TheAngstyArtist

Lapis Ring

2012-01-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Ok this is last ring for a while

I really like the gold fill band and weave pattern. Otherwise it seems just a bit boring to me. It's missing some kind of pop.

Anybody have ideas to make it pop? All I can think of is to oxidize the bright silver to black and see if that gives me some wow factor.

Coiled Silver Ring

2012-01-28T22:10:00.000-08:00

I did not know that I was going to write another blog post within 4 hours of my earlier post.

I wandered off to finish a ring I began a week ago.

Oh my goodness friends!! I am so excited about this ring! I wanted to give myself a perfectly wrapped ring done with excellent skill. I don't feed my perfectionism every day (you might think I do), but I felt a need to feed that desire for good workmanship so I began this coiled ring that would also celebrate silver.

The pearl looks awesome but I do wish I had a better quality stone to set in the center.

I'm keeping this one bright, and for the first time I'm thinking a professional photographer would be a good idea.

I hate to show my chubby hands, but this ring deserves for me to set aside my vanity:)

Copper Labradorite Ring

2012-01-28T14:58:00.000-08:00

I really like how this one turned out. It has a perfect ring fit and a beautiful labradorite stone.

It's also unusual for me because it has an undrilled stone. I always feel somewhat amazed when I successfully set a cabochon. I never really believe I'll be successful at the the start of the project:)

Peruvian Opal Carnelian Wrapped Necklace

2012-01-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

I didn't know what to do with myself this week, so I turned to my pile of unfinished projects.

I had begun this necklace months ago and agonized over the original color choice of carnelian and amethyst. I like the peruvian opal much better. It has a wonderful luxurious richness while also being natural and down to earth.

Peruvian opal, carnelian, yellow jade, amazonite, silk, and sterling

Coiled Basket Bead Cap

2012-01-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Last week, during her visit, my Mom gave me a coiled basket that she had made.

I thought to myself, 'this would make an awesome bead cap if miniaturized and flipped upside down'.

I tried to copy my Mom's basket but I eventually got lost and had to improvise the finish of the bead cap.

It's really just a tiny basket.

Rings

2012-01-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

I can't really predict what I will make from one moment to the next these days. My muse is as erratic as my life feels.

With family staying with me this week I suddenly decided it was possible to make rings while having company at the same time. They can be woven while chatting or picked up to work on for an hour or dropped quickly mid design if need be.

The above ring is a victorian garnet glass button with sterling and fine silver. I didn't get to run it through the tumbler because my mother (the button collector) just happened to have a book about buttons with her and gave me a quick course in the care of vintage buttons. Water is a no-no for victorian glass.

Also chalcedony and copper

If I hadn't been under the gun time-wise, I would not have thought to make these rings. I hope to play with the design more. We will see if the muse allows that:)

Seaweed

2012-01-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

My heart be still!!

That is an actual piece of seaweed; but looks like woven wires to me:) I adore that it's pink.

I can't do any wirework right now. I hope this seaweed inspires you as much as it does me. Let the weaving begin! :))

I really must find some pink wire....

Critters

2012-01-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Not to make you jealous....but...it is 8pm in Los Angeles and my front door is wide open to the 70 degree weather outside. The almost full moon shines down on this city and the Santa Ana winds are blowing through the trees and somone's wind chimes make an occasional happy tinkle.

It's the kind of night where you feel that anything can happen. And I've just pulled my weeks work from the tumbler.

Steel, silverfill, sterling and peruvian opal

Steel hoop, sterling, fine silver, shell and rhodochrosite

I have no idea what the heck I will do with either one.

Oh and that octopus is less that 2 inches!! His head part is only 1/2 inch.

Copper 3 Ways

2012-01-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

Last sea urchin for a while. Using coral beads.

In Bright:

Oxidized:

Polished oxidized:

Not a Sea Urchin

2012-01-01T00:56:00.000-08:00

Making sea urchin balls opened up many possibilities in my mind and I had to break with the ocean theme to make this woven copper drop.

I only have two more days off and than I will be back at work and the work load waiting for me there will be a crush.

I have so many wonderful wire ideas I want to explore. I see myself growing as an artist and that brings deep satisfaction. It's frustrating to have to constantly set it aside and take care of necessities and life problems:(

January will be a pressing month with family events and a heavy work load. It may get slow again on the blog.

This weeks flurry of wire activity was really fun for me:))

It was a great year in wire for me and I look forward to what will develop in 2012.

Another Sea Urchin

2011-12-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

I had no idea there was so much variety of design in a sea urchin.There is a wealth of creative inspiration in the uniqueness of each one.

Also I am enjoying making squashy balls:))

This is steel, silver fill, gold plate over sterling, and gold plate over brass. 2.5Inch in diameter

Sea Urchin

2011-12-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

My first try at a sea urchin shell. It looks better in person because the eye does not pick up as many distracting details as the camera does.

It's made of steel and silver fill wire with gold fill beads.

I also wrapped a rock found in my driveway with steel wire. Very much a Lynne Merchant inspired design.

Sea Shells

2011-12-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

I'm completely out of the wire zone as I haven't made anything for about 5 weeks now.

I decided I wanted to make sea shells. A curious choice on my part since I have never been particularly drawn to them. But OK, that's what the muse wants.....that's what she gets:)

I also bought some steel wire and worked with that for the first time. I think it makes a lovely shell

These were challenging to make and I grew quite frustrated because the grace God put into the original shell spiral could not be equaled by me. Once I realized I could never reach so high a mark I was able to try one last time with more realistic expectations. To see the Masters work look here: http://naplesseashellcompany.com/turitella_sea_shells_seashells.html#seashells

There were lots of sad failures before I hit on something I could live with:

Christines Twining

2011-12-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

So far I have one brave taker to my offer to post your work to my blog. Thank you Christine!

Christine has made some beautiful garden designs using twining. I am especially fond of her 'garden gate' concept. She made it for the musical challenge at the Jewelry Makers Forum and you can read more about it over here: http://jewelrymakers.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=challenges&action=display&thread=85

She has also worked a cuff. Isn't the overlay of leaves on top of the twining wonderful? I'm a sucker for bare wire paired with wrapped wire:)

I've Got Nothing...

2011-11-29T15:45:00.000-08:00

The past few years I tend to slow down on Blog posts over the month of December. It looks like I'm headed in that direction again. I may or may not making anything in the coming month.

I do want to finish Year of Jewelry Project, but if I do I may just make some silly earrings to say 'Ha! I did it!!

If you don't hear from me, you can be sure I will return in January as always.

If you have purchased the Twining Lesson from me and you want to share your work, email me a picture and I will share it on this blog. If you have a link to a website I will include that along with your work. This offer is for the month of December only.

Waiting for the Sunrise Tapestry

2011-11-16T21:18:00.000-08:00

This tapestry was inspired by a song written and sung by my nephew. It was also part of a challenge over at the Jewelry Makers Forum. http://jewelrymakers.proboards.com/index.cgi

here is the cut and paste of what I wrote for the forum challenge.

The music this design is inspired by is written and sung by my nephew, It's called "Waiting for the Sunrise" and you can listen to it here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plRqXM8sFEQ

The song fills me with longing, and that longing was channeled into a wish to express it and its beauty with my hands by weaving a tapestry. I love the mystery in the songs theme and wanted to capture that in my design.

I feel the strength and courage of the writer to see things through to completion and wait for hope to rise even when it looks dark and appears to be long in coming.

I had no idea how to do a 'tapestry like' weave and did not have a clue how it should look, so I borrowed loosely from the song itself and wove a somewhat stylized sun rising along with a stylized mysterious type sky.

I am very happy with it for a first try:) Also, the grey looking button at the bottom of the tapestry is actually blue and the same color as the kyanite, but sometimes plastics don't photograph well.

I Did it!!

2011-11-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's done. The twining lesson is here...http://www.etsy.com/listing/86259095/twining-with-wire-lesson-tutorial

I'm as angsty and as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof!!

Lapis Bangle

2011-11-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

This is the last of 4 bangles custom ordered for 4 sisters. Each sister has her own personal charm.

The sister this bangle is made for is a dancer. I told my client there was no way I could make a ballerina, that sculptural work is not my strength. She convinced me to do one anyway. The bangle is gorgeous. The charm is not, but it is easily removed and my client wanted it anyway.

Client happy, that is all that matters:))

Pressed for Time

2011-11-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

My plate is very full with family events, a promised custom order, a job so busy I may need to work overtime, and filling in my spare time with the twining lesson.

I'm a little sad because I was making such wonderful things and now I can't really focus on that:(

I may be quiet but I'm working hard over here:)

This necklace was made last week

Twining Lesson

2011-10-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of interest to learn twining right now. For those who don't know, the book "Fabulous Woven Jewelry" by Mary Hettmansperger teaches the twining weave. Also the book "Jewelry: Concepts and Techniques" by Oppi Untracht teaches the weave and gives multiple start methods for beginning round twining or weaving of all sorts. Some of these methods I have used and some I have not.

I have drawn from all of these sources and closely studying the works of someone like Mary Lee Hu, or other fabulous weavers out there, including basket artists, and have developed my own methods through self study.

If you read my blog you know that I am reluctant to teach in any official capacity. Recently I have been rethinking my reluctance. It began when I decided that I would write a free tutorial for the blog on Twining like I did with the Trinket Box. I very much enjoyed writing and teaching on that subject. But, I also felt free to teach in my own style because I did not charge anyone any money for it.

The wire work community has developed a certain expectation about how information is to be transferred and shared. It is expected that a step by step type project will be taught and all wire lengths given. I really do not want to teach in that style, but I am interested in empowering wire workers and giving them tools to help them grow.

So, I recently decided to take a risk and sell a lesson/guide on the subject of Close Flat Twining. I hope to share info as to wire choices, how to wrap on and off, how to do the twining weave (I use a revised method, not the one in Mary Hetts Book), how to twine closely, offer lots of options to encourage inspiration and design, pitfalls to avoid, and give you an idea how to approach your own project.

I am going to offer this lesson for a low fee of 4$. With such a low fee the wire work community can try out a new method of information exchange with only a small risk if you don't like it.

I'm a bit nervous about how this will go over or whether I will only be offering information that isn't already obvious to all. I hope everybody will at least gain one new skill from it.

I don't have enough material to discuss round twining at this moment. However I will include one basket start in the lesson for those who want to play around with round twining;.

I have never merged pics and text in a word processor before so it's a steep learning curve for me. Also there is lot's of details to discuss and pictures to take and it's taking longer to write than I thought. I hope to be done in two weeks or less.

Than we shall all find out together whether this was a good idea or not!

Striped Agate Necklace

2011-10-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm so amazed at my own work lately. Like someone who dreams, I feel I will wake up and find the wire fairy has abandoned me. She will say "Ooops, I sprinkled the wrong wire artist, this magic dust was meant for someone else" and than she will take it back:)

I begin to think that all the scratching and clawing and hard work and failed projects have brought me to this very moment. All that suffering wasn't wasted after all:)

Well it's past my bedtime and I have nothing fascinating to say. Good Night!!

Deep Sigh...

2011-10-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

....of satisfaction:))

I have longed to do beautiful layers of interesting wire but I always felt I fell short of 3D work most of the time. Eventually, I told myself to stop worrying about it and let it happen on it's own. Today it really happened!!

I'm so satisfied and proud of myself over this design!! I couldn't help but think back to my very first ever twined project over a year ago. http://theangstyartist.blogspot.com/2010/08/saturday.html

At that time I remember being mystified as to how I would ever deal with all those spoke wires. I never thought I would ever have a solution!!

Most of this year 2011, I have felt like I was always in learning mode. I've worked on improving my skills and problem solving things that I believed held me back. But, I haven't felt for a long time that there has been any sort of break through for all my effort.

Until this week:)

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I've said this before..... maybe you paid attention, maybe you didn't, maybe you didn't care....

If you are going to work in 3D get a brass brush. Many wire artists choose to leave the wire black when they work in 3D with multiple wire layers. I've seen tons of work out there that was not left black but was hardly adequately polished.

If it is the intent of the artist to leave their work half polished, that is certainly a design option. Personally I think it shows a lack of care and attention to detail or they simply don't know what to do.

Here is a link to the brush I used from RioGrande http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Brass-Wire-Bristle-Brush/113172?pos=13

Twined Flower Vase

2011-10-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

This project was all about warp wires for me. I treated my double weaving wires like a bundle and allowed them to cross however they pleased. I didn't want to be distracted by my perfectionism over the weaving.

Expanding, shaping, reducing, and being creative with warp wires was the number one goal here. In the future hopefully all skills with begin to come together in one design.

It's about 3 inches tall. The two tendrils at the top right were an accident, in that I had not counted my warp wires correctly and so had some spares. However I think the design is much better with the happy accident, as opposed to the perfect ring of petals I had originally planned. Yay for accidents!!

As for the finish, I took a torch to it and had the most wonderful colors of purple, reds and golds. It looked awesome!! I coated it with Protectaclear hoping to seal in the colors but it all turned into the same hue:( Maybe renaissance wax would have been a better choice?

On the side view, you can see the vase shape I made a bit better.

Vessel Artists

2011-10-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

Just stumbled on this website and had to share with you all

http://mobilia-gallery.com/emailnews/vessel-redefined-2011.html

Amazing artistic vessels!!!

I am struck in particular by the twined bird made by Ann Coddington Rast. I'm very tempted to copy that design to learn from it

I googled a few of the artsits from that website and found more wonderful things!!

Nancy Moore Bess
http://www.nancymoorebess.com/index.html

Ann Coddington Rast
http://ux1.eiu.edu/~abcoddington/portfolio/

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I'm working on a little twined basket right now, should be finished in the next few days. My basket is so very sad looking when held up next to the works of these amazing artists, still I love it:)

I wonder often lately, how does one become such an amazing artist with such skill and such a body of work? Is it a matter of time put in? Years they have worked their craft? Where does such skill come from?

I'd love to do amazing works like that and I would love to do gallery quality work. I just have no idea how one even get's that good!!

Love to hear your thoughts on that!!

Moving Forward

2011-10-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

So many good things have happened to me lately. I was able to sell quite a lot of work in the last few weeks, both online and off. I was able to sell even more than I told you about in a recent blog post. I've sold at least double that much in the last week.

I also had a really good idea for a possible project to submit for Bead Dreams. The other project I began last Spring is still ongoing, it's so enormous I can't face it very often. I learn a lot when I work on it though:) I have to get something done by April if I want to try and submit for the contest. I love my new idea even more than the original project and it's a bit more doable.

All these wonderful things have happened and my response to it? Initially happiness, and than I collapsed into self pity and depression. All these ideas, this talent and hard work, I feel I can do nothing about it. It sits in front of me like a tease. I feel hopeless to solve the dilemma of my time problems and managing the different areas of my life in a balanced way.

My daughter and I have made some changes this year. We have been eating healthier food and we even both lost some weight. I've been spending regular time reading my Bible and I want to add some exercise into my weekly routine. The problem with all these wonderful things is that I have to cut back on wire time.

For the last 6 months I have known that if I want to have a healthier and more balanced approach to my life I have to let go of this creative life I want so much. Or give it a teeny tiny space in my life. When I think about this problem and how to solve it I slip into day dreams of being rich, or married and not working, or winning the lottery:) Or I slip into depression.

This morning I just realized... my needs HAVE been provided for. In my self pity, I never noticed that there is MONEY in the bank, thanks to all of my customers. I can afford to hire a service to clean my home and maintain it for at least 6 months. I can move some of this load off my shoulders finally!! Big SIGH of relief!! I can maintain my creative life and dreams. I can take another step down this road in a healthy way. This is the first time I have felt any true hope on this long standing problem.

Rejoice with me friends!!! And thanks to everyone who purchased in the last few weeks!! You've saved my life and lifted my soul!!

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A while back I told you I made a mistake on the Moroccan necklace. This is the mistake part. It was supposed to be 6 wires thick and it's only 5. Perfectly useful mistake but it was not a matching mate for that other necklace.

Twined Button Cuff

2011-09-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

I blogged about this cuff almost an entire year ago. http://theangstyartist.blogspot.com/2010/10/weeks-work.html

I was ready to deal with all the problems it gave me last time.

Embellishing was really tricky, every gemstone bead or stick pearl I tried to embellish with made it look cheap and contrived. When ready to give up I thought of my button box. I'm so glad my original ideas failed, because these buttons really rock it!

Copper wire, plastic buttons, red suede leather, jasper drop

And just like last time I have a blister;)

Buyer Scams

2011-09-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Something you friends don't know about me, is that I used to sell vintage costume jewelry and vintage beads on Ebay about 10 years ago. I have over 1000 internet Ebay sales under my belt. I was only scammed once.

Since I have been selling on Etsy, I have about 80 sales total between two shops I have, and I have been scammed twice.

I fell for the latest scam hook, line, and sinker, so I want to warn other shop owners. I received an email from Paypal, or so I thought... that I had received money from an item that sold in my shop. I believed it and I did not check my paypal account.

I saw that the buyer had many excellent feedbacks to her name and I saw nothing suspicious about the transaction. Nor do I look to Etsy itself to tell me whether or not an item is paid for. So I sent it and left feedback for her.

As soon as I left feedback she convos me to say she needs to cancel the order. I said no problem, return the item and I will refund you. I still don't see anything strange going on! At worst I expected her to try and withdraw her transaction on paypal. Blind woman that I am, it finally gets through my head that she never paid me at all!!

So be careful and double check that you have received cash.

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The other scam I have fallen for is to send the item, leave feedback, and than the buyer withdraws their payment on paypal claiming that I cheated them. If I haven't saved my receipt proving shipment, I have no hope to prove myself to paypal.

I since save all my post office receipts for a year after the sale.

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I know many of you readers are savvy women who don't need to be told these things, but a reminder and some information can't hurt.

I've got a cool bracelet in the works, should be done today or tomorrow.

An Eye Opening Experience

2011-09-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

I had an experience today which makes me stop and think. I showed my jewelry, almost the entire stock, to some beaders. I've never showed my jewelry 'in person' before. Where people can touch it and try it on and see it with their own eyes. I sold a lot of jewelry today. And I was invited back to show it again next week to even more people.

I'm amazed at the reception I recieved. I've grown accustomed to people loving my work but not actually purchasing any of it. It's good, but not good enough to own I guess. But I see now that's a mistaken understanding on my part.

It has always been my greatest wish to sell over the internet to the whole world as my market. That has never worked very well. Many of my Etsy sales were from people that I brought to Etsy with me, not people Etsy brought to me. Also, I think that people have a different reaction when they can see and touch and have a more immediate experience with my designs.

