Kintsugi is a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold or other precious metals.

The belief behind this ancient technique is to acknowledge and show off the history of the broken piece and to visibly accent and enhance the repair into the piece instead of disguising it. The process usually results in something more beautiful than the original. The scars are representations of growth and should be considered beautiful rather than ugly.

Remember that shattered piece? I applied a faux kintsugi technique to "repair" it.

The beauty of this philosophy is that non-Japanese crafters and artisans may not even realize it, but they practice this philosophy when they see a broken object’s potential. Every time we upcycle or repurpose an object, we reincarnate and resurrect a whole new beautifully made over piece that would have otherwise been thrown away or forgotten!

This piece was broken intentionally and then put back together using a technique that emulates a long ancient art form. If you are interested in learning how I accomplished this look, stay tuned because I plan on sharing it live with you in an upcoming "Live From the Tribe" feature!

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® "Spirit Treasures"
Liquitex Gesso
Liquitex Acrylic Paint
Liquitex Acrylic Inks
Epoxy
Mica Powder

When you hear "Relics & Artifacts", what pops into your mind? Victorian? Roman? Antique? Classical? I'm sure many of these descriptors are a common thread when one takes a look at the blank canvas a resin craft blank is. I'm sure people think of timeless jewelry pieces worthy of becoming family heirlooms. I often think along these lines as well. That is, until I got a wild hair and decided to do something LOUD.

Remember this work in progress photo? Bright happy colors, finger painting, and a vague direction is all I had. I just knew that i wanted to do something bold, bright, modern. I wanted to make a piece of jewelry that reflected my personality.

After looking at this piece, another thought occurred to me. I am so inspired by my fellow Ambassadors. There is a little bit of them inside this piece as well because they have become a very integral part of my creative personality.

I sometimes focus so hard on what I need to do, that I often forget to do what I want to do. I sometimes forget to live and to live out loud. I hope this inspired piece reminds me to do just that.

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® "Chivalry"
Relics & Artifacts® "Imperial Eggs"
Apoxie Sculpt
ICE Resin
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint
Liquitex Liquid Acrylic Ink
Liquitex Gesso
ImpressArt Metal Stamp Kit "Newsprint"
Vintaj Altered Blank "Small Rectangle"
Unity Stamps "Be Different" Stamp Kit