Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Experiment

So here's the results of yesterday's bronze experiment. Remember, a while back, I'd made some porcelain pieces that I wanted to make into toggel clasps? I just never got around to finding the inspiration for making the metal clay toggle bars. I was sitting in the sun on the deck, waiting for the spirit to move into a glazing mood. Actually, I wasn't waiting for anything at all. I was day dreaming and wasting time. Ms Alice brought me a stick. Ms Alice does not think that I should sit quietly and look at the sky. If we are outside we need to play. None of this sitting around stuff.



I looked at that stick and had one of those moments. A little cutting here, a bit of shaping there, a silicon mold, add bronze, and a toggle bar is born. I'm not sure how well it really works with the design of the porcelain pieces but I sort of like the little stick. Best part is it fits through the hole and doesn't slip out. A rather nice thing to have in a toggle clasp.
But there is a design issue. See that loop up there on the back? Well it is too big. I forgot to take into account that the bronze clay shrinks in all directions, not just length. Easy fix though (she says over confidently).


Just to make sure it works, I decided to make one of the toggles up into a bracelet. My thinking was that of all the pieces of jewelry you can wear, bracelets are the piece that get the roughest treatment. Well maybe some of you are more delicate than I am. I've had this on most of the afternoon and nothing has broken, the toggle has stayed toggled, and even though the loop is too long, it lays reasonably well. So now all I want to do is make toggle bars. But wait, is that a glaze jar I hear calling me? Nope, the glazing is still not done.

27 comments:

Judy said...

Perfect...Perfect, Perfect!! I really love it! It is such a great marriage, the two pieces. I just had a thought, I can see those stick pieces as tube beads, how cool would that be, especially on a necklace.

Tam Hess said...

ooooo inspired little toggle! I love it. That bracelet is great!! xoxo

lunedreams said...

ooooohh love it!!!! and love the bracelet! you've really hit on something there! do more do more! put 'em in your shop!!!

The Joy of Nesting said...

Oh My Gosh,
I love this!!! It's just way to cool Missy Clay Queen!!! There are any number of times when I've been working on a piece or go to build a clasp that I think a little stick would be so perfect. And now you bring my wish to life, with a loop to attach it with!!! Wooooo Hoooo!!!! You are a genius little sis!! :)

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

SueBeads said...

Yep. Love it too. Gotta love those dogs! Plus, I love your bracelet. It's so pretty - is that turquoise stones (Chinese or African is what it looks like) - fabulous job!

mairedodd said...

oh this is just too wonderful!! love it, leann... and your finished bracelet is so pretty!

Jen Judd said...

I'm totally on the bandwagon...I love the stick! The glaze will wait...get on with your toggles! haaaaaaa

Pearl and Pebble said...

LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!!!

Tammy and Rob said...

I think it turned out perfectly, toggle and bracelet! I would love to get one of those from your etsy shop! I need to expand my horizons :)

sharon said...

You have just raised the bar of ideas LeAnn , this is exceptional! I love the concept, the contrast in materials and colors , and the function. Not to mention you made a beautiful piece of jewelry...it's stunning, I think you do that secretly on the side! Wooooowww!!

Lucid Moon Studio said...

I love it too! The contrast between the bronze and the porcelain is great.

Cooper is the SAME way. Except he feels that way whether we're inside or out!

Lisa

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Love the idea to use a stick for a toggle. Truly inspired!
xoxo
Donna

Barb Fernald said...

I really like the bronze with the porcelain. The stick looks great. Like you, I like to wear my bracelets around for a few days to test them out, especially with the toggle clasps as I learn about what designs work best.

Unknown said...

Really fabulous! I hope we get to see more of those sticks!

stregata said...

So, Alice was, in reality, helping you work - bringing just the right inspirational piece you needed. That toggle bar is so fantastic!!!!
Not to mention the bracelet - wow!!!

Vintajia Adornments said...

Love the toggle bar fits really well with the theme of the porcelain.
Now should you require a bracelet tester who can find weak components in a flash (read death-to bracelets) I'm ya gal!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love this! When can I expect one in my mail box?
kottagekreations2009@yahoo.com
http://kottagekreations.etsy.com

Anonymous said...

oh and I would love some branch beads to match, lol. And maybe some birdies nests nuzzled into them!

Michelle said...

Great contrast. I love the bronze and the porcelain together.
Bead Happy!
Michelle

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

Love it!!! When can I get one or two or three?

BTW - My current blog post features a bracelet with some of your components!

TesoriTrovati said...

I love the way it really does look like a branch! Nature is the perfect inspiration. Thanks for sharing a glimpse into the process. Enjoy the day! Erin

Cindy said...

Le Ann, looks like I'm late to the party to congratulate you on your latest beauty! The stick toggle is really COOL. What a great idea..and it sure makes your bracelet. Your toggle would make the best FOCAL! :-)
Cindy

Unknown said...

Excellent!
I want a copper toggle branch bar!

Peridots Garden Blog said...

Boy I love these!

As I started reading your post I would giggle outloud (you're so honest about the use of your time) as I'd gaze at the toggles....then find myself gazing at your toggles again and again...and just before I saw the photo of your "test" bracelet...I thought..."I would use the toggle as a part of a necklace where it is actually the focal."

You are so gifted!

Love 'em!

Sandy

Kella said...

They work really well together.

Rose said...

LOVE! I bought one of those ceramic pieces and have thought of using a flower bar from a flower toggle I found at a bead shop. I think the wood looks WAY better.

Esther said...

what a clever clasp!! bravo LeAnn!! so cute!