Real Life Story #4 Anetta & Her Calling from Deep Passion Within

Artistic Wire Mesh & Polymer Clay sculptures Made by Anettea

Anetta has been attracted to artistic craft since childhood. Although she grown further apart from her childhood passion, there is an invisible string to tie her back to what she has been passionate about. She started to look into mesh and clay art and made a decision to chase after her childhood dream.

We all do have a childhood dream 'once upon a time', as we grow into adult hood, somehow we lost it through the opinions of others or worse sometimes, through the opinions of people we don't like. 

Here's Anetta inspirational story about listening to her inner calling and making her dream happen again in her life:

"Since childhood I was attracted to creation: painting, knitting, sewing, but my father did not like my interest in this, he encouraged me only to learn piano and so I studied music in Music School instead.  

As I grown up, I became a hi-tech person working in a company which later on I continued only as a freelancer. I felt choked as I was trying to race in the rat race world, there is no more air for my soul. This is when I realized that my life were meaningless without creation (this was just two years ago). I decided to return to art craft and registered to a short course to learn sculpturing as visualizing is a strong ability of mine. My soul soon gain back energy after that and my motivation got higher and higher! I also learned from home alone to sculpt on glass bottles with polymer clay and have made dolls from famous characters I admired, such as Dali, Mr. Bean, Freddie Mercury, Woody Allen and more…

I find sculpting very interesting due to the fact that it is a 3D art. The sculpture looks different when being seen from different angle. Mesh is the critical element and material here, it is almost being seen through and the shades have plays well.

I live and breathe with the work I created,  it drives me to lovable pleasant places in my mind as I sculpt. Art is my cure and blessings, it elevates me to high spiritual levels and happiness and I wish to share this happiness with the world.

The world of creation was rediscovered even more when I combined polymer clay with clams, corals, rocks, even cans. I found most exciting to bring recycled materials a new life. I have also integrated my greatest passionate mesh sculpture with polymer clay, shells and various recycling materials. Wire mesh sculpture is strong, weightless and their shadows are stunning. The mesh-made art chandelier is particularly gorgeous. I got my inspiration from brilliant sculptors like Paul Hill and Seung Mo Park."

More mesh & clay art created by Anetta:

With great hope to turn her hobby and passion into a way of living, Anetta have opened an Etsy shop (MeshAndClayArt) to continue to create  for people who look for unique items, home design and wall decor.

Click here to visit Anetta Shop.

Being given a chance, Anetta has rediscovered her childhood passion. 
Question for ourself is: did we forget or ignore about our dream once we were so passionate about?

~Maggie~

Real Life Story#3 Aia & Mimamantrana

Handmade Garments by Mimamantrana

Mimamantrana is an artisan brand that created by Aia, it has embrace the natural projection of the sewing artisan's love for all the beautiful garments that sewn with love.

The vision of the artisan whom is behind the brand is to provoke awareness of what is surrounding us, using elements of balance and common senses in selecting its material, rather than only about promoting trends. These garments are timely in its own style, which is indeed a timeless fashion.

Here's the story of Aia on how she started pursuing her dream:

“Some years ago, I was preparing an artist project in which I had to use the sewing machine. Little by little and self-taught, I begin to design and make clothes for myself. Everything was born out of necessity. I couldn't find clothes I liked in the market,  or when I found them, I couldn't afford them. I intend to create unique and one-of-a-kind pieces, with pure and minimalistic lines in a timeless and feminine style. 

The name is a homage to my grandma, Carmen Mantrana,  whom was a typical dressmaker in Spain that did custom made clothes.”

Now, I'm trying to combine professional work with which I do for a living with my passion for creating beautiful clothes.

As the future  is uncertain by nature and remain unknown to me,  I like to keep short term goal and keep working in the project that I am involve in because I just love it so much. It Is sometimes hard to bring goals forward but it is very rewarding when I achieved what I am looking for."

More of Aia's Unique Garments:

Aia's reason of pursuing her dream was born out of necessity We all do have a moment or two thinking of creating something, but it is the courage ones who make the decision of stepping out the 1st step.

Follow Aia on facebook- click here
Find Aia shop on Etsy- click here

~Maggie~

How to live a life like CoCo Chanel

Girls & Woman are crazy over Chanel apparels, handbags and the ever famous perfume Chanel No.5. And most, for no reason, to acquire a piece of Chanel is essential especially to those who sought after high fashion. Have any of us ever wonder what have kept the spirit of the brand succeeding over the century? Is it just pure branding? Is it just because it is a luxurious product? 

