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Getting Ahead Of Myself

It first started with TinSkulls.  I then had this idea to make torch fired enameled calaveras (skulls).  It was an easy transition to make because Dia de los muertos was heavy on my mind.  
And so the process begins...
1.  Design
2.  Modify design
3.  Saw out the skulls
3.  File
4.  Decide on the bail
5.  Execute

My first go at it was using two colors with some steel.  I veered away from my original plan and did not like the results.  I cannot tell you exactly why but it just did not "feel" right.

I fell back to my original plan and that was to design what I like to call my "Winter Calaveras".  My inspiration came from a book that I am currently reading (The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern).  Well...a book that I have been reading for the last year!  Hahaha!!!  I am a slow reader! 
Anyway, I wanted to make my calaveras black and white but for some reason I used red above.  Here are the second go of calaveras...
Winter Calaveras
I made six in all.  The bails were hand made and...hold your breath...hand riveted ever so gently on.  My favorite is the black and white stripes on the right side.
The solid black one and the striped one (pictured on the right) can be found at Adorn & Conquer on Magazine Street here in New Orleans.  The rest will be going to my Etsy shop very soon along with some TinSkulls.   

The black and white colors sets with me real well.  Something about those two colors just make me all happy inside.  :)

I find that torch fired enameling suits me best.  No need to fire up Fuego (the kiln).  The question now is...what am I going to do with Fuego?  He just sits there so sad and cold.  I guess I will have to fire him up one day soon.

I still have two more calaveras.  Those two have a different journey.  Hopefully I will have them done by the end of this week and post some pics on my facebook.  Until then have a great week!

Namaste
Kalaya

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  1. mairedoddNovember 14, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    i very much love these and want to be able to wear one - you make it tough - the layered tin or the enamel?
    hmmm -
    where can i see all of the ones you have available? i love the one on flickr with the orange eyes - and the flower - so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kalaya SteedeNovember 14, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Gracias Mary Jane! I'm just now beginning to list things in my Etsy shop. I really should make things easier for people to buy, huh? Hehehe!!! The one with the flower was a gift for a friend. I should try making some others like it. I will definitely have everything listed by the end of the week on Etsy. XOXO

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