Barbara Matthiessen Products

Encrustation Class Handout

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Learn to create the look of fossils, ancient ruins or time worn landscapes from everyday items.

Alternative Jewelry E-Book

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Alternative Jewelry.

Learn to create cold forged copper, fabric, coiled, macrame, found object and more styles of jewelry. 153 pages of step by step instruction and colored photos for all techniques show you the way. 28 projects with variations. Elements of design, display ideas, techniques including cold forging, wire work, manipulating Tyvek, torturing felt, tube cutting, fabric beads, macrame, coiling, supplies and resources

Table of Contents
Introduction
Design Principals
Display Tips
Tool Basics
Supplies

Techniques
Cold Forging
Wire Work
Drilling
Cutting Tubes
Fabric Beads
Tyvek Beads
Manipulated Tyvek

Projects
Bohemian/cold forged
Copper Chain
Faux Bone
Graffiti Bracelet
Hardware Earrings
Button Up Chain
Copper Mesh
Penny Necklace
Affirmations Necklace
Totally Tubular
Out of Debt Bracelet
Poker Chip Necklace
Map Bracelet
Buckled Up Memories
Fan Dangle
Found Object Ideas
3 Strand Tyvek
Bead Enchantment
Tortured Felt Pendant
Tortured Surfaces Amulet
Zap Cloth Necklace
Zap Cloth Bracelet
Fabric Disk/Moroccan Dreams
Macramé with Fabric and Bone
Arabesque Pendant
Coiled Bracelet
Freeform Wrapped Bracelet
Freeform Necklace

Alternative Jewelry Introduction

I like to think of jewelry as small scale art pieces. By putting myself in this mindset it allows me to imagine a wider range of materials and techniques than is commonly associated with jewelry. At times it is a found object that is the spark; at other times it is a technique I enjoy that initiates the creative process. Playful experimentation is a joyous experience and can lead to the creation of something glorious.

There is something very liberating about working with inexpensive materials, no fear of wasting precious resources! It becomes all about trying things, having fun and being delighted with what you discover about yourself. You find the artist within when the fear barrier comes down.

It is amusing to hear people say, “You made that out of what?” They think you are so clever and you are. It is extremely satisfying turning odds and ends into a work of wearable art. Your piece will be as unique as you are.

You will find that the tools and supplies used in this book are simple and inexpensive. By keeping tool investment down to a minimum more techniques and styles are immediately accessible. You might find that you already have everything you need on hand to get started so let’s go have some fun and make great jewelry!

Going With The Dog

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Make this playful pooch out of sturdy wool felt for your favorite dog person. Included are 3 accessory pieces. Complete detailed downoadable PDF. Click on image for full view.

Cat Bag

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Create a cuddly kitty purse with accessories using felt and simple embroidery stitches. Patterns along with step by step instructions with photos. Downloadable PDF. Click on image for full view.

Macrame Purse

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Create this unique purse even if you have never macramé before with detailed step by step photos and instructions. Downloadable PDF

Jungle Bag and More

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Pattern and instructions for snake handled 11" x 13" bag with zippered elephant bag, monkey mirror and lion pocket bag. Sewn from wool felt with simple embroidery stitches. Completed detailed downloadable PDF. Click on image for full view.

Sewing Bug Kit

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Hand sewn wool felt sewing kit. Turtle holds, bee scissor guard, snail tape measure, momma and baby ladybug pin cushions and butterfly needle case. Simple embroidery stitches make charming and useful critters. Compete detailed downloadable PDF.

Jacobs Ladder Book

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Is it a toy, a book, or both? Intensive photo step by step instructions to create your own Jacob's Ladder book. Complete detailed downloadable PDF.

Fit To Be Tied Bags

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:45:37 -0700

Recycle old ties into one of a kind purses.

Complete instructions in a downloadable PDF.