Every man wishes that they have a woman as elegant as CoCo Chanel and every woman dream to be as elegant as CoCo Chanel. Do we cares about her everlasting inspirational thinking that last all this years and the legacy that she left behind? Have we ever wondered what the challenges are for a woman like CoCo Chanel had gone through century ago? 

After the death of her mother, CoCo Chanel was being raised in an orphanage. It is there where she learned her sewing skill from a nun. Her first career was indeed a singer, who performed in clubs. It was only after 1910, she began to taste her first success with clothing and later the innovative design of the little black dress. (Back then, black color was associated with mourning ceremonies generally.) In 1920, she launched her first perfume, which is now, the world famous Chanel No.5. Her fascinating life story were then became the basis of Broadway musical.

Are we ready to live a life like CoCo Chanel and find out about her philosophy?

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion."

"Fashion is not something that exists in dress only,

 fashion is in the sky, in the street,

 fashion has to do with ideas,

 the way we live,

 what is happening."

"A girl should be 2 things Classy & Fabulous."

"The best thing in life are free. The second best are very expansive."

"Fashion changes but styles endures."

"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself aloud."

"Simplycity is the keynote of all true elegance."

"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman."

"Everyday is a fashion show, and the world is the Runway."

"If you were born without wings do nothing to prevent them from growing."

"Woman can be overdressed but never over elegant."

"Fashion fades but style remains the same."

"As long as you know men are like children, you know everything"

"When I can no longer create anything, I'll be done for"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CoCo Chanel~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Pictures credited to unknown)

We always admires the rosy side of life but always ignore the steps that take us through. If we like to live like one, we have to at least, began to think like one.

~Maggie~

How to Kick Start an Art Career?

You know there is a talent inside you, you know you love art in many ways and form, you know you have some special interest in art related topic, you know you love to craft, make, design something artistic. If any of the above mentioned speaks about you, you know you have the passion in art.

Keep on reading if you like to turn your passion into career.

How to is really a big question here, seems like there are no one around you giving you the perfect answer to this question. It is a big issue, it is a hard decision, you wonder if this is possible? Art & Career means Art & business, you been wonder really? An art business? They seem to be just a pair of un-matching couple. We often hear that artist/artisans/crafter don't survive well, they are poor, they have no money, they only live in their own world, they are highly emotional driven group of people and if they are going to be famous, they will only be famous after they died. Is this true or false? True, someone did try and fail said that. False, someone has been really successful and make it to the 5th avenue eg. Jimmy Choo. Hence, the answer is actually true & false. In this quick informative world, it is not that difficult for solo artisan in any form to be connected to their audience anymore. There are many platforms online and offline which a solo artisan could have participated and be active in it.

So, what are the crucial keys here? See the 8 keys below to kick start your art career:

1. Decision

You have to make a decision of starting your art career, no one can make this decision for you. You are the only person who take care of your own passion, if you don't, no one else would. But hey hand on, you will be saying, 'I don't know everything yet!' Just remember this, no one has to know everything to start something and no one is born with knowing everything on day 1. You will pick up more skills each day when you grow. 

2. Think of your special art ideas.

Think about exactly which form of art you like to embark on, we only have a pair of hand and time that same as everybody else. Spend time thinking on what you are offering, how you are offering it and where you can promote your offer. Write them down on a piece of paper. It is fine at this point that you do not know what a business plan is, just write a plan in the simplest form, you can refine it later as when you learn more.

3. Validate your ideas

Talk to someone else to validate your ideas. See, this is where and what has stopped most people from even moving out the first step. As when we talk about our ideas to our family, friends or spouse, they are strongly against it or friendly denying the idea. Most of the time we talk about our ideas too early, before it is mature, before we think it through and most of us would have done this as the first step instead of after making the decision and thinking through the plan. (A-ha....... No wonder.....) 

Talk about your ideas to the right group of people, look around for someone who is already doing it, who is steps ahead of you, be genuine and take courage to strike a conversation and ask for their opinions. There are a lot of generous people who are willing to share ideas with you. At this point, you will still hear a lot of opposition even you have made up your mind. Remember that birds with the same feather flock together, our friends and family are like us, what we are lacking, so are they. 

