As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I picked up a few goodies at the Alameda Flea Market. One find was a box of 10 old watch cases minus any glass fronts. I had experimented with Amazing Glaze Embossing Powder in the past and thought these cases would be great to fill and wear. As always, click on images to greatly enlarge.
I dug through my vintage cigar label collection and found an embossed, regal-design label that I knew I could get two interesting sections from. I traced the areas to cut and trimmed out the pieces.
Using Mod Podge, I glued the bottom graphic into the case and allowed to dry. Then following the directions that came with the Amazing Glaze, I partially filled the case with embossing powder and baked in my counter-top oven. It took around 8-10 minutes to completely melt the powder. There were a few obvious bubbles when it cooled, so I baked it again and they greatly minimized. Then when the first layer was cool, I glued in the second layer, dried, covered with powder and baked again.
I was pretty happy with the results of this one, the shadowing from the layering is pretty neat, and by using the original label, the embossed paper adds a seriously cool touch.
I was simultaneously working on another larger and deeper watch case, the bottom one in the stack. It was filled with almost 1/2″ worth of powder. I had a terrible time with bubbles and cracking and even though reheating seemed to help a bit, in the end, the acrylic turned dark brownish-yellow and leaked through the cracks of the back watch part opening. That piece was a total loss. So in the end, I would recommend sticking with the thinnest layers possible, not overheating (which created discoloring), and if your image is precious, be sure to use a copy.
That looks so pretty, good job on layering the images!
Embossing powder sounds scary, but fun.
Those are so unique and pretty. Great idea Cathe. You’ve done it again!
Absolutely gorgeous. I have to say, you are the most creative person I have ever met.
Wow, that’s gorgeous! So creative… Thanks so much for sharing your steps. I’ll be linking to this post.
That is a cool looking pendant… you are such a crafty genie!
Hi, really like using old pocket watches but haven’t found any at this time of year, yours came out so nicely.
Lynne Laura
That is so cool. Hmmmm, wonder if I can get the powder and liquid stuff you mentioned in my part of the world, would like to try them out…
So cool! I love reading about the process in addition to seeing the end result
~~Meredith
http://www.maggiesuedesigns.com
Those are just BEAUTIFUL!!
~Tidymom
Love these!
Wow! Those are like little round shadow boxes! Beautiful and unique, and now I will have to keep my eye out for these. Thank you for sharing.
WOW! That looks amazing! Definately post after the Diamond glazing too. I would love to know which worked better. I have some really cool old metal ring box bottoms I’d love to try this with!
These are just beautiful little gems.
what a find, and great idea I love them!
I love those! I’ve never been to a flea market. I don’t think we really have them around here. I know of one and I don’t know how good it is.
Sooo lovely ! I made a vintage camera lens pendant… on my Flickr, screen name Maureclaire, crafts set.
have you tried resin instead on those watch casings? (mix the resin and hardener REALLY well cant be badly mixed or doesnt set (also need no humidty 24 degrees CELS is perfect conditions I think , pour ensuring piece is perfectly FLAT so it dries flat not on an angle), remove bubbles before it dries with heat (ie a mini blowtroch swept over the resin). Dries to touch overnight and fully cured I think is 72 hours
Where might I find the watch case jewelry you had with a blue bird, a leaf and a metal wire nest?
I wanted my niece in law to see it as I’m trying to do something similar for my logo.
Thanks for your help.
Pat
It’s in this post: http://justsomethingimade.com/2009/03/little-wire-bird-nests/
I found you from Pinterest and love your blog! I have an empty watch case, now I know what to do with it!!
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