Today’s projects are by Guest Artist Kristen Robinson. She demonstrates two very distinct uses for the same Rue Romantique  bezel. These bezels can be used as an embellishment on home decor projects, mixed-media artwork, or art journaling pages. They can also be used in jewelry projects to frame or embellish your pieces. Rue Romantique is a creative collaboration between Kristen Robinson and Susan Lenart Kazmer of ICE Resin.

Blissful Flight – Rue Romantique Bezel Bracelet

I will admit I am completely enthralled with wee little birds. The darling form of each bird and amazing ability to fly is charming beyond words. Illustrated birds make the perfect centerpiece for each of the oval bezels. Each charm is not only a simple nod to nature but also delightful and fun to wear. With a few tools and materials, this bauble  can be created in no time at all.

Supplies:

Printed Paper

Rue Romantique Bezels – Oval

ICE Resin

4 6mm Rhinestone Rondelles

2 6mm Pink Quartz Beads

1 Bird Charm

22 Gauge Antique Brass Wire

Brass Chain

3 4mm Jump Rings

1 Lobster Clasp

Tools:

Scissors

Pencil

Craft Stick

Measuring Cup

Non-Stick Craft Sheet

Foam Brush

Round Nose Pliers

Wire Cutters

Flat Nose Pliers

Instructions:

1. Cut images to size of bezel. As these bezels are not completely flat in nature be sure to cut enough of a lip around the image so that it reaches the edge of the bezel.
2. Plunge approximately 1 tsp of resin into measuring cup. With craft stick fold gently for 2 minutes. If you have a good amount of bubbles allow to site for 2 minutes prior to using.
3. Place images onto non-stick craft sheet and apply resin with foam brush, being sure to saturate the paper. Remember if your paper is thin it will become a bit transparent.
4. Place Rue bezel onto the top of the paper and repeat with remaining bezel.
5. Allow resin to dry for 12-24 hours. If needed additional resin can be added to the bezel once the initial layer has dried as this will create a nice doming effect.
6. If needed, trim any excess resin from the edges with wire cutters.
7. Cut 2 pieces of 22 gauge wire approximately 4 ½” long. With round nose pliers create a loop.
8. Place loop through bail of the bezel, be sure the bezel is going the appropriate way when attaching.
9. Wrap loop closed with remaining wire. Trim any excess and tuck ends in with flat nose pliers.
10. Place one rondelle onto wire followed by one bead and an additional rondelle.
11. With round nose pliers, create loop. Prior to closing loop place bail of bird onto the loop.
12. Close with remaining wire as you did in step 9.
13. Repeat steps 8-12 on the adjacent side of the bird charm.
14. Open jump ring with flat nose pliers. Place onto bail of bezel, followed by appropriate length of chain for your wrist. Close jump ring.
15. Open jump ring and place on the adjacent end of the chain. Prior to closing, attach clasp to ring, close jump ring.
16. Attach remaining bail to jump ring. Close jump ring and enjoy wearing your new bauble.

 

 

Delightful Rue Peat Pots

There is something so charming about peat pots, especially this time of year when everything is blooming and gardens are shrouded in color. Peat Pots are perfect for altering with just a few bits and baubles. With the addition of a Rue Romantique bezel, a bit of trim and a few stitches — simple turns into classic.

The altered pots are wonderful for filling with your favorite delights; whether it be seed packets, words of inspiration or even candies, they are both delightful and reminiscent of spring and summer. These darlings would also be perfect as place cards or centerpieces. I hope you enjoy creating with these charming bezels, let your imagination run wild.

Supplies:

Rue Romantique Oval Bezel

Peat Pot

White Acrylic Paint

Felt

Crocheted Trim

Button (I used an antique button)

Sheet Music

Tissue Paper

Die Cut or Scallop Scissors

Tools:

Paint Brush

Glue Gun or Other Aggressive Adhesive

Scissors

Needle and Embroidery Floss

Instructions:

1. Begin by painting the rim of the pot with white acrylic paint
2. With the end of the paintbrush create a series of dots along the bottom rim of the pot. Allow to dry.
3. Once the paint is dry, apply a strip of trim to the bottom half of the painted rim.
4. Cut (or use a die cut) to create scalloped circle from felt or other heavy material, for the bezel background.
5. With embroidery floss and needle, stitch through the bezel bail, attaching to the scallop. Repeat on adjacent side.
6. Position scallop on the center front of the pot and adhere with a glue gun or other aggressive adhesive.
7. Glue a button to the center of the bezel. Adhere a word or phrase to the top of the button. I used joy typed in American Typewriter font 8 pt.
8. Fill pot with shredded sheet music or other paper fill.
9. Place packets of seeds or other gifts.

 

Kristen Robin is a Somerset Life Bonnes Vivantes as well as a Somerset Studio Director’s Circle Artist. She is the author of “Explore Mixed Media Collage” (Northlight), “Making Etched Metal Jewelry” and “Tales of Adornment.” To learn more about her art and life visit www.kristenrobinson.net.