You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Mermaid Earrings Silver and Blue Mermaid Jewelry
These silver mermaid earrings have tails that are hand painted a shimmering blue. Each mermaid holds a glistening Swarovski crystal that hi-lights the blue of her tail. My mermaid earrings measure 1 inch wide and just 2-1/2 inches long, including the lever backs. My mermaid earrings are just big enough to capture attention, but not so long that they are awkward to wear.
One of my design criteria was super light weight. I love earrings that are so comfortable, that I forget I have them on.The mermaids together weigh just 5 grams, that is about the weight of a credit card. My little mermaid earrings are individually and lovingly handcrafted. Each pair of Mermaid Earrings I make is a unique work of art, no two exactly alike. Part Sculpture, part Art, part Jewelry. This is sculpture you wear. Pure Fun and Fantasy.
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Mermaid Earrings White Pearl Mermaid Jewelry
After numerous requests for mermaid earrings, I finally came up with a design that I love. And I think you will too. I created these tiny mermaid sculptures in clay. Then used the clay mermaid sculptures to create the molds.
One of my design criteria was super light weight. I love earrings that are so comfortable, that I forget I have them on.The mermaids together weigh just 5 grams, that is about the weight of a credit card.
These mermaid earrings measure 1 inch wide and just 2-1/2 inches long, including the gold lever backs. My mermaid earrings are just long enough to capture attention, but not so long that they are awkward to wear.
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Sunday, October 06, 2013
Mermaid Jewelry Necklace in White Pearls
My newest mermaid necklace is dripping with white freshwater pearls. A tiny mermaid lies sleeping in a shell and surrounded by an elaborate collection of sea life. With white pearl corals and starfish, and sea horses and sea shells, my mermaid necklace is highly detailed and 3-dimensional. I sculpted and hand cast all the pieces in glowing white pearl resin and then assembled them to 3 strands of gorgeous freshwater pearls. A extraordinary new mermaid necklace design, from my Iridescent Sea Series. Imagine how romantic this mermaid necklace would look on a bride. Stunning!
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
How to make Realistic Faux Moss DIY Recipe
Here is my DIY recipe for faux moss, that looks realistic, is weather-proof, and is cheap and easy. This fake moss recipe sticks to concrete, rocks and tree bark. I find that applying the mix thick, makes it look like moss. Smearing it thin, makes it look like lichen. I plan to use this faux moss recipe on many of my garden sculptures. I think it would help age my concrete Japanese garden pagodas, and help blend them in with the natural surroundings.
I love to create garden sculptures in the summer months. This summer, I have been working on a large faux bonsai tree for my Xeriscape Japanese garden project. The base of my faux bonsai dish is 3 feet in diameter, and is poured in concrete, to keep it from blowing over in our high mountain winds. I wanted something that would hide the concrete and look like soft green moss. I needed a moss that required zero watering, would stand up to our high mountain weather extremes, and most of all, would look realistic. After hours searching the Internet, I came up with nothing that fit my criteria. Real moss would die in the full sun. Preserved moss would never handle our Colorado winter weather extremes. One faux moss recipe, called for dryer lint. I do not use a clothes dryer, and I doubt that the stuff that collects in my shop-vac would make a good substitute. After a few days of scratching my head, I came up with a faux moss recipe that I think will fit all of my requirements.
Faux Moss Recipe:
1/4 cup white Elmer's Glue
1/4 cup green acrylic paint (water based)
1/4 cup water
sphagnum peat moss (the kind you use to amend your garden soil)
disposable latex gloves
a spray bottle of water (helps to dampen concrete, especially if you are working in the hot sun)
Start with a large plastic container, I used an old 16 ounce cottage cheese container. Pour in the paint, glue and water, and stir well. Then add the sphagnum peat moss, a handful at a time. Stir until mixed. Keep adding more sphagnum peat moss, until your mixture is the consistency of chocolate chip cookie dough.
Assuming that you have already put on the disposable gloves, just take your faux moss mixture and start applying with your fingers. I tried a paint brush and a trowel and found that using my fingers gave me the best look and control. The mix will be sticky, so using your hands you can apply this faux moss to horizontal or vertical surfaces. The mix will be dry to the touch in a couple of hours, and fully dry in a couple of days. If it looks like you are in for a hard rain, I would throw a tarp over your project, just until the mix is fully dry. Play with different application methods. If you find an application method that works better, please, let me know.
I never measure my glue, paint and water. I just pour what looks like 1/4 cup of each liquid into the mixing container. If the paint proportion is a little more or less, than the last batch, the color will be a little different. Since natural moss is never one solid color, I find that this enhances the realistic look. If you are the kind of person that likes to be exact, all your batches might look exactly the same color. You could then dry brush your faux moss, with different colors of green acrylic paint. This could look even better. I might have to give this a try.
