Symbols - they are everywhere! Recently, I embarked on using an inspirational symbol in a few pieces - the Cross. Although I am a practicing Catholic - I did not choose this symbol solely for the religious aspect. To me, it symbolizes Life, Truth, and Hope. All good things.
I have been using Vincent's (of
Inviciti) hand cast pewter charms in my jewelry for quite some time, including making several necklaces with a cross as a focal.
Isn't that gorgeous? Not sure what I love more - the focal itself or the aged patina he applies. Either way, I am smitten!
First up, I have been coveting an absolutely perfect strand of graduated turquoise. The blue/green and veining in these beads are truly perfect. I seriously considered just stringing the strand with tiny silver beads - that alone would have been beautiful.
But, I made a cross out sterling silver sheet to serve as the focal.
I added a turquoise cabochon, set in sterling, to the center. The handmade stamp (Danny Wade/
Ferro Valley Tools) is also a cross and shield. I had the hardest time getting the patina just right. I wanted an ancient/antiqued/just-dug-out-of-the-ground look to this focal. I hope I achieved that look. When I cut out the cross pattern, I gave myself some room to fold the bail over and add a rivet for closure.
Then I made some earrings out of copper - and added two tiny faceted Amethysts set in sterling silver tubing. My first tube-set gems! I was excited to cut the seat into the tubing and actually see that it worked! It's the little things....
The last piece I made is a Sideways Cross Bracelet.
It also features some stamping with hand made stamps by Danny Wade. It is actually a flower stamp...but if you turn it on its side...it's a Cross.
Still enthralled with setting a gemstone in silver tubing, I added a little faceted Peridot to the center of the Cross focal.
More handmade chain - this is my go-to wire wrapped link of choice. It's double wrapped and substantial, but still tiny and not overpowering. A tiny Swarovski Crystal in Peridot - and a little sterling silver leaf charm - are wrapped to the last link in the adjustable chain portion of the bracelet.
Are you all still with me today? 'Cause I have a little give away for you!
I found an old tutorial on Pinterest for a wire wrapped Cross Focal (
here is a link to the artist's blog if you are interested in making one yourself). It looked so simple in the tutorial but to be honest, it took me 3-4 attempts to not have a mangled mess on my hands! The cross measures about 2" in length - and not heavy at all! I soldered closed a sterling silver jump ring for the bail, and strung the Cross on a sterling silver chain.
I am going to give away one of these necklaces! To win, simply leave a comment on this blog. If you want a second chance to win, share this blog post on Facebook, come back to this blog and leave a comment that you shared the post. I will pick a winner in a few days!
Thanks for stopping by today! Have a safe Memorial Day and please take a moment to give thanks to those that ensure our freedom Every.Single.Day.
XO
Patti
PS - Spell check on Blogger is not working today for some reason - please excuse any typos!!
