Sculpting a Mermaid Bracelet Master - The Design

I am currently working on a new mermaid bracelet master. Sculpting a new master is a long and tedious process, but it is my favorite part of jewelry design.

The idea for this new mermaid bracelet design came to me early one morning, before I had even had my first cup of coffee. That's when I grabbed a quick cup of Joe, a pencil and my design notebook. I started sketching, rough and quick, before any distractions could make me loose the vision in my head. Later, that day, after the the morning rush was over, I was able to sit down again and refine the design parameters. The total circumference, minus the cuff opening width, would be the length I would have to fit the whole scene in to. This left me with 7 inches. The height was my only loose variable, but, from experience, I know that 2-1/4 inches, is about the maximum height for comfortable wear. These dimensions allowed me to create a more detailed layout.

I scanned my pencil and paper layout into my computer, for safe keeping, and then printed it out to the exact dimensions. I always sculpt over clear glass, with the layout taped underneath. This keeps me from getting carried away, and within my dimensional boundries. The layout tends to get dirty, from the oils in the sculpting media that I use, and I can print out a clean copy as needed.

Next, I needed to find a clear glass jar with the exact diameter of the finished bracelet. With my dial calipers in hand, I rummaged through the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. Success brought me to a jar of  Smucker's strawberry Jam. The perfect diameter and adequate height, but I had to find a new container for the remaining jam. Viola! Rubber Maid to the rescue. My family is getting used to these kind of surprises in the pantry, and don't even ask anymore.

Next, More of The sculpting Process...... (or How to Loose Track of Time)

New Mermaid Bracelet Clear Resin Jewelry Sculpture

Is it a Sculpture? Or is it Jewelry? It's both.

This is the 1st design in a new series of cast resin cuff bracelets. I think she turned out fabulous! I have more mermaid and other sea life bracelet designs on my work bench, and will be blogging about the sculpting process. So come back, for more jewelry design ramblings.
Description:
Titled "The Find" Mermaid Sculpture Bracelet, from my "Iridescent Sea Series", this mermaid and her dolphin and fish friends are a 3-dimensional sculpture. Detailed down to tiny scales on both the mermaid's tail and the fish bodies. I sculpted this magical scene in clay, and then used this clay master to create the mold, and finally hand cast the bracelet in crystal clear, tough and durable, urethane resin. There are shimmering hi-lights, here and there, of iridescent blue, aqua, and golden violet.

Available for sale here: New Mermaid Sculpture Clear Resin Bracelet

Giving Etsy a Try

I have decided to give Etsy a try. Have bought many wonderful hand-made things on Etsy. So much more economical the eBay, and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I still need to learn how everything works, but so far I have 5 items listed in my new store. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Learning to Use The Wood Stove

My house came with a cute little wood burning stove.
Being the middle of summer I didn’t give it much thought. Coming from Florida, all I know about is air conditioning. But burning wood for heat? That means buying firewood, getting it home, cutting it up, and then stacking it. It means sweeping and cleaning ashes, and the figuring out what to do with the ashes. I needed to collect newspaper and kindling, and learn how to light a fire. Oh yes, and then there is the essential sweeping of the chimney.
My pioneer skills are poor at best. But, I am determined to make friends with my stove.

Midnight Fire Coral Resin Ring

Elegant and Dramatic in Design.

Simple, Harmonious Forms

Mesmerizing Black and Fire Opal,

Pure Fun and Fantasy

Another new ring, and this one was really fun to make. 

The wide, cast resin, textured band simulates tiny Star Coral.  An elegantly simple, cast resin Table Coral sits anchored to the top of the ring. Embedded in the "coral polyps" are tiny, 1.7mm, Hyacinth Red Swarovski rhinestones. Nestled inside the coral sits a single Fire Opal Swarovski bicone "sponge". The ring is very light weight for it’s size, weighing 6.6 grams, and does not rotate on my finger.

This cast resin ring is simple, elegant black. The Swarovski rhinestones and bicone are fiery combination of red, orange and yellow. Stunning! Available here In Art Studio on Etsy

Observatory Progress

This week I have been lending a hand to get the new observatory build before winter sets in.  It will house the big telescope and astro imaging equipment. Building this observatory has been Tom's dream for many years. The dome will go up next. Tom will be able to control the dome, telescope and cameras, remotely, from within his "warm room". All very high tech and interesting.

