New things, in the works

Some of you may know that I'm not always burning wood. Lately I've been working on a couple crochet projects (slippers for my mom and stepdad) that took longer than they probably should have, but they are done now, so I can get back to woodburning projects.

There's nothing like placing an order for wood pieces to get me in the mood to make more stuff. I've had some ideas in the back of my mind, and in my notebook, for a while now, and today I finally gave them a shot.

test samples

First, I needed a new charm to hang from my cell phone, as my original had broken quite some time ago. This new one features my dragon logo on one side, and my name (Sunfire) on the reverse. I hung it on my phone already, without spraying a sealant on it, because I want to test how this wood holds up without anything on it. Also, I didn't want to mix up my phone with my other half's phone (we have the same kind) any more.

Next in the picture is a diamond-shaped charm featuring a kanji design (this one is Peace). I have been working with round wood when it comes to charms, and I've been wanting to try something diamond or rectangular. I kinda like how this one came out - I just have to come up with a better something to hang it from... Also, it isn't sealed, and I'm sure this wood will look very nice with a sealant on it.

bindrune test

Then we have the bindrune charm. I'm really excited about this one! Seeing as I'm looking to do more pagan items for my shop, this seemed the basic first step, as I have already worked with runes before. The one pictured here that I created today is a combination of Gebo and Wunjo, for a loving/giving/safe/balanced relationship. And I've braided red and white hemp to it for love/sexual and trust energies, then hung it on a keyring for a finished look. I did not seal this yet, partly because I was just testing how the hemp would work, but also because I was considering finding something a bit less 'processed' to use as a sealant, something more 'natural' to go with the magical nature of the item. That's where I need your input - what do you suggest I use? Hmmm... as I was looking at the picture, I've already had one idea to change - make the bindrune with heavier lines, thicker and darker, bolder. Yes, that will certainly help.

sample magnet test

Last in the picture is a sample of a magnet I plan to 'mass-produce' in the coming month or so. I'm making them to be distributed in the Sample Z Box as well as The Little Black Boxes. I was considering sending them in for Pagan Packs fillers, but I may have a different idea (which I did not get a picture of). I might be revisiting the idea of bookthongs (you can read about that project here), with some improvements on the design and production of them. If so, I will certainly let you all know, with more pictures, of course.

So there you have my progress on projects so far. Trying to keep the good pace I had in January as 2012 moves forward.