Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Inspired by Reading: A Discovery of Witches

I actually read the November selection for the Inspired by Reading Book Club but never got around to making anything, so I'm happy to be back in the swing of things this month!  This month's book was A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.  I remember ages ago picking this up as an ARC at an American Library Association conference and happily handing it over to one of the adult services librarians.  I remember this book having a pretty big buzz when it came out so I was mildly interested in seeing what all the fuss was about.



Overall, I didn't love this novel, but I did stick it out to the bitter end, which clocks in at 579 pages if you're curious.  I thought that the premise was intriguing, but it devolved into way too much romance for my taste.  I also thought that Diana as a main character needed way too much saving by a man... or a male vampire, whatever.  Anyway, I did preserver and finish the book, but I'm not going to run out to grab the sequels. (Although if someone wants to tell me what happens, that's cool.)

I decided to to try and make a pendant based on the de Clermont seal featuring a crescent moon and star.  I used a scrap of copper left over from my Christmas ornament making frenzy.  I had used a couple of different Fretz texturing hammers on the scrap before I used my disc cutter to cut the moon shape out.  I used some spacers under the moon to give it a 3D effect when I riveted it to an Arte Metal circle blank that I went around the edges with my ball peen hammer.  I then riveted a brass star beside the moon and wrapped a brass filigree around the pendant.  I have to say that it was fun to do some riveting.  I want to do more metal work!


I could have left it here and just put on a jump ring and plain chain, but I wanted to do a little more than that.  I made some Czech glass links in metallics and black and finished the design with Vintaj natural brass chain.


When I was putting some unused beads back in their proper place, I discovered a few brass beads with star and moon designs.  I just had to make something with them!  I paired them with some fun purple druzy barrels that I've been holding onto for a bit.


I'd better go pick up the February book from the library and get started soon... or maybe I'll wait until we're back in the positive numbers for temperatures!  If you're interested in joining the book club fun, check out our Facebook group HERE.

6 comments:

  1. I read that book and its sequels a while back as any form of fantasy suits me. I think you did a great job with this. I too LOVE riveting, and can't wait to see you make some more metalwork!!

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    1. Thanks, Hope! I really need to get out my saw to tackle some more complex shapes that I've etched... oh and finally get brave enough to cut into to some tins! I'll get there eventually.

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  2. I liked the books, but there were definitely things that rankled me. But for the most part, I enjoyed them. Your pieces are great! They are magically delicious! ❤️

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    1. Thanks, Andrew! And now I'm singing the Lucky Charms Jingle! Lol.

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  3. Sarajo, love your piece! I have rivets and haven't tried them yet! But I did saw some copper sheet today! You have a Moon disc cutter? or is it round and then you do another cut to make the crescent?

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  4. I've actually reading this book now. I watch a series of movies that are based on the book. I enjoyed the movies so I ordered the books, although the book hasn't drawn me in as the movies did. I love your pendant!

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