An attractive young woman tried on one of my older designs. I always thought that design needed some vague improvement. But, when I saw it around this woman's neck I realize with shock it was perfect as is. It was so gratifying to see the excitement in her eyes when she bought it. And she was even happier when I told her I had matching earrings at home and would give them to her next time I came. I hadn't really expected to sell anything you see;) I thought it would only be a show and tell.

The whole experience really gave me hope that I can sell if I find the right situation for myself. My stock is pretty small since I usually only make 1 piece a week or sometimes even just 2 designs a month. I've always felt challenged about doing shows with so few pieces of jewelry to offer.

I'll be thinking about this day from now on and be more open minded about what and where I might best display my work.

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Here is the weeks work:

Sterling and tourmaline twined brooch. I expect it will become a pendant one day. I'm going to set it aside and see how it develops in my mind over time.

Twined Coin Pearl Necklace

2011-09-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

I started this weave about 6 weeks ago. It's one of my many 'big ideas'. Disappointment is always a threat when working with 'big ideas', because too many things can go wrong when designing outside of your skill level.

I tossed this weave aside because it was not perfectly centered and I knew in my heart that that would ruin it for me. What I did not realize was that once the entire weave was in place, the small off center issue would disappear, because the eye cannot make the same tiny spatial assessment once the weave had filled in all the air gaps.

This came out way better than I hoped it would! I love how the weave goes right up to the edge of the frame. It has an excellent feel of luxury and expensiveness due to the weight of all the silver in the pendant.

It gives me hope for some of my other 'big ideas' :))

Mystery Labradorite

2011-09-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

This is my old and well loved 'roots' themed design in a new form. The end goal being, if one day I can use the roots at any time and in any shape or form I want. This is a step in the right direction I think.

I showed it to my daughter and she called it 'confusing' .. LOL!! I said 'Let's call it mysterious instead" :)

Double sided pendant.

OH, and I updated the Etsy shop for the first time in 6 months. You might enjoy looking.

Crayon Designs

2011-09-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

I've been stringing necklaces all week. Using up supplies from the bottom of the bead barrel. You know, the stuff you don't like as much as the beads at the top:)

It's been such an interesting challenge to turn something I don't really love into something that I actually care for as an end product.

I began doing this because I have an intense desire to declutter at the moment. Also, because I feel so creatively empty lately. When I look inside myself I just see gray nothingness... or rather I did at the beginning. Stringing these necklaces has primed the pump so that I feel I'm creatively coming back to life.

I only had two rules for myself. Whatever strand of beads I chose, I had to stick with that strand until I had accomplished a design. All of these strands took at least two hours to design them into something cool and interesting. Assembly did not take nearly as long.

The second rule was that there were no rules as far as the mixing of components and materials. There is base metal mixed with sterling, and vintage buttons mixed with plastic buttons and gemstones. Hemp and or silk or chain is used on any and all of them.

I call them my 'Crayon Designs' due to the fun and playful factor and not really coloring in the lines:) Here they are in order of creation.

Reconstituted turquoise, carved wood, hematite, and hemp.

Banded agate, vintage glass, plastic button, hemp, seed beads

Snowflake obsidian, plastic buttons both vintage and modern, sterling, silver base metal, vintage glass, hemp. Can be worn long or doubled.

TIP: When the back of the button is unattractive, just add a second button to the flip side of the component.

Vintage cobalt glass, wood beads, brass, and hemp

This last one was supposed to be a strand of opalite. Took forever for me to design it and at some point I realized I had designed the opalite right out of the necklace lol

Bone, copper, gorgeous rare vintage glass pearls, vintage mop buttons. base metal chain, vintage venetian glass bead. The pink vintage mop buttons on this are a stunning fuchsia, but alas they didn't photograph well.

Copper Torque Necklace

2011-08-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

A fairly simple project finished in one evening. The most exciting thing about this project is not the design itself, which I find boring. But it's this....

If you look closely at the braided part, you will see it is very lightly hammered. The hammering of the braid gives it a lovely spring and strength for curling around the neck and keeping it's shape over time. This made me very happy:)

Now I just need to come up with a more interesting design. I'm flush out of ideas at the moment.

A Brief Detour

2011-08-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have been redecorating my bedroom all week. Over the years the changes in furniture has caused my room to be a mismatched horror of white wicker, dark woods and now a new/used bed in maple.

I woke up one morning and decided I had had enough and launched myself into a rather big project which has taken me away from wire for a short time.

I found a gorgeous spray paint called 'Oil Rubbed Bronze". Doesn't that sounds cool? And it really looks cool too, and so all my furniture is getting painted and that takes awhile.

I've always played it safe decorating with very neutral colors, but now that I have been at this creative life for more than two years.... I find the old ways no longer satisfy:) I find I want more red and orange and bright colors in my home and I'm doing alot of shopping to find some bargains to add color to my room. It's definitely a budget redo:)

In the meantime my friends, I have found two more wonderful artists who work with copper metals and wire to make lovely vessels or sculptures. I'm sure that you will enjoy them!

Eventually I will get back to my own wire projects.

http://www.francessolar.com/pages/home.php

http://www.maryhicksmetalarts.com/

Abalone Button Brooch

2011-08-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Experimental design. Meaning that I did not plan out, or know what it was going to look like, before I began the project. ****shudder*****

Not my favorite way to design but I think it's important to break out and try different methods sometimes. You never know how it might affect your future work.

When my sister-in-law reads this blog post she will email me privately and say "Why did you put a nipple ring in the center? " LOL!! I'm so sure:)

What do you guys think? Should I change the center dangle appearance?

Twined Carnelian Necklace

2011-08-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Another design that was 'not as planned'. I'll be doing another necklace soon that will include the mistake part of this design:)

I didn't want to redo the other component so I changed my design to something easier. I think maybe it turned out better this way:)

My photography is pretty bad, I know, but I'm too lazy to fix it. Sorry!

Not What I Wanted

2011-07-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

I'm being less controlling this month. I'm not trying to get my way about everything. I let my other needs and living my life get in the way of my wire agenda more often.

In some ways I am more content, even though my longing to do more wire has not lessened. I am trying to make peace with my life as it is, and I have been successful.
So I don't get much done:)

And I have begun a strange, for me, way of working. Which is to have multiple projects going at once. I flit like a butterfly from one idea to the next but that method gets nothing done also.

So I guess this brooch is a good example of my frame of mind. This design was "not the plan". Very far off from the original plan in fact. I usually recycle the work that falls too far from the design idea.

I just couldn't stand to not rescue this design and get something done. So this is me, not getting my way but rescuing the situation:) It's growing on me. I like it's whimsical quirkiness.

The vintage abalone button is much nicer and shinier than it appears in my photo work.

Victorian Jewelry

2011-07-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's very busy at the office right now and I am not making any jewelry at the moment. I'll try to do something simple over the weekend so that I can submit to Year of Jewelry.

If you need some inspiration, I recommend this video by Mona Hair on Victorian Jewelry. I had a lot of ideas when I watched it a few weeks back.

She doesn't really get started until about 10 minutes into the video, you can scroll it forward a bit.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/14732547

Coral Sterling Necklace

2011-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

The first challenge I had to overcome to make this necklace was simply to remove my frugality from the design process. Once that was out of the way it all moved along at a good clip until I got to the beaded bead:

It took me 4 evenings to get it done and work out all the details. Should I make it in wire? Or thread? Do I tumble it? or assemble later? Will it be a round ball or a link? Do I even have wire small enough to weave 2mm coral beads? Do I have thread small enough? No I don't.

The beaded coral components used up an entire strand of 2mm coral beads and than I had to search my local bead stores for a somewhat close match to finish it. It was a good reminder that bead weaving takes longer than wire weaving. My hat is off to all those bead weavers who make such extravagant works!

Now that I have the supplies and the know how I really want to make another link. I used 'right angle weave' to made the bead and 32 gauge wire. I think the wire is steel or some sort of base metal. But the rest of the necklace is sterling.

This and That

2011-06-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

I didn't get any finished pieces of jewelry done this week. One of my designs did not turn out as I hoped. Here are the remains:

It looks better on camera than it does in person. It has no strong focal and the light bounces off at myriad places and the eye get's confused. It will eventually get unwound for some future project.
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My 26ga weaving wire keeps breaking on me and between that and the sad project above I discovered a renewed interest in house cleaning:) It was a good way to avoid the wire:) Have clean home now:)
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I did make a tiny 1.25" diameter practice basket. It's perfectly useful if you are a Barbie doll. I practiced the starting method, and also tested out what 30ga double twined wire looks like.
This is what the 30ga looks like:

I am perfectly pleased with myself for getting 20 whole spokes in that little basket!!

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Here is something you will really like!! Here is a link to a gallery of Berlin Iron and Silesian Wirework Jewelry. Be sure to scroll all the way down the page to see all the wirework they have.
All these jewelry pieces were made during the early 1800's, possibly by the same company. There doesn't seem to be any clear history available regarding the wirework especially.
The Germans actually traded in their gold for these pieces of iron jewelry in order to help their country pay for the war with Napoleon.

http://imageevent.com/bluboi/ironandwirework

Moroccan Double Twined Earrings

2011-06-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Another double twined weave.Very pleasurable to create, even though I took great care with every turn of the wire.

I only wish you could touch it for yourself, the texture is amazing!!

Yummy carnelians!!

