Monday, September 28, 2009

Week 39-Bowline Knot Pendant


This is something that I was playing around with this weekend while I was at a show. I have seen this knot tied with a single wire before but I wanted to try it with two wires woven together. I'm always impressed at how Corra can manipulate wire into knots and I wanted to see if this was doable. My problem was I had a picture of a bowline knot but didn't really know how to tie it. Fortunately the wire forgave me and I'm pretty happy with the way this turned out. The wire is 20 gauge and 26 gauge and I used a 6mm snapset on the end. The total length is 1 5/8".

Friday, September 18, 2009

Week 38-Bead Crochet Bangle





I have to start by saying that I am not a beader. I truly am in awe of what some folks are able to create with seed beads but I never thought I had the patience. But I bought a tutorial from Studio Dax thinking I might be able to do it, and I sat down the other night to tackle it. The jig is genius. I had no trouble starting it or following the directions. I admit I did rip out more than a few rows when I ended up with a wonky bead or two sticking out. That was in no way the fault of Randi's instructions. That was me not insuring that the new bead was on top of the previous row. Once I figured that out, it went smoothly. I chose to make a bracelet with a clasp which is one of the variations that Randi gives in the tutorial and I love the result.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Week 37-Wigjig Earrings



The earrings weren't exactly made on a wigjig but I did make the loopy trim around these on a Wigjig Delphi. Bigger holes so much easier to attach than chain. The frames are 16 gauge wire that was soldered, then shaped and hammered. The earwires on the labradorite pair were inspired by Sheridan of Joslin Jewels. The posts on the apatite and amethyst pair were connectors. I cut off one of the rings and soldered a post on the back. I liked the way they echoed the loopy pattern of earrings.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Week 36-A Tale of Two Pendants



When I started to wrap this 20x30mm black CZ, I messed up on the first attempt and got the prongs too far apart. That afternoon this neat 32x15mm pyrite included quartz came in the mail from Greatcabochons.com. I pulled the first piece out of my scrap and used it to do sort of a combo wrap on the quartz. I think it turned out kind of cool. I love it when I can salvage pieces out of my scrap box.