It was great to get away to Melbourne for a couple of days (the above photo is Jesse and Billie enjoying breakfast at a cafe in Fitzroy) even if it did include a (very expensive) trip to the dentist. We were hoping to see the Fred Williams exhibition (an amazing Australian landscape painter) at the National Gallery of Victoria but, unfortunately, it doesn't start until next week and I don't think we'll get the chance to get down again before the end of school holidays. We did wander around the Gallery for a little while - reminding the kids there is more to life than PlayStation and iPhones.
The gallery's book shop is really quite good. I picked up a coy of Oppi Untracht's 'Traditional Jewelry of India' which is crammed full of really interesting information including the symbolism, history and traditions behind jewelry and jewelry making in this region. Whereas I used to favor 'how-to' nowadays I head straight to the travel or reference section for inspiration.
We also managed to squeeze in some shopping and a very enjoyable visit to the wool shop. I was planning to get some more noro yarn but chose this aran wool instead. I like the vibrant but natural looking colours which I think will work well in my weaving.
It hasn't all been conspicuous consumerism. I made some black and gold polymer clay beads, rolling some around on sandpaper before baking and used a knitting needle to make little dents on others. I am quite pleased with the resulting texture. I also needle felted some little shapes - I was playing around with the concept of evil eye charms.
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| Not quite sure what to do with these - any suggestions? |
The center piece is an EPNS napkin ring which I've drilled through. The bead cap over the pompom is polymer clay which I pained with copper acrylic paint and then sealed. It's quite a big piece, definitely not for the fainthearted. But how does the saying go ... fortune favors the brave and all that.
'til next time.
everything looks wonderful. I love the beads you made and am going to Etsy right now to get a closer look at that marvelous necklace...
ReplyDeleteOops - haven't listed it yet as I decided I didn't like the trade bead in the ring so it's not quite ready. Hopefully will have it up by the weekend.
DeleteHmmmm, I think you just inspired me to go browse books on Amazon...
ReplyDeleteThat necklace is fascinating, Kate! Just gorgeous. Love your use of red - so striking. I am not familiar with the term EPNS - can you tell me what it is?
EPNS is a form of silver plating over nickel silver. Nickel silver is actually a copper alloy and is known by several other names such as German silver or argentaan, in addition to copper it includes lesser percentages of nickel and sometimes zinc. Nickel silver is used in lots of things including musical instuments like the saxophone. Interestingly It was used extensively by plains Indian jewellery makers in the 19th century and is still used today by contemporary native American jewelers and metal smiths. EPNS items are silver plated over the nickel silver base and are found most commonly in cutlery and other silverware. I'm actually allergic to nickel so I always field test my EPNS pieces by wearing them to make sure I don't get a reaction.
ReplyDeleteJust in case you don't know, you've been featured on this lovely blog
ReplyDeletehttp://poemabatsoilik.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/bisuteria-creativa-quisnam.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/zaiMc+%28PoeMa+Bat+Soilik%29
Thanks for that, I had no idea. Kate
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