Oh and, I bought new glasses:) Eye sight being such an important tool:))

Jewelry: Concepts and Techniques Book

2011-06-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

I just purchased this book, "Jewelry:Concepts and Techniques", and it arrived two days ago. It is absolutely wonderful and inspiring and full of information about wire that I have never seen in any other book. It's very expensive but you can search around and get a used copy like I did.

You can search through the book if you want to have a look and see if it is for you. Go here:
http://books.google.com/books?id=r81z6oAOIowC&pg=PR17&lpg=PR17&dq=jewelry+concepts+and+techniques&source=bl&ots=ySMqscmLJL&sig=Z7lxHf2n4Im7eI8akPbHRnnuCVk&hl=en&ei=b8H4Ta-RCsSKhQftu6mpDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=jewelry%20concepts%20and%20techniques&f=false

Roughly pages 160-225 are all about wire, and the chapter after that is about chain mail. There are lots of examples of wire techniques being shown by Mary Lee Hu.

The entire book is stuffed with gorgeous jewelry and valuable information, and did I say inspiring? Yes, Very!!!

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This is the first time I have tried twining with double wire.

I hope to do an earring design using this weave over the weekend. I love the double weave and I hope I can get through an entire weave without twisting my wires on the earring pair. Crossing my fingers.

Errr... probably I will go buy new glasses first, I'm struggling again with my eyes going blurry from the work...it's maddening!!!!

Copper Wire Jewelers Issue 5

2011-06-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

TheAngstyArtist Anniversary 2

2011-06-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

When I started on this journey two years ago I had certain dreams, some vague and some clear. I had a clear goal that I wanted to progress in wire skill and in defining my own style, and a vague hope that it might lead to a new and different life.

The only door that has opened itself for me in these two years, over and over, is that of teaching. I have long considered whether it was wise to reject teaching opportunities, because 'who knows'? it might lead to that vague different life I was wanting.

When I am truly honest with myself, I know that I am very hungry to develop my own skill and my own talents rather than the talents of others. I am hungry to stay focused on my own gifts and I find teaching to be only a distraction from that. I've made peace with leaving that door shut for now.

As the second year of wire was progressing I have felt depressed by the 'vague' dream which never came true. I have been troubled with how I am to continue to work wire into a full life. I mean, that these last two years have been like working two jobs, and if my life is not going to change, how do I go on like this? I'm only human and my home needs a good cleaning and I am beginning to want other human needs met besides just art. Like loafing and play and fresh air.

The one thing about my life that often makes me feel trapped and stuck is also the very thing that frees me to stay focused on my own talents and artistic vision. Having a full time job frees me from financial considerations in what I design. I don't have to design to sell, nor design to teach.

I had considered even quitting. Not because I am discouraged with wire, but that maybe things are 'just not meant to be' and I need to accept my life as it is and just make this a hobby I do occasionally and retreat from the blog and online participation.

I really don't have any answers for myself as to what I will do this next year or how I will live a more balanced life. I do know that I need to live a more balanced life if I am to carry on some how. Right now, I have more questions than answers in my life and I have begun to tolerate the 'not knowing' of things.

I will tell you that some very good things have recently happened to help me stay focused on my clear goal of improving my own wire talent. The Universe/God has offered a clear sign that 'quitting' was not the intended message for me:)

I can't share those good things with you right now, but I might be able to later.

Here is a very inspiring short talk on the fear of failure that I found on the International Guild of Wire Jewelry artists forum. http://forums.wirejewelryintl.org/post?id=5248429

If the link doesn't work let me know, I'm not positive if non-members can view it.

Pearl Floral Brooch

2011-06-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

This was one of my unfinished projects. I started it way back in January, when I had done something similar with kyanite for a bridal necklace.

I had originally planned to use two tones of metal and larger flowers, but I got discouraged when I couldn't seem to make it flow well.

I simplified the color pallete and changed to smaller petals and it finally worked out ok.

I should have provided a handshot here, because this brooch is very small, it's only 2" across.

The Witch Queen

2011-06-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

The Witch Queen, of copper, garnet, and silver.

Like a good song, hopefully there is room for each viewer to make their own interpretation regarding the theme and content of the sculpture. So I will say nothing more about it.

In my mind, I've come to call this sort of work 'Chaotic Weaving', because it doesn't follow any traditional rules or expectations.
Saying 'chaotic' doesn't mean sloppy. I consider myself to be only a beginner in this strange work and this weave has a lot of sloppy. My hope and goal in time is that my weaving will even out and be truly masterful one day...I hope....in time.....

It measures about 3.5" across and 2" high.

PS: I still cannot respond to comments, I can write a blog post and edit it, but Blogger will not recognize my log in for commenting. Thank you for all your comments and support!

Spiral Necklace

2011-05-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

I know I have been neglecting the blog, especially when my mother emails to inquire why I have not updated lately:)
There are a number of unfinished wire projects strewn about the work area. I would show you, but I'm embarrassed by the sheer volume of incomplete designs I have accumulated since the beginning of the year.
I did finish something this afternoon just so I could write a blog post. This spiral necklace was inspired by a necklace Lynne Merchant was wearing the day I visited. Only hers was in silver and she had a different configuration of spiral clusters. I thought the clusters of spirals were extremely voluptuous and sensuous and I wanted one for myself.
The necklace looks great on and feels beautiful laying against the neck.

-----------------------------------------

This week I have been working on a wire sculpture along the lines of The Tangle and The Vine Pot. I expect to finish in the next week or two. I have not worked a design that requires 40+ hours of time since late last year.

--------------------------
Mid June is the second anniversary of this blog. I have a few things I'll want to say about that in the coming weeks.

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Thank you to all who left comments last week. Blogger was acting up and it was impossible to respond, but I appreciate you.

Lynne Merchant

2011-05-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I discovered that Lynne Merchant has a gallery about 2.5 hours away from my home. I wasted no time and scheduled my Saturday for a trip down to San Diego. Could there possibly be a better wire gallery or store or museum anywhere?

I had a wonderful day viewing her work and got to touch it! And meet her!! I also purchased a wire pin made by her:) Now aren't you jealous? :))

If you are going to be in the San Diego area and you love wire, don't pass up a chance to visit her gallery!

If you don't know who Lynne Merchant is, she is the woman who taught most of the wire teachers out there today. Like Sharilyn Miller, Conne Fox, Janice Berkabile, Tracy Stanley...countless more....

You can find Lynne on Facebook here
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lynne-Merchant/211928952152042

On Sunday I made a simple necklace very much influenced by my trip.

Wire Inspirations

2011-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

How many of you receive 'The Jewelry Making Daily" email? This morning's email began with a promising title "Wireworkers: Did you know you're a metalsmith?".

The article was a particularly good one for the daily email but it wasn't about wire working at all. It was an encouragement to wire workers to move into metalsmithing and supposedly expand their techniques. Which, to my mind, was sending a subtle message that wire holds you down and to truly advance you need to move into working with sheet or solder.

One tiresome factor (for me) in all the daily newsletters from the jewelry industry is a push to teach you the next new thing. They glorify the idea that it's good to seek after every jewelry making technique that comes your way. That we should always be open and expanding ourselves into new mediums.

My local bead store ladies often give me puzzled looks that I don't take a class in polymer clay or the latest free class offered on pouring resin. It isn't that I don't value other forms of jewelry. I admire and delight in many other styles of work and other people's creative techniques and strengths. Some polymer clay artists just break my heart with the beauty of their works and I'm tempted to go tearing off in a new direction and spend my time and energy learning silver clay instead of wire.

The point of my post today is not to discourage anyone from trying new techniques or enjoying new classes if that is their hearts desire. The point of my post is to offer a counterbalance against the constant need for new. I want to remind you what can happen if you stick with something.

Here is a list of great wire artists who have stuck with wire for 20-30 years. Look at what they can do:

http://www.dieladielka.sk/sortiment/diela/29-ladislav-jurovaty/strana-0/

http://www.barbaraberkdesigns.com/html/gallery.html

Lynne Merchant has finally updated her website and it contains every article/interview written about her for free
http://lynnemerchant.com/

http://www.barbarapatrick.com/html/frames.html

http://mobilia-gallery.com/artists/afisch/

Here is a link to the Jewelry Making Daily email today

http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2011/05/11/learn-new-jewelry-making-techniques-from-wirework-to-metalsmithing.aspx http://www.nwbasketweavers.org/portfolio/Marilyn/index.html

Bangle set

2011-05-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was going to make a set of 6 bangles, but I ran out of the size silver I wanted. That, and the price put a stop to my plans:)

I've gone back to work on my Bead Dreams project this weekend. I ripped out all the weaving and changed the wire gauge size and I'm liking it better:)

Wire

2011-04-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these earrings. They have everything I love about wire, which is, just wire being itself, and doing it gorgeously!
  The design has been in my sketchbook for many months but I refused to make them in 20 gauge. Now these are 16 ga frames drawn down to about 19 ga at the ears.

  The new draw plate finally arrived and it was everything I hoped for. Precision machined holes, all marked and in order and it pulls like a dream. I do not enjoy filing the wire down to fit into the draw plate. It's a pain and kind of fussy, but I do like the new design options I can have using heave gauge wire when needed.

-----------

  Haven't been able to get much else done the past week. We have been busy shopping for a used car for my daughter and finally found one. It's a stick shift so now she needs to learn to drive it and we had to get it into the shop to be sure it was safe to drive (and spend more money on it:( )

  The cat is in the beginning stages of kidney disease and that has taken up my time also.

  I really miss the wire and I hope I can get back to it regularly soon.

