Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Snowman Ornaments




My daughter-in-law and grandson made the cutest ornaments and I wanted to share how they made them.

Supplies
2 styrofoam balls (2 sizes)
snow-tex
puffy paint (black and orange)
pipe cleaners – various colors
craft balls – various colors
straws
hot glue
jewelry wire

Cut straw about 1" to stick the two styrofoam balls together and hot glue to secure.
Twist a small piece of jewelry wire to make a small loop on top add hot glue to secure.
(Use to hang the ornament)
Paint all over with a sponge the snow-tex. Let dry.
Use pipe cleaners for top of ear muffs and scarf.  Hot glue in place.
Attach the fuzzy craft balls for ear muffs with hot glue.
Use the puffy paint for face.
Have fun!!! 

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Edom Festival of the Arts

 
A great festival in East Texas that has wonderful art, great food and fun music. For more information and Directions.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Basic Jewelry Class

Jewelry Basics
Creative Arts Center of Dallas

2360 Laughlin Drive

Dallas, Texas 75228

Instructor: ILENE KAY

Students new to jewelry will learn basic techniques including wire working, sawing and piercing sheet metals, soldering, bezel setting and riveting.




Date & Time:     Aug 25 to Oct 6   Register
(register soon to reserve your place)
WEDNESDAYS 6:30pm - 9:30pm (7 weeks)
Location:     Building A
Cost:     $195.00 ($225.00 Non-Members)$15.00 Materials Fee
Date & Time:     Aug 28 to Oct 9   Register
(
register soon to reserve your place)
SATURDAYS 9:30am - 12:30pm (7 weeks)
Location:     Building A
Cost:     $195.00 ($225.00 Non-Members)$15.00 Materials Fee

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Titanium Demo this Saturday

I will be demonstrating "Coloring Titanium" at the Grapevine Beadmaker's Society, Saturday July 17 2010 6:00 pm. The meeting are held at Wired Up Beads in Grapevine, TX. Below are some of my pieces that feature heat patina titanium. I will demonstrate heat patina with an acetylene torch.


Image 1 - Argentium Silver necklace with titanium accents and a titanium coated drusey quartz.


Image 2 - Single Bud
This set of earrings and pendant are sassy and fun. The single bud earrings will frame your face with a touch of color and a small white pearl. Made from textured Argentium Silver and heat patina titanium.



Image 3 - Blue Bird
In every garden there are song birds. This pendant will bring the lilting song of the blue bird close to you heart. Made of textured Argentium Silver and heat patina titanium. Clasp is in the front.

A great resource for titanium and anodizing supplies is Reactive Metals Studio.  Every one is very helpful and knowledgeable. So don't hesitate to contact them for supplies.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Father's Day is just a few weeks away.

Here are a few items in my Etsy shop that would be  a great Father's Day gift. The boxes are made for stowing treasures and are a beautiful accent in any room.
Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
ilenekay.etsy.com

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Metal Inlay

Today while I was online to place an order for more metal, I clicked a link which lead to another click, and so on and so on until I found a video that demonstrated metal inlay technique (marriage of metals). Suzan Rezac has some wounderful designs and her video is very informative. I wanted to share what I found.

Suzan Rezac metal inlay jewelery




This video describes the inlay process. For a larger view, click Full-Screen or Google Video.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Dallas, Texas February 12, 2010

Wow, who would have thought 9 inches of snow here in Dallas!
This has been the challenge that has kept me from the BMAC in Philadelphia. Between the Blizzard in on the East Coast and the snow and ice here, I'm still at home. I thought you might like to see the unique site of show in Texas. Here are a few shots of our yard and of the studio.





Friday, January 22, 2010

I'm qualified as a Green Exhibitor at the BMAC

I have been making earth friendly changes within my business as well as my family’s daily life.  These changes have been happening gradually and each one will make a difference in the world my children and grandchildren live in. As a result of these changes in my business I will be exhibiting at the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia as a Green Business. I've listed below the changes that I have done and will continue to look for ways to reduce my carbon foot print.

1. I use stock silver that is 100% recycled.
2. I use Biodegradable fluxes and Citric Acid pickle, which are not harmful to the environment.
3. Textures are either created via non-chemical ways with a rolling mill, stamping or electrical etching a non-toxic, eco friendly method.
4. Printed material is on 80-100% post consumer product.
5. I recycle of course.
6. My studio has skylights for great natural light in the daytime.
7. All processes are evaluated for effect on the environment.
One example is finding chains from recycled sources—their manufacturing process is harder and more elaborate, as a result some of my newer items are on waxed cotton cord, which is a renewable resource. Everything I make is 100 percent handmade from recycled or fair-trade materials.

Many small steps will result in the start of a new journey.

Ilene