I fell in love with Marti Conrad's ceramic paw print beads and decided to feature them for Week #7 Earring Challenge. We rescued our standard poodle Kea (means white in Hawaiian) 12 years ago when she was about 1 1/2 yrs old. She has turned out to be the best dog I've ever had and brought so much joy to our family. She's slowed down quite a bit and we both share aching joints but still has lots of love to share :) I cut out copper rings using my trusted Swanstrom Disc Cutter, hammered and stamped "rescued" and "loved" with the paw print charms wire wrapped at the bottom. You can find more about Marti on Marti's Buttons n Beads Facebook page or follow her on Pinterest. You can shop for Marti's ceramic creations at her Etsy store.
For Week #8 I decided to use some of the metal etching technique I learned last year from the fabulous duo - Gail Lannum and Cristina Leonard - at Bead and Button Show in 2012. They are once again offering the Metal Etching class twice this year. Go find out more about their classes here! What I love about metal etching is you can apply any design and it's quick and easy! I finished the earrings by wire wrapping large hole freshwater pearls. I think I'm going to make a variation of this design. So many possibilities and so little time!!
Kumi ♥
I <3 that second pair!!!
ReplyDeleteAm itching to etch, what tools did you have to use? I can't go to their classes, but do you know if they have any online version that I can try to take?
Love both of these, but you know those second pair are a 'fan favorite!' i LOVE them
ReplyDeleteLove the paw prints! And thank you for sharing a picture of your fur baby--they are the best, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, heartfelt work! I had a rescue miniature poodle when I was a child and she was a wonder, smart dog. I definitely understand the poodle love. Please give Kea a topknot scratch from me. :)
ReplyDeleteI really llke your rescued and loved earrings. The paw print is adorable, and your post written about your pet is cute, love the whole thing!
ReplyDeleteI love the sweet personality of your first pair. Oh! And that etched pair! The sleek, straight lines culminating in that lush, soft pearl. Just perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love the last pair the best. I would love to take that class!
ReplyDeleteMahalo all for your lovely comments!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your earrings! They are always great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful creations, Kumi. Did you use rubber stamps and ink for your resist on the etching?
ReplyDeleteThe ceramic paw prints go so well with your stamped disks. Beautiful!
Kea is so beautiful. I can't wait to meet her in person.
Mahalo Julie!! I used Staz On ink as a resist on one of the rubber stamps I had. I smudged it couple of times so I had to figure out a way so it gave a clear print.
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