Sterling Hoops

2011-04-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

  "What's this" you ask? Why do I post boring earrings?

  These earrings have been a long time coming. I hate 20 gauge hoop earrings. They always feel flimsy and cheesy. Am I right? Err, maybe some would say "they're delicate and feminine".

  I just don't like them!

  But if you go any larger in wire gauge you end up with wire uncomfy to delicate ears.

  These are 16 gauge wire hoops tapered down to 20 gauge at the end. I purchased a 10$ draw plate from Etsy. But, now that I see it is possible to taper like I want, I purchased a really nice draw plate from Rio Grande. Can't wait to get it. I'm pretty confident that a well machined draw plate would have made these earrings much less traumatic to make:)

ONLINE EXHIBITION OF JEWELRY FEATURING NON-PRECIOUS MATERIALS

2011-04-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ganoskin is having an online exhibition accepting rank beginners thru long time professionals. Don't miss out on a chance to have your work seen folks! I already entered this morning.

"ONLINE EXHIBITION OF JEWELRY FEATURING NON-PRECIOUS MATERIALS"

To be hosted on www.ganoksin.com

This exhibition will be held online only, and will feature jewelry

that is primarily constructed of non-precious metals and other

materials (Precious metals being defined as silver, gold, platinum,

palladium, and their alloys).The jewelry should be designed to

actually be worn, not just viewed. This exhibition is open to

everyone from master goldsmiths to rank beginners, and is not juried

- all entries with qualifying images will be accepted.

To qualify images must be "jury quality", clearly focussed, show the

jewelry clearly, and be visually pleasing to look at. All images

should be in jpg format only, under 1MB each. Images should have a

neutral background with no props, preferably gray or white. Entrants

will be notified if images are not of acceptable quality, and may

submit new images through the closing date.

Each person may submit up to three pieces.

Entries should be e-mailed to: onlineexhibition@earthlink.net Please

put the exhibition name in the e-mail subject line. In the body of

the e-mail identify each piece with title, material(s), dimensions,

price or NFS, country and name of the artist. If you have a web site

or online selling site you would like linked to your piece(s) please

include the correct address(es), or whatever contact information you

would like included. You will have two lines for contact

information. Any broken links will not be used. Sales will NOT be

conducted from the exhibition!

Entries will be accepted between April 1 and May 31.

Beth Wicker

onlineexhibition@earthlink.net

www.bethwicker.com

Caramel Pin

2011-04-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've set an undrilled stone. I love the yummy folds of the coiled petals:)

I took a day off from work on Friday, so that is how I have managed to make two projects this week. So don't get spoiled:) Just kidding!

I still don't have my framing at the level I want it to be. I think I'll just practice more. What else can I do? Unless there is a teacher somewhere, I'm stuck with me:)

Leaf Pin

2011-04-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

  It's been a challenging week in my life so I didn't want to work on frames. Making soldered frames is my least favorite wire activity, but I love how they look so I stick with it.

  It's so very soothing to take a step back and work on a design that feels well within reach of my abilities.

  For the first time, I used a brass wire brush to remove oxidation from the pin. It was a wonderful experience! The soft brass bristles get into nooks and crannies that no polishing cloth or steel wool will ever reach!

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  Kind of funny and thought provoking article about creativity here
http://www.austinkleon.com/2011/03/30/how-to-steal-like-an-artist-and-9-other-things-nobody-told-me/

Discovered the link from a friends Facebook page. You might enjoy it too.

Caged Agate Brooch

2011-04-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

This was a VERY challenging project for me. I worked on it for over 4 days and had to remake components and rewrap multiple times. I almost quit in discouragement.

I was somewhat happy with it until I saw it in the macro view of my camera and realized I have a ways to go before I'm competent with this technique.

So that leaves only one thing to do right? That's right - DO IT AGAIN!! Only I'll use a different stone this time:)

Bronze Brooch

2011-03-31T23:07:00.000-07:00

I've been very unproductive all week. So many things I feel I have to get done, and yet I don't get anything done at all. I already have more custom orders, can you believe it?

Tonight, I asked myself what I would do if I could make whatever I wanted, and this brooch was my choice. I think I am finally ready to start caging stones in my own style and this caging style is the direction I wish I had more time to explore.

I love the pin backs I'm doing now. They look and operate more like a real piece of jewelry. Did I just say that? As if wire is not 'real jewelry'? Forgive me, you know what I mean I hope!

Stone Cross

2011-03-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my first attempt at a more elaborate cross. It's not quite what I had envisioned but I have no time to rework it. I told my client she had no obligation to buy it. It was a rogue design ( not at all what we had discussed), but she decided she wanted it anyway.
I don't even have time to do all the designs in my head. Picture me with my head in my hands:))

I've been listening to this gospel song all week. I first heard it on my daughter's CD of Florence and the Machine. Here is a link to the original by Candi Staton. I know my brother will love it if he hasn't heard it already. Maybe I can pay him back for all the music has turned me unto in my life. Go listen JT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7dMGw3uzEU&feature=related

Jasper Cross Bangle

2011-03-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

A custom order bangle for a coworker. She also asked me to make a cross necklace if I could and I'm fiddling around with cross designs this weekend.

I don't have much to say on the Blog lately. I did my taxes this week, and I had a contractor come in to replace my living room windows that are very very old. My daughter is having a house guest this coming on Monday.

I am either worrying and fretting about stupid stuff or I have nothing going on in my mind at all:) See? Noone is missing out on anything:)

I am progressing with my soldering skills, like the crosses shown here. I did get more work done on the bangle tutorial also.

This will also be the second month in a row that I am making some money off this wire stuff:)

If I really do make a cross necklace I'll post that soon.

Fan Earrings

2011-03-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

I've recently improved my soldering skills enough to attempt some designs with soldered frames. I made these fan earrings while watching CNN footage of the quake in Japan.

In light of so many things going on in the world this week, I don't feel much like talking about myself.

Rings

2011-03-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

The problem with ring making is that you can't know who to size the ring for. I would love to put some rings in my shop but it's very limiting if I make them all sized for me.

I'm not a fan of adjustable rings but what else can I do?

Anyways, having tons of fun as you can see:)

Marquise Ring 2

2011-03-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

I am having such a good weekend! The rings only take an afternoon to make, which leaves me time to clean my house and run my errands:)

This ring is made from an antler button,

Here is what they look like when worn:

And here is the back. I know you want to see that, but you're too polite to ask:) rofl

Marquise Ring

2011-03-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

So I guess I'm into rings now:)

Still Busy

2011-02-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

Been so busy still. Finished another custom order this weekend to match the Eclipse Earrings.

Cleaned my work space and made some earrings with old components.

There are more earrings too but I did not get the photo work done yet.

My cleaned work space one week later looks like it did before I cleaned it:(

I have abandoned my original Bead Dreams idea, since it was a project that would take 7 full weeks and I just can't handle that right now. I started another smaller project, than sort of abandoned that.

Do you guys watch Top Chef? Last week Carla did not do well because she said she cooked from her 'pride' rather than from her 'heart'. I relate to that as I struggle with making something for the Bead Dreams contest. I'm thinking maybe I should drop all my ideas and just ask myself the simple question of what does my heart really want to make, and then just submit that, no matter if it is awesome or not.

Anyways, I'm kind messy right now:)

PS. Also I'm sorry I haven't been responding to comments. You guys have left me some very dear comments and I treasure them more than you know!

Too Many Projects

2011-02-17T07:44:00.000-08:00

I've gotten myself into too many projects and it feels like nothing is getting done. This month has been the busiest sales month I have ever had with Etsy sales and custom order requests. I did not expect, and thereby leave room in my life, for sales and orders:)

I've spent quite a bit of time on my Bead Dreams project to the detriment of my housekeeping which makes me feel very disordered and yucky. As far as the project goes, I feel like a child who is trying to make a Mona Lisa out of elbow macaroni. I think I may have to drop my hopes of entering this year to protect my sanity and happiness. Not shutting the door quite yet though.

Here is my Mom's bangle for those who haven't seen my Flickr.

Here is my Year of Jewelry submission for the week. A very simple project that has been on my desk for several months and in my mind even longer.

Hope to spend the coming weekend regrouping and prioritizing 'too many projects'.

Bead Dreams

2011-02-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Years ago my Mom gave me a Bead and Button magazine full of gorgeous artistic designs. In this special edition magazine was wirework by Lisa Niven Kelly and Jude Carmona. The wire designs in the magazine are no where near like my current style, but the glorious coils of metals mixed with beads and gemstones captivated me over all else in this magazine. That is how I got on this wire path. I longed to do the things they did.

I still have that magazine. I never really looked at the name of it until this week. It is Bead and Buttons "Bead Dreams 2003 Special Edition" magazine, showcasing all the contest winners and honorable mentions.

Last week I read in my "Beading Daily" email ...errr, maybe it was the "Art Jewelry Magazine"email... that the deadline for this years contest is in early April. http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/bnbshow/Default.aspx?c=a&id=28
This will be the second year where they actually have a category for Wirework. How cool would it be to enter in that? But there is only 7 weeks left and I am so busy with tutorial and sales and Year of Jewelry Project. But, I just can't let the opportunity pass without making an effort. I do have a design in mind that would be suitably extravagant for it. But can I pull it off? Hmmm

So I decided to make an effort on a design for the contest for about two weeks. If it's going well than I will keep at it, but if not looking so good I can get back to my tutorial and all the designs I had already planned to make and are half made and scattered about the work area. I think it's worth putting a little effort into it in hopes I can submit something.