Building this observatory is much like creating jewelry. You start with an idea, and then refine that idea into a do-able design. You gather the materials, and working with your hands, you turn that idea into reality. Different tools, different materials, but the process is the same.
I love taking something from my imagination to finished product. I enjoy solving the problems that crop up along the way, making adjustments to the design or materials. I find the whole creative process exciting and rewarding. With each new jewelry design, comes a chance to learn something new.
Snow is predicted for today, so I am back to work in my studio. I have enjoyed working outside in the beautiful fall weather and getting to use the power tools. Building with wood has been fun and a nice break from the studio.

Another New Resin Ring Design

I just finished this ring today, and an delighted with the way it turned out.

Neptune's Moon Coral Ring

Elegant and Dramatic in Design.
Simple, Harmonious Forms
Mesmerizing Ocean colors,changing from Blues to Greens to Gold.
Pure Fun and Fantasy

The wide, cast resin, textured band simulates tiny Star Coral.  A elegantly simple, cast resin Table Coral sits anchored to the top of the ring. Nestled inside the coral sits a single Swarovski bicone "sponge". The ring is very light weight for it’s size, weighing 6.6 grams, and does not rotate on my finger. Stunning! 
This cast resin ring incorporates colors that change from blue to green to gold on a black base. The colors change depending on the viewing angle, lighting, and background.

New Resin Jewelry Rings

Rings. Can a girl have too many rings? Well, in my case -No. I am crazy for rings. They sit on my finger in front of my eyes all day, and just make me feel fabulous.

I have had some design ideas in mind for a while now, and finally made the time, to start creating the masters and molds. The only problem with rings are, there are so many sizes, and each size requires it's own master and mold. So, it takes more time to produce a line of rings.

My first ring design is done, in sizes 7, 8 and 9. I call it the "Coral Reef Starfish Pearl Ring", and it is gorgeous.

The cast resin band simulates Star Coral, with tiny 1.2mm Swarovski rhinestones embedded in the coral polyps. A cast resin starfish embraces a large 12mm Swarovski pearl. Around the base is scattered iridescent Swarovski rhinestones, bicone beads, glass bubbles, and a cast resin seashell. The rings is very light weight for it's size, and does not rotate on my finger. I love this ring, and am working on two more new ring designs.

Tale of Two Gimmers

First we have the Full Gimmer, this is what it is called when you wear you pants legs fully tucked into your boots. Then there is the Half Gimmer, this is where you only tuck the inside part of your pants leg into your boots. I still have not figured out which Gimmer is the correct Gimmer for the fashion conscious woman of the West. I don’t want to make a fashion faux-pas, so I try not to tuck my pant legs into my boots at all. I am now on the look out for Gimmers. I hope no one is just pulling my (pants) leg.

Foot Note: Yesterday, I was wearing my jeans rolled up above my boot tops, and was told I had a Modified Gimmer. What do you mean a Modified Gimmer? I thought there were only 2 Gimmers? Now, I am even more suspicious that this whole Gimmer thing is being made up for my benefit. Still, I don’t want to take any chances.

Snow Chains?

The only kind of chains I know about are the ones that are gold and sparkley. Chains for my tires? Who thought of that one? Probably a man, and one with no girlfriend.

OK, tire chains are jewelry for your car. I can get into that. Hum… Let’s see, I would like something striking, yet sophisticated. Maybe something in silver… yes, silver would be nice. Chains that would be wearable for any occasion. Now, where does one buy these lovely chains for their car?

Clear Resin Jewelry Seahorse Bangle Bracelet

New!
Clear Resin Turquoise Seahorse and Starfish Bangle Bracelet
Description: A colorful 8 inch long, hand cast seahorse and seashell are encased in water-clear resin. Fun summer colors of turquoise, blue and orange highlighted with tiny orange starfish. The seahorse has a Swarovski Aurora Borealis Crystal eye. Stunning!So Modern, so Chic, so Artsy. Wear this fabulous bangle dressed up or with jeans.
Warning! This product may cause gasps of delight, impulsive arm grabbing, conversations with strangers and glares of envy.

