Last week was spent playing with sterling silver-which will always be my favorite metal!
These little hoops are actually quite small. I reached for some heavier gauge wire, twisted the ends together and then melted them into a ball. Then, I flattened the ball, did a bit of shaping with my files, and soldered on a tiny little ball of silver. I really like the organic look of these hoops.
Still thinking of hoops, I made a pair of double hoops. I soldered the tiny jump rings for security sake. I did not add patina to these - just kept them bright and shiny. These are quite dangly!
Then I got out the copper, added some silver and some tube rivets.
Those mixed metal tabs, above, were my favorite of the week...until...
I discovered a new-to-me tool a couple of weeks ago. It took a while for it to arrive, but, it is a shot plate and I used it to make those tiny little center flowers in the hoops above. In fact, I wrote a blog post at Love My Art Jewelry and demonstrated how I made those little flowers. Click here if interested in reading about that!
Then, I got really brave and made what started out as a solid sterling silver spinner bracelet. I have only ever made these with a copper base, as an 8" length of metal is required. So, I held my breath when I hammered, praying that the solder join would hold! Well, it did! BUT, I loved the texture so much on the base bracelet that I did actually CUT OFF the inner spinner bracelet...'cause I wanted to see the texture!
That little satellite/inner spinner bracelet did not go to waste! I re-soldered and made a couple of sets of stacking bangles, instead.
I also worked on bezel setting a couple of gemstone cabs, but, not liking my results right now. They are sitting on my bench...staring at me...begging me to make them better. In time...
Last, but not least, I am having an End of Summer Sale in my shop. I am hoping that this sale will raise some funds for hay for Miracle Horse Rescue. Charitable organizations are really taking a hit this past year. If nothing else, I am hoping that by having this sale, Summer will be over quicker...have I ever mentioned that this is my LEAST FAVORITE season??
Thanks so very much for stopping by today! Hoping you have a wonderful week!
xo
Patti