But if I miss out this year, than next year for sure I will plan ahead and submit. It would be so cool to submit to the very contest that brought me where I am now. Even cooler if I was accepted:)

So I have nothing much to show you right now. I did make another bangle for my Mom's birthday. I'll share that after she has seen it first. OK..back to work....

Kyanite Flowers

2011-01-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

Last week I got a big surprise when one of my trinket box necklaces was selected as a 'daily deviation' over at deviantart.com. It's sort of like an Etsy front page, only your work stays up all day, and there are no sales involved.
My necklace received over 5000 views in 24 hours! It was very very exciting. I also picked up some unexpected work because of all the traffic.
I sold my kyanite armband to a soon to be bride. Than she requested a custom necklace to go with it and I said yes. I have never made any wedding jewelry before, and I discovered that it truly is an honor to make jewelry for such a special day in a woman's life. This bride was a very amiable person and easy to work with though:)
I like the style of the pendant quite a lot. I think I may do more in the future.

Snakes and Bangles

2011-01-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

Working on variations on the bangle design and working out the details of a tutorial for it.

Snake rings were for Year of Jewelry week 4 theme "Wild and Wicked". I experimented with ways to manipulate metal with the shaping of the head and filing the tail end down to a snakey point.

Coiled Bakelite Bangle

2011-01-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

It has been a frustrating week in wire with many projects and ideas hitting frustrating road blocks due to my inability to problem solve my design ideas. When this bangle was finally completed I laughed and dance around the living room for a good 3 minutes. The design was actually a compromise with the wire from my original idea but I love it, and the foundation of the design is an excellent jumping off point for more development.

Eclipse Earrings

2011-01-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I ever used gold filled wire. It's kind of pricey, but it is nice to have another color option. There are a number of things I would do differently if I were to make them again, but I didn't want to drive myself crazy seeking perfection and components that I didn't have on hand.

Tim Gunn was in my head saying 'make it work' - so I did:)

Copper Key Pendant

2011-01-07T21:48:00.000-08:00

My passion for wire is very low right now and I feel uninspired at the moment.

Despite that, I signed up for Year of Jewelry 2011 project. This is a forum where participants commit to make one piece of jewelry every week for a year. It's not too late to join if your interested, they are still accepting sign ups. You can find the link to the forum on my link list at the right side of the blog.

This copper key looks pretty effortless, but actually a lot of agonizing and fussing went into making it look that way.

I'm just glad I got something done.

The Christmas Present

2010-12-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

This copper pot was started way back in October. It is about 4" high and made of copper with tourmaline. It went to my Mom who loved it:)

Where am I?

2010-12-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

World of Warcraft video game expansion pack is coming out tonight at midnight. I can hardly resist playing when there is so much new content to explore and play with. I can see me playing for the entire month of December. I'm funny like that;) My blood elf Death Knight will need some attention to level up.

Here is an awesome inspirational goldsmith who weaves in wire. This is going to have to hold you over for whole month.
http://www.barbarapatrick.com/html/frames.html

I'll be back around Christmas time to show you the present I made. Have wonderful Holidays all. If you play WOW /wave

Updated Etsy Shop

2010-11-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

Ok I updated my Etsy shop with affordable designs and terrific forged details. If I can't tempt a frugal shopper with these prices than I'll be scratching my head for sure!

My Mom's Banner

2010-11-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

You guys will be so surprised to hear what I have been up to this last week. I've been making ordinary, every day jewelry! Super affordable jewelry, which I hope to get into the shop through my daughter's hands, but she has been too busy yet to do the photography and sales uploading.

It surprised me to see a style of my own develop very quickly in this type of work. I'm on my fifth day of churning out jewelry and getting faster every minute, also am getting new ideas every minute. And it surprises me that I am actually having fun at this!! I dragged my feet for so long....
While I make tons of rings and earrings.....here is my Mom's banner finally up for us all to enjoy.

Mom, looking at your banner again, I think it is just darling!! I have one more block to still develop on mine.

My Cloth Banner Part One

2010-11-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

I prefer to post on the blog at least weekly, but lately it is getting harder and harder to accomplish anything in one weeks time. Many of my current designs are taking me an entire week to finish, rather than several days or an evening. In the back of mind I wonder what will be the fate of my Blog if I decide to make projects that take two weeks or a month? Do I even possess that sort of patience anyways?

I am also thinking about my life in general. This artist journey I started 1.5 years ago, I see now, is not something that will end. Following a creative path is always going to take an enormous amount of time and energy as long as I am physically able to do it. So, how do I make room for my other needs in such a full life? How will I live going forth into this future I see?

These are not angsty thoughts, just a beginning understanding that I may need to change course at some point, or make adjustments in order to carry on with this path I started down. I may not be able to keep the Blog up so often in the future:( But, I'm not ready to make that decision today!! I love blogging!

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This week I am working on the Mary Hettmansperger banner project that my mother and I started a 6 weeks ago. Until the banner is knocked out, there won't be any wire work done. The banner is taking a heck of a lot longer than I expected and I wanted to get a post done for my Blog, so here is half my banner to view for now.

My mother and I collaborated on making the banners together, but embellished our banners seperately. I'm trying to get some good pictures of hers to show you also, so you can see how each is different.

Each banner has 5 blocks, I decided to make my blocks themed. From top to bottom they are: Universe, Sky/atmosphere, People, Earth, Under the Sea.

It took me all week to get 2.5 blocks done:(

Universe:

Half completed Sky:

Under The Sea:

Twined Cuff

2010-11-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

This bracelet gave me an emotionallly wild ride. Often times I have a very set idea in my head of what I want the finished design to look like. The problem with that way of designing is that it's much more easy to be disappointed with the finished project.

I had to force myself to finish this design because the weaving wasn't as neatly and evenly done as I envisioned it would be. I also smashed a couple of the copper beads with a hammer accidently :)

When I finally got to the very end (weeks later) and was able to bend it around a bracelet mandrel and shape it, I was very surprised to find myself as excited about the design as when I first imagined it. I just love it!!

I wear a lot of grey in my wardrobe and I love how copper looks with grey. The copper cuff with peacock pearl accents and my new grey dress are going to look terrific. I mean they DO look terrific, as that is what I am wearing right now. And I'm going grocery shopping like that:) hehe

It's about 2.5" wide.

Catching Up

2010-11-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised almost two weeks has passed since I posted jewelry pics, it feels like just yesterday I posted the twined cuff. I've been busy getting myself into too many projects. More than one jewelry project is half completed, and more than one household project is in some stage of incompletion.

Today is my daughter's birthday and here are two earrings I made for her. I'm not sure she won't be disappointed with them, but I'll find out tonight.

One of my half completed household projects is getting my wardrobe updated and in order and sorted out. I handknotted myself a necklace to match some clothing. It's blue peitersite, sterling and hematite. I even wore it doubled up with my coiled labradorite necklace. It was bold of me to do that since both necklaces have largish beads, but I had fun and they looked great together!

Almost done with second twined bracelet, should have a pic up before the weekend is over!!

Give Away at Lorena Angelo's Blog

2010-11-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Lorena is having a give-a-way if you sign up and leave a comment on her blog. Lorena is a metalsmith who specializes in art clay with a mexican ethnic flare using plenty of skulls and roses.

Check her out! http://blog.lorenaangulo.com/

Copper Wire Jewelers Issue 4

2010-10-28T08:03:00.001-07:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More wire wrap

The Week's Work

2010-10-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

My brief fling with ordinary jewelry appears to be over already:)

The weeks work turned out to be only an excersize, rather than a finished design. I was 80% done when I suddenly decided to scrap it and start all over.

I wasn't prepared for how strong and dense the twining weave would be. I had been advised to use smaller guage wire, but did I listen? lol

Other mistakes and lessons learned besides wire guage issues were, pulling too tight on my spoke wires and the LOS cannot be cleaned from between the weave, so I better want it to be black!

Also got biggest blister ever!

I'm Back

2010-10-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

I've recently begun to feel some of that old excitement about wire and jewelry stirring about in my solar plexus area:) Even though I have been feeling dry inside, I have never been without ideas to work on. So I would not call my dry spell 'artist block' I guess. The christmas present is nearing completion, and I am happy with how it has turned out, but I can see that the design is really just a precursor of things to come and not the final idea. Still it will be loved by it's future owner.

Ever since I made 'The Buried Treasure" necklace I have been fascinated with mixing vintage glass or plastic with gemstone and sterling There were actually two failed projects still on my desk from a month ago. One was an octopus bead in vintage glass and sterling and another was an attempt to set a vintage button in an attractive manner in wire. This mixing idea led me into viewing more 'found object' type jewelry online and in books at the bookstore. I discovered that Richard Salley has a free tutorial on making a found object locket. Of course, my locket is better:) I'm just kidding!! Go look and enjoy! http://www.rsalley.com/ Just click on "Tutorial' on the left hand side.

During my visit with my parents, my mother and I dived into a Mary Hettsmansperger project from one of my mother's quilting magazines. Mary was making these pieced fabric banners and then embellishing them with found object stuff, like pieces of wire, sticks, buttons, rusted bottle caps etc etc

So we put together two banners, one for each of us, and searched her craft room for found objects, trash, even a vintage silver fork. My mother lives near the beach and she has collected driftwood so I was even able to get a piece of that to hang my banner on at home. Here is my banner and a pile of the stuff I collected from her house to maybe sew on to it.

