Pages

#Throwbackthursday #Australia 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2016

At the Sydney museum

#jewelleryfacts365 60/365 Gold facts

Gold can be manufactured so thin that it appears transparent. It is used in some aircraft cockpit windows for de-icing or anti-icing by passing electricity through it. The heat produced by the resistance of the gold is enough to deter ice from forming. (source).


Behind the scene. Watch Tatiana making the Greenman mask

If you have been following my blog for some time you probably remember the wood carving girls from the VZBRELO company (you can find all their guest posts here). They make amazing things for home decor! What is even better, they love sharing their creative process in my blog :) What do you think of this carving? I think it is just fantastic! I can't stop staring at it! Now, let's see how Tatiana made it!
----

Hello! Today I would like to show you how I have created this wall mask!


The idea haunted me for a long time, but I kept putting it off, being confused and unsure. However, it kept coming back, requiring implementation. Well, I decided to let it be )

I started with a sketch and a template. I chose pine wood for my project. I had a sheet of wood which thickness was clearly not enough for what I had planned, so I cut out two identical parts:


...and glued them together:



Then I transferred the sketch onto the whole piece:


Then I scooped out some wood to get a rough shape:


Then I carved the face more carefully and sanded it after.


Here you see that the face is finished, and I need to work on the tree designed to sprout from the forehead:


Now it's all done!


I've decided to age the wood since the forest spirit is supposed to be an ancient creature. I gently brushed the surface, trying to remove the soft wood grain only, and not the hard one.


 I added "cavities" for the same reason )


I've added the dark stain. Now here is the most crucial moment... I need to set the birds into the eyes:


Then I lacquered the mask, then I lacquered it again... and one more time ) I think I it's a success)






I hoped you enjoyed watching! 

We are a team behind the VZBRELO company and always happy to see you!
You can visit us at:
Online shop (Russian), another online shop (Russian)


Jewellery jokes

Wednesday, March 30, 2016


#jewelleryfacts365 59/365 Diamonds

The practice of lending gems to stars on Oscar night began in 1944, when Harry Winston, founder of the jewelry house that bears his name (Ronald is his son), allowed Jennifer Jones, nominated for best actress, to borrow some diamond jewelry. (source)

Jennifer Jones

Once upon a time... we went to a Vancouver rainforest!

When I started watching "Once upon a time" show, I knew right away they filmed our forest! I had to stop movie (I was watching it online) and did a quick research. I was right (how couldn't I?) Of course it was our rainforest! 

It is a great forest to film a fairy tale here, don't you think? (There are a few pictures and three short videos here):















Video:



Jewelley masterpieces. LeVian jewellery

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

#jewelleryfacts365 58/365 Platinum

Platinum is an extremely rare metal. It is the least reactive metal that has a high resistance to corrosion, even at high temperatures, and is therefore hypoallergenic.

DIY by Darya Nikulina. Let's make a gorgeous swan brooch today!

Today we have a jewellery making lesson by Darya Nikulina. If you have never used any tools, that is ok! You need some skills in sewing to make a gorgeous brooch like this!

-----------------


Hi all! I am Darya the beader. Today I would like to show you how to make this beautiful brooch!

You will need:

- A pencil, a brush, paper, scissors;
-  A piece of felt;
- A piece of leather (I had faux leather. You can also use a piece of felt or any fabric for the reverse side of the brooch);
- Stitching: cotton or silk;
- A needle for thick cotton stitching and a thin bead needle;
- A flat back crystal, 
- A filigree finding or pendant
- Seed pearls, seed beads and glass bugles (I recommend Czech and Japanese);
- Sequins and a dark bead to make the swan's eye;
- A pin;
- Filler (any filler will do);
- Paints for the fabric and acrylic lacquer for the beak.


Start with a sketch:


Cut out the template and transfer the image onto the felt:


Separately cut out a pair of wings:


Sew them on the swan's body, stuffing them with small pieces of felt:



The wings will get some dimension this way:


Now sew the filigree pendant and the crystal on:


Add some seed pearls and seed beads:


Then sew the sequins with a thick cotton stitching along one of the wings:


Sew the second row of the sequins just to the tail.


Then decorate the back of the swan with the glass bugles.


Decorate the swan's neck with the seed pearls:


Then the wings:


Now, when the decoration is finished, you can start embroidering the rest of the body with the double cotton stitching; then sew the eye on:


It is time to do some painting and add some drama to the bird's appearance!



After the paint has dried, cover the beak with the acrylic lacquer. It will become stronger and glossier.


When the beak is has dried again, cut all the extra felt off. Then cut out the reverse side of your brooch from leather, felt of any fabric. You can use your template or the brooch itself. 


Take the pin and pencil its contour on the leather back. Make two cuts at the ends of your mark:


Next, insert the pin, place the leather back onto the brooch and sewing them together:


Use the thick cotton stitching. Stuff the brooch while sewing. Use thin stitching and thin needle to sew around the beak:



Keep stuffing the brooch until the pin stops moving loosely.


All your hard work should turn into a beautiful brooch like this!


Thank you all for your attention! I hope you enjoyed this DIY project :)

Darya Nikulina
Online store

 
Jewelry Designer Blog. Jewelry by Natalia Khon. Design by Pocket