Kalaya Steede

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 abo...

DOD (Day of the Dead) time! I have been wanting to post about Mexico but... But, but, but...that word is always sneaking around.  I want to play in the studio...BUT.  Oh, I would love to meet you for coffee...BUT...and so on.  But enough of that! I just had to get back into the studio and make something.  I really felt that I had forgotten everything I have learned over the past 6 months!  Deadlines are looming and I needed to get on the ball because NOLA's  Art for Arts' Sake , which is October 6, 2012, will be here soon and I need inventory. I had this idea to make a series of skull necklaces for DOD.  This required me to make a sample and here is what I came up with... DODS by Kalaya Steede I put a chain on it just for the picture.  I do not like shinny...at least not copper.  I will patina that and buff it up.  The skull measures about 1" in diameter and the metal is tin (I think).  I used...

'Dia De Los Muertos' by KalayaSteede Dia de los muertos is my favorite celebration of the year. Since the day is fast approaching I wanted to share a few things I found on Etsy. There are so many talented people out there. Enjoy! Dia de los Muertos Day of th... noellehunt $1000.00 ...

Hope you are all having a great weekend thus far!  Yesterday was packed full of fun. My friend Amber came over.  She taught me how to make a refreshing Caprese salad and then we talked on our favorite subject...ART and rubber stamps.  I think we both love rubber stamps.   Anyhoo, she gave me one of her dolls!  How did she know that I wanted that one?  You can see more of Amber's dolls here .  This is so exciting...I'm going to make a shadow box for her to go in.   Merci Buttercup Amber! Here are the finished Flared Hoop Earrings. Before After They were made with 16 gauge sterling silver.  I decided to flare some of the sections for a different look and tumbled for 9 hours to make them shiny.  Most of my friends own a pair of these hoop earrings and since these are going to another friend of mine I thought I would make them a little different.    I like the flare because it catches the light just right and makes y...