Silver Art Studio

stencil painting

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:09:00 +0000

This wall was painted with metallic paints. I used both Modern Master Metallics and Martha Steward metallic paints to create glowing shades of brown. I used 4 mil mylar to create aspen tree stencils. (If you don't want to make your own you can order very nice stencils from http://www.victorialarsen.com/default.htm
She also carries the blank mylar if you want to make your own. I found that using a wood burning knife worked much better than a stencil burner.
I mixed 20 minute drywall mud and a 4" drywall knife to apply the drywall mixture over the stencils. Once the drywall mix dried I painted about half of the leaves with Modern Masters "Flash Gold" paint to add more shimmer and light for more realistic aspen leaves. The 2 aspen trees form a framed setting and would look great with a white wicker bench and potted plants sitting around it. Just another fun wall to bring walls to life in your home.

Another Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:29:00 +0000

I'm having so much fun leaning about painting on walls. This is a simple tree that I painted freehand on the wall. I wanted it to look like there is a gentle breeze and some of the leave are falling off and drifting around. Since my bedspread is white right now and it is winter I liked the idea of bears dressed for an winter outing sitting under the tree. What little girl wouldn't love to play and snuggle under her covers at night in this room?

You can't see the color on the leaves very well but I painted a metallic "Flash Blue" over the black leaves. When the light shines on them they become a brilliant peacock blue.

With a simple tree like this in a child's room it would be so easy to change the decor with each season. I can visualize tall dolls sitting and standing around a small child's table having a tea party for the a summer look. Add a lace table cloth and baskets of flowers to brighten the setting. Hang a noose from the ceiling and sit scarecrows under the tree for fall with fake spinderwebs criss crossing from the walls in the room. If you chose to have a winter setting all year, try painting snowflakes with Moder Masters "Flash Blue". It will hardly be noticeable on light walls but you will catch a glimpse of color for the impression of falling snow. How about stuffed bunnies, chicks and little fluffy lambs under the tree for spring. So many fun things to do with a simple design.

Oh, all the bears were found at various thrift stores on Seniors half price sells. Another fun project for the budget minded!

Funky tree painting

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:25:00 +0000

I've been in Denver the past 10 days having fun with my sister. We decided to paint a funky tree on the bedroom wall. We painted the wall black and the tree white with black vines. The leaves are a metallic paint called "Flash Copper". A plain beige wall became a fun place to retreat at night and it only took one day.

Bunkroom Mural

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:00:00 +0000

I just finished my first mural for the bunkroom in our house. The paints don't show well but are metallic paints. They glow and change as the light changes or as you walk by. You can see it glow a little at the top by the window. These paints can be purchased at a lot of paint stores. I used a combination of Martha Steward metallic paints and Modern Master Metallic Paints. The colors are copper flash, gold, medallion, flash blue, antique bronze and antique copper. I highlighted the background with gold flash and blue flash. It is amazing what these colors do. After painting the horse I used a swiriling motion to use the same colors to creat the look of dust.
The bunkbeds in the room have throw pillows with horses in similar colors. I added a couple stuffed horses for kids who come to visit. A great way to add color and life to a dull room.

Watercolor cards

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 03:05:00 +0000

It is snowing in Colorado and I'm at my sisters having a great time doing simple watercolors that I will use as cards. I've stacked the cards one behind the other to dry and set one of Linda Petersons polymer clay characters in front to hold them up. I thought it was too cute and had to share it with you. Visit her blog and see what wonderful work she does.
http://www.lindapetersondesigns.blogspot.com

Another "Teardrop for Anna"

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 02:50:00 +0000

As another year draws to a close I am trying to get back into my studio. Another" Teardrop for Anna" is part of my collection for children born with heart defects. This piece was made by rolling a coil of clay and draping it around a piece of diachroic glass and looped from front to back to form the bail. The leaves were made from leftover clay in one of "Krafty Lady's" molds and attached with silver paste. The design idea was my sister-in-laws. Thank you Mary.

If any of you would like to make a piece like this I do have diachroic teardrops in various colors and sizes. Email me for more information.