4. Refining you plan & further research on your materials

At this point you will want to start doing a spread sheet. Think of how much you need to come up with for materials and any incurring cost. Work backward and see how much sales that you need to have to cover that up and how long would it takes. Think also on how much time in reality you can spend on this passionate project of yours. Are you going to be full time in this? Or part time? Figure out the hours that you like to start with.

5. Just do it

Now, you have done your research and think through almost every step. It is about time to start your passionate career. Everyone has a different starting point, think about where your starting point is and set aside the hours as you have planned to work on it. 

6. Be persistence

It is fine to be slow, but always remember to be persistence. Nothing will works without being persistence. Rome doesn't build in one day. Persistence sustains your passion.

7. Stay focus. 

Stay focus on what you are passionate about, do not let anything or anyone distract you from it. Focus protects your passion. It is not a easy thing for everyone to find their passion in life, you will be surprise most of us don't and the majority whom discover it, buries it with disbelief. Protects yours and don't let anyone steal it away from you.

8. Take action

No dreams or passion can turn into realities without action. It is the bridge that link our decisions, ideas to result. Take a whole lot of action until you see the result. Keep doing, trying, pushing, learning and experimenting until the result have no choice to come your way. 

We all know this is cliche already, "if you can't love what you do, do what you love."

Want to share your inspirational story here? Just drop me a message. I love to hear from you.

~Maggie~

How to Choose the Appropriate Pliers?

Finding the right tools to start with is essential. Try locating them from local craft shops or hardware shops. If you are comfortable shopping online, you can also purchase those tools from online crafts shops. There are numerous of them which carry great tools but it will certainly require more of your discretion.

The 5 inches tools are the one I found most comfortable to start with as it rest comfortably on palm.  Those mini tools set are okay but it doesn't produce as much strength as the 5 inches tools does. Tools which are heavier in the same size normally produce better strength.

Different metals the tools are made with also yield a different result on your jewelries.  The normal mixed metals are alright (normally has a shiny and very smooth surfaces) and the stainless steel ones does has a better grip on wires and produce better strength, they are normally heavier too.

Pay attention to the finishing of the tool set, the rough finishes may scratch your plated or precious wires. Also pay attention to the nose of the pliers, especially when you are shopping in a hardware shop, you will be looking for a fine nose tips that can produce fine jewelries components and not those which are too chunky and with teeth.

My advice here is to start with the basic pliers set which inclusive of: Round-Nose Pliers, Chain Nose Pliers, Flat Nose Pliers, Nylon Pliers and a pair of Side or Flush Cutter. A chasing hammer and metal block are also tools which are often use here.   As you advance on your technique, you can acquire other tools as when necessary.  

If you are budget constrain, just begin with whatever you have first as it is an artisan responsibility to take your work to an aesthetic level regardless of what tools you are using. Do let me know if you have any difficulties in this area, I am happy to answer any of your question. :)

~Maggie~

How to Choose Wires Hardness & Shapes?

Hardness of Wires

Cooper wires only available in one strength. It is quite soft to work with and are suitable for wrapping and weaving projects, it is also capable in holding shapes too.

Precious wire normally comes in 3 different category of hardness, soft, half hard and hard. Soft wire are recommended for wrapping and weaving or creating intricate shape, half hard are great for creating bigger shape and less movement pieces as it is harder to twist, turn and curls. Hard wires are rarely use in wire art as it allow less movements where wire art needed most.

(Soft wires and hard wires are very often term as dead soft and dead hard)

Shapes

Round shape wires are most commonly used in wire art as it is very versatile to create lot of great works. When hammered, it can be flattened and gives a different texture to the piece of work. It is also widely available in most craft shops or online shops in full ranges.

There are also jewelry artisans that specialized in using square wires and it gives a different look to the entire piece. It is not as versatile as round wires and sometimes it can be quite difficult to get hold of them as they are not easily attainable at some places and not available in full ranges. The common gauge being used for square wires are normally in 18, 20 and 22.

Half round wires are mostly used for securing purposes that is, to wrap around a few square wires to keep them in place.

Other wire shapes available: double half round wire, beads wire, triangle wire, fancy wire and twisted wire which may be less frequently used by artisan as they are more pricy except twisted wire which can be created by twisting 2 round wires together or by twisting one single piece of square wire.

