Monday, October 26, 2015

No Beads - Only Metal


I have been having moments  - way too many moments - when I sit down at my bench and draw a complete blank.  I do hate days like this - such a waste.  So, I made a few sterling silver bangles to try to help fill the creative void.

10 gauge sterling
8 gauge sterling
As much as I enjoy making these, it did not help!  Trying to mix it up a bit, I made this bangle.


This looks quite simple, doesn't it?  Well, first I made it with 16 gauge wire and it was just too flimsy for me.  So, I pulled out the 14 gauge wire - I had the hardest time wrapping the loops while keeping the beads "trapped" and the wire straight in the center at the same time!  It was comical the way I was swearing at my bracelet mandrel as I tried and tried to bang that bangle into a shape that would not spring out of proportion when I released the wire from the mandrel!



Once the wrapping was complete, the bangle looked too simple - too boring.  So I melted some silver scraps to make a charm, complete with hand stamping.  That little bail...that teeny little bail gave me fits at the solder station!  It is Monday, after all....but in the end, after all the swearing and idle threats (oh...how I threatened that bail into submission!), I was content.

On Saturday...at least, I think it was on Saturday...I made these tiny little copper beads, with sterling accents.


These little guys are made from copper tubing, stretched into an oval shape.  I textured the top, and added the silver ball dead center.  Little purses...or rolling suitcases for Barbie...that's what they look like to me.  Don't get me wrong - I like them - they just remind me of accessories I played with in days gone by.

I had the hardest time trying to decide what in the heck to do with these little beads!  Used alone, it would be cute little charm at the end of a bracelet.  But I decided to make earrings instead.  I pulled out 8 different pairs of beads, including lampwork, ceramic, gemstones, nothing worked. I mean...I actually wrapped the beads and made the earrings...cut the wire...started over.  I should have stopped after I made the bangle because as I said, it is Monday.

I decided to keep it simple.


Truly mixed metal - all the way through (These have now SOLD - thank you!!)


I actually have a plan for tomorrow...and the next day.  I recently completed an online class to make a Boho Saddle Ring (Leslie Kail Villarreal) and I finally received all of the required supplies. These are BIG AWESOME rings. I have no idea if my skills are up to this level, but I am going to try.  I am  also glad that I did not start this ring today, given my "it's Monday and everything turned out wrong" kinda mood day!

Here's to better Monday's in the future!  Thanks so much for stopping by!!

xo
Patti

12 comments:

  1. Beautiful designs Patti! I look forward to seeing your new rings after you take Leslie's class. I'm sure they will be beautiful!

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  2. Beautiful designs Patti! I look forward to seeing your new rings after you take Leslie's class. I'm sure they will be beautiful!

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  3. Wow, beautiful! So talented, inspires me to try new things.

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    1. Thanks, Lynn! Notice I only show photos of the completed designs this time...I need to start sharing all my "mistakes", too! :)

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  4. Patti ~ I am not into bangles but I LOVE that bangle!!! It is fantastic!!! The color mix, the balls, that charm ~ Pure AWESOMENESS!!! The charm looks like an old relic. Fantastic!!!
    Those little beads you made for the earrings are wonderful!!! They have such character and I love their depth.
    Any chance you will ever sell components/findings? You are that good!

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  5. Patti, your bangles are non-stop great! I also really like the "Barbie purse" beads. I think they would stand alone on a ss wire as earrings. Maybe in a bigger size, too, but some people like a really petite earring. For a small bead they pack a lot of punch! Go Patti! xoxo

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  6. As always Patti you pieces are beautiful. Sometimes our best pieces are the ones that give us the most fits while creating them. I agree with you about the copper charms looking like accessories for Barbie, but once they were made into earrings that look disappeared and I can understand by their beauty as to why they sold so quickly.
    Therese

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you, Becky!!! They turned out a lot better than I thought they would! :)

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  8. Despite the struggle, every single piece turned out perfectly! Love them all, especially the bangle with the beads!

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  9. I love your bangles! I wish my "bad" creative days turned out this good! I also love each and every time I see them the charms you make. Whenever I see you write "I melted down some scraps" I get all excited to see the result. I agree with Christine - your charms/components would sell! In any case, I love the bangle with the charm so much I just bought it, so I'll have at least one of your charms! :)

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