Find Out Friday: Vintaj DecoEtch With New Artisan Pewter Blanks

For this Find Out Friday, we want to showcase the Vintaj DecoEtch Die for the Sizzix BIGkick Die Cut Machine. Using the new Vintaj Artisan Pewter blanks and patina, we have created a lovely set using the Birds of Paradise die.

Vintaj Birds of Paradise Necklace

1 Sizzix BIGkick Die Cut Machine

1 Vintaj pewter oval stamping blank
2 Vintaj pewter rectangle dog tag stamping blanks
1 Vintaj DecoEtch - Birds of Paradise
2 Silver plated earring hooks
1 Jump ring
1 Chain
3 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Indian Pink flatback rhinestones
2 chain nose pliers
Vintaj Patina - Black Onyx
E-6000 glue
paint brush
Toothpick or wire glue applicator
Paper towels
Gloves

Before beginning your project, watch this video on how to use the Vintaj BIGkick Machine by Sizzix.

Let's get started!

Begin by gathering your supplies.

Place one cutting pad on the shim, then place your die cut with the blank face down where you would like the etching. Next, place the other cutting pad on top. Then place your etching on the tray of the machine.

Crank the handle clockwise to feed the tray through the machine.

This is what your etching will look like once it comes out of  the other side of your Sizzix BIGkick cut machine.

Take your etching out of the machine and flip it over. Put down a paper towel to protect your flat work surface.

To begin using your patina, dab a small portion onto a piece of scratch paper. Paint on your patina using your brush.

Cover the entire front side of the blank with patina, making sure it gets into the grooves.

Immediately take a paper towel and wipe the patina off of the surface.

This is what your etching will look like once you wipe off the patina.

Using your glue applicator, add a dab of E6000 to the flat back of your rhinestone. Now glue your rhinestone onto your blank.

Now your pendant is finished.

You can use the same technique to make a matching pair of earrings.

To finish this project open a jump ring and attach the pendant to the necklace chain; close the jump ring.

To make the earrings, choose a section of the die and repeat this process. You will attach your earring hooks the same way you would a jump ring. 

Choose from our wide selection of Vintaj DecoEtch Die plates. We hope you enjoyed learning about the Vintaj DecoEtch and the Sizzix machine.  The Artisan Pewter blanks give such a lovely finished product using this technique.   Have fun!

-Kat and Karlin

Find Out Friday: Steampunk Ring

For this Find Out Friday we have combined two of our favorite things - buttons and Steampunk. We are going to make this great ring: 

Let's begin!

Here is what you will need: 

1 adjustable glue-on ring

1 Steampunk button 

E6000 adhesive

Gilders Paste in silver

Clear acrylic sealer

Tools:

Diamond File

Heavy duty wire cutters

The first step is to cut off the shank on the back of the button. DO NOT use your good jewelry making cutters for this. Use a pair of household or utility wire cutters, the strength of the metal will permanently damage fine jewelry making cutters. 

Next, take a diamond file and file down any rough edges where you cut the shank off. You want to get it so the area where the shank was, is now flush with the back of the button and completely smooth. 

Turn the button over, and using your finger, lightly apply silver Gilders Paste to the raised details on the button. You will see that they now "pop". 

If you end up with too much silver, simply wipe off any excess with a paper towel. Let dry for 30 minutes. Take outside and spray 3 light coats of clear matte finish acrylic sealer over the button. Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. 

Take your adjustable ring band and apply a "glob" (such technical terms we jewelry makers use) of E6000 adhesive onto the glue on pad. 

Press the glue-on pad of the ring onto the backside of the button. Center it to cover the area where you removed the shank. Let dry. 

You're all done! This same technique can be used for any button with a metal or plastic shank. Enjoy!

- Julie 

Find Out Friday: How to make a Sparkling Rhinestone 4th of July Hair Pin Set

With the 4th of July just around the corner, we thought it was a perfect time to do a "Find Out Friday" on a spectacular red, white, and blue hair pin set.

To make 2 matching hair pins, you will need: 

2 dark blue 31mm round filigree stampings

2 white 36mm round filigree stampings

1 package of Swarovski flatback rhinestones ss40 in light siam

1 package of Swarovski flatback rhinestones ss12 light siam 

1 package of red bobby pins

1 tube of E6000 adhesive

The only tools you will need are your fingers, a post it, and a toothpick or piece of scrap wire to use as an applicator for the glue. Optional is the Beadsmith Magic Pick which helps to pick up rhinestones. 

Begin by squeezing some glue onto the post it. Using a piece of wire, grab some glue and spread it in the center of each white filigree stamping:

Center a blue filigree on top of each white filigree and press into the glue:

Now spread some glue in the center of one of the blue filigrees. Place 1 large Swarovski red rhinestone (size ss40) into the glue and press into place:

Carefully run a line of glue around the edge of your rhinestone. Place the glue on the filigree, not on the rhinestone itself:

Onto this circle of glue, place smaller red Swarovski rhinestones all the way around the center crystal, touching each other:

Next, place 5 dots of glue at even intervals along the outer edge of the blue filigree. Into these, place smaller Swarovski rhinestones:

Repeat the rhinestone-gluing pattern on the other blue & white filigree you have glued together.  Let the rhinestones dry in place for at least 20 minutes.

After the rhinestones have dried in place, take 1 red bobby pin and place a dab of E6000 onto the glue-on flat surface. Center this on the backside of one of the white filigree and press into place: 

Repeat with another bobby pin and the other filigree assembly.  Let your fantastic new hair decorations dry overnight (at least 12 hours) before wearing.

Happy 4th of July!

- Julie