Step 2 - February - Tin Heart

I'm excited to say that I have completed step 2 - February's project - of my JA (Jewel-aholics Anonymous) 12-step program from my earlier post "My Addiction".

It's no surprise that I would choose to make a heart themed necklace considering it is February. It may surprise you however, to find out what the heart is made of.

A 50 cent thrifted tin canister!

And, of course, some jewels from my addiction stash.

I used tin snips to cut a heart shape from the red part of the can. I also cut 4 small rectangles (not pictured) to use as links. Wear safety glasses and leather work gloves when cutting tin.

I hammered and scratched the surface of each piece with sand paper  to add some texture. I sanded, applied copper tape and soldered the edges of each piece and put them in a pickle solution for a couple of minutes to remove the flux. The pickle solution darkened the

tin in areas - even the back looks kinda cool!

 

I removed the pin back of a vintage brooch and glued it to the top center of the heart. Once the glue was dry, I applied some

ICE Resin® to each piece and let it cure for several hours.

 

I needed some holes in the pieces so I used this

handy little tool that easily drills through thin metal.

I added a pearl drop to the pendant. I fashioned the chain from bits and pieces of gold and pearl rosary chain (both from my stash)

along with the tin links that I made.

 

 

 

 

I've made a few more necklaces from vintage tins but I have plans for them and will have to save them for later to share with you.

Below is where you can check out my other

JA (Jewel-aholics Anonymous) projects.

January - "Snowflake"

March - "Good Luck Wishes"

June - "It's Heating Up"

July - "Golden Dreams"

Bonus Project - "Masquerade Mask"

Sharing with: A Wee Meenit: Wait A Wee Meenit Wednesday, Decorchick: Valentine Link Party, Happy-Go-Lucky: Valentine Countdown, Southern Lovely: Show & Share, Ginger Snap Crafts: Wow Me Wednesday, Fireflies and Jellybeans: Show Off Your Stuff, I Gotta Create!: Kiss & Tell, Creation Corner: Friday Link Party, Happy-Go-Lucky: Shine On Friday, Here Comes the Sun: Fabulous Friday, Funky Junk Interiors: SNS, Marvelously Messy: A Marvelous Mess, Craft-O-Maniac: Craft-O-Maniac Monday, Not Just A Housewife: Show Me What Ya Got

Step 1 - January - Snowflake

I've successfully made it through step 1 - January's project - of my JA (Jewel-aholics Anonymous) 12-step program from my earlier post "My Addiction".

I chose a snowflake for two reasons: First - I thought an icy wintery themed necklace would be appropriate for January. Second - Since every snowflake is a one-of-a-kind creation it reminds me to create with my own unique and individual style.

I sorted through my stash and pulled out several silvery objects; some with rhinestones and some without. I then added some snowy white pearls to complete the wintery look. I knew I wouldn't be using all these things but it gave me a starting point.

After playing for a minute or two, I realized that I could sandwich a couple of pieces (a brooch and an earring) together to form a dimensional snowflake. I accomplished this with glue and wire. I added a dangle and a bail (both were earrings).

I fashioned a super easy chain by attaching a handcrafted hook clasp

to the end of a faux pearl bead strand.

 All that was left to do was to thread the beaded chain

through the bail to complete the piece.

 

 

It feels good to have completed the first step of my 12-step program. I have come across one set back, however. I realized that I don't have much to work with in the way of chain...I may have to make another visit to my "dealer" to pick some up so I can complete step 2! One step forward and two steps back!!

Below is where you can check out my other

JA (Jewel-aholics Anonymous) projects.

February - "Tin Heart"

March - "Good Luck Wishes"

June - "It's Heating Up! 

July - "Golden Dreams"

Bonus Project - "Masquerade Mask"

This necklace was featured at: I Gotta Create!: Kiss & Tell

Sharing with Funky Junk Interiors: SNS, Not Just A Housewife: Show Me What Ya Got, It's Overflowing: Overflowing with Creativity, Lil Pink Pocket: Show & Share, Ginger Snap Crafts: Wow Me Wednesday, I Gotta Create: Kiss & Tell, Knick of Time: Knick of Time Tuesday

My Addiction

I've always heard that admitting you have a problem is the first step in curing an addiction.

Well, here goes...My name is Kathy and I'm a Jewel-aholic!

 

I blame it partially on my sister-in-law, Susan. A couple of months ago, she hooked me up with her "dealer" who buys up the whole lot of loot at estate sales, pulls out the precious metal items and then sells off the remaining bits and pieces to addicts like myself.

I can't resist the allure of shiny metal, the sparkle of rhinestones, and the creamy white glow of vintage faux pearls. I find satisfaction in sorting though and organizing my new jewels. This is the second shoebox full that I've purchased - 5 1/2 pounds of bling! The problem is that even though I've spent time dreaming of what I could create,

I haven't actually made anything yet.

 

I do have a plan for the new year, though. It is my self-appointed JA (Jewel-aholics Anonymous) 12-step program to help justify my addictive habit. I vow to make at least one item each month for the next twelve months. Who knows, I may even sell one or two pieces and then I can make more trips to my "dealer's" house!

I have my first piece in the works and I will be sharing it in a couple of days.

***Side note about my sister-in-law, Susan... She is an amazingly talented woman who gives new life to all sorts of discarded and found objects. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed when you check out her fabulous creations at

Second Chances by Susan.

Update: Links to each challenge project that I've finished.

Step 1 - January - Snowflake

Step 2 - February - Tin Heart
Step 3 - March - Good Luck Wishes
Step 6 - June - It's Heating Up!
Step 7 - July - Golden Dreams
Bonus Project - Masquerade Mask