The Beginning

This is the start of what will be a batch of 24 Fine Silver Hearts for the Etsy Metal Clay Teams Charm Swap.

Step Two

Allowing the heats to dry for a while with out the aid of a warming plate will give you time to stamp your initials on the back. Plus helps to keep them from warping from drying to fast.

Drying

Hearts need to be completely dry before they can be sanded and smoothed.

Assembly Line

While newer hearts are drying the first ones are being transformed into the mended heart theme.


While newer hearts are drying the first ones are being transformed into the mended heart theme.

Assembly Line (cont)

Bars are added first. Faux rivets are added last

Ready for the Kiln

These became the 24 Mended Hearts for the Etsy Metal Clay Team's Charm Swap. I made 25 - the one extra was a "just in case" one breaks thing.

New Spring Babies

Last year we had a couple of birds that took up residents under our back porch. One of their offspring returned this year to raise another family. From fuzzy babies to feathered fledglings - Just one of those circle of life things :)

Artful Mosaic Supplies

Creating the Route 66 Necklace was a long time in the making. I had spotted the Red & Black Ceramic Picasso Faces on Etsy about a year ago – and knew I had to get them – only I hadn’t figured out exactly why.

Dana Flemming a fellow New Mexico artist owns/runs a wonderful Etsy store, known as Artful Mosaic Supplies. Here you’ll find everything for your mosaic needs. She also specializes in MDF shapes for your creations. It was in her store that I found the ceramic Picasso Faces.

Having a love for all things vintage & retro, the faces reminded me of the art deco designs from this by gone era. After the pendant was made it had to be accented by just the right combination of beads. After deciding on the diamond shaped onyx & sterling silver beads, it was evident that only a hand made clasp, created in the cubist style would finish off the necklace.

If you are looking for unique and fun shapes at great prices this is the store to visit.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/artfulmosaicsupplies

It has been a honor and a privilege to share the success of the Route 66 Necklace with Dana – for if it wasn’t for her ceramic Picasso faces, the necklace may not be here today.

Please Visit Artful Mosaics at: http://artfulmosaicsupplies.blogspot.com/