Sunday, June 10, 2007

Three Strand Necklace

First time using crimp beads and my
crimp tool. I used three strands of
Beadalon for this necklace. The smaller
beads are strung on separate strands
and the larger ones are strung on all
three. I like how that makes the smaller
beads look kind of staggered.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Paua Shell Wire Wrapped Pendant

Back to the Paua shell again and what to do
with it. I used 20 gauge sterling silver wire
and wrapped it around the first one.
Then I twisted two strands of 28 gauge
gold wire together and wrapped that
around a shell. It kind of reminds me
of an x's and o's game board.
I finally started using the macro zoom on
my digital camera - huge difference.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Pea Pod Pendant

I once saw a picture of this and kept the idea
of it in my head. I wish I could find the original
again to see how it was made compared to mine.
I used a 20 gauge sterling silver wire for the
pea pod shape and once I had manipulated it to
an interesting shape, I hammered it. Then I strung
some light green fresh water pearls on a thinner
sterling silver wire and wrapped it at the top and
bottom of the pod. If I were to make this again,
I'd use a thicker wire for the pod, or better yet,
I'd try square wire instead of round. Oh well,
right now I'm just playing around with it and
learning a lot through trial and error.

Monday, June 4, 2007

Paua Shell

C just gave me some Paua Shell that
her brother brought back from a trip to
New Zealand. It's beautiful - highly polished
and jewelry grade. She was hoping that I could
come up with something to do with it since it
doesn't have any holes in it. I've read that shell
dust is toxic and when it's processed for jewelry
making, any drilling is done under water.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Crocheted Wire Necklace and Bracelet

I've been wanting to try this for a while. I used
gold 28 gauge wire, a size 1.75 mm. crochet hook
and some chips in 2 shades of green.
Simply chain 4 strands for each of the necklace
and the bracelet and then weave them together.
I finished them off with toggle clasps. I think
if I made it again, I'd only use 3 strands for the
necklace. I'm not much of a crocheter - chain st.
is really the only crocheting I can do.