Grunge Beads

Last week, looking for beads to make rather than biting my fingernails down to the nub, I took out my stash of polymer clay. I worked up a batch of faux ivory with my hands mostly because I couldn't find my pasta machine (TBC keeps trying to organize me, problem is, I never know where he puts things!) I intended to work on some prototypes based on drawings I'd made for pmc. I made some prototypes but then started making other kinds - just to experiment.



I kept thinking about the "inchies" I bought. They are a "grunge style" Alice in Wonderland set. I printed them, grunged up the back with alcohol inks and stamps, added a layer of Diamond Glaze and pounded eyelets into them. I like the slightly dirty/dark look and who cares how much ink I got on my hands?




Somewhere in the back of my mind was the grungle style. I wanted a lots of color but not bright color. I wanted the worn but not antique look - more akin to the Chinese ink and wash painting with a dark, deeply colored worn look seen below.


(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

So I went to the local art supplies store and bought some India Ink. Rubbed it on to the beads and rubbed off the excess. I wet sanded with fine grit sand paper to give the worn appearance. Like your favorite t-shirt or jeans that you really should throw out but they're so comfortable, you just can't!




Grunge beads! What do you think?