CHARMS, Ad Infinitum

Can't decide? Want them all? Anxious buyers often express their frustration at having to choose charms from a seemingly endless collection (like Outlander). The problem of course, is simple: the bracelet's length is finite and can fit only so many dangles. Or so it was thought.

Not true.  For some time now, the ability to attach charms to lobster clasps has been available to customers. This allows them to change or rearrange charms at will. If you fancy a particular charm one day, it can simply be switched out with another on the chain. This results in a fully customizable and chunky bracelet! 

Retro-fitting an existing bracelet with clasps is easy. It is available for a minor surcharge when all charms from a collection are purchased to add to the ones already on your bracelet. Contact me at maryfaithpeace@gmail.com if you are interested in this option. 

Go ahead. Start collecting charms!

ADDING TO

THE OUTLANDER FAMILY....

 

Many of you know of my fixation with Diana Gabaldon's time-travel epic, Outlander. I keep finding small mementos of the book in charms I pick up from all over. Worthy additions to my charm bracelet indeed!

SOURCE: https://www.etsy.com/listing/110634928/outlander-gabaldon-themed-charm?ref=shop_home_active_3

What are you waiting for, Sassenach?

Your Very Own Outlander Celtic Link Charm Bracelet
 
 

You've probably seen the pictures and wondered, "Where can I get one?" Only to discover (once you found it) a mile-long list of instructions for you to complete - before you could get one. Nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

I've had the pleasure of meeting so many of you while walking through the customization process;
watched while you battled with yourself over which charms to pick; quietly listened to your suggestions to improve the overall design and basked in the 
glow of wondrous feedback!

While I cannot do anything about the lengthy set of instructions (it stays - the price of creating a custom piece) I can ease you into it with this video:



It will particularly aid utterly lost and long-suffering DH's entrusted with Anniversary, Birthday or Christmas presents.

Fear not. I've got your back.

An Outlandish Way to Keep Warm

Shared with permission by PB.

 Many of you know my obsession with Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series prompted all the creativity with clay mini books. It seems I'm not the only one. Behold, an "Outlandish" jacket created by my friend PB, featuring all recurring themes in the books AND which she accessorized with matching book beads (not shown). She even got Herself to sign it! A truly collectible, precious work of art. Nuff said.

AN OUTLANDISH KILT PIN

Several of you have been requesting a kilt pin or brooch featuring your favorite books, for sometime now. Believe it or not, I've been designing one for months! Somehow, all my attempts seemed lacking. Until now. I chanced upon an intricately cast Scottish thistle in one of my searches and eureka! The design of the pin just clicked!

Since kilt pins are supposed to weigh down the lower front apron, this one is loaded with charms, chains, book beads and various baubles. A few of these are fixed (as in immoveable), but the rest are detachable and re-positionable! 

 I especially love the touch of color provided by the Stones of Protection circlet. Also included are a jumbo (9 mm) FW pearl and an opal AB glass cube.

Karen Henry, a great resource for all things Outlander (news, info and trivia), has a wonderful article on the Stones here. I substituted faceted glass beads in lieu of the real gems. I did however, include a treat: a real Lapis Lazuli rough- cut cube! So, whether its a kilt, shawl or Pashmina, pin away!

It took an Outlandishly Long Time

I started in May (2012). And just now finished. What, you say? The monumental task of re-sculpting the entire Outlander series of Book Beads!

Every book/edition has been re-done. In sharp, crisp, vibrant colors! It's part of the ongoing store remodel. So watch out for new (& old) designs based on Jamie and the gang in the coming weeks. Time to play!

Book Beads to the (PET) Rescue!

The Everything Outlander Silent Auction for Bianca Pet Rescue is now open. They have many Outlander-themed items, including wine charms from yours truly:

Thumbs up to this worthy cause, so I hope you take a gander over there! Slainte! http://goo.gl/ezOqX

"Between the Covers" 
An Outlandish Wall Quilt

courtesy of Susan Leidy

Creative, original design by textile and fabric artisan, Susan Leidy. Can you tell what her favorite book series is lassies?

courtesy of Susan Leidy

She and I are in perfect agreement on MOBY: gotta lobby Herself to use a purple book cover!

