What to Do with Scraps of Felt, Part III: Make a Cute Bracelet

in , , , , ,
This one is super-easy and perfect for Spring (which I trust will arrive any day now). Keep it simple and unrestrained or bump it up a notch with a few extra steps for a more sophisticated look.

Materials


  • Scraps of felt cut up into squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, or what-have-you
  • Elastic stringing material such as Stretch Magic or Elonga; I used 5 mm but 7 mm would also probably work, depending on the size of your felt bits
  • Scissors
  • Needle
  • Beads (optional)
  • Fabric glue (optional)
  • Thread (optional)

Steps
Decide whether you want a more or less restrained final piece. If you go the less restrained route, simply thread your needle with about one-and-a-half to two-times the amount of stringing material you need to go around your wist, tie a knot in one end, and begin stringing the bits of felt onto it. When you've got enough to go around your wrist, pull the knotted end of the stringing material away from the felt so that you have enough loose material on either end to make a knot (I used a modified square knot; click on the Elonga link above for a great illustration). Wear it as-is, or trim away some of the shagginess with a scissor.


If you want a slightly more restrained (but no less festive)-looking final product, select bits of felt that are of roughly equal size and alternate their colors. Add some beads at regular intervals for even more variation. I used felted beads in the sample above but most 7-10 mm glass, stone or plastic beads would also work well. Just be sure the hole is large and smooth enough to fit your stringing material without shredding it.

Finally, if you're feeling really ambitious, or if you want an even more polished final product, you can stack your bits of felt in different color combinations and either glue or sew them together to make your own beads. String them alone or with a few accent beads in-between.


Easy-breezy Springtime fun, both to make and to wear!

Until next time -

Enjoy!


Linda

Favorite Tools: Webbedware

in , , , ,
Today's installment of Tools on Tuesday features Courtney Webb of Webbedware. Courtney makes cuff bracelets and (coming soon to her shop) necklaces. Courtney's trademark is the use of textiles or other fiber in her designs.

Courtney's collection of "tiny tools" --- mini versions of standard hardware store stock -- enable her to achieve a level of craftsmanship that would be impossible otherwise. More specifically, her tiny ruler, tiny drill bits, tiny file and tiny scissors allow her to make precise cuts of leather for her cuff bracelets, teeny holes in shapes to attach to jump rings and chains for her soon-to-be-introduced dove and butterfly necklaces, and smooth edges on said shapes. They are her favorite tools not only because they're easy to use and perfect for the job, but also because "they're so darn cute!"

Now, to illustrate:

First, using the tiny ruler to measure and precisely cut the leather for cuff bracelets. The bracelets are metal, and the leather goes on the inside as a liner so that the cuff is comfortable to wear.

Next, using a tiny drill bit to make holes in the shapes for attaching to chains and jump rings. The hole has to be drilled in exactly the right spot for the shape to hang properly. As you can see, the shapes are so dainty that there's not a lot of room for error---nor really for the hole itself! Talk about precision!

And then, using the tiny file to smooth out the edges of the metal shapes before fusing the fabric to them.

Followed by trimming the excess fabric off of the metal shapes using the tiny scissors. Once the fabric is in place Courtney coats the pieces with acrylic to enhance the color of the fabric and to preserve its condition.

Put it all together with a dash of style and you get Courtney's distinctive couture-inspired accessories. Nice work, Courtney!

Until next time --



Sculptural Jewelry by Art Smith

in , , , , ,
Fluid. That’s one of the many words that come to mind when you look at the jewelry of Art Smith (1917-1982). He was able to create impactful, yet very simplistic modern jewelry that still looks current today.
The amazing man who created these works is no longer with us but you can find an amazing array of his jewelry at the Brooklyn Museum exhibit “From the Village to Vogue, the Modern Jewelry of Art Smith”.
Smith used various methods to create his flowing jewelery and I as a jeweler use most of the same processes, like soldering and forming.
I am inspired by Smith’s work, which is somewhat similar to mine. Simple shapes and silhouettes are what define both of our work. Strong texture and stones accompany my work, his with wire and graceful movement.
The tools that Art used in the middle of last century are still being used by jewelers today. I probably used the same forming tools to create my newer sculptural necklaces. I know for sure that we have the same processes - rough sketches on pieces of paper, followed by trail and error, which finally leads to a dynamic piece of jewelery that looks like just what we were thinking!
For most of his pieces he used wire or sheets of metal that he then drew designs on and cut out with a jewelers saw. The time consuming technique of forming the metal to the perfect shape is evident in his finished items, which hang like mobiles from the wearer's neck. He also soldered stone settings,like bezels, onto his pieces and then hand set many precious stones, including amethyst,lapis and emeralds. Other times he just formed the metal and let the forms and shapes speak for themselves.
I love that we are both lovers of the metal first, then the stones. I do not use many stones in my jewelry, but when I do it is subtle but creates a pop, much like Art's jewelry. One of my newer creations deals with form and the chest. I wanted to created a bold but simple chest piece with movement. This piece was formed from wire, which was then soldered onto brass sculptured castings and plated with 22kt gold.
Another piece that draws inspiration from Art is my Fang Necklace, which draws upon ancient tribal jewelry. Like Art, I use stones to emphasize the gold and movement of the texture of the jewelry.
Art Smith continues to inspire designers and novices alike with his playful, functional wearable art. Please don't miss out on seeing the amazing jewelry of Art Smith at the Brooklyn Museum. By popular demand, the exhibit, which was set to close in 2009 has been extended and is now housed as a long term installation. There is no excuse to miss this!!