I Miss the Shopping

We city girls are spoiled. Shopping is just so easy. Get in the car, drive to Miami, and shop till you drop.

But living in the wilds of Colorado is a different story. I live 20 miles from the nearest town. And they don’t even have a Wal-Mart. The largest city is an hours drive away. How did I think I could survive in the mountains without shopping malls?

Thank goodness I have the internet. I can still shoe shop, till I’m blue in the face. But, I miss trying them on and scrutinizing them in the shoe store mirrors. I miss fighting for the perfect parking spot. I miss the rush of adrenaline at finding that unbelievable bargain. But, that is the sacrifice I make to live with of all this peace and beauty.

Clear Resin 4 Natural Color Butterfly Bangle Bracelet

New Clear Resin Bangle from nightskyjewelry.com
Description: Four different Natural Colored Butterflies encased in water-clear resin. In the rich Fall colors of Autumn, yellows, oranges, browns and black. This bangle bracelet has the beautiful, subtle, natural Autumn colored butterflies, perfect for Fall and Winter. Each butterfly is backed with an iridescent liner for even more shimmer. Tiny black, hex-shaped glitter is tastefully scattered throughout the bracelet. Stunning!

This bangle bracelet is polished inside and out. On the bottom you will find my logo tag, for Night Sky Jewelry.
So Modern, so Chic, so Artsy. Wear this fabulous bangle with your suit to the office or with your new Fall sweater and jeans.

Warning! This product may cause gasps of delight, impulsive arm grabbing, conversations with strangers and glares of envy.

How to Make a Resin Jewelry Bracelet Master

Thought I'd take some photos to show how I'm progressing on the new 3" inside diameter, resin jewelry bangle bracelet design. I have had requests for my bracelets in a larger 3 inch size. Making the masters for molding is the most tedious and time consuming part of the whole design process. With my 2-1/2 " bangle bracelet design, I used polymer clay to make the master. Much prettier to look at, but, took forever to get the shape and size right.

This time I decided try something simpler. I discovered that 3" PVC pipe, used in plumbing has a perfect 3" inside diameter. But the wall thickness was too thin for my design, only about 1/4 inch thick. So, Tom suggested using a 3 inch, schedule 80, PVC pipe coupling. These are not available at the hardware stores, but must be purchased from a plumbing supply house. They are made to fit over the outside of the 3 inch PVC pipe, so the fit was perfect. The schedule 80 pipe coupling looked huge, and was about 4 inches long. Too long for a bracelet, but it was easy enough to cut off the excess on the chop saw.

I now had a good starting point for my new bracelet master. The total wall thickness of the combined pipe and coupling is .560 inches, or 9/16". The photo above shows the left over piece that was cut off from the combined pipe and coupling. The 3" PVC pipe is white, and the schedule 80 pipe coupling is dark gray. But you can see how well the two pieces fit together, and the combined wall thickness.

Next comes the shaping and sanding. I will post about that next.

Clear Resin Jewelry Tropical Fish Bangle Bracelet

New Clear Resin Bangle from nightskyjewelry.com
Description: Three little Clown Triggerfish are 3-dimensional and totally encased in water-clear resin. Each little tropical fish is cast with in detail down to their tiny scales. Each has hand painted spots and a Swarovski Crystal eye. Stunning!
This bangle bracelet is polished inside and out. On the bottom you will find my logo tag, for Night Sky Jewelry.
So Modern, so Chic, so Artsy. Wear this fabulous bangle dressed up or with jeans.
Warning! This product may cause gasps of delight, impulsive arm grabbing, conversations with strangers and glares of envy.

This is a HUGE-WIDE bangle bracelet.
Height is just over 2" at 2 5/32 inches,
Inside Diameter is 2 1/2 inches,
Inside Circumference is 8 inches,
Outside Circumference is 11 9/16 inches,
wall thickness is 9/16 inch,
Weight is 189.7 grams or 6.7 ounces.

