Friday, August 30, 2013

Barbie...or Lolita...and some New Work

I have been on a quest to find a mannequin.  I FINALLY found one that did not cost a fortune. I need said mannequin to assist me in taking a photo of my necklaces "when worn".  I am not into self portraits...ergo, I needed a mannequin.

Here she is in all of her naked glory!  She is a perfect size 8...I just need to find some proper clothes for her ... they will NOT be found in my closet, as I am not a perfect size 8!



I tend to name inanimate objects - my car is named "The Beast" because I am 5'0" tall and the length of my car feels like four times my height.  Anyway, since my mannequin was labeled "a perfect size 8" by the manufacturer, I feel that the name I give her must suit her perfect figure.  I am toying between Barbie and Lolita.

My next problem is where to put Barbie/Lolita. My "studio" is in my unfinished basement, which also happens to house my photography setup.  IT'S DARK DOWN THERE.  I work with 4 Ott lamps all concentrated on the same place of my table.  I repeat - it's dark down there!  I do use two photography lights for images of my jewelry.  I played around today for a bit - the lighting (or the backdrop) is still not right.  I got frustrated and quit for the day! But, at least I have the tools necessary to get a good picture of necklace when worn...eventually! 


The picture above shows a necklace on a my naked Barbie/Lolita.  I must find clothes for her, or a least a drape of fabric from my mother's fabric stash!

Here are a few pictures of the same necklace taken in my makeshift photo booth, in collage format.


I combined several sets of beads I recently purchased from Julie of Outwest - 23 beads to be exact.  I soldered a few rings as connectors, swirled some wire and some handmade "ladder chain", and came up with a 2 strand necklace.  I love this style! 

I recently purchased some beads from GlassBeadArt and made 2 bracelets.  Her beads are truly gorgeous, aren't they?!  I cannot get enough of these beads...I believe I have had every single color...if not, that will be my mission! :)


I made the toggle from 10 gauge silver soldered and formed into an off-center circle shape -- kind of like a belt buckle.  I added a cocoon bead made of silver, which I learned from a tutorial from Kay Sommers.  I have not made these in a while - so pretty!


The next bracelet also features more stunning "Sparkling Rock" beads from GlassBeadArt.  I call this bracelet Silver and Gold.



See that hand?  I bought a mannequin arm, too!  Anyway, I have made a few of this style of bracelet - it is so much fun to make, and the focal stays right on top of the wrist - where it is supposed to!

The next bracelet is in the same style, with all beads made by Kerry Bogert.  I have had these beads since I bought them at ArtBliss last year!  It was finally time to bring them out to play!


Kerry is the Queen of Color - and these rainbow stripes on her beads look fabulous! Even the back of the focal has a cool textured design - love it!


One more bracelet was made - again, with gorgeous beads by Julie of Outwest.  I call this one Night Sky - although in my neck of the woods, the night sky does not look this good! 



I added a "messy" wrapped bead in sterling.

I suppose I need to come up with a name for this mannequin arm, too...hmmmm


Last up are two pair of earrings - both made with beads made by Julie (Outwest).  Her disc beads are simply awesome - both in color and shape!


I have had a heck of a time with computer issues in both listing my items on Etsy and writing this blog post today. Phew!  I made it!

I hope everyone has a SAFE Labor Day Weekend!  Thank you so much for stopping by!

Patti

10 comments:

  1. Love what you have made, all of them very pretty.

    Go for the name Barbie.

    I was wondering if you would mind sharing where you were able to get a mannequin that did not cost you an arm and a leg.

    Carolyn
    Carolynscreations@live.com

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  2. Wow! You've been busy in the studio! I love all your necklaces and bracelets and earrings. You find the most beautiful beads. I have the same mannequin and the name Abigail came into my mind when I took her out of the box. Weird, I know, but that's her name!!!! Mine is usually naked too! So, your Barbie or Lolita will have clothes and my Abigail won't! Does that sound right?

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  3. you always have so much beauty to show! i look at your work and think "that one piece would take me 3 months to make!" everything is gorgeous, but i am really lovin' that double strand! and Loli~bie is going to help tremendously. i got Fleur almost a year ago and she wears it all so well...makes photographing easier (once you decide where to put her)

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  4. I agree - love the name of Lolita! Your pieces are stunning!

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  5. Well, I love your work, too! All of the pieces are beautiful. You have so many talents and when you combine your wire work with your eye for design and color, you make beautiful pieces! I actually did LOL when you said.."See this hand..." have you ever considered adding "author" to your many talents? I really enjoy reading your blogs because they contain so much information along with your photos of your beautiful pieces and your humor! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I vote Barbie... since she is "perfect".
    And yes, they do look better draped on the neckline. Good choice.

    Hopefully Barbie will do well in the dark for now and enjoy her new home soon.

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  7. Beautiful jewelry Patti. If you want to dress Barbie reasonably try a thrift shop. That's where I got my dress for my mannequin. Stuff in my house has names too, even the blankets.LOL

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  8. I vote Lolita, love the name. Your pieces are just gorgeous. I love the bright green earrings

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  9. wow you've been busy! such pretty pieces Patti! I really love how you roll the metal bead? so cool! I've been hunting a mannequin for about a year now. Still no luck. They are either too short, to rickety, or way out my price range! I give up!

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