I am not into the “layer-upon-layer” look. Is there a structural reason to do layers that I’m not aware of? (i.e. does layering make the piece stronger? — less likely for bits to fall off, etc.?)

Leaving the brass exposed means you better have it very clean and free and of prints. This way you can lacquer it and keep it looking nice. Otherwise it will oxidize, it is no fun cleaning that around all those stones. Inside, who cares, but outside, I’d think you'd want it to stay looking spiffy.

YES. Building adds dimension to the artwork and takes more skill, but it also strengthens the piece a lot, IMHO. There’s a lot to be said for a flatter look as well. I have done them both ways, but I tend to gravitate to the MORE IS MORE approach! Oh ha ha ha.

E6000 or Goop. Some beg to differ, and hey, we’re just having fun here, anyway.

But, I have to say, as for me, I am ADAMANT. I will NEVER again use ANY tacky or hot glue, the test of time has proven dismal results, you WILL lose pieces eventually if you use it. It’s a shame because these sorts of glue are far less toxic than what I use. Sadly, though, hot glue expands and contracts with atmospheric conditions, heat and cold. This causes problems.

Two-part epoxy will work, however, you have to mix it and some compounds will discolor given time.

E6000 and Goop are virtually the same thing. They are carcinogens and smell bad. They take a full 48 hours to cure or you will wear the piece and end up with a headache.

However, they are the most secure and not hard to work with, as well as give you flex and time to move the piece around as you work your pattern.

Cuffs are probably the most likely collaged item to pop stones for you anyway … and I think you have to expect that in time, you will have something pop no matter WHAT glue you use, because of the flex in the on-and-off of just wearing them, they’re gonna bang on stuff, etc.

What about crazy glue?

Crazy glue will react with some metals....not all....but some. It might not do it today or tomorrow, but at some point it probably will.The LEAST it will do is cause a white film to come around the edge of a stone. ICKY. More, it will cause a white spidery-mildew film to come up all over the surface of some metals. You CAN get it off....but it's not easy and WHY go through it? Be smart and do not use it. It's just not what you want, trust me.

If I thought it was good, I'd be selling it. Nasty experiences caused me to discard all of mine years ago. I don't CARE if they tell you it's for jewelry.

HERE'S THE DEAL: You all have to understand, you gotta have safety in the workshop.

If you intend to go at this with a vengeance, then I propose:

• you find a place to work separate from the rest of the people in the house, and
• spend some money on overhead exhaust that vents to the outside.

Yes, that is expensive, but will protect your health. In lieu of that, a fan blowing away from you and a respirator. Having a secure workshop with an exhaust was the best, but in my case, making my living via collage, that was practical. I did this for years before I got the overhead. Not a lot of fun, but I didn't want to get sick or high on the fumes or endanger others in the house.

In good weather, go outside or work by an open window, if you can. Keep this glue OFF your fingers and the rest of your body.

Do NOT eat while using it. Also, don't hold the tube clenched up by your face. Don't blatantly breathe the stuff!

The Poison Control board says that it is good to have at least 2-3 days a week, if possible, where you do not use this glue, as it will leave the body.This way the toxins will not accumulate. I have tried to do this wherever I could, albeit in the days — actually years — when I produced a line, that was hard to do.

I'd say if you took reasonable precautions, you would be fine.

Not all collaged pieces ARE lacquered. I have done A LOT of lacquer in my time because — yes, — it does strengthen the piece, YOU BET.

But there are times it is inappropriate. Where your item is concerned, given that you want to leave the brass exposed, I might have lacquered it first, before collaging, to preserve the patina at the state you wanted it.

I would NOT lacquer over big stones with faceting. I used to lacquer everything, but that's when I was busy doing the gift line. On a cuff, it's a harder call. Most of you attempting the project are using big gaudy stones or broken old jewels. In these cases NO.

You could dribble a little lacquer into cracks and stuff if you wanted but nope, keep it off the jools, especially faceted ones.

You COULD lacquer successfully over caviar [a mixture of small beads or tiny 5-7mm flatback stones and glue] or pavé [any type of tiny stone set in profusion very closely], but you should know that the lacquer will “jellify” the faceting. I personally like this look, but if you don’t — do not lacquer!

I do lacquer when I use a lot of metal parts, caviar, small seed beads, bisque, etc., also charms. These days I do much less of it as I am using a lot of glitz. It’s perfect when doing found items. Try making a cuff of pure trash. This is a truly interesting project, and, IMHO, real art. Try using some rusty old keys, varying widths and lengths of chain, charms, broken enameled jewelry, even flattened soda bottle caps with some age. YES, OF COURSE, this is quirky. But it takes imagination, too, and the funky result is something you will really love. A piece like this, I would lacquer the heck out of. But I might apply a few jools at the end, or some rhinestone chain. THAT I would not lacquer over.

This is the bottom line as far as I am concerned … what WE think matters not. The thing that does is … how do YOU feel when you finish the project? Does it make your heart go pitty-pat? Are YOU pleased? If so, we can all take a flyin’ leap! LOL

Where collage is concerned, there is no right and there is no wrong. Be loose, be free, be happy. This type of jewelry craft is one of the most joyous, daring, whimsical you can attempt. Think flow, think movement, think surprise! No need to be overly calculated. ENJOY YOURSELF, darlin’ … you’re doin’ a great job.

Thanks to Brenda Sue/B'sue Boutiques,

where you can buy brass bases for collage, goobers of great stones big and small, bisque roses, rhinestone chain, E-6000, lacquer, metallized leaves, findings and all manner of cool stuff for collage.

and

Sheryl Hamilton, for asking the questions: