Blog & News @ Arlisa Bijoux

Copper Clay

2009-05-31T16:51:00.004+02:00

Finally the long awaited copper clay has arrived!
In the photograph above are our first experiments with this exciting new clay.
In its clay stage copper looks very much like bronze but feels somewhat like rubber, it also cracks less easily. The clay was used straight out of the packet without refrigerating it first, so the rubbery-dry feel might disappear if stored in a fridge.

We use a top loading brick kiln for firing, the pieces were placed on 1 single layer and distributed evenly in the middle of a tall pan, with coconut based carbon under and over. It's a good thing to gently tap the top carbon layer to avoid any air bubbles being trapped which would result in oxidized pieces.
Why don't we fire several layers together? whilst working with bronze clay we found that the best results by far were achieved by firing only 1 layer at a time, so we continued to use this method with copper.

Firing schedule:

The instructions on the packet suggest ramping at full speed to 1700° (927°C) and hold for 3 hours. Again, thinking of our experiments with bronze and how we've had to shorten the hold time and lower the temperature, we again worked towards the same direction with copper and tried the following:

For a 2300 watts kiln:
1 hour ramp to 1650°F (900°C) and hold for 2 hours. Total firing time: 3 hours.

We left the pieces cool in the shut kiln until the temperature was 390°F (200°C) and took them out. This took about 5 hours cooling time.

With this method the pieces shrank by approximately 20% but turned out to be very strong and didn't break or snap. The texture applied in the wet clay stayed intact.

The hearts were brushed with a brass brush and burnished in a tumbler for 1 1/2 hours.
They came out very shiny and a beautiful rosey-coppery colour.

Hopefully this post will give hints and help others in their quest for the perfect metal clay object. ;-)

New Bronze and Silver Clay Video

2009-03-14T19:44:00.002+01:00

Puzzling Bronze Clay

2009-01-18T16:06:00.007+01:00

It's been a long time since we last wrote about our experiments with the new Bronze Clay so an update is definitely in order.
The challenge encountered when working with this fascinating clay has been such that it inspired the creation of our new design "The Puzzle Pendant" which in turn inspired the title of this new message
;-)
We found that the best firing schedule for bronze clay is as follow (but every kiln is different so do your own testing first). More over, this schedule is for pieces that are over 3 cards thick:
For a 2300 watts kiln, place your objects in the middle of a large pan with equal amount of carbon under and over and do a 7 hour ramp to target temperature of 825C/1517F and hold for 2 hours.
For the Puzzle Pendant in the photo we used coconut shell based carbon which gave it pink/blue/green highlights on the left that were difficult to catch on camera. Most places are a lovely rich gold colour.
We will soon be adding some of these pendants in our online store, we think it would make an interesting Valentine present as the 2 halves can be either worn together or divided and shared.
Please visit our store where we are currently listing new bronze clay jewellery:
http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/bronze-clay-c-45.html

Exciting Bronze Clay

2008-10-02T17:43:00.018+02:00

We have recently started experimenting with the new bronze clay and feel rather excited about the first results. After some unexpected outcomes and a few tests and adjustments with regards to temperature ramp and hold times we are close to finding the best way to fire this wonderful new clay. It differs very much from silver clay both in handling, shaping, not to mention firing. It appears harder when out of the packet and dries more quickly, requiring fast shaping to avoid unsightly cracks. Firing takes a very long time and whilst the instructions given by the manufacturer seem to work for most people, they don't necessarily work for every single kiln as every machine is different.

For thick pieces we have found that the slow 250F/121C per hour to 1550F/843C ramp was definitely needed but we reduced the hold time by approximately 1 hour to avoid over firing. We are still testing this procedure as total firing time seems to vary depending on how many pieces are fired together, on what pan is used (tall or short), on where the pieces are positioned in the pan and on whether they are fired in layers or not, in fact the top layers give different results compared to the bottom ones.

The pendants portrayed in the photographs were fired in coconut shell based carbon which have them a lovely light patina. The Cross and Fatma Hand came out a bright gold colour whilst the square pendant with red CZ got more of a bronzy/terracotta shade. The Pearl Heart took a slight hint of green instead.

We will update you on our trials and tests and look forward to eventually being able to sell some of these creations in our online store.

Supporting the fight against breast cancer and HIV/AIDS

2008-08-10T13:43:00.004+02:00

Arlisa Bijoux recently launched a collection of pink and red awareness ribbon necklaces in support of the fight against breast cancer and HIV/AIDS.

10% of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to the Swiss Cancer Foundation http://www.swisscancer.ch/ and to Swiss AIDS Help http://www.aids.ch/ .

In our constant effort to create something a little unusual, we have handcrafted our support ribbons from a wonderful new material called sugar wire (see previous posts), then decorated each with either Swarovski crystals, rhinestones or seed beads.

Breast Cancer and HIV/AIDS Awareness @ Arlisa Bijoux:

http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/breast-cancer-aids-awareness-c-43.html

New Sugar Wire Jewellery

2008-08-03T11:34:00.008+02:00

English Garden Sugar Wire Necklace

http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/english-garden-sugar-wire-necklace-p-132.html

More sugar wire creations are to be found here:

http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/sugar-wire-c-42.html

Introducing Sugar Wire

2008-07-14T18:13:00.006+02:00

What is it?

