Saturday, February 28, 2015

Make a Statement - It's a Blog Hop!


Today is the reveal for the Make a Statement Jewelry Challenge, hosted by the lovely Sally Russick. Very simple rules - create a bold and unique piece of jewelry that attracts attention, thus, conveys a statement.  

I knew that the piece I would be creating would be for me, personally.  Well, I am a blue jeans kinda gal, so shiny and glittery would not work.  I like a more organic look to my personal jewelry, so I turned to my gemstone stash.  And well, my favorite color is blue, so I chose Kyanite.



I bezel set the cabochon in fine silver onto a sterling silver backplate, and soldered on a few melted balls of silver made from my scrap and a coil on top.  I wanted some movement, so I made a  bail from heavy gauge silver wire, which I textured and hand riveted through the center of the coil ---  the pendant actually moves freely from the bail!

This is the FIRST time I have ever sawed the excess backplate without breaking the saw blade - that was exciting for me (it's the little things!)



I also made a couple of hollow sterling silver beads - I have only made these in copper in the past.  LOVE the silver.  Lately, I have begun to solder my clasps as well - makes for such a secure fitting.


The complementary gemstones are faceted Sunset Dumorterite rondelles - large hole beads, to accommodate the 18 gauge sterling wire, which I flanked with tiny silver discs.




The necklace has wonderful drape when worn.


This necklace fits me and my personality to a "T".  I do not create nearly as many necklaces as I would like - this was a welcome change of pace!


Many thanks for coming up with this hop Sally!  It has reaffirmed my love for the color Blue!!!

Now, please give some love to the other participants:



Patti Vanderbloemen  <---- That's me!!


Thanks so much for stopping by today - I love to read your comments!  Have a great weekend!

xo
Patti
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28 comments:

  1. Paula, Chief Bead OfficerFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:17 AM

    Oh Patti - That is some amazing piece. I so related with your comment about being a blue jeans kind of gal but the incredible thing about what you have designed is it would work no matter what you wear. Absolutely gorgeous. You told me you can't do seed beads well I can't do wire to save my life and you are a true artist. Just perfection!

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    1. Patti VanderbloemenMarch 1, 2015 at 9:26 AM

      Thanks, Paula! I am serious about those seed beads - I have tried many times - my eyes just cannot focus on those teeny, tiny holes! So, I am in total awe of anyone who has mastered this - such as you!

      Delete
  2. Karin GFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    Your necklace is absolutely gorgeous, I so love the combination of silver and stones, your work on metal is fabulous!

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  3. TerriFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    I adore this piece! Such a skilled crafts woman! I could see wearing this with jeans easily and with the classic black dress. It is sure to get the attention it deserves.

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    1. Patti VanderbloemenMarch 1, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      Fat chance that this old lady will ever wear a dress again! :) Thanks so much, Terri!

      Delete
  4. Elizabeth BergesenFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    You have some serious craftsmenship skills. Your work is beautiful, and I think you need to make a few more of these necklaces - how about in Aqumarine? That happens to be my birthstone. :)

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    1. Patti VanderbloemenMarch 1, 2015 at 9:28 AM

      Aquamarine is such a gorgeous stone - I do love it! Thank you!

      Delete
  5. Christine AltmillerFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:31 AM

    Patti ~ what a gorgeous piece! It must look wonderful on!!! Making something to keep for ourselves always seems easier to me...less doubt because you know just what you want to wear. As for the little things...it is Always about the little things ;-)

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  6. Therese's TreasuresFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:34 AM

    Hi Patti,
    Wow your necklace is gorgeous! I love it the Kyanite and silver pendant is awesome and I like that you made it so it swings. The silver hollow disk beads are beautiful and look perfect with the other blue stones and silver pieces in your piece. I can totally see you wearing this piece with a comfortable top and blue jeans and people stopping you to ask where did you get such a beautiful necklace.
    Therese

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  7. AntiquityTravelersFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:34 AM

    oh Patti this is simply GORGEOUS! and I bet that it looks just amazing on. The blue and silver together is just so striking

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  8. Niky SayersFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Oh wow, what a beauty Patty! I love the Kyanite, one of my favourite stones, your bail is fab and I adore your chain! A real show stopper!

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    1. Patti VanderbloemenMarch 1, 2015 at 9:32 AM

      Thanks, Niky! That was actually my second Kyanite cab. After bezel setting the first one, I dropped it on the floor and it cracked right in half! So depressing! This one is wrapped in bubble wrap in my jewelry box! :)

      Delete
  9. Linda YounkmanFebruary 28, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    Patti this is a spectacular piece. I love the blue and silver combo and your silver work is just fantastic.

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  10. UnknownFebruary 28, 2015 at 11:41 AM

    Stupendous.

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  11. KimFebruary 28, 2015 at 1:37 PM

    Patti your piece is amazing. I would wear it in a second. I love that we both did blue and silver. We have great taste in colors :-)

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  12. Bits of LearningFebruary 28, 2015 at 2:16 PM

    WooHoo!! No broken saw blade! That's fantastic! Mine always break in the worst possible place.

    Patti, your metal work is AMAZING!! I love to stop by to see want you are working on and you never disappoint! Stunning necklace fit for royalty! Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in the challenge and I hope you are able to make the next one!!

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    1. Patti VanderbloemenMarch 1, 2015 at 9:38 AM

      Thanks so much Sally! I love your blog hops - they are always a challenge for me!

      Delete
  13. EB Bead and Metal Works, LLCFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    Way to go Patti on the sawing!!! The necklace is truly a masterpiece! I love it! I hope you enjoy wearing your pretty!

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  14. Becky PancakeFebruary 28, 2015 at 6:57 PM

    Hi Patti, your necklace is fabulous. Each detain is exquisite. Yes the little things are important.

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  15. Empty nester at lastMarch 1, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    That is a stunning necklace...I love how the cool blue is accented by the silver. You did an excellent job....and you are braver than me, I would never have tried what you did!

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    1. Patti VanderbloemenMarch 1, 2015 at 9:35 AM

      Thanks, Veralynne! You should see my silver scrap container - it's about time to turn it in for a credit at Rio Grande...LOTS of scrap!

      Delete
  16. UnknownMarch 1, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    This is a beautiful piece, and I loved hearing about your victories like not breaking a saw blade!

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  17. AliciaMarch 1, 2015 at 11:11 AM

    Aah, such a beautiful piece, Patti! I always love to read your trials and victories, you inspire me to try one more time, and one more :) Love the necklace, it is something I would pick to wear any time.

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  18. Carol BriodyMarch 2, 2015 at 2:41 PM

    Gorgeous! The silver work is outstanding and looks superb with the blue!

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  19. ShrooMarch 3, 2015 at 7:33 AM

    Oooooo yeah - this is another stunning creation! Statement indeedy - it's GORGEOUS! I love that bail connector and those hollow silver beads look incredible. Everything you make is so yummy and looks so huggably tactile and unique. So totally a fan! Mahoosive hugs from Shroo:)xxx

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