Saturday, July 19, 2008

Crane Charms



It's time to share a little mixed up progress on the crane charms (first mentioned HERE) ... this first image is the first batch of cranes post dipping into the Petal Porcelain Setting Agent. I had used decorative papers (rather than thin origami sheets), so the paper was a tad too thick for the size crane (1 1/4" square) I folded:


I was really happy to learn that the setting agent really fortified the cranes - they have hardened really nicely. With this first batch I followed the directions on the bottle and dipped the cranes in the goo and brushed the excess off. I set them on wax paper overnight to dry. Due to the amount of product on them, the bottoms "puddled" slightly which took away the crisp points ... since then, I have thought about how to improve on this and think that simply brushing the setting agent on (in stages) might work better ... that and using thinner origami papers ... so I have folded a bunch of little cranes (there are about 10 more than pictured ... if I'm going to fold one, it's just as likely I'll fold 10 or 20 or 100 ...) ... these are folded from 1" squares and 1 1/8" squares:


The papers are still very pretty and the cranes came out much more precise.

The picture below is a condensed version of the process. The papers in the background are (or were) 6" squares of origami papers - in pinksl, of course. The diamond shapes are cranes in progress, the two completed cranes on the left have not been dipped or brushed and two cranes on the right are two from the original test batch (dipped):

Below is another dipped crane from the first batch. I still like the decorative papers that I originally used, so will be trying to slavage some if possible. Here's one that I am hoping to save (it has also had a coat or two of diamond top coat polish applied):

Even though I have a feeling that this second batch is going to be better than the first (fingers crossed) I did want to do a prototype of the charm that I was picturing - the next two pictures are the first completed prototypes:


Amber Dawn let me know that she can only accept one set of 12 charms from the participants for the Very Special Think Pink Charm Exchange. Considering the whole idea is to provide Monica with additional raffle items, this totally makes sense. I already completed a set of twelve sparkly pink ones (see the previous post), so I'll be sending those out to Amber Dawn for the exchange ... BUT ... she has given me the go ahead to send two of the completed crane charms, too - if they are high enough quality, she will be use them on the raffle bracelet(s). Wouldn't that be cool?

Being involved in both of these projects has been more satisfying than I could possibly ever explain. I am humbled by the experience and grateful to have been exposed to such an inspiring, kind, creative community of generous hearts. My faith in the world & humanity has been restored ... tenfold.

23 comments:

Amber Dawn Inventive Soul said...

~*BE the change you want to see in the world!*~

They look wonderful Michelle!
Thank you!

Amber

Kathryn Costa said...

These little cranes are so sweet and adorable. My son and I both love making cranes. Your papers are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your process. I hope your crane charms make the bracelet!

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

OMG!!!
awesome work!
you are incredible!
Hugs!

p.s. Audrey Hepburn rocks ;-)
In a special place in my bedroom and in my heart FOREVER!!!!

Unknown said...

Wow, those crane charms are so pretty and unique!

Sandy XOX

Danielle said...

I am totally amazed how you turned these paper cranes into beautiful charms. Awesome!

I still have one of your cranes hanging around here from a few years ago : )

Oh and tell your DH that we went fishing today. My DH was impressed with "CJ's" knowledge of fishing and he told him "don" taught me how to fish *VBG* I'll post some pics on my natural blog in a bit : )

Loving Her Beautiful said...

Hi!
Thanks for your recent note on my blog -- I'm glad you enjoyed it!
And wow! Your cranes are gorgeous!
Blessings, BILL

dkuroiwa said...

Oh my, but your prototypes turned out fabulous!!
I know of many people over here that would love them too!!
Will see what kind of paper I can find for you this week....maybe I'll come across a "treasure"!!
debbie

Fete et Fleur said...

I love paper cranes!! Years ago I happened across some paper cranes at one of my favorite shoppes. I bought about 30 of them! They look identical to yours. I need to learn to make these!

Nancy

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Pretty pretty! Hope you are well. :)

Chris

e.beck.artist said...

these look FAB .... they'd be groovy earrings too ....

oliver rain said...

The cranes are so pretty. You did such a great job.

Kate Tracton said...

Hi Michelle,

I'm sorry I haven't been back to visit since Vanessa's tea party. I've been lurking a bit, but finally had the time to sit down and soak in your blog posts. I had a lovely time, and enjoyed reading about your crane charm process. Thanks for sharing that.

Life has calmed down now so I'll be back again soon...

Kate

Marilyn said...

I am so impressed that you are able to fold such small paper cranes. You rock! I love the paper you used and the prototypes look amazing!!! HUGS!

Anonymous said...

These are lovely! Wish I was in the swap! =)

MARLOU B. said...

These little cranes are so nice and delicate!

rochambeau said...

Oh HOW BEAUTIFUL your sparking Crane Charms are!! And for such a great cause too! When one of my friends was diagnosed with breast cancer, one of her friends made her 1000 cranes!!!
Hope all is well in your creative world today!
xox
Constance

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

you are real good with very tiny projects (and my Audrey Hepburn shows it!!!)
your words moved me deeply and expressed my thoughts, too:

"Being involved in both of these projects has been more satisfying than I could possibly ever explain. I am humbled by the experience and grateful to have been exposed to such an inspiring, kind, creative community of generous hearts. My faith in the world & humanity has been restored ... tenfold."

One Crabapple said...

These are wonderful , original and BEAUTIFUL

Definitely Very Nice Quality and anyone should be proud and just really tickled to no end to have a chance to have one.

What a lovely idea. I hope I will be drawn for one.

I think these exchanges get a little too serious sometimes....you just make your little lovlies and don't worry about being perfect. I think the symbol of the crane has a meaning too , doesn't it ?

I dont know HOW in the world you can make them sooo tiny and keep all of your hair....

xo-S.

Jessi Nagy said...

your charms are just darling.
you ae so creative.
oxoxo,
jessi

terra said...

They look awesome!

Paul Sears said...

really cool - what a great idea. I would have never even known you could do something like that in paper and then dip it to make it rigid. They came out really beautiful! You learn something new every day :)

Anonymous said...

These are absolutely beautiful! It is now my number one desire to get one in the exchange! I've always loved miniatures and you did such a lovely job.

Unknown said...

Oh yeah, these are wonderful! Melinda