Simple and Elegant "Class" project

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:20:00 +0000

How easy it is to make beautiful bracelets using metal clay. For this piece I used 35 grams of low fire/slow dry Art Clay and rolled it out 2 mm thick. I added the extra thickness for strength. Then I used one of Stamp of Excellence's stamps and pressed it into the clay for this design. I free formed this piece and let it dry then sanded and finished the piece as usual using Rio Grande's Black Max to patina. Now I have this simple yet elegant bracelet that I can wear to any outing, causal or formal. Judy, at Stamp of Excellance, has several great stamps that can be used for bracelets such as this. http://stampofexcellence.com/

Polymer Clay Turqoise Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:00:00 +0000

For those of you that don't want to spend the extra money to purchase turquoise stones, you can always make them from polymer clay. This look alike stone was easy and fun to make with 2 colors of polymer clay and black acrylic paint.

To make this piece roll out your clay and cut it into a square. Roll out a strip for the bail and stamp it with a design. The stamp I used here was from "Stamp of Excellence". Cut around the shape. Fold the bail over a small straw and attach it to the square with silver paste. Fit a silver bezel around the polymer clay shape and press the bezel gently into the piece. Around the bezel I applied drops of silver with a syring. Fire the piece. When cool sand and finish it. Place the polymer clay stone into the piece and press the bezel edges to it. Great for beginner classes. By showing someone how to make a polymer clay look alike along with a metal clay piece you are promoting 2 products with a low cost.

Mask of Leaves

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:00:00 +0000

This is another sample of what you can do with the mask mold. I found some leaves on a bush and applied silver paste to them. After firing the leaves and polishing them I attached them together with oil paste and fired them in a kiln.

To make the mask I rolled out the clay and pressed it into the mold, cut around the edges and cut out the eyes then removed the piece from the mold. I attached bail backs with silver paste on the outside edges on the back. After sanding the mask and firing it I attached the leaves with oil paste. When the piece was cool I sanded and polished the piece. To achieve colored leave use Mr. Clean yellow, blue or both with liver of sulfur. I apply it with a small paint brush to avoid as much repolishing as possible. The first photo is before applying liver of sulfur and the second after. You choose which method you like the most. Remember you can always sand the color off the leaves or refire it to remove the color.

"Happy" the dog, eyeglass pin

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 20:18:00 +0000

I love what you can do with Stamp of Excellence Stamps . To make this eyeglass pin, I rolled out 2 ovals shapes. On one use any stamp you think would be appropriate, stamp into the clay and cut the shape out. Roll out the second oval shape and lay your shape onto it. Attach it with silver paste. Then cut out an area to slip your glass frames through. Attach a brooch finding on the back, sand and fire. I used Max Black to outline the shape with a fine tip brush for more control instead of liver of sulfur. There are so many fun and quick pieces you can use to make intro and beginning classes fun.

Home for sale in Eagle CO

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:15:00 +0000

Time has flown by with very little time to be creative, something I really miss. We have taken this past year to start a business and remodel our house so that we could put it on the market. Since my husband is a custom builder we decided to make all the trim for our home. Every board is cut to length and width, planed, and sanded. Then filled and painted after installation. We put in new floors, granite counter tops and added a plate rack in the kitchen, which doesn't show on the video. The master bath was totally remodeled with new floors, tub and countertop as well as the utility, powder room and foyer. There are all new doors downstairs with refinished doors upstairs.
We spent last summer painting the outside of the house adding boulders throughout the yard.We put in a flagstone walk while terracing the back yard with rock walls creating multiple flower gardens. It has been a huge project but we love the results. We are completing the wood trim throughout the upstairs and are hoping to have the final touches within a couple weeks. After that............ I will be able to start creating and playing again! I've several new pieces that I made on a 3 week summer trip to San Diego while my sister, Jen Lowe, taught classes. As soon as we have the last of the remodeling done I will give these pieces their last touches and have them on my blog, unless of course the house sells. Our realtor had a video of our home made to use on his website and MLS listings. I have it here on my website. Please feel free to send the video to any friends that might have any interest in moving to the mountains. I have the best neighbors possible and views of the mountains have really been an inspiration while working in my studio.

Death of a Jester

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:55:00 +0000

Death of a Jester was made using 30 grams of 650 lowfire/slowdry metal clay. I pressed it into a matrix board that was used to create rubber stamps by "Stamp Of Excellence" Purple and White cz's were set into the clay for embellishments. After obtaining a mirror finish I dipped the piece into liver of sulfur and Mr. Clean Blue.

Judi, from "Stamp Of Excellence" is working with me as I design rubber stamps that can be used in scrapbooking and metal clay. I find by using her moulds that she makes for the stamps it is easier to cut around the shapes without distorting the edges. This particular design is one that Judi designed for me to try.

