Mica Book Charms

Everyone needs a little book that they can keep close. Even if you never write in it, it will make you feel connected to your passion for reading and art. I had some friends over to my house, and showed them how to make these tiny books to string on a necklace as a little charm. The cover is cut from a sheet of mica. Mica can be cut with regular scissors. It peels into layers, so you can get two covers out of one piece, or leave it as a thick sheet. We used a crop-a-dile to punch holes in it so we could attach it to a string or ribbon. Since the mica is fragile, we also inserted an eyelet into the holes to give it some strength.

We used thick watercolor paper for the pages, and just cut them to size. I wanted it to have a little bulk and not just be flimsy copy paper. You could decorate the paper with rubber stamps or paint.

Te back cover is cut from a sheet of copper. We used tin snips to cut the metal, and slightly cut the corners to remove the sharp edge. A dremel is perfect for smoothing out the edges, but you can also use manual files. You can't use a crop-a-dile or other paper punch for metal. We used a jeweler's hole punch to make the holes.

We made jump rings from copper wire. All very simple, and a pleasing result.

A Little Heart Bling

I've always been a jewelry girl. I've been wearing necklaces and rings regularly since I was about 11. I just can't understand women who don't finish their outfit with a pretty necklace. If I go out without one on, I feel naked. I have quite a collection of necklaces, and a lot of charms. I thought I'd show you some of my heart charms on this nice Valentine's Day. This is by no means all, but it gives you a nice selection.

This first one is probably my oldest. My mom gave me this when I was about 11. It's smooth stone, and I wear it on a simple gold chain.


These two are also very old. I wore these all through high school.


A couple years ago, I participated in a Valentine's charm swap with 49 other women. Yes, I know, that means we each had to make 50 charms. It was so exciting when we received our packets in the mail. I loved them all, but this one especially because it was not red. I thought it was such a clever idea to do one in blue and yellow.


This is a polymer clay heart, handmade by Laurel Steven. She is an amazing polymer artist and you can see her work here.


Here's another old one. It is carved mother of pearl. Do you remember when mother of pearl was popular? Don't answer that, people will be able to guess your age.


These are two lovely green hearts, but unfortunately I don't wear green at all. Maybe for St. Patrick's Day I'll wear a heart for my spot of green.


And lastly, for some real bling, here's a gorgeous crystal heart from Baccarat. My dad got me this one. It's beautiful.


I hope you're all enjoying your Valentine's Day. Did you receive any heart bling from your sweetheart?

Summertime Blues

Sometimes I find amazing beads in my searches. I was specifically looking for something blue, so I could make a blue charm for a Summertime Blues swap. I found these beads at a bead show. I used steel wire since it comes black and it would go with the black veins throughout these beads. I made a simple swirly wrap from one piece of wire, complete with hanger, and there you have it: a blue bead charm. I wouldn't want to hide the beauty of these beads under much else.

Crystal Charms

I'm hosting a swap with my Charmsters group. The theme is "Crystal Twins," and the idea is to make two matching charms, using some kind of crystal. I used Swarovski crystals and some others. I like the idea of matching crystals with metal. I used brass and copper metals, and some sterling chain.

Portland Trades

I'm heading to Portland, Oregon on Tuesday to attend the Art & Soul retreat. While there, I'll be taking classes from Nina Bagley, Richard Salley, Michael deMeng, Lisa Kaus and Leighanna Light. This is my second year going to Portland A&S. I love meeting all the other artists, and finding out what they make and how they get it out there. I'll break the ice by asking to trade with someone. Last year I wasn't shy, and traded about 40 items. This year, I've made over 100 trades to take with me. About half are charms and half are ATC's. Here are some of the ATC's I made, with the By the Sea theme. Most were done on a base of an old Palm Beach County post card, so the backs have pictures of palm trees and the ocean. The fronts were painted or inked. I rubber stamped fish on some, from a gyotaku stamp by Fred B. Mullett. Some have ribbons, yarn, or tags. Here they are.


I have a date with a group of artists I swap charms with throughout the year while I'm in Portland. We'll be meeting up to do trades in the evening. Again, I went with the By the Sea theme, and I made charms that are stamped with a fish, and have a shell and bead dangle.

Each of the women from the charmsters group will also get their own ATC. I made these on water color paper covered with a few different colors of ink. The seahorse stamp is another one from Fred B. Mullett.