Browsing in a local bead store (again) I discovered some brushed aluminum “leaves” in bright, rich colours. My bead brain kicked in and I could already see several different sets of earrings.
I scooped up 30 of the shiny little beauties. My first thought was to arrange them in groups of three, fan-like.
Good in concept, not so good in practice. Because the leaves are slightly rounded and only touch in a few places with this design I’d need a tight bond. Out came the 527 Multipurpose Cement.
I don’t use 527 very often and forgot that it takes quite awhile to dry. Long after I thought the glue should have set, I could still wiggle the leaves. It seemed like my bead store brainstorm was fizzling.
I decided to apply a bit more glue but — oops — it oozed out between the leaves. Dang. Okay, it was on the back and probably wouldn’t show but I’d know it was there. I’d keep those ones for myself.
Plan B: Since I needed more contact between the pieces I overlapped them. Aha! A much better fit.
I also discovered a solution to the oozing glue.
By the time I’d make several pairs of earrings, the glue on the first pair was setting up nicely but was still workable. Using a toothpick I was able to carefully pick away the few goopy bits that seeped out between the leaves.
The backs of these earrings show the difference — no mucky stuff on the upper right pair.
Poifect. 🙂
Beau Dangles 
September 13, 2012 at 8:31 pm
interesting stuff, like the practical tips too!
September 18, 2012 at 1:15 pm
so simple and pretty , i wish i lived near you so i could go to these bead shops you go to, you always seem to find such interesting stuff!
September 22, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Oooo, wouldn’t that be fun! And dangerous! Two bead hunters in search of treasures … who knows what we’d discover.