cheating. I feel they are kind of nude. They need to be finished up in something more complete. It is as if they are not complete. I do have this kind of sensation with some of my writing, when it is not finished.
Those pieces are among the best example I had successfully made. It would be time to use them and makes my ideas a reality. Even if it is more fun to do them that using them. This is my problem but I don't think I am the only one in this situation. I could sell them as is but I feel like cheating. I feel they are kind of nude. They need to be finished up in something more complete. It is as if they are not complete. I do have this kind of sensation with some of my writing, when it is not finished.
Monday, 2 June 2014
Fimo beads
I like the colors I had chosen in doing my fimo beads. Here are a few examples:
I had made various kind. There are some that I used molds. Other were more free hand. The end result is great to make various project. Like taking the dolphin or fish shaped ones as centerpieces and smaller ones to complete a necklace.
The second photo is one with a favorite color of mine: silver. The star shaped star is a bit misshapen but I will try to make other ones better shaped. It makes me think about a recent incident where I saw someone with earring that triggered an idea. I will have to experiment in making some beads in fimo to see if it work out as I have in my mind. I already have experience in doing loops. My idea involve loops.
I also have a soft spot for the granite color as shown on another picture. Perfect for more tribal beads.
I had made various kind. There are some that I used molds. Other were more free hand. The end result is great to make various project. Like taking the dolphin or fish shaped ones as centerpieces and smaller ones to complete a necklace.
The second photo is one with a favorite color of mine: silver. The star shaped star is a bit misshapen but I will try to make other ones better shaped. It makes me think about a recent incident where I saw someone with earring that triggered an idea. I will have to experiment in making some beads in fimo to see if it work out as I have in my mind. I already have experience in doing loops. My idea involve loops.
I also have a soft spot for the granite color as shown on another picture. Perfect for more tribal beads.
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