Saturday 10 September 2011

Charms Swap

Recently I participated in a charms swap which was hosted so efficiently by Roni, of inkstainswithroni blog. It was a popular swap and over 300 charms were whizzing to and fro around the World! Take a look at Roni's posts for all the entrants.
This is one of the charms I made and further down this post you'll find details of how I made them from scrap tin.
I couldn't post details until everyone in the swap had their charms and I am thrilled with the fabulous collection I received. Here they are fastened to the pin that Roni kindly sent along with a vintage key.
Special thanks go to Roni and (left to right) to Lori Williams, key from Roni, Helen Cleary, Olga Brock, and Cassie Larson.
This is one of the old Star decorations I used to make mine... just a bit of old tinplate but a bit heavier than a tin can.
It cut easily into shape with old scissors, then I battered the shapes on my late Dad's old shoe last to texture them a bit. I created the required holes by (over a piece of wood) hammering in nails, then filing down the rough side where the nails had pierced through.
Throughout the stages until filed be sure to beware of any sharp rough edges!
They then were painted with white acrylic dabber
 After a light sanding to expose some of the metal I coloured the shapes randomly with alcohol inks and when dry I stamped over with script images using Stazon ink.
 I coated them with Glossy Accents and when that was tacky I added some tiny bits if gilding flakes. They can also be sealed by clear embossing or just dip them UTEE in the melt pot, if you have one! I really don't know why I didn't choose this option.
 Here's the full set of charms I made ... .all slightly different. The design came from necklaces I had made many years ago in pure silver and making these has given me an itch to start making jewellery once again. This is certainly a cheap and effective way to experiment with the prices of precious metals being at an all time high. They would make great pendant necklaces and could be sized up very easily.
If you fancy having a go and need more information just ask and I'll try to help. They look complex but are quite easy to do. I'm in the middle of making some other designs so watch this space........

12 comments:

cockney blonde said...

Very unusual Jo, one of a kind. Love how you've made them, you're a genius, x

Annie said...

Those are really stunning Jo. You are so good with colours.
Hugs,
A x
ps it's another night if waiting for developments for us...keep everything crossed for us please x

Von said...

Your charms are way cool Jo :) it was a fab swap wasn't it :)
Von xxx

hazel said...

Wow! These are wonderful Jo, lovely colours.
xxx Hazel.

Ann B said...

Stunning charms Jo, so colourful and unusual. Made me smile to see the shoe last as my Dad had two when I was a girl - brought back happy memories and good to see you kept yours, wish I'd done the same

Paul B said...

These are wonderful Jo, creative & unique. They look delightfully messy & fun to produce & have your signature style of bold rainbow colours. They are adorable. Px

Lee said...

Oh my goodness what a fab idea.You are Super Talented,i adore your charm.Hugs xx

famfa said...

Lovely charms. Complicated procedure but you make it look so easy

Jingle said...

These are so gorgeous!

lisa said...

You are so creative Jo. These charms look amazing.
Hugs Lisax

peggy aplSEEDS said...

they are fantastic! i love the way you have colored them and assembled them with the beads. wonderful!

Shoshi said...

These are stunning, Jo! I recently bought a whole lot of junk jewellery at our village fete and pulled it all apart, and bagged all the beads, chains, findings etc. up separately, ready for use. When you've only got a few of each, this is an awesome idea for using them!