The whole time we did the project we were encouraging each other to be sloppy, and to not care overly much about perfection so that we could be like Mary;) At least this helped us get it done in the short time we had:)

Last night I faced the dreaded task of cleaning up the craft table:( I decided it was high time I cleared the way for new ideas and projects and made space for a new mess. The vintage celluloid button I had tried to set in wire a month ago was laying on the table, and I suddenly knew how to finish it. So in between a small effort to clean the table I made a necklace using mixed elements, of celluloid, tourmaline, sterling and copper accents.

When my daughter came home that evening I enlisted her aid to determine a proper length for it and she became so feverish in her desire for this design that I gave it to her. The poor girl tries so hard to not get attached to the jewelry that I make, but I haven't seen her this excited in a long time. Sometimes you just know when a particular design belongs to someone, don't you?

One of the things she liked about the necklace was, as she said "it's so accessible". She was warily looking at me for fear of how I would take that. I found it awfully funny, I know many of my designs are not great for every day wear, and are kind of arty;) But as she pointed out, this very accessible design has so many of my latest ideas and my strong hand print on it and she loves that as well.

I still have not met my daughter's challenge to make every day earrings for her birthday. I think I actually thought that cleaning up the craft table was a less dreadful task than facing the 'ordinary earring' lol.

More button jewelry and 'every day' designs to come I hope;)

Quick Update

2010-10-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

I've made some progress technique wise and I'm working on a new design (which of course takes forever to accomplish). I'm thinking of saving this new design to use as a Christmas present, which means I can't post it until late December.

My daughter's birthday is coming up in a month and she asked me to make her some every day earrings. Oy! I haven't made earrings in almost a year and I have no every day designs! So that will be a challenge. I did think up another nifty wire idea for her birthday, but I won't be able to post that either until early November.

I'm headed to Oregon this weekend to visit my parents, so I don't think there will be any wire happenings getting done this week.

I just wanted to let you guys know, it might be a little slow around here for a while but I'm still in the game!!

The Tangle

2010-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm still not feeling very enthusiastic about wire. I did submit some work to a juried website last week and got rejected. This only deepened my lack of enthusiasm:(

I do trust that my excitement and interest will return in time if I am patient about it.

I have seen some wire artists over the years abandon wire for metalsmithing. It's not like wire workers have any where to go to get advanced teaching and personal one and one training at the level you are at. There is just nothing like that out there for us.

It can be tempting to ditch wire when it gets tough or you struggle to bring your ideas into reality and have noone to help you.

I'm not ready to ditch wire yet.

Spiral Brooch

2010-09-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

I continue to be fascinated by the spiral in all its forms, both open and closed, coiled, straight, flat or in 3d.

This brooch design allowed me to bring another idea to life without being thwarted by trinket boxes:) I wore it to the office today on a black top and it feels unique and special;)

Rebellion

2010-09-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

I know it's been a long time since I posted, but I am going through a rebellious phase right now.

Just 6 weeks ago I was smugly patting myself on the back for having so much patience to do these long projects. I thought I had conquered myself. But, I was getting tired and I wondered about other areas of my life that were getting neglected because of it.

My daughter got a job recently and since we are sharing only one car in the household, this has disrupted the daily routine of my life. I've never seen anyone so happy to have a job though!

I'm not sure what direction I want to go in next with wire and jewelry, and due to some recent failures, my motivation is low.

I know that things will turn around again. After I regroup;)

Buried Treasure Necklace

2010-09-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

This entire necklace came about because of the carved bone skull bead. I decided I needed a treasure map to go with it.

Than I decided to make an Lynne Merchant style octopus bead to go with them.

Than I pulled out my vintage beads to add more unique items, like bakelite and purple crystals to go with the carved jade and amethyst and peitersite.

Than I pulled out my box of old components to complete it, some of them are as old as 5 years.

Very tricky to assemble something like this in an attractive manner, but I finally got it.

The octopus bead is something I have wanted to make for years and only just now did. I enjoyed it so much! I already have plans to do another using more of my vintage beads that I haven't used in years.

Those Aren't Beads

2010-09-03T09:00:00.001-07:00

Every time I used this method of weaving I am asked 'where did you get those beads?' "How did you do that?"

Well, I'm telling you now, they aren't beads. These are head pins that I made myself and flattened. Than I did my weave using short head pins rather than a long strand of wire. The copper ball is woven using 5 inch long handmade headpins. It is just as strong as weaving with one long strand.

As far as I know, noone has ever done this method of weaving before and I am very proud of it. Feel free to use it, but it would mean a lot to me if you give me credit:)

Spiral Brooch

2010-09-03T08:12:00.001-07:00

I've recently discovered the work of metalsmith Andy Cooperman and loved his style which seems a combination of art nouveau, organic textures and engineering connections. While looking at his gallery I decided to make a broach.

You can view his work here http://www.andycooperman.com/

Making pins is such a useful way for me to try out some of my new weaves without having to worry about the precision and commitment required for trinket boxes

The Fairy Ring

2010-09-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

I decided to work on something a little bit easier than my latest big ideas:) This is the enchanted circle where fairies gather.

All copper wire, coated to block oxidation. Onyx, carnelian and chalcedony gemstones.

Measure about 2 5/8" wide by 5/8" high

Self Critique and Play

2010-08-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a little concerned that my last post came across more severely then I meant it to. I didn't mean to suggest that my last two projects were complete failures or that I hated them totally. Both projects are not ones I would offer for sale because they did miss my standards for selling on various accounts. However, I did think both projects had a lot of exciting ideas going on and tons of potential.

My frustration and lack of confidence at the moment, is in regards as to how to improve what went wrong so that they can meet my standards. The two techniques I use for creating and weaving spirals are not serving me well on my new designs. That means I need to break new ground technique wise. When breaking new ground, there is always the niggling doubt as to whether there is a solution to be found at all;)

When I said I was discouraged, I had only meant I was discouraged over these particular ideas, and unsure about finding a solution, not with all of my wire work.

When I first began to openly share my self critique, I was a bit worried about how it would be perceived by others. I want you to know that I critique my work because I genuinely want to improve and do excellent work. It fills my heart with joy to have a well made design in hand;) So I always strive for that.

I would also like you all to know, that I love my own work. I used to think that other peoples work was more interesting and inspiring than my own. I have grown so much this last year that I find my own work to enthrall me and excite me, more than other peoples work. I never thought that I would ever feel that way.

Today I decided to only play with the wire and test out ideas. Self discipline to commit to any project is in short supply at the moment;)

These wire projects might appear to all be the same, but each one is slightly different and each one experimented with a different technique to create it. This is my attempt to manage an oval shape that is also curving.

And now I think I should take a walk or do something different and give my poor brain a break;)

Steep Learning Curve

2010-08-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here is another project that has not quite turned out as I hoped. I was inspired by a box Christine made at Jewelry Lessons. Christine had run out of copper wire and so had turned to some green florist wire in her eagerness to make a trinket box.

Every time I look at her box I see forest vines and trees climbing up the spirals in some chaotic fashion. I was determined to bring that inspiration to life and this is my first try.

There are two requirements that my designs must meet. They must be structurally sound, and also aesthetically pleasing. This design misses the mark on both accounts, but I am still hooked on the vine idea and I still want to incorporate this idea of an erratic weave up the spiral.

Everything I want to make is advanced for me and taxing my wire abilities. I'm a bit frustrated right now, because my ideas take so many hours to complete and than to miss the mark on 3 projects in a row is hard on my self confidence.

But what can I do? I really want a Sea Trumpet, a Vine Box, and my other project is to do a trinket box in an oval shape. I have no idea how long this learning curve is going to last. I don't even know if this is just a learning curve, or am I missing the signs that say 'Road is out ahead, turn around" lol

Finishing Things..

2010-08-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

I told my mother, "just because I've started using Facebook doesn't mean you will miss out on anything" (since she doesn't use it). Than I turned around and posted this finished design to Facebook, with no intentions to blog about it! Not on purpose mind you, just wasn't thinking:)

This is a pendant I did some time ago, inspired by Deborah Muhl basket artistry. I finally worked it up into a necklace.

I'm trying to also get an older silver trinket box reworked into a better necklace.

I also started another advanced coiling design that I can tell already won't work out, and I put a lot of hours into that. If I can work out these advanced ideas, I know I can make some really cool stuff. I'm motivated to work them out, but it's slow.

The Medicine Woman

2010-08-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

I've always had doubts about this design and never quite connected with the end result.
You can see what it used to look like here: http://theangstyartist.blogspot.com/2010/04/copper-wire-jeweler-magazine-issue-2-is.html

Somewhere in the design process a 'should' creapt into my thinking. I should have some bright copper pieces available for potential buyers. I shouldn't be selfishly designing to please myself. I should think of other people's wants.

It's funny how such ideas can creep in unawares, even in lifes nonessentials like jewelry design.

The entire necklace came to life for me after I finished my intentions and she spoke clearly enough to give me her name. Meet the Medicine Woman.

I left the copper extra dark in some spots and did not evenly polish. I used the Protectaclear coating for the first time and loved it! This product is supposed to keep the copper from oxidizing any further. Before I can offer it for sale I want to see how she looks in a few weeks to be sure that I used the product correctly.

Though my attachment to this design has gone up 100% and I'm not entirely sure I want to part with her.

The Trumpet

2010-08-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

I spent most of my weekend working on this trumpet shaped box. It's been in my heart for a month now.