The green paint I used, was a porch and deck, latex acrylic exterior paint. I had half a quart left over from another project. The color was at neon bright, yellow-green. At first, I thought it might be too bright a color. But, the dark brown color of the sphagnum peat moss, toned the color down to a lovely green.
The true test, will be to see how my faux moss stands up to next winter's weather. My faux bonsai concrete base has some dips and hollows that I know will hold ice. I am hoping, the worst case scenario will be, some faux moss patching next spring.
If you try my faux moss technique, I would love to hear about your results.
I love to create garden sculptures in the summer months. This summer, I have been working on a large faux bonsai tree for my Xeriscape Japanese garden project. The base of my faux bonsai dish is 3 feet in diameter, and is poured in concrete, to keep it from blowing over in our high mountain winds. I wanted something that would hide the concrete and look like soft green moss. I needed a moss that required zero watering, would stand up to our high mountain weather extremes, and most of all, would look realistic. After hours searching the Internet, I came up with nothing that fit my criteria. Real moss would die in the full sun. Preserved moss would never handle our Colorado winter weather extremes. One faux moss recipe, called for dryer lint. I do not use a clothes dryer, and I doubt that the stuff that collects in my shop-vac would make a good substitute. After a few days of scratching my head, I came up with a faux moss recipe that I think will fit all of my requirements.
Here is the concrete bonsai tree base almost completely covered.
Here is my faux moss stuck to rock
Here is my faux moss stuck to tree bark
Faux Moss Recipe:
1/4 cup white Elmer's Glue
1/4 cup green acrylic paint (water based)
1/4 cup water
sphagnum peat moss (the kind you use to amend your garden soil)
disposable latex gloves
a spray bottle of water (helps to dampen concrete, especially if you are working in the hot sun)
Start with a large plastic container, I used an old 16 ounce cottage cheese container. Pour in the paint, glue and water, and stir well. Then add the sphagnum peat moss, a handful at a time. Stir until mixed. Keep adding more sphagnum peat moss, until your mixture is the consistency of chocolate chip cookie dough.
Assuming that you have already put on the disposable gloves, just take your faux moss mixture and start applying with your fingers. I tried a paint brush and a trowel and found that using my fingers gave me the best look and control. The mix will be sticky, so using your hands you can apply this faux moss to horizontal or vertical surfaces. The mix will be dry to the touch in a couple of hours, and fully dry in a couple of days. If it looks like you are in for a hard rain, I would throw a tarp over your project, just until the mix is fully dry. Play with different application methods. If you find an application method that works better, please, let me know.
I never measure my glue, paint and water. I just pour what looks like 1/4 cup of each liquid into the mixing container. If the paint proportion is a little more or less, than the last batch, the color will be a little different. Since natural moss is never one solid color, I find that this enhances the realistic look. If you are the kind of person that likes to be exact, all your batches might look exactly the same color. You could then dry brush your faux moss, with different colors of green acrylic paint. This could look even better. I might have to give this a try.
The green paint I used, was a porch and deck, latex acrylic exterior paint. I had half a quart left over from another project. The color was at neon bright, yellow-green. At first, I thought it might be too bright a color. But, the dark brown color of the sphagnum peat moss, toned the color down to a lovely green.
The true test, will be to see how my faux moss stands up to next winter's weather. My faux bonsai concrete base has some dips and hollows that I know will hold ice. I am hoping, the worst case scenario will be, some faux moss patching next spring.
If you try my faux moss technique, I would love to hear about your results.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Crystal Dragon Jewelry 3D Cuff
Finally, I am making progress, with my big 3-D Crystal Dragon cuff! I decided to order a quart of a new, super expensive, super clear rubber urethane. I am still running tests, but, so far, so good. What a steep learning curve there is with this new resin. The temperature has to be just right, the pressure has to be 60psi minimum, the wind has to be out of the east, etc. The cure time is 16 hours under pressure, then another 6-8 hours at room temp, then into the heat box for another 16 hours at 160 degree F. That is a long time to wait, until you can de-mold, and see if your casting was successful.
I am loving how this new resin looks. Here is a test sample shown against the brass cuff. The brass backing will allow the dragon cuff to be infinitely adjustable.