New Leaves

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:44:00 +0000

Today is a beautiful day in the mountains so while I've been working in the yard I've been picking small leaves. I waited through the long winter with so many ideas but no leaves so this year I've decided to pick leaves as I find them and give them 2-3 coats of silver paste. I can set them aside in a safe place to finish this winter as I work on new designs. I am also experimenting draping the leaves as they dry with various size objects. When I fire them I will support the areas as needed with bits of fiber blanket. Another reason to expand my flower beds.

Colorado Chapter of Art Clay World Society

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:21:00 +0000

What a great day I had yesterday with everyone here from the Colorado Chapter of Art Clay Society. I met such great new people and visited with old friends. Thank you each for coming and sharing your artwork with us.
Jen Lowe gave a great presentation on blogging and a short demonstration on quilling with silver paper.
Congradulations Sherry on completing your senior certification. Your class pieces are awesome. I am so happy for you and the opening of your new studio and classroom, "PaperSilverStone" and "Peacock Gallery" in Canon City, CO. I will be there as often as I can.
What a inspiration each of you are, and now, I really don't have anymore excuses to put off starting new designs.
To all my new friends from Grand Junction, CO. I am all for starting a day we can all get together once a month or as often as possible. Email or call anytime.

Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:59:00 +0000

Just to touch base. I wanted to thank Feedjit for adding Israel's flag to their world map. It is great to see it included with all the other national flags. It is spring and yardwork has taken over my life for the moment. I have planted lots of flowers and a few vegetables. It has been right at freezing everynight so I have been covering the plants trying to keep them alive. We are also in the process of painting the exterior of the house as well as rockwork and finishing the deck we started last year.
I am working "slowly" on a new necklace and have several new sketches for designs. Some of these designs will be shown as patterns later.
The 28th of June we are having the Colorado Chapter meeting for Art Clay World at my home and I'm looking forward to meeting new members and visting with everyone.

Star of David eyeglass pen

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:43:00 +0000

This star of David eyeglass pen was made by rolling out 20 grams of clay and cutting it into a rectangle shape. Next I rolled out an additional 5 grams of clay and cut a second piece to lay over the top Attach it by brushing on a layer of silver paste. Fill the edges with paste or by using the syringe. Cut out a small opening for the glass frame to slide through. Attach a brooch finding to the back.

I sand my pieces in the greenware stage using all grits of sandpaper before attaching any embellishments. Embellishments can be made at any time with left over clay and stored for later use. I've been saving the clay star for some time and when I was invited to a Brit Milah cermoney, it was fast and easy to make something special.

Leaf Ear Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:26:00 +0000

There are a variey of ways to use leftover beads and clay from previous projects. These simple ear rings were made by pressing left over clay into a leaf mold. Eye screws were attached to the back of the leaves. Once dry, sand and fill any areas needed and fire. Swarovski beads were used for sparkle with sterling silver ear wires.

Quilled Ear Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:51:00 +0000

This is a nice way to use leftover quilled pieces that are made from silver paper. I rolled out a small piece of metal clay and set the quilled pieces on that attaching them with paste and then cut around the shape. I inserted pure silver findings from Art Clay World between the roses and leaves. After firing I used a soft brass brush to burnish the pieces leaving the very centers with a little of the white firescale for contrast.You can also set fired pieces of quilling on sheet silver and attach them with oil paste.

Krafty Lady molds

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:05:00 +0000

Krafty Lady of Australia is making a mold for me of the mask you see here on my blog, "Masquerade". Once it is ready to market I will be selling the molds here and will include instructions on how to use the them. Using molds allow the beginner to make detailed pieces without the worry of design. If you find a mold that you like and then make and add emblishments you can create a variety of different pieces for special occasions.

I will keep you informed as to when the mold will be ready for sale.
Meanwhile, our new puppy has kept me busy potty training her and trying to teach her not to chew. Her jaw reminds me of the venus fly trap. Everything that moves is up for grabs. Otherwise she is a doll. She is 7-1/2 weeks of flapping ears, sad eyes, elephant feet and an expression to melt your heart. "Sophie" is our new boxer puppy.

Ocean Enchantress

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:38:00 +0000

Ocean Enchantress was originally made with FIMO clay. Once a model was made I used Art Clay World’s 2 part silicone mold mix to make a mold of the mermaid. Then clay was pressed into the mold to get the shape in metal clay. Once the metal clay piece was dry I sanded each area filling with paste a needed to get a smooth piece. I then rolled out metal clay and set the mermaid on it next to a bezel that was fitted to a pre-selected stone. I cut out around the mermaid and bezel and filled the areas as needed. On the back of the piece I added a bail back and fired the piece in the kiln. When the fired piece was cool I sanded it with all grits of sandpaper and polishing cloth to obtain the mirror finish.

