The other day I was working on a project using the Metal Tag Staples by Graphic 45 and had layed them down on my studion table a certain way that caught my eye. What would they look like if they were used as pieces in a necklace, and how could I make that happen? So I got out a few more of the Metal Staple pieces and started playing and arranging until I came up with a configuration that I found visually appealling and that could also be easily done.
I started by rolling the edges of the Metal Flower Staples to make a rose that I could use as the center of the piece. It took three of the large flowers to make this beautiful flower.
Next I got out some of the Metal Hinge Staples and attached Jump Rings that were from the Tim Holtz Idea-o-logy collection then got sections of the Vintage Groove Antique Brass Chain laid out as well.
This is what it looked like after I got the pieces organized.
The metal is pretty heavy and also has some edges that could be uncomfortable, and I also needed a way for the piece to be held together that was reasonably flexible and where the flower could be attached. This led me to create a bib style platform using some Dimensions Spruce colored felt.
To get the shape of the bib I laid out the tags and flower on the felt, removed the flower and traced around the felt with a permanent marker. I then trimmed the shape out of the felt and adhered the metal pieces to the felt using E6000. I think that Fabri-Tac would also work, as that is my go to fabric adhesive, but I have run out and need to re-order. The flower was adhered directly to the felt as well, and I was very generous when I applied the adhesive. It did bleed through the felt, and when it was in the last stages of drying I applied another thin layer and added a very small piece of scrap felt to cover that spot to provide more comfort when I wear it.
This is what the finished piece looks like on the table. As you can see, I shortened up all the chain pieces to make it a length that let it hang better.
Okay, no laughing! I am sans make-up and a the bags and circles under my eyes tell the tale that I might not have been getting adequate sleep of late. The real story is how unique and fun this piece is, and I think it could work with many different looks because of the neutral antique brass color.
The real test was what the daughters would think. They have a no holds barred approach when it comes to giving me their opinions. They really liked how it looked finished (concerns had been expressed in abundance when the pieces were on the desk) and were very complimentary on how it hung and liked the scale of it as well.
I personally think that it is fabulous, and am pretty proud of myself for seeing something different in products that I really love! So I am going to put a little challenge out there to all of you crafty fashionistas, create something that is unexpected from your stash. If you feel like leaving a link, I would love to see where you take this challenge and will come by and take a look-see :o)
Happy Crafting!
B-
