Mixed Up Magazine Santos Cuff with RELICS & ARTIFACTS Ambassador Chrissy Colon

One of the biggest thrills of doing what we do is being published in major magazines.  I had such an opportunity to have this piece featured in the October/November 2017 issue of Mixed Up magazine.  Not only did I have the privilege of being published, I also had the distinct honor of this piece gracing the cover.  Talk about a "WOW!" moment!

I had this department store cuff which I bought on clearance, some awesome ColoriQue inks, and the perfect focal point to upcycle an item that was mass produced into something unique and one of a kind.  Of course, you know I do love my bead details!

For the full tutorial complete with photos along with loads of inspiration from other international artists, be sure to subscribe to Mixed Up magazine.  

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Flaming Hearts Ex Voto II
ColoriQue Ink
ICE Resin
Cuff
Beads

It's All In The Details

I get enjoyment from many different aspects of Creating.

Sometimes I have a plan and do quick sketches to get my ideas down on paper and while I have dozens of sketchbooks filled with project drawings and ideas, it would take me years to actually make all the pieces I've designed and want to create.

I love collecting, gathering and sorting through my antique materials.

Taking time to try out different arrangements until I find the perfect piece and placement, you know it's the piece that looks as though it were made to go in that spot!

The golden seed beads and bouillon trims you see here came off of a 1920's Flapper dress and all of the set stones are actually "paste" stones from the 1700's. Paste is a term they used for a certain kind of highly refractive lead glass that was hand cut, faceted and then polished to resemble real gem stones.

The large center stone is also early paste. These stones are getting harder to find all the time.

In order to get just the right look on the flames I've layered several different tones of yellow from mustard to butter, sun to sunset, all topped with little highlights of metallic gold.

When I'm hunting for antique pieces it's the details that make all the difference for me. The thing I go crazy for on these stones is the setting, look closely, each setting has a little dot of round metal that holds the stone securely, isn't it beautiful?! And just so unique.

When the last bit of embellishment has been applied another aspect of being a maker is ready to happen. Photographing the finished piece is a much fun for me as making it was. It's an expedition, traveling around the object, camera in hand, peering through the lens just waiting for the right angle to reveal itself.

And lastly the satisfaction I get when actually wearing a piece I made from beginning to end. The sense of pride and accomplishment means so much to me, its especially gratifying in times of unrest in the world. 

I never take for granted the act of creation. Makers are the journey takers, the adventures, the wanders and the experimenters. Thats who we are, we explore, we observe, we absorb, we interpret, we express and we contribute.

RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ancient Heart (heart and flame)

RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Rising Spirit V(wood support back)

E6000 Adhesive/Tacky Glue

Acrylic Paints Yellow Tones/Gold/Brick Red

Necklace chain

Antique trims/Camera