Alicia
Lingua Nigra Jewelry

How to Make Scrabble Tile Pendants

in , ,
Scrabble tile pendants are hip and trendy, different and fun jewelry pieces that you can make for yourself or give as gifts. They're not too hard to make (but who needs to know?) and will definitely draw attention and delighted surprise when you reveal their humble origins as Scrabble game pieces.

Materials


You will need:
  1. Scrabble tiles -- I buy mine on ebay or Etsy.
  2. Jewelry bails
  3. Modge Podge
  4. 3D Crystal Lacquer (or Diamond Glaze or equivalent)
  5. E-6000 glue
  6. Images -- I design my own but you can also get them on Etsy (search for "collage sheet"). Laser-print them on your own printer if you have one or use a copy/print service like Staples or FedEx Office.
  7. Jewelry bails -- available from numerous sellers on Etsy.
  8. Paint brushes -- 1 for coating images with Modge Podge and another for adhering them to Scrabble tiles.
  9. Wax paper
  10. Tape
  11. Sharp scissors
Steps

First prepare your work surface by laying out a piece of wax paper and taping down the corners.


Next, treat your sheet of laser-printed images with a coat of Modge Podge and let dry (about 10 mins.)


Cut out your images and size them to the tiles you want to use.


Before applying adhesive to the back of the tile, make sure it's right-side up. Obvious, I know, but I've made this mistake so I thought it worth mentioning!


Using a paintbrush, apply a coat of Modge Podge to the back of the tile. Add image. Fine-tune its placement on the tile and press it into place. Then flip it over so it's face-down on the wax paper and press down again to get rid of any excess Modge Podge and/or air pockets. Flip the tile over again so it's face-up and let dry, about 30 minutes.




Carefully trim any paper hanging over the edges of the tile with a scissor or Exact-o knife. Then apply the top coat of varnish (3D Crystal Lacquer). Start by going around the perimeter of the image, then fill in the center.


Remove any bubbles in the varnish by gently sweeping them off the tile with a toothpick or other small tool. I use a little spatula-like tool.


Place under an aluminum-foil canopy to dry protected from dust, at least 8 but preferably 12 hours.


Attach a jewelry bail to the back of the tile with E-6000 glue and let dry, about an hour.



Give the varnish a chance to cure, about 3 days, and voilà! Your own hip and trendy Scrabble-tile jewelry piece is complete! Hang on a chain and wait for the compliments to start rolling in.

Good luck and enjoy!


Until next time --



Linda
PurtyBird

Fall/Winter 2010-11 Jewelry Trends

in , , , , ,
The Fall/Winter 2010-11 fashion season includes luxe fabrics, natural materials and textured surfaces in an earth tone palette. Looks that combine fabrics (shearling, lace, faux fur, velvet, knits and leather) are central to this season’s style. Jewelry designs for the season by members of The {NewNew} team build on and complement this direction. Be on the lookout and choose:
Waterlily Necklace
$32
AdornmentsNYC
Hexagon Necklace
$45
NKAlexan













Natural Materials and Metals - Look beyond gold and go for silver, copper, bronze and steel. Textured surfaces including hammered, aged, and scuffed add dimension and added interest to pieces this season. Natural materials such as stone, wood, and colorful, but not precious stones, hit the mark this Fall/Winter. In line with this season’s color palate you’ll notice jewelry designers have dialing down the brightness of colors, opting for more rich colors with depth.
News To My Ears
$27
7oh1Jewelry


Recycled, Alternative Materials - The shift away from gold and polished metal has opened use of more and more alternative materials in jewelry design. We are seeing more and more jewelry and other fashion accessories made out of recycled, alternative or repurposed materials.

Suede Pouch Necklace
$35
ACommonThread
Skeleton Key Necklace
$26
MadebyMoe
Lack of Uniformity and Less Structure - Designs with different textures, natural elements, asymmetrical and free flowing forms will compliment this season’s fashion nicely.
Cross Bangle Bracelet
$62
TiderDesign
Green Onion Ring
$80
Ardent1












Have fun choosing the latest styles from The {NewNew} Jewelry Designers. Whatever you are wearing this Fall/Winter, you are sure to find the perfect jewelry to go along with it from this talented group.

Holly
EllisDesign

The {New New} at the St. Nicholas Faire in Cobble Hill

in , , , , , , , , , , , ,
A number of {New New} team members will be taking part in the 20th Annual St. Nicholas Faire at the Christ Church in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. The fair takes place on Saturday, December 12th from 10 to 5. The church is located at 326 Clinton street and convenient to the F/G train to Bergen street. Check out some of the participating shops and start planning your shopping strategy now!