Creative Bloggers Featured Artist--Victoria Slutsky of ViSart

This week's featured artist on creative blogger is Victoria Slutsky from Israel. She is an amazing polymer clay artist. Her handmade beads are so beautiful. Victoria also crafts bowls from polymer clay. Because her work is handcrafted no two items will be exactly the same. This makes each piece special.

Check out her blog at http://www.visart-dali.com/ . Victoria also has an etsy shop.

Photo Keyrings

I rarely carry pictures of my kids, but I always have my keys and cell phone. So I decided to make key rings with their pictures.

First, the resin mixed according to the directions and black resin dye is added. I then poured a thin layer into the resin mold.

I waited for the resin to become tacky to the touch (this took about 4 hours). Then I placed the picture on top of the black resin. While I was waiting for the resin to set, the pictures were prepared by coating them twice with Mod Podge. This seals them to keep the resin from seeping through.

Another batch of resin is mixed. This time it was left clear. This mixture is poured over the picture. This was left to harden for 24 hours. The resin covered picture is then sanded to remove any rough edges. Then a hole is drilled so a jump ring can be inserted. Finally it is dipped in clear resin and left to dry. Once it has dried completely, the jump ring is inserted and attached to a keyring.

My First Etsy Listing

I have finally listed my first item on Etsy (http://jmooredesignllc.etsy.com/)! Yea me. I made these as a tribute to the Lakers winning the championship tonight. They are made of amethyst chips on sterling silver headpins and chain. I then attached it to sterling silver ear wires. These earrings are simple yet beautiful.

Check out my other blog (http://jmooredesignllc.blogspot.com). I will give away different a different pair of earrings every month to those who follow my blog. So be sure to click on the follow button on the right side of the page.

The Cheapest Photography Light Box I Could Make

I am learning to take better photos of my work. In my research I found that I need to light my pieces better. While researching light boxes, I came across this wonderful blog called Strobist (http://strobist.blogspot.com/). It has all kinds of information on lighting for photographers. There was this one post that described how to make a photo studio for under $10 (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html). It was very easy to follow and this is how mine turned out. I know its messy but I just threw one together to see if it would really work. IT DOES! My pictures are coming out much better. I don't even have the lights placed on either side and I can still tell the difference.

Here's what you need to make one a box, get it to fit whatever you are photographing. You also need a box cutter, tissue paper, a ruler, tape, and a poster board. For lighting, you need to inexpensive lights. So if you are looking for a way to light your work better, here is a very cheap way to do it. I spent $3.

For complete instructions and a video click on this link http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html.

My latest creations

Here are my lasted creations. I am having such a hard time to naming the things I make. You would think I would be able to come up with a name...LOL. I get brain freeze when it comes to that.

I found the glass green square beads at Michael's. I liked them but I did not know what I was going to do with them. I was playing around with them a couple of nights ago and came up with this design. I alternated a 4 mm silver bead, a square crystal bead and the glass green square bead. I finished it off with a silver clasp. For the earrings, I just followed the same pattern.

For the amber glass bead set, I alternated the elongated amber glass bead with two different silver antique beads. I finished it of with a clasp. For the earrings, I followed the same pattern.