The clarity of this new resin is amazing. Except for the brass end strips, my prototype is almost finished. For two years, I have been working out the details of this design. I am so excited to see my crystal dragon cuff design come together! NOTE: Compared to optical glass, which has an index of refraction of 1.50, this new resin has an refractive index of 1.488. That is pretty close to crystal clear.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Mermaid Jewelry - Mermaid in a Shell Pendant
Here is the latest mermaid jewelry design from my Iridescent Sea Series. I sculpted this mermaid in clay, and then used this clay master to create the mold, and finally I hand cast this mermaid pendant in tough and durable, urethane resin. Cast in white pearl resin, there is an iridescent shimmering Aurora Borealis layer, that gives the Mother of Pearl effect. Titled "Sleeping in a Shell", this mermaid pendant is 2 1/2" wide by 2 1/2" tall. You can read about sculpting this mermaid in my previous post.
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Monday, March 11, 2013
Mermaid Sculpture - WIP - for Mermaid Pendant
My new mermaid sculpture is finally looking close to finished. All the finishing touches are done. I decided to add a big 12mm Swarvoski pearl and sculpted her right arm. I like how the big pearl makes her look even smaller. I have more smoothing to do, and fixing small details, then she should be ready for a final bake. I am anticipating the next mermaid sculpture. An even smaller mermaid for a ring.
This tiny mermaid sculpture has no arms yet, and still needs hair. The shell is 2-1/2 inches tall. That is my baby finger on the right. My sculpting tools were too big, so I ended up using sewing needles and pins.
Compare her head to the size of my thumb! I need stronger magnifying glasses...... It's like looking at a splinter in your finger all day.
I little more smoothing to do, and then she's going into the oven for her 1st bake. After that, I will not have to be so paranoid about accidentally bumping into her face. I have been thinking about adding a big Swarvoski pearl, nestled into the bend in her tail, and draping her right arm over the pearl. What do you think? Pearl? No pearl?
She finally has some hair and her left arm. She looks sooo much better not bald.
I keep taking macro photos, so I can look at her close up on the computer screen. I did get some higher power reading glasses last weekend. Helps a lot. Makes me dizzy when I try to walk around in them.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Searching for the Perfect Color of Turquoise
I have been conducting color tests all week, looking for just the right color of opaque turquoise for my mermaid jewelry. I want a turquoise that is not too blue, nor too
green. I want a luminous turquoise that is saturated and bright, not too light, not too dark. The right color of turquoise, is the one that makes me
smile, and reminds me of the sunny Caribbean. The perfect color of turquoise, makes your skin glow, even without a summer tan.
I mix up small 4 gram batches of resin and combine different pigments, and pour the resin into my small starfish molds. I take careful notes of what and how much of each colorant I mix. Once the resin has set up, I transfer my notes to a white index card and glue the starfish next to the notes. This makes it easier for me to compare the color of all of my test samples. These index cards are then filed away in a recipe box for future reference. I also transfer these notes to each of the mixing cups, with a permanent marker, and keep them in stacked by color family, in my casting room. As I type this, I am thinking how anal this all sounds.
The decision of color all comes down to placing each small starfish on my wrist, and judging how the color looks against my skin. I am still looking for that perfect color of turquoise. Maybe, if I add just a dab of ......
I mix up small 4 gram batches of resin and combine different pigments, and pour the resin into my small starfish molds. I take careful notes of what and how much of each colorant I mix. Once the resin has set up, I transfer my notes to a white index card and glue the starfish next to the notes. This makes it easier for me to compare the color of all of my test samples. These index cards are then filed away in a recipe box for future reference. I also transfer these notes to each of the mixing cups, with a permanent marker, and keep them in stacked by color family, in my casting room. As I type this, I am thinking how anal this all sounds.
The decision of color all comes down to placing each small starfish on my wrist, and judging how the color looks against my skin. I am still looking for that perfect color of turquoise. Maybe, if I add just a dab of ......
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Mermaid Jewelry - The Importance of Color
One of the great advantages of creating resin mermaid jewelry, is the ability to color the resin. But, this ability can be a challenge or a headache.
I am a perfectionist, and can not be satisfied until the color is perfect. I feel that color can make or break a design. No matter how wonderful the
form and fit of a piece, if the color is not perfect, I am not happy with the piece. These imperfect castings are stored in a box labeled
"Casting Misfits". I sometimes sift through this box, looking for ideas, remembering all my color blunders. Wondering to myself, "what
was I thinking when I cast that awful color?"
Color is a big part of my design process. I can be out shopping or working in my garden, when I see a color that inspires me. I just have to try and reproduce that color in my studio. Or a particular color will inspire a new design. Color is one of the most important elements of my mermaid jewelry design. I believe that if the color does not catch your eye, the design will not sell.
Here is an example of one of my mermaid jewelry pieces in my top selling color. It's not so much a color, as a color effect. I know that the color is perfect, when I can not resist the urge to grab my camera, and start taking photos.