Working with polymer clay to get details in a shape is faster and easier than shaping and carving a piece to get this much detail.

Diachroic Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 03:40:00 +0000

This is another example of diachroic glass that I cut into a diamond shape. Using the same method as in "Teardrops" I build the metal clay up around the glass to the desired thickness. To come up with ideas I place the glass pieces on white paper and sketch around the stone. After you have the size and shape of the stone on paper start sketching until you come up with a design that you like. I always make a copy of the sketch before starting my silver piece and file it away. These simple sketches make great patterns for classes.

The Piano

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:28:00 +0000

This beautiful song has so much meaning that I had to share it with you. Listen to the music as you scroll through the site. May you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Paino by Aidan Gibbons

Teardrops

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:52:00 +0000

"Teardrops" is part of the Anna's Broken-Heart series. "Teardrops" represents the tears of all children who cry in pain and the parents who suffer with them. It represents Suvivors of the Holocaust, the loss of lives, the children who were sacrificed and the soldiers that died in vain. It represents the tears of people alone, hiding their pain and sorrow. 100% of the proceeds from this series goes to the Lucille Packard Children Hopsital and to another in Israel. See http://www.silverartstudio.com/ and http://twins.lpch.org/help.html for more information and donations. Just mention "Anna's Broken-Heart.

To make this piece teardrop shapes were cut from diachroic glass then ground. When cutting and grinding glass the edges have a matt finish. Often when firing the pieces come out with a haze. I found it helps to sand the ground edges using sanding disc from Rio Grande Jewelry , part # 337259 https://www.riogrande.com/home/MemberArea/NewSearchResult.aspx after grinding the edges. Wash and dry the glass piece to make sure it is clean. Then fire polish the piece in the kiln using the appropriate temperature settings for your kiln.

When making the piece I used low fire/slow dry clay and built the clay up around the stone. I have put a slide show here of a few of the pieces that I made. You can see on some the clay comes up higher around the stone than others. Remember that glass expands and metal clay shrinks so when you fire the pieces, ramp the kiln slowly. I fired these pieces to 1200 degrees for 30 mintues and then let the kiln cool to room temperature without opening the door. Waiting to see if the pieces turn out is the hard part. Tip: If the clay is too thin in any area around the teardrop, the clay will form hairline cracks. It takes practice to fine the right combination.

In His Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:27:00 +0000

In His Hands

A cry is heard in a far away land
As a mother sobs, nearby the father stands

Hearts are breaking for the one just born
A tiny life that seems so forlorn

There are no answers, no reasons why
A child is born with such pain in it’s life

I felt their pain as I looked at her face
A life so small, a speck in space

Look at her eyes as she gazes at him
In the hands that hold her safe within

If Jehovah can hold the whole world in his hands
Then what is one life when it comes to Him?
© Colleen Lee 2008

Quilling with Silver Paper

noreply@blogger.com (Silver Art Studio) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:05:00 +0000

Quilling with Silver Paper is another way to add embellishments to any piece. To make leaves cut strips 1/16” wide the length of the silver paper. Place the tip of a round toothpick on one end of the paper. Roll the paper around the toothpick. Gently slide the toothpick out of the rolled paper. If you want a looser effect or larger look loosen your grip on the roll and let it spring outward a little. With the toothpick, add a drop of silver paste to the open end and press it closed. To get a teardrop shape, press the rolled paper more on one side. Put the quilled piece on a firebrick and do not touch again. Remember: Too much moisture will cause the paper to disintegrate and moving the pieces once you have added the paste will cause minute fractures in the paste breaking the bond

To make roses, cut a ½” square and round the corners. Cut a spiral into the center of the square as shown. Then, using the toothpick, begin at the center and roll toward the outside edge. Once again, pull the toothpick out and apply a drop of paste to glue the open end shut. Set this on the fire brick to dry.

I have found that if I let this dry 30 minutes and then torch fire my pieces for 1 minute, I can then attach these pieces with oil paste to a fired product.
When torch firing the quilled pieces, hold the torch back from the pieces lowering it as it heats. Heating the pieces too fast cause them to spring open.

Quilled roses have a cone shaped base so I set the leaves first leaving a small area to set the cone of the rose. This gives support to the roses and will also hide any imperfections or additional paste if it is needed to attach the rose.