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

Quick Tip Tuesday: Make Your Stampings Pop

I had always wanted to experiment with metal stamping, but never got the chance to until I started designing here at Beadaholique.  Since I've had some time to play around with this method of personalization, I've noticed one tiny thing you can do that makes a huge difference in how your finished piece looks, and it's quick and easy to do.  After you stamp your design onto your metal, simply take a permanent marker and fill in the letters or shapes one by one.  After you fill in each one, give it a good wipe with a jewelry polishing pad to clear away the excess ink.  Your stamping will be filled in and the words or shapes will be clear and easy to see.  You can even try using different colors of permanent marker to change the look!

-Megan

Inspiration Monday: Glam Rock!

My inspiration today is the wild world of Glam Rock.  I find that music and visual arts often go hand in hand, one inspiring the other.  I, for one, am never without some form of audio stimulation going on in the background while I make jewelry or paint.  I began forming an interest in 70's glam while studying fine arts in college.  Artists like David Bowie, Roxy Music, T-Rex, and Sparks soon became staples in my studio.  I found the genre so... well, glamorous that it leant itself to the creation of many an oversized canvas bursting with color and attitude (not to mention having a huge influence on my wardrobe choices!).

Bowie, Roxy, Bolan, & Sparks

The androgynous, otherworldly aesthetic of glam rock has always translated well to jewelry for me.  As soon as I throw on a New York Dolls record, I am ready to create a glittery necklace abundant in chains and sparkly rocks.  Here are some super glammed-up jewelry making elements, ready to be whipped up into a rock 'n' roll masterpiece!

 What kind of music inspires you to make your best jewelry creations?  We'd love to hear from you, as always!


Bead on,

Andrea