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Color is a big part of my design process. I can be out shopping or working in my garden, when I see a color that inspires me. I just have to try and reproduce that color in my studio. Or a particular color will inspire a new design. Color is one of the most important elements of my mermaid jewelry design. I believe that if the color does not catch your eye, the design will not sell.
Here is an example of one of my mermaid jewelry pieces in my top selling color. It's not so much a color, as a color effect. I know that the color is perfect, when I can not resist the urge to grab my camera, and start taking photos.
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Mermaid Necklace with Dolphin - Nautical Sea Blue Mermaid Jewelry
Do you love the color blue? Blue is my favorite color for summer. My new mermaid necklace is the color of the shimmering blue sea. A gorgeous saturated, transparent, medium nautical blue, that reminds me of long, warm summer days, lounging by the pool. Over this color, is an iridescent shimmering layer, of blue, aqua, and violet. The Mermaid, her dolphin and sea life friends are 3-dimensional and highly detailed, down to tiny scales on both the mermaid's tail and the fish bodies. I sculpted and cast two little starfish in sea blue resin, to grasp the ends of each of the 3 strands of glowing sea blue glass beads. A new mermaid and dolphin necklace design, from my Iridescent Sea Series. Imagine this Saltwater Siren
swimming around your neck. Stunning!
Are you planning a romantic get-a-way this year? Imagine how gorgeous this mermaid necklace would look with your favorite cruise wear or beach wear. Fabulous! This blue mermaid would look so pretty this summer, with a simple white T-shirt paired with your favorite jeans.
This mermaid measures 5-1/2 inches wide by 3 inches from top to bottom. At each side are 2 resin starfish bead caps and 3 strands of glowing sea blue glass beads, ending in a gold lobster claw clasp and an extra 4 inches of gold extender chain. At the end of the chain is a single blue bead and my logo tag, for Night Sky Jewelry. The mermaid and dolphin necklace measures 16 inches long, adjustable to 20 inches long.
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Are you planning a romantic get-a-way this year? Imagine how gorgeous this mermaid necklace would look with your favorite cruise wear or beach wear. Fabulous! This blue mermaid would look so pretty this summer, with a simple white T-shirt paired with your favorite jeans.
This mermaid measures 5-1/2 inches wide by 3 inches from top to bottom. At each side are 2 resin starfish bead caps and 3 strands of glowing sea blue glass beads, ending in a gold lobster claw clasp and an extra 4 inches of gold extender chain. At the end of the chain is a single blue bead and my logo tag, for Night Sky Jewelry. The mermaid and dolphin necklace measures 16 inches long, adjustable to 20 inches long.
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Dragon Necklace - White Pearl Dragon Wedding Jewelry
Are you looking for pearl jewelry that is extraordinary and dramatic? My white pearl dragon necklace is 3-Dimensional and highly detailed, down to his spiky horns and tiny scales on his magnificent wings. He bares his tiny fangs and glares with eyes of fiery Swarovski crystal rhinestones, defending his dragon's treasure of white pearls. Stunning!
Like a dreamy cloud of creamy white pearls around your neck, my pearl Dragon Necklace looks fit for a queen. This dragon necklace is a combination of silky white, pearl colored resin and real freshwater pearls, and is covered in pearls and pearl cabochons. I sculpted and cast the two bead caps, to grasp the ends of each of the 3 strands of glowing freshwater pearls.
Imagine how romantic this dragon pearl necklace would look on a bride for a spring or summer wedding. Fabulous! Perfect bridal jewelry for a fantasy or Renaissance wedding. For evening glamour, wear this dragon necklace with your favorite little black dress. Or, dress it down, by wearing it peeking out from the neckline of a white tailored men's shirt paired with your favorite jeans.
This dragon necklace measures 5-1/2 inches wide by 3 inches from top to bottom. At each side are 2 pearl cabochon bead caps and 3 strands of real freshwater pearls, ending in a gold lobster claw clasp and an extra 4 inches of gold extender chain. At the end of the chain is a pearl and my logo tag, for Night Sky Jewelry. The pearls and dragon necklace measures 16 inches long, adjustable to 20 inches long.
You can see all my dragon jewelry for sale here: Dragon Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Friday, February 01, 2013
Mermaid Necklace in Tropical Turquoise Blue
Chase away those winter blahs with my new mermaid necklace in tropical turquoise blue. Like white sandy beaches and warm blue water, my mermaid necklace will lift your spirits. An island get-away, around your neck.
