Sometimes it's the simplest tasks that throw us for a loop.
Like twisting two wires evenly...
I tried following the advice from this online tutorial and had a very difficult time with it.
Using 26 gauge wire, I found I had a hard time maintaining an even twist so I gave up on the "perfect" twist and decided that the consistency of the twist mattered most.
I finally ended up with a half-pair of specs that I could live with...
And I used Diamond Glaze mixed with a bit of brown Tsukineko ink...
To give the top of the glasses a tortoiseshell look...
I inserted the wires and attached the glasses similarly to any other stumpwork element.
The wire untwisted a bit when I cut the side to fit behind her ear. At this point, I'm going to follow the advice of my Japanese embroidery teacher and move on. If I don't like it in another couple of weeks, I'll make another pair.
She's becoming just as adorable as I remember her. And now she can get a good look at all of us.
We're back to the work room again today. Her feet are getting a bit cold...
Have a great day everyone.
28 comments:
Well, I think the spectacles have worked, and I can imagine just what a challenge they were! Brava, Susan, a great job!
So beautiful :) thanks for sharing!!
I think they look great as do her stockings. Your adding the tortoise shell look at the top a was brilliant touch.
Someone whose work I admire left a comment on my blog recently.."Don't allow that inner critic get to you!"....very good advice for all of us:)
Mrs. Rose is wonderful! I love the "touch me" aspect of her hair, and the way the specs bring her face even more to life. Such skill you have with fiddly things!
Aww cute ..kisses x
I am so loving you process art wise and thinking wise with this and all projects. I have been doing this art now for almost a year and oh what doors you are opening. hugs and sorry don't remember the rolled stockings. Hugs and have a great week. xo
Adorable she is - I understand completely about moving on - you can get bogged down on a detail that can either be fixed later, as you say, or later comes and you find that on looking at the whole, that detail turns out be just fine after all.
Your piece is literally coming to life!
I wouldn't say it was 'literally coming to life', as that's the last thing anyone really expects to happen (!!!LOL!!!), but it's coming along beautifully, and it's fascinating to share your creative process along the way.
One question, please, what does 'throw us for a loop' mean??
May I suggest a drill to twist your wire. Put ends in and lock down, and if you have one with a speed control on it, it will help with different size twists. I love your blog and Miss Rose.
Hi,
My name is Kellie, I started following your blog when my quilt guild started a crazy quilt challenge. I love your work. I am also an IGMA ( international guild of miniature artisans) artisan, so when I read about yor trouble with the glasses I had to have a try at making them myself. I came up with a pretty easy way to do it that I thinks works well. Find something round that is the diameter of the lens you want , I used the pointy lid to my super glue bottle. Wrap the wire around the item you have chosen then twist it around itself like you would close a twist tie, the more twists, the finer the coil. Slip the loop off the form, then using hemostats or tweezers flatten the top of the circular loop and then pinch the end to form the bridge. Bend the lens at a 90 degree angle and if you like put a drop of crazy glue on the wire where you intend to cut, hopefully this will prevent it from unwinding when you do make the cut. You can add the tortoiseshell detail ( brilliant!). And you can even spread some white glue in the lense and it should dry clear to mimic the glass.
The details you create are knock-my-socks-off impressive!! The hair, the stockings, the specs....WOW. Your attention to detail brings so much richness to your pieces.
Oh Susan, you are doing such a wonderful job with Mrs. Rose and all the details... the specs, the stockings, the hair. Can't wait to see what comes next! Hugs. L.
Rose is becoming a lovely lady!
Miss Rose is coming along! I can only begin to imagine the life she led and how it influenced you ~ looking forward to the next step!
Miss Rose looks so sweet! I love all your details and what a great idea to add the tortoise shell look to the glasses!!
Her glasses are perfect, she is really turning out beautiful! Anxious to see what you put on her feet!
Absolutely amazing work! The research and detail is as intriguing as Miss Rose. I love following the fleshing out of your dear Miss Rose.
There is a tool called safety wire pliers and they give you a perfect twist. Can't send a link right now but look them up. Karen
There is a tool called safety wire pliers and they give you a perfect twist. Can't send a link right now but look them up. Karen
Your tiny glasses turned out very good! You should pat yourself on the back for such a great job. I am so loving how she is coming together.
You have given Mrs. Rose the perfect pair of spectacles. They really look just like real glasses. I can see clearly now...
good to see Mrs Rose can now see what is going on around her, the glasses have worked so very well, we are all getting so attached to the dear old lady, think you will have to make a Mr Rose to keep her company and for us to follow.
More fantastic details! The comment about using a drill to twist the wire is a good one and the other comment about using something round to shape the lens and then twisting the wire was brilliant.
Deb
Who would have thought that twisting wire could be a challenge. I think the glasses look good, but if I know you, you'll look a little further for a different technique. My wire jewelry friend in CA uses a drill to twist it, but I don't have a clue how she does it.
xx, Carol
Susan, your resume is getting longer by the minute: hair stylist, dress designer, seamstress, lens-crafter and soon shoemaker. What next? Mrs. R is looking great!
Every little addition just makes this sweet little lady come more to life.
You amaze me with your talents, your vision.
FlowerLady
Wire twisting - I learned a simple technique in jewelry foundation work when making a bracelet. Fold wire in half, put two "ends" in a vice (or something that can hold very tight - perhaps someone holding a pair of pliers?), slip something firm, even a pencil might do, in the other end "loop" and twist away. Should end up with an even twist. I hope that helps! I love your blog and show it to lots of people.
Far too late I know but you take teh bit out of a drill, insert the two wires into the chuck and turn the drill on slow... it twists beautifully.
Rose is looking wonderful!
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