"It's so cold outside."
"I am so tired of shoveling the snow."
"I can't wait for Spring."
Does this sound familiar? I know this time of year is not easy. The holidays are over. The house looks a bit plain without the decorations, and it before we realize it we are back into our boring daily routines.
That said, I rather like this time of year.
From July through November, I feel like a crazy women getting ready for shows, making inventory, setting up dislays, tearing down displays etc., and December brings the holiday craze.
January FINALLY arrives!
Everybody is back to work, back to school, and the "Holidays" are neatly packed away until next year.
I would day dream about what I was going to work on!
I knew just what I wanted to do.
I went down to my "make shift" metal shop in the corner of the basement, and pulled out my NEW solder iron.
I have always admired those beautiful soldered glass shadow boxes.
I had my supplies in order,
glass squares, solder, copper tape, and various items to fill my box with, and I was off.
First of all I must say, soldering is an art.
To make it look so smooth and even is not an easy task. Before I knew it I had made a mess of the copper tape, (wrapping those little glass tiles neatly and evenly hmmmm... let's just say a few pieces are now lost across the room somewhere!)
I am persistant though, and smart enough to order extra supplies, and eventually I got the hang of it.
I am TOTALLY in love with these beautiful boxes.
I couldn't get my soldering as even as I liked, so I pulled out my rubber stamps and decided to make stamped solder impressions on the boxes.
I started designing different pieces to put in the boxes. I cut out sterling flowers with my jewelers saw, made solder hearts, and mounted all my treasures on some etched brass and vintage paper.
After the soldering, a patina is applied to give them an aged vintage look.
I soldered jump rings the tops and bottoms, cleaned them up, and gave them a good buff and polishing. Whew!!
Each of these beautiful shadow boxes are now the focal point of some new necklaces.
Each necklace is a one of a kind.
The necklaces were created with re-purposed chains, wrapped beads and vintage findings.
All thise pieces can be found on my website. Just click the links below
A perfect gift for Valentines Day or any day!
In case your wondering, I haven't neglected my leather.
February is another favorite month of mine, and some New surprises are on the way..
XO
Brenda