Sugar wire is a soft and flexible metallic wire covered by a multitude of spheric micro beads, giving it the aspect of sugar crystals, hence its name.
It comes in 7 basic colours but can be further colourized by using glass, acrylic, opaque or transparent paints depending on the effect one whishes to achieve. The colours found on the market are white, pale green, bright orange,sky blue, baby rose, yellow and fuchsia. The tint is given by the paper covering the metallic wire, not by the micro beads themselves which are transparent to leave light filter through and increase the "crystal effect". Its diameter varies between 1 and 2 millimeters as the coating of micro beads isn't even in all places.
The wire is very strong and malleable and can be used for a variety of arts and crafts projects as well as for jewellery making.
Sugar wire can be used alone or together with other materials, for example rat tail satin cord, ribbons, paper wire, the choice is infinite. Its usage is limitless, in fact one can beautify an object by covering it with sugar wire, braid several lengths together to create a fabric like material, or use it as classic wire in jewellery creations.

*Detail of sugar wire and lampwork necklace

New Etsy products

2008-07-14T17:56:00.006+02:00

New products listed at our Etsy shop:
new items include necklace creations made with bamboo coral, mother of pearl, seashells, trumpet shells, amethysts, aquamarine, rose quartz.

Seen above:
Bamboo coral necklace with vermeil Bali beads
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13136042

Etsy Shop

2008-01-20T12:18:00.001+01:00

We are happy to announce the opening of the Arlisa Bijoux Etsy shop, where we will list part of our creations whilst still regularly updating the main site.
So far we have listed our brand new wool collection, comprising fun and cozy neckwarmers/necklaces in a variety of colours and styles. New models will be added shortly.
Feel free to visit and browse around and contact us with any questions you might have.

http://arlisabijoux.etsy.com/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-10T19:12:00.000+01:00

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our faithful customers and supporters a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Nous voudrions souhaiter un Joyeux Noël ainsi qu'une Bonne Année à tous nos fidèles clients

Wir möchten allen unseren treuen Kunden eine schöne Weihnachten und ein fröhliches Neues Jahr wünschen

Vorremmo augurare a tutti i nostri fedeli clienti un Buon Natale ed un felice Anno Nuovo

Arlisa Bijoux

Brighten up your winter with colourful mink jewellery

2007-10-03T16:57:00.000+02:00

It’s that time of the year again when one feels colder days approaching and with them the wish to switch summer jewellery and accessories with something warm and colourful.
What woman hasn’t dreamed of enveloping herself into lush, soft fur? What woman hasn’t had the wish to own a mink garment, coat, jacket or shawl made of the Rolls Royce of furs, mink?
This of course means making a not negligeable financial commitment which is unfortunately unfeasible by many.

What we offer at Arlisa Bijoux is an alternative: why not invest in a mink fur accessory, bracelet or necklace at a fraction of the price of your dream coat and have the satisfaction of owning a piece of the oh so coveted fur? We guarantee that wearing our fur jewellery will not only dress up any look, whether for day or evening, but, most importantly, it will give you the possibility of owning a unique item that you won’t see your neighbour or girlfriend wearing, in fact, all our handcrafted jewellery creations are one offs.

We use only high quality mink furs, tanned and dyed professionally in New York. Colours include pure white, mahogany, hot pink, fuchsia, purple, violet, deep red. We adorn each creation with pearls, Swarovski crystals, glass cabochons, precious and semi-precious stones, ribbon, venetian beads and more, depending on the desired look.
We have in stock a piece for every occasion, whether you’re looking for a daytime accessory, an elegant bracelet for evening or even a bridal necklace.Take a moment to browse through our online store to discover our products, we will be glad to reply to any queries.

http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/mink-c-26.html

Photographs seen above:

Mahogany Mink Necklace with Gold Venetian Beads

http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/mahogany-mink-with-gold-beads-p-77.html

Hot Pink Mink Necklace with Tail

http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/hot-pink-mink-with-tail-p-75.html

SPECIAL OFFERS

2007-09-21T18:24:00.000+02:00

http://www.arlisa-bijoux.com/specials.php

Take advantage of our 30% and 50% discount offers starting today and lasting 1 whole month.
Discounted items include handmade lampwork necklaces, mink jewellery, silver, gemstones and jade.
Offers end on 10.21.2007

A partir d' aujourd' hui et pour tout 1 mois, profitez de nos réductions de 30% à 50% sur certains de nos articles, comme des colliers en verre fait main, bijoux en vison, argent, pierres précieuses et jade.
Cette offre se termine le 21.10.2007

Vermissen Sie nicht unsere Spezialofferten mit einer Reduktion von 30% bis 50% auf einige unserer Artikel, wie handgemachte Glascolliers, Nerz Halsbänder, Silber, Edelsteine und Jade.
Diese Offerte fängt Heute an und dauert einen ganzen Monat lang, bis zum 21.10.2007

Approfittate delle nostre azioni speciali con una riduzione da 30% a 50% su articoli scelti, come collane in vetro lavorato a mano, bijoux di visone, argento, pietre fini e giada.
Questa offerta comincia oggi e dura 1 intero mese, fino al 21.10.2007