Website Redesign

Since the website was first designed back in 2006, it has remained the same. I have been studying digital media at university for the last few years, and I felt that I could now confidently design a new website for Violet Fusion. For the last two days this has been my only project and in that time many design decisions have been made. My husband will be the lucky person implementing my design (love my code monkey) and I am confident that between the two of us we can make a fantastic new site.

TwinPeaksOpoly

Just before we moved house last year, a work colleague/friend sold me an unwanted board game. It was a make your own Opoly game, and had not been made.

Once bought, and brought home, I gladly took on the task of brainstorming various themes for this board game. Hubby and I eventually whittled it down to a shortlist, and one idea stood out. TwinPeaksOpoly.

Once we had a theme, we had to come up with properties for sale and chance and consequence cards, linked into the Twin Peaks theme. This took forever. Again we favoured the shortlist method.

Next pictures had to be found for each property and for the game money. This was both fun and frustruating. Images that could be found of property in Twin Peaks, determined what we could use in our game. Some changes were made and then we began assembling it all.



We had a grand idea during production stage, to produce a mysterious BOB deck of cards. This idea is still being considered, but as yet, we have not done it. If we do get round to it, I will update and let you know.

So we played a few games with the finished product. It came with a few generic, plastic peg men as playing pieces. After all the hard work of making the game, the cheapy, peg men seemed half assed. Being the perfectionist that I am, this would not do.

Firstly I looked into buying dollhouse miniatures for playing pieces. It was proving costly. I couldn't find everything I wanted in one place. Also each piece seemed very pricy. So that option was out. When I was looking into little coffee mugs and pie slices, I noticed how simply made they looked.

New plan of action.

Make them myself. I started with looking up a tutorial on how to make a little mini coffee mug. Looked reasonably easy.

I remember that my air dry clay has dried out so a few wks later, when money allows, I buy some more. Happy dance home to find *nooooooooooooo!* I have lost all my clay tools in the move last year.

New tools. I decide to do research and find metal tools are preferred by many, for most clays. I had a great plastic set, but have seen many cheap ones. I decide to try the local art shops 1st. Eventually settled on metal double ended tools (set of 3) and a set of plastic fimo brand tools. Also found a sturdy, long sewing needle for fine detail.

Now the crafting bit begins.

I used Das brand air dry clay in white. I find this generally does not affect my eczema on my hands, just as a by note. Another shortlist, but this time with sketches. We decided that 6 playing pieces should be sufficient. We also decided that they should be be no bigger than a 2p piece.



I started by making Laura Palmer's Secret Diary. I figured the shape was the easiest to construct. It was fairly straight forward. I even managed to put in little page groves on the sides. When painting this I used ceramic paint and citadel. The citadel was to make the pages of the diary have a gold leaf look to them. I then varnished with ceramic varnish.



Next I made a broken One Eyed Jack's Poker Chip. I used a still from the series, found online, to get the detail just right. This is painted with citadel paint and ceramic varnish.



Log Lady's Log came next. This was a bit of a pain to get the shape right. Again I used another screenshot found on the internet. Painted with ceramic paints and ceramic varnish.





The Cherry Pie was a new challenge for me. I've not successfully managed, to join seperate clay parts together, to make one finished piece before. I knew I had to do this with the next few pieces so looked up online tutorials. Seemed too easy, but worked exactly as described. Again finished with ceramic paints and ceramic varnish.





Damn Fine Cuppa Coffee! Using my new found skills I made this coffee mug with coffee still inside. Half drunk with little ring mark on the inside edge of the mug.



The Owls Are Not What They Seem. The most challenging was left til last. Another screenshot provided inspiration for this. I painted the owls eyes with glow in the dark paint. The other multiple layers are ceramic paint. And ceramic varnish.

Now to play our first big game with our new playing pieces.



I'll get back to you on the BOB deck.

Xmas Crafting Fun

I officially have pretty much no excuse for updating this blog has beeen  now that I've an android phone.  In theory I should be able to update this now from almost anywhere. 

So the last month or so has been about the build up to that dreaded time of year - Xmas, or Yule as I prefer to call it. 

I have found some great beads recently that mean I can try out a few new things.  I found some rounded drop beads which helped me make a few Nepal Flower Bud bracelets.  Then I found some really small triangle shaped beads.  Had no ideas for them when I bought them. When I got home I remembered a tutorial for two drop dutch spiral, that called for an interesting highlight bead.  Perfect!  Now I am recycling watch parts to make steampunk inspired necklaces.

Unfortunately I can't share any pics of my new pieces witg you for now.  I don't want any of my friends and family to read this blog and guess which gift is theirs!  Therefore I will share pics with you once Yule is over.

I have to go now and drink coffee.  Lots of crafting to do today and not much time to do it in.  *crosses fingers* hopefully I will finish this little lot in time for Yule.

I forgot about you bloggy - sorry.

