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