Saturday, September 26, 2015

Colorful Filigree In A Flash

Hi, lovely people!  Today I have a small finding idea to share.  Check out the filigreed fun:



During a play date with some random jewelry findings, I found two filigrees which, aligned a certain way, fit each other precisely.  Added jump rings and ear wires to create these mixed-metal pretties:




Quite nice!  Simple and classy.  I wanted to keep going, mix things up.  But as I stared at the silver filigrees, I wished they weren't so dang shiny.  I am not a huge fan of metal with no patina.




I was about to put the too-bright critters back on the shelf and move on to something else.  But then...




Craft paint.  Only one coat, not heavily applied.  On some, I even dabbed away a bit to reveal glimpses of the silver.


After they dried, I took one more step.   A coat of clear spray acrylic sealer to protect the paint.


Now see how rich they look!  A bit like enameled metal.






I tried various finishes, to see how the look would change.  The red and purple pairs above used semi-transparent glitter paint.  On these bright chartreuse ones, opaque color:



Here's a pretty version with semi-transparent paint, no glitter (you can really see the silver shining through):


I also played with metallic colors and loved the patina'ed effect!  This subtle bronze pair is probably my favorite:


Definitely keeping those!  The rest will go in my small-but-growing stash of handmade holiday gifts.  

If you try this, here's my number one tip.  Painted findings are best suited for earrings, which don't get rubbed against clothing or skin.  For necklaces, add two extra coats of the acrylic sealer.  Avoid using these in rings or bracelets, which get a lot of handling.

Hope you enjoyed this one...see ya!



  

14 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Gracias, Sandra! No es una idea nueva, pero tan divertida.

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  2. I like the bronze pair best. They look almost a bit rusty.
    Have you ever tried nail polish on shiny metal? If you use black or brown and than rub a bit of the nail polish away while still wet it will make a nice effect, too!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Centi! I haven't tried that, now I must run out and look for black nail polish. Thanks for the great tip!

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  3. These earrings are super fun, I particularly love the bright chartreuse ones. You can try rubbing acrylic paint or metallic paint into the findings with your fingers like a polish, it gives subtle color while retaining all the detailing in the metal. If you want a flat opaque full coverage coat use spray paint. To add to Centi, try using black acrylic paint and dab it away when still wet (or use a wet sandpaper) and then rub in acrylics with your finger or dab nail polish on top for dutone effect. seal with a nailpolish top coat. otherwise if you rub away nailpolish it peels off in the long run

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  4. This is soooooooooooo beautiful, Seriously amazing idea! I have a similar necklace in bronze color. Yours earrings are looking super cute. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  5. What a great idea! Wonderful earrings!

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  6. These would be great as a statement pendant with those pop beads added or paper beads. Super duper fun. Also would be great to put on a cover of a handmade scrapbook, or on mason jars that you have spray painted as well like the ginger jars that Mark Montano had on one of his videos. Also on a bracelet or even on the tops of high heels #fierce #glam

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    Replies
    1. Hey Mich, I haven't gotten to making that necklace from the shampoo bottles but I will email you as soon as I do :) I haven't forgotten.

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    2. Ooh, I truly ADORE your suggestion to use these in scrapbooking, home decor, etc. - it never entered my head but YES a thousand times yes! Shoes is a great idea, too, how fun and blingy. Thank you dear Shannon! p.s. yes, get to craftin' and send me a pic.

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  7. ADORABLE and so very clever of you...as always. Now you have one pair for every outfit and occasion. Love 'em!

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  8. LOVE THEM MICH!!!!
    Just stopped by to let you know that I featured them on my Round Tuit post this week!
    A Round Tuit 278
    Thanks again for linking up! Hope you have a great week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success

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  9. What a fun project! Love how they turned out! Have a great week :)

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  10. These are great earrings!! Very creative of you and I admire it
    I think the deep-red are for me :)

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