I Had an Idea

These tiny landscapes are 1" square

 
For some time I have had an idea rolling around in my head but needed to do some research to figure out how to do what I wanted to do.   In another life many years ago I made coloured porcelain jewelry.   In fact I layered coloured porcelains and manipulated them to create patterns - checkerboard, swirls, etc.   I also sculpted miniatures into tiny earrings and pendants.   So you could say I like to challenge myself to make things that are smaller and smaller.   Recently I experimented with fabric beads and made a few fabric beaded necklaces which people seemed to like.  I also made some tiny fabric landscape pins which a friend suggested I turn into necklaces.   But I wanted a way to protect the fabric and make them look finished.

Well, I looked online and found tiny metal pendant frames and glass cabuchons.  I ordered a few but wondered just how small was do-able.    I cut tiny bits of fabric, ironed them onto thin fusible craft bond to make the tiniest fused landscapes.  Then I glued them onto the back of a glass cabuchon and glued the cabuchon into the metal bezel 'frame'.

And these 'large' ones are about 1 1/2" x 1"

I looked at several types of glue but was worried about the toxicity of some of them so I ended up using a gel medium to attach the fabric to the glass and a non toxic glue (Weldbond) to attach it all to the bezel.   I made sure the Weldbond came in contact with the glass sides to have a stronger bond.   I have been wearing one to see how sturdy it is and have a few volunteers ready and willing to try them out.  I also purchased a glue called E6000 which was recommended on several sites but I haven't used it yet.  It says to open windows etc when using and the weather here was not condusive to doing that just yet.

Since the fabric is under glass it is protected but it does make it difficult to photograph (again inside because of the winter weather).  The small ones have flat glass and seem to photograph equally well with or without the flash but the larger ones are curved and the light tends to bounce off them so they are better without the flash.

I think I will put some in my Etsy shop but first I have promised to bring them in to choir so people could have a look.  Here they are drying in their little plastic box - just about ready to go...

Next up I am trying to decide which piece(s) to submit to the Prairie themed show (Focus on Fibre Art Association).    They are due in February.  I have four which are suitable and it may come down to which ones can photograph most accurately.  I have some photos already so tomorrow I must tackle the rest and start writing up statements etc.   I really want to prepare something to submit to Quilt Canada as well so I guess I will be busy for the next couple of weeks.

I'm linking up to WIP Wednesdays over at the Needle and Thread Network where you can see what Canadian Fibre Artists are doing this week.