Week 7-Vine Necklaces

I'm a huge fan of Gosia Domanshiej and her work was the inspiration for my attempt at making this vining pendant out of copper. I liked it enough to add some silver beads and chain, and a green CZ drop. So the next one I did in fine silver and I took it a bit farther-maybe too far. The briolette on the bottom is pink anethyst. I then added some spinel rondelles in various shades of pink and lilac. Next I might attempt a pair of earrings. Getting them to match will be a challenge.

Week 6-Copper Leaf Earrings

I've been raiding my spare parts box again. I'm fortunate that there is a very talented metalmsith and jewelry artist, Debbie Fehrenbach, who teaches occasional workshops in my area. Last year I took a fold forming class from Debbie and the first thing I tried was a couple of fold formed and corrugated copper leaf shapes. In keeping with my resolution (that I only occasionally follow) to use the supplies that I have and quit buying new ones, I got these out the other day, trimmed them up to match, oxidized them and wired pearls to them. I really like them but as soon as I finished them, I was kicking myself for not using oxidized silver wire instead. On the other hand, I like them enough that I hesitate to take them apart and redo them for fear that they won't come out as well. Sometimes I just need to learn to leave well enough alone. Be sure and check out Debbie's work at www.fehrenbachjewelry.com

Week 5-New Old Earrings

I made these earrings a couple of years ago with white pearls for the girls in my neice's wedding. The girls really liked them so I made some more to add to my low inventory of earrings, this time with different colored pearls. I call them my Bic earrings because I use a Bic lighter as a mandrel. Then I solder them, hammer them, and twist them. They're fun to wear because they spin a bit and catch the light from all angles.