You may want to start with a particular style in jewelry making, pay attention to the section where the wires gauges and shapes are mentioned that you will get exactly what is needed. Let me know if you have any difficulties here, I am happy to answer any of your question in this area. 

~Maggie~

How to Choose Wires Gauges?

The term gauge is use for the measurement of wires either in its size, thickness or diameter.

Different projects will require different gauges of wires. For bigger jewelries pieces and for making frames, 16g is normally used, sometimes artisan may use 14g or even 12g for frames. Misused of finer wires in making bigger Frame will result a shaky piece.  As for wrapping and weaving, wires that are 8-10g apart will be an idea. (Example: wrapping a 28g wires around the 18g or 20g wires). Wire gauges which are closer apart than mentioned will be harder to be wrapping around. 

You may find different suppliers using different measurement as shown in the chart below. Knowing exactly the diameter of the wires required in project guarantee a much effective work . In this book, both the gauge numbers and AWG (American wire standard) will be stated, do note that the higher in gauge numbers are actually referring to finer wires. It is also common that the measurements are either rounded up or down. Hence, a 22g wires could also refer as 0.6mm.

There are also wires available in odd gauge numbers which are not shown in the chart here as there are normally for certain purposes that only the artisans will know, and only certain craft shops will have them.  However, I have included the 21g wires here as it is commonly use in earring hooks. 

GA/ g: gauge

AWG: American Wire Gauge

SWG: Standard Wire Gauge

You might like to just toy with the different gauges available at start. Do let me know if you have any difficulties in this area. I am happy to answer any question here.

~Maggie~

How to Choose Wires Metal?

Wire comes in different metals, hardness, shapes, gauges and colors.  Knowing its varieties, characteristic and purposes will help you to make better decision while working on style and design.

The common metals being used in wire art are copper, sterling silver, Argentium silver, pure silver and gold-filled.

Memory wires are not commonly use in wire art that it is 'unbendable' and 'un-shapable'. They are really hard and require a heavy gauge cutter when cutting. Common cutters for jewelry making will not work here and the cutter will probably be blunt after cutting it.

Natural Copper Wires

Antique Bronze Coated Wires

Metals often used in Wires and Wire Art

Copper wires comes in raw or coated form. Vast variety of coated colors cooper wires are available in the market and are inexpensive, hence it is very welcome among wire jewelries artisans.

Wires that made with real silver and gold are categorized as ‘Precious Wires’.

Sterling Silver Wires are well received by more advance artisans as it is great to produce a more valuable pieces. Very often too, sterling silver is being oxidized to create a more stylish design. The alloys of sterling silver are made with 92.5% of silver and 7.5% of copper. Hence it is also known as 925 silver.

Argentium silver is a very special type of silver and was invented only in the 1996 by Peter Johns, a professor of silversmithing at Middlesex University in England.  It is a highly tarnish resistant silver and when tarnishes, it can be wash with mild cleanser and turn white again. Its alloy contains of 92.5% of sterling silver have still categorized it in the category of 925 sterling silver. However, instead of making up the rest with 7.5% of copper, it replaces 1.2% of copper with Germanium, resulted the higher quality of higher end silver.

Gold-Filled products or components actually contain real gold. 9k and 14k gold-filled wires are commonly used in wire art that it give an expansive look  to the jewelries.

It is created with “Vermeil” Process, by which real gold is heated and bonded to a base metal. (Often a brass core) Vermeil involves a thick sheet of gold being mechanically bonded with the base metal.

Notations of 14/20, 14 Karat and 1/20 are actually refers to the ratio of the 14 Karat gold layer to the brass layer by weight, which is 5%. Hence, it is a superior product than gold plated as it contains much more gold and will not flake or peel off when bent, hammered or heat.

As Gold Filled wires are covered with real karat gold, hence, making it tarnish-resistant and hold much higher value than gold plated products. It is also very easy to take care of as it is tarnish free just like other gold products.

Jewelries that made with gold filled products or components are very economical and making it possible for everyone to enjoy the rich look of real gold at a fraction of the cost.

Other precious wires: Pure Silver, Silver-Filled. However gold or silver plated are normally not included in this category as they contains less precious materials than gold or silver- filled. 

You might like to invest into copper wires at a start and as you advance in your skill, you can move on to precious wires. Let me know if you have any difficulties in choosing wires, I am happy to answer any of your question here. 

~Maggie~