I don't know if it is the weather (Winter? Spring? Summer?), or just my "old age", but these past couple of weeks have me dragging! The torrential rain from last week had me hunkering down in the studio - that way, I did not have to look out the window at my freshly planted landscaping washing away....story for another day.
Recently, Kristi Bowman posted some lovely findings she made from White Copper Clay - I scooped them up and made a few pairs of earrings. The first pair, below, feature these awesome Tibetan beads with Turquoise and coral inlay.
Tiny Czech glass beads in a lovely turquoise felt "right" for these drops. These are so pretty in person!
Pretty Czech glass and natural toned bone beads for these most awesome Ammonite shaped components.
I have been considering taking a few classes in Precious Metal Clay (PMC) - I should have done this last year when the classes were offered locally, but the timing was just not right. In the meantime, I have purchased a few books to read up on what is required..on my "To Do" list for now!
In the meantime, I returned to Cindy Wimmer's book, The Missing Link, for more inspiration on link design. This bracelet features cool recycled African glass beads
I FINALLY decided upon a design for this drop-dead-gorgeous focal bead gifted to me by the lovely Jan Onipenco of Molten Mayhem. She donated tons of beads to me - all proceeds from the sale of jewelry made with these beads are donated to Miracle Horse Rescue. LOOK AT THIS SCULPTURE! This bead sat on my bench for months - I could not figure out a design to "do it justice". It is quite simply 3D Wearable Art - love it!
I settled on a link from Cindy's book that quite frankly, took me several attempts to complete! It was challenging, but so worth the effort!
Each link is made from two pieces of interlocking wire. I have no idea how Cindy came up with this design, but I am sure glad she did!
I soldered a ring from heavy gauge copper, and wrapped three coils of Argentium Silver around the ring. The Fish bead is wrapped in 14 gauge copper to the ring, flanked with tiny coiled jump rings, and a perfectly orange orphan bead by Kerry Bogert.
Other chain designs I used with this bead were just not substantial enough to complement the pendant. I do love how this turned out!
I still cannot believe it is May already - time flies when you are having fun, right?!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend - the weather is spectacular in Northern Virginia! FINALLY! Thanks for stopping by today!
xo
Patti
What great designs, Patti (and I agree with your assessment: that pendant is indeed wearable art). Sometimes our beads are just so beautiful we are intimidated from using them!
ReplyDeleteOMG! That fish bead is gorgeous and what you did with it couldn't be more beautiful! But, I also love the earrings and bracelet you made! Wednesday was a perfect day to stay in the studio! I hope your landscape didn't really get washed away! Do try PMC! It's like magic! I want to do more of it. You have a piece of clay that goes into the kiln and comes out metal!!! It fascinates me! Have a great Sunday!
ReplyDeletePatti you just blow me away with the chains you have been creating from Cindy's book. That fish necklace is simply stunning!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, what beautiful designs!! Love the earrings w/Kristi's new white copper clay. And that necklace with your gorgeous wire-work chain - FABulous!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you and your blog up and running and creating such gorgeous pieces. These are all gorgeous! The links on the last piece look very complicated, but so attractive! Happy Spring to ALL there!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing some beautiful work and I really love what you did with my White Copper pieces!!! Thank you for sharing!
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