.JPG)
Sometimes, a piece of china just doesn't break the right way. Other times, a shard is found with beautiful colors or an interesting scene, but a vital element of that scene (such as a person's head) is missing from the shard due to breakage. What do I do with these odd but interesting pieces?
I keep them and think about them, and then when the mood strikes, I sit down with them and transform them into something wearable and beautiful.
I'm pretty sure the two pieces shown here both came from antique calendar plates. These were the types of plates that were given away or sold by businesses years ago - commonly around 1909/1910 since I seem to find a lot with those years' calendars printed on them.
Since they broke from the centers of the plates, they're perfectly flat and just the right thickness, not too thin and not too thick, and just right for jewelry making.
.JPG)
I actually filmed a video when I was making these two, and as soon as I get it edited, I'll share it on my YouTube channel.
.JPG)
I also didn't alter the shapes at all. I didn't cut them down or grind them into hearts or ovals. Instead I kept the natural shard shapes and worked my design around them. I used techniques from my books Soldering Iron Jewelry and Soldered Alchemy for the metalwork and finishes. Like what you see? You can find them here in my Etsy shop.
.JPG)
Have a great holiday!
-Laura
You might also like:
