Heartsy Artsy Idea and Ornament Thursday!

Ornament Thursday is back every third Thursday of the month!  Yay!  And this month’s theme is Love Story.   

Love Story.  This March, Butch and I will have been together for 10 years.  What can I say except for the time has flown.  Finishing college, buying a house, selling a house, adopting a dog, changing jobs, moving towns, moving to the opposite side of the world, all the while still decorating the Christmas tree, holding hands on walks, paying the bills, and fixing dinners…together for 10 years.  Making that little list makes me think about all the changes in my life except for one thing.  Butch.  We’ve been side by side climbing the mountain of Life for the last decade.  I think it was my Grandpa (who’s been married since 55′ (i think)) how much he has enjoyed sharing his life with someone all these years.  I’ve kept that little thought in my back pocket and refer to it when I’m feeling that sharing isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding.  It’s true and it’s what makes the love story all the richer.

This project sort of fell together the past couple of weeks.  It all started when I bought some ring forms.  I wanted to collage them with paper and charms and then pour resin in.  But then, I thought about setting them with a clear cabochon.  So yesterday when I was in the craft supply head-quarters of the world/Hong Kong, I found some clear cabs…faceted too!  And they sat a wee bit raised from the base.  Hmm, I thought, seems kind of kaleidescope-y-y.  Luckily, when inspiration strikes, you have a resource.  I ran to the sequin shop and started filling my bags with small shapes. I couldn’t help myself, so on the ferry ride home, I started assembling and I know the man sitting across the way secretly wished he could make one too.  Paper+sequins+cabochon=Super Easy and Fabulous Ring!  I moved my finger every which way, watching the sequins slide and rearrange themselves all the way home.

This is not the one I made on the boat.  This idea didn’t come to me until this morning when I was laying in bed looking at our black and white wedding photo.  The only picture I have here.  I scanned it in, reduced the size, printed and cut the oval shape.  Sprinkle with red hearts and pearls and set the cabochon.  Rocker watched me from the couch zipping around like a mad scientist.  Eureka!  Love Story for your finger!  The downside is these look so much cooler in person.  I’m not so savvy with a camera and I feel sorry for anyone who has to photograph shiny or faceted objects now.  What a challenge!  But, I made another version with just pink paper, hearts and pink cabochon. It really glows in person.

I want to continue experimenting with these.  I have so many ideas!  Also, I will give away one Ring Kit–including ring form, clear cabochon and sequins—you provide the photo or paper. Leave a comment on this post by midnight EST on Sunday the 3rd and I will do a drawing on Monday.  Watch this space for the winner because I’ll need your address! Okie Dokie?

More Love Stories….

Art Bead Scene 
The designers at Art Bead Scene have two jewelry love stories for you! Elaine Ray links together a little love with her ceramic heart components while Melanie Brooks Lukacs tells a little tale of romance in a Gothic Garden
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-two-love-stories.html

Cindy Gimbrone Beads 
Cindy’s Love Story is about a hook and beads
http://lampworkdiva.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-love-story-spirals-n-shay.html

Earthenwood Studio Bead Blog 
What is sweeter than a mix CD for your Valentine? A yummy gift box in which to present it, filled with candy themed decorations, including a cute bracelet and cell phone charm!
http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-sweet-sounds.html

Hali’s Blog 
Hali’s flowers of love in Ancient Bulgarian. Two paintings in stylized Cyrillic spell out L-U-V.
http://labyrinthgal.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-is-back.html

Heart mobile 
painted paper pulp hearts
http://pomly.livejournal.com/43236.html

Humblebeads 
Heather shares her favorite bracelet design in a Valentine inspired color scheme.
http://humblebeads.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-love-story.html

Jennifer Heynen of Jangles 
Jennifer has made a fun "Ornament" for her neck that looks good enought to eat.
http://jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday.html

Joolz by Lisa 
This "Love Story" will last all year long! Lisa shares how beads and books work together.
http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/ornament-thursday-love-story/

Katie’s Beading Blog 
Here’s a happy little heart project for you – use it to embellish a bag or your jeans, or as inspiration for a necklace or bracelet.
http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/01/happy-hearts.html

Kriss Cramer – Art Interrupted 
Grow Love! Nuture and care for your loved ones every day. Use this heartfelt book, you can make yourself, to remind you of all the love you have to give.
http://art-interrupted.blogspot.com/

Linda Augsburg at Make It Mine magazine 
Linda’s love story project is a dress she embellished by stenciling dancers and a big band along the hem. Read why and learn how to do it yourself on the Make It Mine blog.
http://cs.makeitminemag.com/mimcs/blogs/makeitmine/archive/2008/01/31/ornament-thursday-january-love-story.aspx

Michelle’s Love Story… 
The band is getting back together again! Ornament Thursday celebrates the story of love…
http://fromichelle.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-story-by-ornament-thursday.html

Ornament Thursday Blog 
January is coming to an end and Valentine’s Day is looming on the horizon. Whether you wish to shower the people you love with love or show yourself a little well deserved affection, the Ornament Thursday Gang has a bevy of beautiful ideas to inspire you!
http://ornamentthursday.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-story-ornament-thursdays-most.html

Savvy Crafter 
Candie’s love affair with big rings continue…she’s making her own now! Love Stories and more over at the Savvy Crafter! XOXO!
http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/01/heartsy-artsy-i.html

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done! 
Ah, Love ! This satirical creation of Jean’s immortalizes certain women’s profound affecton for their … handbags!!!
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-story.html

Strands of Beads 
Love speaks many languages. Learn how to say "I Love You" in an untraditional way with Melissa Lee’s whimsical jewelry project.
http://strandsofbeads.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-language-of-love.html

SwellDesigner 
Alexa shares with you her truly swell and punny Valentines!
http://www.swelldesigner.blogspot.com

The Impatient Blogger 
Love is in the air at The Impatient Blogger! Margot shares two vintage inspired jewelry designs that are oozing with romance…in a good way!
http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/01/most-auspicious-return-of-ornament.html