Beads and Superheroes

A good week and weekend in spite of one downpour.   I learned two new things this week.   I’ve been trying to challenge myself and learn something new every week.   I’ve also been trying to learn a bit about polymer clay.   Most folks who are successful sellers also make some type of components of their own.   came up with an idea for a toggle clasp but that’s not going to cut it.   I saw a tutorial to make bead caps with polymer clay so I tried it.   I just wanted to make some steampunk beadcaps and tried them out.   I spent a rainy afternoon getting the hang of it.

Here is a picture of them  just out of the oven.   They have no finish on them.   PITFALLS:   Oh yes, there are pitfalls.   It’s really hard to center the black caps even  though the tutorial said to use black.   It’s also hard to get the hole centered.   So I tried some with some silver colored clay and it was much easier, especially for someone who is inexperienced.   Also, you are supposed to cook them on marbles so they curve, of course.   I had the devil’s own time getting them on the marbles without having the center crack.   I”m going to shoot an email to the lady who sold the tutorial and ask her if she has any tips.   Anyhow, though they do not look professional, I do like the idea and I did learn a few things.

clay bead caps

 

After the trials of the beadcap tryouts, I decided to learn one other new thing.   I’ve seen lots of Etsy sellers making little birdnest necklaces with 3 eggs in the center.   I found a free tutorial and tried that out.   I put 2 white eggs and one black one.   I think I’ll put a little charm with it that says “cookoo’s nest”   Cookoos leave their eggs in other bird nests.   I’ll give it to my daughter who thinks she works in the cookoo’s nest.

the cookoo’s next

 

Sunday, three boys came to spend the afternoon with me while their parents worked.   It was a blast of course!    I had a surprise for them.   I had found an old box of Halloween costumes and one was perfect for the tiny guy who LOVES Batman.   He was in heaven!   The older boys put on capes and other accessories and I had a yard full of superheroes!

 

my very own superheroes

 

Later on, I taught my oldest grandson to make the birdnest necklace.   He did a great job!   His nest was perfect!

 

proud jewelry maker

 

 

closeup

 

Meanwhile, Tiny Batman is focusing on the swing set

 

protecting the teeter swing

 

My heroes!!!!