Yeah it's been a while. I'm rubbish at keeping any form of diary for any great length of time. Been ill for a while. I got a head injury at my regular day job, last year, and have been out of crafting action for a while now. I plan to try and blog about all those crafty things I have been and am currently doing. It has been a loong day today so I shall leave this blog writing shenanigans until tomorrow, when I should, in theory be refreshed. In theory :P

Amulet Bag Necklace - Black with Purple Stars

This is my first attempt at making an amulet bag (or purse to those in the US!).  I am very happy with the finished necklace.

Amulet bags are used to carry important, small, personal treasures, charms and such.  The necklace design means the amulet bag can be worn as jewellery, and your treasures kept securely on your person.

This is another piece which uses tubular peyote stitch.  I used a design that I had previously used in peyote stitch bracelets.  The fringe of this necklace is laden with semi precious gemstones of many different shapes, colours and sizes.

I will be making more amulet bags shortly, and plan to add them, along with this one, to my website for sale very soon.  

Secret Scroll Necklace - Cream & Lilac Daisies

This necklace will soon be for sale via my website.

Another one of my secret scroll necklaces.  This has a runic spell for protection on the scroll.  As I stated in my last blog, I was a putz and and forgot to photograph the scroll before sealing it in the necklace.  As soon as I get around to making another secret scroll, I will post the photo here.

I love the colours used in the necklace.  They are very traditional, and kinda bridal.  I have echoed the daisy motif used on the necklace pendant in the chain of the necklace.

I hope to have this for sale on my website as soon as possible.

Secret Scroll Necklace - Protection Present

I have a few secret scroll necklaces for sale via my website, this one was made as a gift for my hubby.  

All of the secret scroll necklaces have a scroll of paper, with a runic spell painted on it, sealed inside a peyote stitched hollow tube.  This spell can be customised to a customer's specific needs, or replaced with a personal message.  The tube is sealed up so as to keep the message safe and secret.

The few, pre-made, secret scroll necklaces that I have on my website currently, have all got love spells sealed inside them.  Last year my other half had to do a lot of travelling abroad.  I always get nervous and worried when he has to travel without me.  I decided I would feel better if he had a little protection on him. So I made this necklace for him.  He has worn it religiously whenever he is travelling or away from home.  Which makes both of us feel better :)

Now I took this photo just after the necklace was made last year (about October), and I could have SWORN that I took a few photos of the protection spell scroll inside.  I didn't.  The real annoyance is that I went ahead and made another protection necklace (to sell) and didn't photograph that scroll as I thought I already had a picture.  Grrrr!

Now I have to make another one.  This time I had better remember to photograph it before I seal up the necklace.

Special Birthday Gift

It was my youngest sister's (not the one that's getting married!) 18th birthday recently.  I decided to make her a necklace as a gift.  

I know that when we go out next weekend (for my other sister's hen party) she has a black and white, sixties style outfit planned.  Mum also told me that 'lil sister is also into the whole monochrome thing at the moment.  Armed with this knowledge I began my search for the perfect ingredients for my new project.

I remembered that I saw some exquisitely, expensive, lampwork beads in my local beadshop last time I was there. There was a wonderful selection of lampwork beads for me to take my pick from.   I found what I was looking for.  A black and white, funky patterned, square bead.  Which is a work of art in itself.  Each bead produced is totally unique.

I had to do justice to this work of art bead.  I thought long and hard about what would work.  Played around on my beadboard for ages trying this and that.  I knew what I had to do had to be bold to compliment the lampwork pendant bead.  That's when I came upon the idea of having one half of the necklace beaded black with white moonstones, and the other white with black tourmalines and snowflake obsidians.  I used a sterling silver toggle and loop set for the clasp.

I called up my mum and described the finished necklace over the phone.  She thinks my wee sis will love it.  *fingers crossed*  Will find out for certain next weekend.

Repairs - Crystal AB & Millefiori Necklaces

I was asked to repair some vintage jewellery recently.  These two necklaces were in amongst the repairs.

 There's something very satisfying about making old necklaces look like new again.

 Both of these necklaces are currently for sale in Chic & Unique in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.

Redesign - Faux Pearl Necklace

I was asked by a customer to redesign an existing necklace.  It was to be a present to the customer's daughter, to be worn on her wedding day.

The necklace started out as a long, single strand, vintage faux pearl necklace.  The customer requested that the necklace be shortened by 15 pearls, and these be used to make a matching bracelet.  I interspaced the pearls with clear, swarovki crystals to make the bracelet long enough.

Both the customer, and her daughter were delighted with my finished work.  I have to say that I'm quite proud too :)

It was a difficult job, as silk thread was too thick for the holes in the pearls.  I had to then use 2 doubled strands of nymo on two different needles.  I then had to double, sometimes triple knot in between every bead to give the hand knotted look to the necklace and bracelet.  There was lots of tears and tangles but it was worth it.

Pearls Modelled

I managed to persuade the very pretty Jasmine to model the pearl and crystal necklace for me.  

I think jewellery is photographed better when it's modelled.  It gives a better idea of shape, length and the way it hangs when worn.

Many thanks again to Jasmine.

Pearl Knotting

My little sister is getting married in April and I wanted to make her something special for her big day.  I remembered that pearls are traditional for brides, so started there.

