Do you ever wonder…………..
why you happen to meet a person……….
at that one certain time……….
in that one odd place………..
under the weirdest circumstances?
Maybe you just simply smiled at someone and you made a connection. And that person smiled back and said Hi. A simple action followed by a simple word and a new friendship relationship is built.
I’ve had the pleasure on a few occasions to meet a few people by chance. And those unlikely meetings have blossomed into the most wonderful relationships.
My husband! The chances that we’d meet were unlikely but a connection was made and we are living together Happily Ever After.
New friends…..you know who you are! Although we live hundreds of miles apart we’ve established the very strong bond of a true, real lasting friendship.
Old friends……you know who you are! Although we may have drifted apart over the years, as life takes us down different roads and new journeys, we still manage to find our way back to one another, even if only for a moment or two…..always we remain with each other in heart and spirit.
Friends of friends……you may not know who you are but I do! I appreciate knowing you through my relationships with others.
Think of the hundreds or maybe thousands of people we run into by chance. Some we may never see again but there may have been a tiny flicker of acknowledgement. A small catalyst that could ignite a forever relationship.
Think of the thousands or millions of people we will never meet but touch our lives through ways we will never even realize. The person who packages up your Amazon order; or cooked your delicious meal; or cleaned your hotel room; or hauled away your trash; or made your new dress……. Do you ever consider these people? I try to.
There are so many people that touch our lives. So many that it would be impossible to have a meaningful relationship with all of them. But how awesome if we could…….make a special place for each other. And we can and should, even if only to share a smile, a hello, a thank you. Because, as the saying goes, nice matters.
My “people” are so very special. I appreciate each and every one of you. What a delight it is when you reach out and share a little piece of yourself and suddenly a new relationship begins to blossom……
Life is a journey and the people we meet along the way become a part of our narrative……..in ways we may or may not ever know. Seek out and embrace the good in each and every interaction. The life you live is your story, the people you meet are your characters, each day is a new chapter. Make it a best seller!
Peace Love Joy
Judy
What is patina?
Dictionary result for patina
I found my love for creating patina pieces about four years ago. Starting with pre-cut brass and copper metal blanks, I did a little on-line research on patina how to’s and started experimenting.
My first creations were patina’d earrings.
Don’t you just love their unique colors and asymmetrical designs! So eclectic! Little jewelry works of arts. A must have for the jewelry connoisseur, don’t you think!
From earrings, I went on to creating a few cuff bracelets and rings.
Rather than purchasing pre-cut metal cuffs, I wanted to actually make the cuffs. Hand-cut from a sheet of brass, copper or bronze. I experimented with different gauges of metal 22, 20, and 18. And, in my opinion, I think the 20 gauge has a nice weight and sturdiness to it. The 22 gauge is a thinner metal and makes a more lightweight cuff. The 18 gauge makes a somewhat thicker, heavier cuff. And, like Goldilocks with the Three Bears, the gauge, weight, and size of a cuff comes down to a personal preference. Yet, no matter the gauge of the metal, with a gentle squeeze/pressure each cuff adjusts to a desired fit.
I also tried different lengths and widths for a variety of sizes. Although the cuffs are somewhat adjustable, I noticed that a one size fits most isn’t always the case. Not all of us are average. Case in point, I’m 5′, 10 1/2″, above average height for a woman often leaving me with just wishful want of some clothes that are made as one size fits most. So, with my cuffs I have a few different lengths; 5 3/4″, 6″, 6 1/2″, and 7″ allowing for a more encompassing one size fits most.
After cutting my metal strips into different lengths and widths, I then sand them, by hand, to smooth the edges. I could use power tools to cut, sand, and polish the metal but there’s just something about creating a piece step by step by hand. Realizing the strength of my hands as I cut through the metal. Feeling the joy from that last snip as the metal falls away. Sensing a slight heat as the metal warms up with the glide of the sandpaper over the rough edges. The smoothness felt when I run my fingers over the sanded piece to rule out sharp edges. It’s not just the end result that makes the piece special, it’s the process and the journey of the creation. A little bit of heart and soul along with a bit of elbow grease goes into each creation.
Once the metal is sanded smooth the strips are shaped into cuffs. This process requires a rawhide hammer, a heavy metal mandrel, a little stamina and a bit of patience. Hammer, Hammer, Hammer not just to create the shape but to strengthen the metal, as well. This will help the piece better maintain its final shape.
After the cuff is shaped it’s ready for the patina magic to happen. Nope, I do not use patina paints, polishes, waxes or dyes. I use a chemical process to expedite the development of the patina vs waiting for the every day elements of moisture, air, heat and humidity it takes for metal to develop its patina over time.
I patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, check my pieces to see what designs the patina is creating. Sometimes I pull them early. Sometimes I leave them overnight. Sometimes I remove the patina and start all over. But after it’s all said and done each patina comes out as a unique, stunning work of art. Some I like better than others. And I love to watch how other people are attracted to one design over another……..decisions, decisions!
After the patina has dried, I then apply a wax coat to seal and maintain the patina. The wax adds a nice shiny, glossy finish.
The next step with the necklaces was finding the perfect gemstones. Sigh, I just love gemstones! Then came the Match Game! Picking the perfect gemstone to complement each patina pendant and adding a bit of fancy chain for the finishing touch!
And, finally, these cool, unique, and unusual Statement Necklaces! No two are exactly the same! They are artsy, eclectic, classy and eye-catching. Sure to grab some attention and start a conversation or two!
And there you have it. A few of the steps involved in creating some of my unique jewelry pieces.
The jewelry I create is available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudysTreehouse
Thank you for your interest!
Peace Love and Joy
Judy
