Pretty in Pewter

Be on the lookout for the new Summer 2009 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry now available. Stampington has done it once again and created an issue with so many inspiring projects, beautiful photography, talented artists and resources.

And not to be missed in this issue is an article written by the talented Judy Wilkenfeld. In Judy's "Casting Call" article she describes the casting process and why she decided to cast one of her favorite Frozen Charlotte dolls. These wonderful pewter Charlottes can be found (and purchased) in Judy's Etsy Shop. Judy invited five artists to experiment with her new little girls in jewelry creations. It was my honor to be included in this invitation.

Each of the five artists, including Ro Bruhn, Deryn Mentock, Jen Crossley, Kecia Deveney and myself, have shown the versatility of these pewter darlings. Look at Deryn's sweet "Caged Beauty" above. I just love how she incorporated her wonderful resined leaves and flowers.

And Jen's steampunk take on the dolls is so much fun. Where does Jen find all of these wonderful old industrial looking found objects? She's amazing!

Kecia's interpretation "Belle of the Ball" (silver necklace above on left) truly does look like a little Cinderella to me. A girl after my own heart with all the rhinestones and glitz. Good job, Kecia. And next to Kecia's is my "Pretty Girl". These pewter Charlottes can be drilled, antiqued, rusted, painted, dressed up, incorporated into assemblage art, books, etc. .....you name it. I really think Judy is onto something here.

Initially, I named my little girl "Flower Fairy".......the photos above and below were taken by me before sending my piece into the magazine. Do you believe in fairies? Like most fairies, flower fairies are extremely shy of big people and you will see them if you believe in them. Flower Fairies have very special clothes and wear outfits made from the leaves and petals of their own flower...it makes it easy for them to hide among the flowers that way. Judy's pewter Charlottes offer so many creative possibilities and with a little magic and imagination, your doll, too, can take on a new persona.

I thought you might be interested in how I designed my little Flower Fairy (alias "Pretty Girl").....so here we go.

1. Using the cut-off wheel attachment on a flex shaft or Dremel, cut an antique silver napkin ring in half (or perhaps you might like to use a piece of etched or textured metal).

2. Using a nylon hammer, flatten half of the napkin ring.

3. Using the sanding attachment of your Flex Shaft (or Dremel), sand edges and corners.

4. Attach torn ephemera, edged with distressed inks, to napkin ring with Diamond Glaze and let dry.

5. With a tiny paint brush, paint the desired details on your doll with acrylic paints of your choice. When dry, seal with Kryon matte clear glaze.

6. Cut the individual petals from a small linen or silk flower. Cut a small strip of tulle and, using a needle and thread, take small gathering stitches along the edge. Attach the flower petals with needle and thread also.

7. The skirt and wings (which are flower petals as well) can now be positioned on your doll and secured with clear caulking. Let dry completely.

8. To form the weave around the perimeter of the metal background, using a 1/16" drill bit, drill holes around the edge.

9. 2 inch lengths of 24g sterling silver dead soft, round wire were cut equal to the number of holes drilled. Ball up one end of each of the 2" lengths with a small butane torch.

10. Insert your balled-up headpins into the holes around perimeter alternating the insertion points front to back.

11. Tape the wires in place with masking tape so that the wires are sticking straight out to the side.

12. Using a length of 24g steel wire, start weaving around the headpins forming a woven frame around your piece.

13. When desired depth of frame is achieved, straighten and work harden the sterling silver pins straight out again. Place your crystal bead onto the wire and trim wire to about 1/2 inch. Spiral this length of wire tight up against the crystal. Continue around perimeter of frame.

14. Attach your Flower Fairy to the main piece with E6000.

15. Using a length of 20g sterling wire, create a wrapped loop to attach your chain or silk fabric strip.

I added a pmc bird bead before adding my torn dupioni silk ribbon.

Now see what clever ideas you can come up with using these precious pewter Charlottes.

Tootles

Diana