Kelp Mermaid and Sea Lion Clear Resin Jewelry Bracelet

Buy it here Clear Resin Jewelry from Night Sky Jewelry
A colorful 8 inch long, hand cast Mermaid and her little seal friend are 3-dimensional and totally encased in water-clear resin. The young Mermaid's long black hair is highlighted with shimmering blue and studded with tiny pearls. She is adorned in lovely green seaweed. Her tail shimmers with iridescent color change pigment that changes from turquoise to blue to violet with Aurora Borealis hi-lights. Her little sea lion friend shimmers in black with iridescent blue. The background is highlighted with iridescent violet-blue and green-gold "seaweed", and tiny red starfish. The Mermaid and her little Sea ion friend both have Swarovski Crystal eyes. Stunning!

Clear Resin Jewelry Mermaid and Dolphin Bracelet

Buy one like this here Huge Clear Resin Jewelry Mermaid Bangle Bracelet
Description:

A colorful 8 inch long, hand cast Mermaid and her Dolphin friend are totally encased in water-clear resin. Her long black hair is highlighted with shimmering purple and studded with tiny pearls. She wears a crown of red coral studded with pearls. Her tail shimmers with iridescent violet and aurora borealis blue. Her Dolphin friend shimmers in iridescent color-change pigment that changes from turquoise to blue to violet. The background is highlighted with iridescent violet-blue and green-gold "seaweed", and tiny red starfish. The Mermaid and her Dolphin friend both have Swarovski Crystal eyes. Stunning!

Clear Resin Jewelry Butterflies Bangle Bracelet

Huge Clear Resin Jewelry Butterfly Bangle Bracelet

Here is my latest resin bracelet I have just listed. It turned out even better than the first one. I love making these colorful butterfly bracelets. They are so pretty. And I am learning how to do the videos on YouTube. Here is my YouTube link: inartstudio on YouTube

Description: Four different Monarch Butterflies encased in water-clear resin. Each a different color, each with Hologram jeweled antennae. Each butterfly is backed with an iridescent liner for even more shimmer. Stunning!

So Modern, so Chic, so Artsy. Wear this fabulous bangle dressed up or with jeans.

Warning! This product may cause gasps of delight, impulsive arm grabbing, conversations with strangers and glares of envy.

Note: No real butterflies were harmed during the making of this bracelet.

Clear Resin Jewelry Dolphins Bangle Bracelet

Clear Resin Jewelry Dolphins Bangle Bracelet

A pod of female dolphins swims through an idyllic glassy sea.

The Grandmother dolphin leads the way, ever conscious, that she needs to keep a slower pace.

The Mother dolphin looks back nervously watching her infant.

The baby dolphin, trying to keep up, looks to his Mother for guidance and reassurance.

The Auntie dolphin swims behind him, giving him encouraging clicks and squeals.

Part Sculpture, part Art, part Jewelry. This is art, you wear on your wrist.

I love the way this one turned out. And my video looks a lot better than the last one.
Description: Four iridescent dolphins are encased in water-clear resin. Special color-change pigments are used to capture the light. The color of the dolphins changes from deep turquoise to light blue-green to lavender. You can see this color change in the pictures above. Each dolphin is hand painted and then given Swarovski crystal eyes. The background is highlighted with iridescent violet-blue and green-gold "seaweed". The "water" is studded with blue, purple and green iridescent bubbles. Stunning!

Creating Arctic Mermaids and Orcas in the Summer Heat

It's been so hot here, that I work outside early in the morning and late in the evening, and work in my studio during the heat of the day. Tom is building me a new studio addition. I'm so excited! I try to help as much as I can, if you call my feeble attempts at building, help. I will try to remember to take some pictures today of the new room.

In the meantime, here is a a new Mermaid Bangle Bracelet I have in the works. She is an Arctic Mermaid, all pale and shimmering with ice crystals. Still trying to decide if I she needs something special in her hair, maybe an ice crystal crown. Her little Orca buddy is almost finished. A bit more painting and then his eye. I need to dig and see if I have any tiny, jet black Swarovski rhinestones. Something about creating Arctic Mermaids and Orcas in the summer heat makes my studio feel cooler.