This month's Art Elements Theme is Luna Moth.
The Luna Moth is more commonly known as giant silk moths. Typically, it has a wingspan of roughly 114 mm (4.5 in), but can exceed 178 mm (7.0 in), making it one of the larger moths in North America.
Mom and I actually both did picture research and then we compared what we both found and picked the two we wanted to work on.
You can sort of see the images we selected and then mom modified for patterns. We are using our cutter to make the pieces smaller to saw out (best purchase we made).
I actually sawed out the perimeters of the pendants. I left the hard parts for mom.
What mom sawed out - then she usually files and sands the pieces for me before I enamel them.
I actually took one day to make beads to go with the pieces - though I didn't end up making enough of the purple. Mom and I didn't like the purple with the pendant - so used other beads I had made.
When I enamel - I always start with a layer of clear. I am not sure if everyone else does this. This is what my professor taught me when I took enameling in metalsmithing. It works for me. So, the above picture is the first layer of clear.
This is the picture of the Luna Moth right after I took it out of the kiln - this is the clear layer.
I then do several layers of enamel - I actually wrote down the colors I used. I used different green and yellow on each of the Luna Moth pendants.
This week I was down with a migraine - while I was down mom went ahead and strung the necklaces. The more intricate Luna Moth pendant layout I didn't care for, so mom restrung it to what we used for the theme reveal. I am glad we both can tell each other if we don't like something. Mostly it is "I don't like that - pick something else".
So - here is the more intricate pendant design.
This is the one mom picked out. The lampwork beads are beads that I made and the accent beads are New Silver Jasper and Serpentine. The pendant is about 4" wide and 3" long. There is no clasp, so it is long enough to put it over your head.
The lampwork beads are the beads I actually made for this month's theme. The accent beads are Sodalite and Czech beads. There is no clasp, so it is long enough to put over your head. The pendant is about 4" wide and about 3.5" long.
Thanks for sticking to the end.
Here is the list of participants:
Colette
Both of the pendants as well as the finished necklaces are beautiful! You and your mum are such a great team! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at the intricate metal and enameling work you do. You are also very fortunate to be able to create beautiful art with your mother.....I wish I could still do that. 😢
ReplyDeleteYour metal work and enameling is as always immaculate resulting in two beautiful necklaces!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pieces!
ReplyDeleteStunning! I absolutely love them!
ReplyDeleteI love the intricate metal focals and the way you have enameled them. IT shows great taste and skill.
ReplyDeleteYou two are the dynamic duo! I mean seriously. I love what you all create and that you create it together. The pendants are stunning and it's so wonderful that you all can tell each other you don't care for something and there aren't hurt feelings. Beautiful work you two! Thanks for participating in another challenge. We love having you!
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to see what you & your mom come up with. You work so well as a team. I am so envious of her sawing skills! And your enameling just enhances her work.
ReplyDeleteAs usual you ladies did a fabulous job!
They're both wonderful designs. I love your colour choices and your metal working is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteBoth necklaces are gorgeous. I love reading about and seeing the steps in your collaborative creative process.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pendants and I love the lampwork beads you made to coordinate with them. The finished jewelry is stunning! - Sarah
ReplyDeleteBoth enameled pieces are beautiful but the lampwork beads add something more to the designs!
ReplyDeleteDynamic Duo is exactly what I was thinking! I will say it again, Evie's? jeweler's saw skills are awesome. Though I love the swirly scrolls in the first one, I also love the Luna Moth resemblance in the 2nd. And your choice of enamel colors is also awesome Beth. It's like that when I layer the watered down paints on leather, subtly changing colors and seeing what appears ... Oh! The beads are great matches. Love purple tho and would love to see those used with something greenish... you know, like the color wheel.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! The colors on each moth are so pretty! and I like that these are larger pendants worn long. So glad you could join us again!
ReplyDeleteThese pendants are beautiful. It was lovely to read about your technique, and I think it's wonderful that you are able to collaborate so wonderfully with your mother!
ReplyDeleteI'm always so impressed with what y'all come up with! I think the second pendant is my favorite... the colors and shape are just perfect.
ReplyDelete