 

I didn't want to just make a plain pearl necklace, so I decided to add a few swarovski crystals.  I used some new and some vintage crystals in the necklace.  I also used silk thread for the necklace and a stunning sterling silver clasp.  The clasp is a toggle and hoop  which is made to look like a floral bouquet when fastened.

This was my 1st time doing pearl knotting, and using silk thread.  I was thoroughly delighted with my efforts.  I took the finished necklace into a vintage jewellery shop near my house.  I showed my work to the owner, who was stunned with my efforts.  She told me it did not look like the work of a 1st timer :)

*proud*

Now to see if my picky little sister approves.  Fingers crossed.

Purple Snakeskin Bracelet

I love making peyote bracelets.  It is time consuming, but the results are worth it.  

I have made a few new bracelets recently, and this is one of them.  I originally made a version of this bracelet a few years ago, and it was sold very quickly.  I decided to make another for the website.  The idea for this pattern came to me when watching a programme on snakes.  I wanted to try and capture the way their colours graduated from one to another.

Accidental Invention

I have this ancient book on Native American beading techniques.  It is not the easiest to follow.  The pictures and illustrations do not correspond with patterns in every case.  This was one of those cases. 

I saw a pattern which was a bit like a double daisy stich.  All of the daisies and centres are done in the same background colour, apart from 3 roses with leaves, which are evenly spaced in the necklace.  

I tried to follow the pattern.  I tried and unpicked and swore several times.  Then I thought I had finally hit the nail on the head.  Until i re-counted that is.  I found I had not done things exactly as per pattern.  My variation, however looked better so I carried on.

I'm really happy with the end result, even though it is not the same as the pattern I had intended on reproducing.  I may have to try a few other colours to see how my new pattern looks.  I'll keep you posted.  

Paua Shell Madness

Last time I was at the beadshop, I noticed the most beautiful paua shell pendant.

  

My mind started turning once I got home, as to how I could use it in one of my designs.  I went back about a week later, bought the pendant and took it home.  

The necklace came together really quickly and was completed in next to no time at all.  I was delighted with the results.  So delighted, in fact that I decided to keep it for myself.  I bought another set of ingredients soon after and made another copy of the necklace, to sell this time!

I am in love with the way that the subtle rainbow colours of the fresh water, peacock pearls echo the iridesence of the paua shell.  I have worn my necklace so much since I made it.  It's one of those designs that looks fab with sloppy jeans and jumpers or dressed up to the nines for a night out.  I *heart* versatility! 

Necklace Completed

I have finished making the copy of the rose shell necklace. As I said there are a few differences, but I think the necklace still works well and looks beautiful. What do you think?

I have also made a few more things but I shall blog about those another day. Busy busy busy!

Clasp Recieved

I got my clasp today. I'm gonna go now and make a copy of that necklace.

I'll let you know when I've finished how it's all turned out.

It's late *yawn*

Well I've been working hard to get some new charms put up on the website. Lots of work involved as it means an entirely new page for the website. So for the moment it's been decided not to have the hover down menus on every page with a link to the new Charms page. We are gonna adjust the front page menu for the time being. At the weekend, when we have more time all the rest of the menus will be adjusted also. Time is against us. It's 0510 and OMG am I tired *yawn*. I don't think I can cope with much more computer related jiggery pokery this evening.

On the bead front I did not have time to collect my clasp today. I called up the bead shop, they said no probs and then we were cut off. So in theory, I'm going in to collect my clasp tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Beadshop Woes

Why is it that every time I go to the bead shop they never have what I am looking for? *sigh* It seems that whatever I am looking for is never in stock when I need it.

I sold the rose necklace (pictured) listed on my website to my mum in law. She saw it last week and fell in love with it. Last night I got a Google chat from her asking me to send it up to her. She's buying it as a present for someone. Lucky person!

I am really proud of this piece, it's probably one of my nicest necklaces yet. I have had a lot of comments from people on this necklace. So I decided to make another as soon as possible to put on the website. My mum in law transferred payment for the necklace to my account today. As soon as it was cleared I was off to the bead shop.

The original necklace had 4 round, amazonite beads. Guess what? There was only 1 left in the shop :( I had to get a pack of amazonite chips instead. They are lovely chips though. The smoothest, chunkiest chips I've ever seen. So I am hoping they will work as well as the rounds.

I couldn't find any nice, plain sterling silver toggle fasteners. However I was told they will get one in for me from the other shop tomorrow, so if I pop back then I should be able to buy one. There is hardly any sterling silver findings in that shop, and it is the only one I can go to in RL. I can get these things online, but they obviously require P&P. Which bumps the price of each component RIGHT up.

I found the shell rose for the necklace. I think I may have bought the last nice one there though. I looked through the basket and was sad to see lots of cruddy versions of the shell rose in there. The carving on the other ones was no where near as nice. I am hoping that this is a temporary measure and that they will get the nice ones back in again.

So my plans for the rest of this evening is to write descriptions for my Xmas Charms (which should be going on the website soon), make payment buttons for them, package the necklace for mum in law, paint more Xmas charms and maybe a little food - if I have time!