Monday, September 19, 2011

September Challenge - In The Garden

Before you even knew it, it's our September challenge time! This time it is more exciting than ever since we've many first timers and new members who has entered a piece of their amazing work! Our September Challenge Theme is "In The Garden". The technical requirement is add colors to your design. Here are the entries:

Down in New Orleans VI from Stardust


I'm not going to lay down in words the lure of this place. Every great writer in the land, from Faulkner to Twain to Rice to Ford, has tried to do it and fallen short. It is impossible to capture the essence, tolerance, and spirit of south Louisiana in words. —Chris Rose More ...

Bronze Flower Necklace from PrairieCoastArt


Beautiful handcrafted bronze flower pendant with patina finish. Antique brass 18" necklace. A striking combination of colors. More ...

Maple Seed & Garnet CZ Pendant from StuckOnSilver


These are nicer in a pendant where they behave themselves than in my garden! This pendant features a faceted garnet cz nestled in a cluster of those intrepid little "helicopters" that twirl from maple trees. The replicas are made from my own molds made from rascally seeds I picked up in my front yard. More ...

Mother Earth's Autumn Gift from Adornyourself


Raw Brass disc, Hadar J's copper leaf, enamels, and gold luster. Torch fired. More ...
Handcrafted Flower Necklace from Lifeartdesigns


A handcrafted flower necklace completed handmade from scracth out of fine silver metal clay and polymer. The focal point of this necklace is the flowers and floral theme. Yellow and purple flowers intermingle into a base of deep pink polymer clay. More ...

Princess Ai Heart Locket from Rainjewelry


I would use fine silver for the locket part (it would not open) and the lock, sterling silver chain wrapped around the locket and the necklace and a red cubic zirconium heart for the stone. I can tarnish the piece a mellow gold color. More ...

Large Spider Earring from AnnaSiivonen


One large spider single earring. Dangles with one leg piercing your ear and he´s hypoallergenic since his legs are made of titanium. Might be the coolest or creepiest earring ever, garanteed to make heads turn. More ...

Fine Silver Enamel Pendant Seed Bead Necklace from DesignsbyHarriet


This pure silver triangular shaped pendant has a raised circle in the center with swirls of aqua/green enamel. The swirl design on the triangle is oxidized to bring out the pattern.
The necklace is made of large green and yellow seed beads separated by small irridescent gold seed beads and clear long beads. More ...

Last Bud Pendant from Seavbeach


These are the last buds of summer. Made with steel clay and enameled buds. More ...

Handmade Autumn Silver Dragonfly Necklace from Envydesignsjewelry


A beautiful fall colored fine silver dragonfly, flitting through the garden...
I started by carving my design into a rubber block, pressed the clay into the design, then refined, set the gemstones and fired the dragonfly. Set into the pendant are 2 each of Yellow sapphire, alexandrite, and amethyst CZ's. I added a swirl and dots the the back of the piece as well. More ...

The public poll on the right is open for two weeks. The technical poll, also open for two weeks, is restricted to MCHs team members only. Enjoy and don't forget to vote! Please cast your vote on the right column; and if you post a comment, you will be automatically entered into our October blog giveaway. Poll will be close on October 2nd.

September Challenge Technical Poll

Restricted to MCHs only.

Friday, September 2, 2011

This is where we turn our creative juice into juicy creations! Part 3

MCHs Bench Roll Call Mini Series Part III

Storage Solutions in the Studio - Janie of Life Art Designs


I recently began reorganizing my studio. I work in different mediums such as silver clay, polymer clay, and sometimes resin. This can lead to a lot of disorganization due to all the different materials involved. I separated my space into three separate work areas. One area for polymer clay, one for metal clay, and a third area for tumbling, buffing and polishing, and assembling jewelry. More ...