In order to keep my crafty mojo going, I recently signed up for two swaps in my Art Charms group. The first one I am going to show off is for the Altered Keys swap. I just love keys, and love to alter things, so this swap was perfect for me.
The hardest part of this swap was deciding which keys I could part with. For some reason, I just love them. Perhaps it is the symbolism of new opportunity and success that attracts me to these random objects.
I started off by adding a nice blue patina to all of my keys. It is almost hard to see due to all the crazy embellishments. On this one I layered filigree, a charm I made and then the bottom was wrapped in copper wire and crystals.
This is another one of my favorites. I think it is the sentiment that I need to remember from time to time!
I love the smashed button on this one. I got the idea to do smash the buttons from seeing some awesome charms on Pinterest. I had a bunch of old metal buttons that I had patina'd a long time ago. I removed the shank and then pounded it flat before attaching it to my key. The heart embellishment is a broken charm from the next project.
These charms are for the Boho Chic swap. Now, at first I did not think I was going to join up, but after seeing some ideas online and within my group (Thanks Peg!) I totally jumped on board. I hope that they fit the theme. I started with the Chinese heart charms that I just found at a local scrapbook show. They were brass in color, but I changed that with the help of the Vintaj patinas. I thought this color palate helped to carry out the intended theme. I then wrapped copper wire around the top. This added texture and also took away from the heart shape, which I actually like. I tried to add another element in many other ways, but ended up deciding that simple was best and left them as is.
I am looking forward to seeing the return on these very fun swaps. Thanks as always for stopping by.
Cheers,
Rhea
I always have a hard time parting with my cool old one-of-a-kind stuff!
ReplyDeleteI love love love your keys and am looking forward to the difficult task of choosing one for myself.
I just love these!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic!!!! I'm the same with my keys----but did recently score a bunch at the flea market---so easier(kinda) to part with :-)
ReplyDeleteThe keys are so beautiful, it was hard not to steal one last night. The heart charms look delightful.
ReplyDeleteThese keys are so fantastic . . . I have been going through some of your posts and I'm hooked . . . I am your newest follower. I would love to send you a warm invitation to visit my blog and let me say that I would be honored if you followed me back. I love the little bit of steam-punk that you incorporate into your art. You're pretty amazing, with great out-of-the-box ideas.
ReplyDeleteHave a marvelous day.
Your newest blogging sister, Connie :)
What a great way to add some personality to keys! I've got a ton on keys myself and need to start figuring out what I'm going to do with them. You've given me an idea (no worries, I'm not stealing any of yours, you just inspired some others) Thanks for that. As well, I like your idea of smashing the shank buttons. I wonder if I can bring myself to do that. You've really pushed me to think outside the box and outside the constrictions of the original shape of an item. I appreciate that immensely!!
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