According to Sooz, this one was really an experiment to see if what was in her mind could make it out to her sewing and embroidery machine. She added some Outlander-themed pewter charms (my wee contribution), which gave her the idea to add the snake, ribbon book mark and strand of pearls. (She actually cut apart a freshwater pearl necklace to add that). Those of you who know the books will recognize these references. She was lucky enough to find a charm for Scottish Prisoner (set of keys) that was exactly as depicted on the book...so it all came together nicely. 

courtesy of Susan Leidy

Sooz intends to make another one to auction off for the Outlander Fundraiser later this year. (If any of you are familiar with this c/o Mike Gibbs do share some particulars.) She thinks it a worthwhile cause, specially if DG herself endorses it. 

In the mean time, if you would like to inquire about having one made for your wall, drop her a line in the comment box below or e-mail me at maryfaithpeace@gmail.com. I'll be sure to forward your greetings to her.

An OUTLANDER Tree for ALL SEASONS

Courtesy of Susan Leidy

Hats off to Sooz for sharing her year-round homage to Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series. Loaded with lead-free pewter charms and colorful, be-ribboned polymer clay book beads featuring (at the moment) all 10 books, it stands as a proud reminder of how much we all love this epic story (and wish it would never end)!

It's a treat to be part of this enduring tribute to DG's Outlander. Humbling too! "Tapadh leat." (TAH-puh LAHT -- also -- TAHplett) - Thank you in Gaelic.

Sources: 

Jewelry Tree from Amazon

Outlander-themed pewter charms 

Outlander Book Beads 

IT'S HERE!

Got it! My prize for participating in an e-chat with Diana Gabaldon HERSELF last month, as she promoted her new book, The Scottish Prisoner. 

 

This is simply icing on the cake as I considered chatting with Herself a treat in it of itself. No it isn't signed, but that just gives me good reason to seek Herself out when she promotes "Heart's Blood" next year. Thanks BookTrib and Random House - you made my day!

ACCESSORIZE WITH GABALDON'S OUTLANDER MINI BOOKS

As I mentioned in the previous entry, these miniature book pendants are so versatile, the possibilities are endless! 

WINE CHARMS

I initially thought of them as a collection, so why not use them as wine charms?

If you do any entertaining at all, these would look lovely draped on stemware

or with a little creativity, you can use them as generic beverage markers

CELTIC STAR PENDANTS

I fell in love with the mathematics of weaving chain mail (figuratively and spatially) when Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Trilogy first came out. The Celtic Star, a classic form in any weaver's repertoire, is a stunning piece of artwork in itself. When combined with the Outlander mini books, it is simply breathtaking!

It can be attached to a number of things. A split ring turns it into a keychain,

while a corded clasp turns it into a cell/mobile phone charm,

which during the Holiday season, doubles as an ornament

COLLECTIBLE BOOKMARKS

Resembling a shepherd's hook, these “Hookmarks” are so named because they hook over the spine of your book. This unique design resists falling out, won't damage the pages of your book (no more dog ears!) and fits over the spine of any size book. The Outlander Celtic Star bookmark is made of lead-free Tibetan silver and measures approximately 155 x 30 mm. 

Dangling from it is your choice of **any one** of the Outlander mini book pendants.

The difficulty is in just having one so, get one for each book in the Outlander series! 

MINI BOOK EARRINGS

The earrings measure 1.5 inches (30 mm) long, from the top of the French hook to the tip of the mini book pendant. 

Dangling from each is your choice of *any one* of the Outlander mini book pendants. A complimentary pair of clear plastic earring backs comes with each set. Use it and you won’t lose it! 

You can check them all out at Just Charming! 

Got any suggestions? requests? Let me know by posting a comment (see above). 