A mermaid necklace, in tropical turquoise blue! The color of tropical water. Makes me want to dive right in. The color is a gorgeous saturated, transparent, turquoise blue. Over this color, is an iridescent shimmering layer, of blue, aqua, and violet. The Mermaid, her dolphin and sea life friends are 3-dimensional and highly detailed, down to tiny scales on both the mermaid's tail and the fish bodies. I sculpted and cast two little starfish in turquoise blue resin, to grasp the ends of each of the 3 strands of glowing turquoise blue glass beads. A new mermaid and dolphin necklace design, from my Iridescent Sea Series. Imagine this Saltwater Siren swimming around your neck. Stunning!
You can see all my mermaid jewelry for sale here: Mermaid Jewelry
by In Art studio on Etsy
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Dragon Necklace - AB Crystals - White Pearl Dragon Jewelry
Here is the first of my new dragon necklace designs for Spring 2013. The colors of this dragon necklace are so fresh, so young, so romantic. I think it would be the perfect necklace for a spring or summer bride for her fantasy wedding.
This Dragon Necklace combines silky white, pearl colored resin and freshwater pearls. and is covered in the soft colors of Aurora Borealis crystals and cabochons. I sculpted and cast the two bead caps, to grasp the ends of each of the 3 strands of glowing freshwater pearls and Aurora Borealis crystal beads. My mythical Dragon necklace is 3-Dimensional and highly detailed, down to his spiky horns and tiny scales on his magnificent wings. He bares his tiny fangs and glares with eyes of fiery Swarovski crystal rhinestones, defending his dragon's treasure of vintage style Aurora Borealis cabochons and Aurora Borealis Swarovski crystal rhinestones. Stunning!
You can see all my dragon jewelry for sale here: Dragon Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Dragon Bracelet, Black Winged Dragon Jewelry
About a year ago, I had a customer ask me if I could design a dragon bracelet, similar to the vintage HAR dragon bracelet. I had never seen a HAR dragon, so I did some Google searching and was immediately overcome with jewelry lust. But, at the prices these bracelets were going for, I knew I would have to make my own. Except my dragon bracelet version has horns and wings.
I sculpted this 3-D dragon, with all the same details as my large dragon wristband, but at a much smaller scale. I had to wear my magnifying head piece, over the top of my reading glasses, to sculpt this little dragon. I knew he would be top heavy, so I designed the bracelet in an oval shape, to stay put on the wrist. My Dragon has a long tail, that connects to the body, with a spring loaded hinge. This bypass, clapper style bracelet is nice for easy on and off. I wanted vintage stones, but finding a reliable supply is almost impossible. So, I used the ones I found, to mold my own stones. This makes it possible to cast the stones is any color I want. The Swarvoski rhinestones, interspersed throughout the dragon bracelet, gives the bracelet just the right amount of sparkle.
Here is the all black dragon bracelet.
Available in size small and medium. You can read more about my Dragon Bracelet and purchase one here: Dragon Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
I sculpted this 3-D dragon, with all the same details as my large dragon wristband, but at a much smaller scale. I had to wear my magnifying head piece, over the top of my reading glasses, to sculpt this little dragon. I knew he would be top heavy, so I designed the bracelet in an oval shape, to stay put on the wrist. My Dragon has a long tail, that connects to the body, with a spring loaded hinge. This bypass, clapper style bracelet is nice for easy on and off. I wanted vintage stones, but finding a reliable supply is almost impossible. So, I used the ones I found, to mold my own stones. This makes it possible to cast the stones is any color I want. The Swarvoski rhinestones, interspersed throughout the dragon bracelet, gives the bracelet just the right amount of sparkle.
Here is the all black dragon bracelet.
Available in size small and medium. You can read more about my Dragon Bracelet and purchase one here: Dragon Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Pearl Dragon Bracelet - Winged Dragon Jewelry
This is the white pearl version of my dragon bracelet, covered in Aurora Borealis crystals and cabochons. So feminine, so refined, I think this color might appeal to brides. Perfect bridal jewelry for a fantasy or Renaissance wedding.
I love how this pearl white version with all the tiny details. This is a hinged spring, bypass bracelet made for easy on and easy off. The bracelet is 1-1/2 inches in width and an oval shape so the dragon will stay on top of your wrist. My Honey-Do says it's his favorite.
You can see all my dragon jewelry for sale here: Dragon Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
I love how this pearl white version with all the tiny details. This is a hinged spring, bypass bracelet made for easy on and easy off. The bracelet is 1-1/2 inches in width and an oval shape so the dragon will stay on top of your wrist. My Honey-Do says it's his favorite.
You can see all my dragon jewelry for sale here: Dragon Jewelry by In Art studio on Etsy
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