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Back to the treasure chest! I pulled another drawer from my many little drawers of fun stuff a few weeks back, but I forgot to post a picture because I was in a hurry to finish a batch of Halloween and autumn jewelry for the Blue Line Gallery in Roseville. This was not a random pick because I knew inside this drawer lurked some cool metal spider web stampings. Vintage, I believe, because I’ve done a pretty recent and thorough search and have not found any new ones at any of my usual sources. If you recognize the spider webs…..PLEASE drop me a line because I’d love some more!

In addition to the spider webs, this drawer contains some fun souvenir stamped pennies from Disneyland and the Skunk Train, some pressed paper flower beads (broken, so now they are cabochons), an old tiger’s eye pendant, a lucite/resin vintage red striped pyramid, and miscellaneous metal beads and drops.

Because I love the spider webs and can’t find more I’ve been holding on to them for dear life. I didn’t quite like the bright shininess of them so I knocked down the finish with a torch until they were dingy and more spider-worthy. A simple molded and antiqued polymer clay spider was all it needed to become a fun Halloween pendant. Mine, all mine!

Two treasure drawers down and many more to go!

Have a spooky Halloween…….
Maureen

A while back a generous member of Clayville California (my local guild) opened up her home for a metal play day. Because we have a number of artists who already work with metal we had lots of tools, gadgets, and materials at our disposal. I brough a sheet of copper and was able to texture, torch, use a dapping punch and block, etch in an etching tank, and watch a rolling mill demo! I was intrigued enough to invest in a few basic tools of my own and have finally gotten around to using the beautiful bits of copper that I have in my studio. I love making polymer clay beads and I enjoy mixing other materials with them in my jewelry. Here are some samples of what I’ve been working on. OK, back to work!

Maureen
Maureen Thomas Designs