OUTLANDER (Gabaldon) MINIATURE BOOK PENDANTS

It took 8 months of solid research, effort and trying but it is now here! Spurred on by my obsession with Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and encouraged by many to "further the cause", I have created the Outlander Miniature Book Pendant Collection. Frankly, I just wanted something to do, while waiting for Herself to finish the next book (ahh, some 3 years from now, gulp!). 

Sculpted out of polymer clay, each pendant-sized book pays homage to all current titles in the Outlander saga, including The Exile. Polymer clay is a very interesting medium to work with. It is resilient, flexible and forgiving. I knew that I wanted details to show, so I opted for pendant-  NOT charm-sized books. Shaping books from clay was a lot of fun! (It was a great way to relieve stress at the time. As in "Why has my copy of The Exile not arrived yet?" Punch. Splat. Blob. Punch. Enough said.) I digress.  

Getting the image onto the clay was another matter. I had dreamed of immortalizing DG's beautiful book covers into pendants. Fell in love with both US and UK edition covers. Not a stranger to image transfer techniques, I knew that this was going to be a challenge: getting double-sided images onto a book form. Following suggestions from fellow clay artisans, I tried a number of things, but none were full proof. Sometimes it worked. Most of the time it didn't. Just like Edison, I found 3000+ ways of how NOT to transfer an image onto clay:

In the end, it took a combination of chemistry, physics, baking, persistence and lots of patience to pull it off. The result: the Outlander Miniature Book Pendant Collection:

The symbolic nature of the US editions contrasted well with the scenic imagery of the UK book covers. I vacillated between the two, unable to decide which one I liked best. The final product reflects my indecision, as you end up with a choice of US/US or US/UK book covers front/back.The exceptions are Outlandish Observations and The Exile, where I only used US covers.

Relief and detail on the mini books is evident here:

It is essential that the image be sealed and a protective finish applied. Both glossy and matte finishes are available. This process takes several days to complete as each coat must be allowed to dry naturally.

Once I had the pendants, the possibilities were endless. As I write this, my mind is still reeling with ideas I can't wait to try out. Got any suggestions? I'm all ears. In the mean time, enjoy two Outlandish gifts crafted out of these polymer clay miniature books at my Etsy Store: Just Charming!

TOP 5 GIFT IDEAS FOR OUTLANDER (Gabaldon) FANS

Do you have an Outlander fan on your gift list?  Dinna fash yourself. You are bound to find something they verra much like among the links below:

1) The books, of course! Between Amazon and Ebay you should have the full spectrum of new and gently used books to choose from. Check out wholesale lots of Diana Gabaldon's books offered from time to time on Ebay.

2) The Author's Attic offers clan Fraser jewelry, like the Running Stag Brooch on the left, Claire's Wedding Ring and others. Crafted in sterling silver or gold, they are made & warranted by deSignet.

 

3) Just Charming! features an Outlander collection of chain mail charm bracelets, bookmarks and key chains, among other things. Great stories are always worth re-telling and many of you know that  as a jewelry artisan, I do so through my bracelets. Boy, what a story Outlander is! Wanting to create something that was both collectible and unique, I came up with the idea to blend the artistry of chain mail with charms! Initially, I wanted to do it in sterling, but quickly realized this would be astronomically expensive. It took a few months to look for the perfect dangles, but I finally have enough for the collection. The result is the Outlander Celtic Link Charm Bracelet. On your wrist or shadow boxed (like the photo), it is a stunning memento of an incredibly well-written series of books by Diana Gabaldon! Check it out.

4) Cafe Press carries Outlander-themed clothing, mugs, totes, stickers and magnets. Features merchandise from Lallyshop of Ladies of Lallybroch

Lots to choose from and watch out for sales!

 5) Tartan Candles carries candle-scents based on the Outlander series. Scentsational! (Note: the shop is offline now and then).

If you find some items of interest to fellow Outlander fans, let me know. Happy shopping!

                                                 ***************************

I've just joined the Outlander Reading Challenge and we now have until January 2011 to finish re-reading the series (Books 1 -7)! If you're back-tracking through the hefty tomes anyway, why not join your fellow sufferers - err - I mean, sassenachs? Check it out!