Technically It's Still Spring

Spring Leaves

I created these three double-sided etched leaves EONS ago, and couldn't decide whether to simply antique them or add color. They went through a few iterations--putting the finish on, and taking it off--before I settled on this light wash of color via gilder's paste. (The trick to durability is to first give the surface a lot of tooth with coarse-grit sandpaper, degrease thoroughly (I like a mixture of citric acid crystals and Dawn dishwashing liquid), and apply verrrry light films of the paste. I sealed these with multiple coats of Permalac and then Renaissance Wax).

In the meantime, during my most recent (apparently ongoing) bead-binge (what is WRONG with me), I acquired these celery green chalcedony ovals and rustic little robin's egg Indonesian blue glass beads from Happy Mango. They were perfect for my leaves! Here's the other side of the leaves:

These leaves are based on a template I had previously used for another necklace, and I wanted to use the same asymmetrical configuration again. I etched them this time instead of embossing them, and added some color.

I have some dragonfly wings I prepared similarly, in different colors, that are awaiting their debut. Stay tuned!