On Friday night I spent 4 hours just trying to figure out how I would construct it. Then Saturday I set out on the project with low hopes. Then I had very high hopes as it was working out OK. Than I got to the 'hinge from hell' SOB!!

I'm utterly wire exhausted. Maybe in a few days I will consider trying this VERY challenging project again.

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On a lighter note... When I first started wire wrapping I had a very low view of the spiral. I thought the spiral was a 'necessary evil', or 'for baby wire wrappers'.
I get such a chuckle when I think of how horrified my younger self would be if she were told that all her best designs were going to be centered around a spiral:)

When I designed the Spiral Locket a year ago, I had only come to tolerate the spiral. Somewhere along the way I came to like it, and now I fully embrace it! Who knew?

Facebook Promotion

2010-08-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

Making an effort to improve my marketing skills this week. I'm finally ready to take on Facebook to market finished pieces that are ready for sale.

If you hit the LIKE button and follow my Wired Elements facebook page, you will be eligible to win this iolite and sterling necklace. Details of the promotion are on my Wired Elements facebook page.

Practice Makes Perfect

2010-08-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

Remember my very first trinket box just 3 months ago? http://theangstyartist.blogspot.com/2010/05/nut.html

This one makes all my labors worth while:)

Trinket Box 101

2010-08-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

I've been dragging my feet for some time regarding making a tutorial on the subject of the Trinket Boxes. If you read my blog, you know I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and this also applies to tute making. If I am going to charge people money I want to give them excellent service in exchange.

I'm not motivated to write such a wonderful tute with perfect instruction and wire lengths, however, I care about everyone's desire to learn and try their hand at these techniques. So how about a free tutorial/guide on the subject of making these, that I hope will empower you to success? Doesn't that seem more fun? Well it does to me!!

Let's start with the simplest lesson first. I will follow with a 102 lesson later that will help you advance a bit.

1. Wire:
The wire combos that I use are 16ga core with a 26ga weave.
OR 18ga core with a 26ga or 28ga weave.
24g is also a good choice for weaving, wraps faster, but is chunkier in appearance.

You will need a 2 inch piece of wire for the hinge that is one gauge larger in size than your core. It's very difficult to make a good hinge unless your hinge wire is slightly stiffer than your core, so don't quibble on that.

Copper: is an excellent choice of metals for this project due to it's malleability.

Fine Silver: is my preferred choice in wire due to it's great malleability and that it is easier to keep it from kinking in long lengths and won't work harden as quickly as sterling.

Sterling silver: I'm sure it can be done in sterling but I have never tried it.

2. Cut about 2.5 feet of your core wire. You should straighten it and do any other prep you normally do.

3. Using your round nose pliers, begin a spiral at one end. You may want to mark the pliers in order to use the same spot when you start a matching lid later on.

There is an excellent free tutorial at Jewelry Lessons on how to start a spiral. It is currently my favorite method. Go here to learn it if you don't have a method of your own. http://www.jewelrylessons.com/tutorial/round-loops-tutorial

4. Spiral your core wire around for 1 whole coil. Begin to wrap on your weaving wire on the second coil. I cut my weaving wire at 5ft lengths. Wrap on for about 3/16" or a 1/4".

Continue shaping your wire around the spiral. Loop once around the inner coil.

Keep on going like this until you have coiled around 3 whole times. Normally I would go 4 times around, but I'm trying to keep this project short. When you have trouble slipping the wire through, use a sewing needle to spread the wire apart and make a path for your weave. I recommend that you loop around the inner coil roughly every 1/4".

Notice that the spiral in my picture below is a symmetrical spiral. I marked where the start position is with permanent marker. If you want the cup and lid of your box to fit nicely together, you need to understand the principle of a symmetrical spiral. The principle is also useful for more advanced weave designs.

You can learn about symmetrical spirals here... http://theangstyartist.blogspot.com/2010/02/fine-point-of-spiral-geometry.html

5. Now start building the walls of the box. I shoved my core wire over to sit on top of the third coil like this:

6. Now you can keep going with that same weave through the entire design if you like. It can take 4-5 hours to do all this weaving. So I recommend that until you feel confident, that you move to an open and erratic weave for now, so you can move ahead to practicing the hinge and the clasp. My open weave looks like this:

Continue to spiral around until you like the height. Always complete each coil of the spiral so you stay symmetrical. If you are happy with the height, go another one half way around your last coil. My project went around 6.5 times.

7. I transferred my 'coil start' marking to the top of my wire. The marking at the top of the picture is the start of my next coil. The one at the bottom is the half way point. The more precise you are able to do this the nicer the fit between the parts will be. Basket makers use a circle template with degrees marked off to help them. Or you can use a protractor. Or you can eye ball it. I often just use my eye.

8. Use your flat nose pliers to bend your wire outwards at least 90 degrees or more. Be sure you don't bend it right at your half way mark, but slightly to the right of that.

9. Use your round nose pliers to loop the wire back again.

10. Use flat nose pliers to make a second bend on the left side to get your wire back to spiraling again.

11. Take a piece of your core wire and bend it in half. Slip it through your loop to ensure that it will fit. This is your last chance to make adjustments to the width of the loop if necessary.

12. Continue to weave your spiral back up near the start position and set it aside for now.

13. Now you get to do that all over again! When you make your lid, spiral in the same direction, and build your wall in the same direction that you did for your box bottom.

14. My lid is 5 coils high. So I went around 4 1/2 coils. I've transferred all my 'coil start' marks to the top where I can see them. Use flat nose pliers to bend your wire 90" away from the spiral, just slightly to the right of the half way mark.

Bend your wire back so that you leave about 1/2 inch tail. Normally I would use a 5/8 inch tail, but this project is extra small.

15. I like to add on a bead here as I carry my weaving to the other side. It covers up a tiny gap I don't enjoy, and gives the project a more complete look.

Finish your weaving up near your start position.

16. Now is a good time to hold your box and lid together to see if all lines up as you hoped. You can redraw the line of your start position or make adjustments needed. Every box is custom fitted and you have to use some judgement as you make it.

17. Now bend each wire out 90 degrees from your spiral using your flat nose pliers. The bend point will always be just off center about the width of your wire.

Take a moment to straighten out your wires, so that they will lay nicely next to each other when box and lid are in place.

18. Begin to make your hinge coil about 1 1/2 - 2 inches away from the box. For the mandrel wire use one gauge larger than your core wire. Keep the wire coming from the box at 90 degrees to your mandrel. Let the tail part rotate off to the side so you can get a good grip on the mandrel, like this:

Now grab your mandrel and coil and move the mandrel towards the box to continue coiling. This method allows you to make a coil that will butt right up next to the box and puts minimal stress on your box and weave.

Now do that to both the box and the lid so that they look like this:

Now is the time to finish any weaving left and cut your tails. I often add extra loops at the stress point of the hinges and the clasp to help strengthen those areas.

19. Now you have to adjust and custom fit your hinge in two different directions. Mine look like this right now.

Line up your hinges with each other. I used my flat nose pliers to help with this. When you get close to what you want, thread the mandrel back into the hinge and check out how the box and lid fit together. You can do more custom fitting and shaping with your fingers so that the lid likes to fall nicely up and down over the box.

The more you do a good job on shaping and weaving your original spirals, the less custom fitting is required at this point.

20. When you are happy with how it looks, trim your coils to an attractive length.

21. Thread your mandrel back through the hinges. Sometimes it is difficult to thread it back thru, but a tight fit is a good thing, so be patient. The tighter the mandrel fits in the hinge the nicer the box and lid fit together. Finish the ends of your mandrel with a loop and trim.

22. Now for the clasp. Bend an arc near where the tail and lid meet. I used a 2mm knitting needle to accomplish this.

The other end of the tail was bent back with flat nose pliers.

Now custom fit that shaped tail so that it will fit neatly inside the loop on the box bottom. You may need to angle the entire tail up or down, or reshape certain aspects of it so that it flows neatly through the loop and so that the high point on the arc will catch just underneath the loop.

The loop itself can be angled up or down with flat nose pliers to assist with the fitting. I often angle it up slightly so that it will just sit over the high point of the arc.

DONE

Final comments:

This box would have fit much better if I had not allowed the walls of the bottom spiral to flare out. If they had stayed straight it would have been the same diameter as the lid and I would have a much better fit.
Making these boxes takes practice and patience. It's a labor of love. I have been playing with these techniques and ideas for over a year now. I've messed up tons of them and find new ways to make mistakes every day:) With practice and patience you can do this too.

In the 102 lesson, I will show you how I make the pod shapes and discuss weaving patterns.

Copyrights and Inspiration

2010-08-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

There has been talk around the internet regarding copying each other's work and/or not giving credit where credit is due. I want to state my opinion on the matter.

I believe we should honor our teacher's and sources of inspiration. I personally adore the work of Eni Oken, Iza Malzyck and Lynne Merchant. These women have shined a light on the beauty of wire and opened my mind to possibilities. Sharilyn Miller is the most excellent teacher and I would be no where without her. I have said all this before.http://theangstyartist.blogspot.com/2009/07/behind-scenes.html

When I was interviewed on Bead_Pearles blog http://beads-perles.blogspot.com/2010/03/mary-tucker.html I mentioned these women, and I hope I honored them. I hope they feel honored by me. Iza Malzyck is still the number one exit link off this blog, and whenever I mention a specific design that inspired me, she gets as much web traffic as this little blog is capable of.

I have purchased tutorials from Iza and Eni, that I did not need. Books from Sharilyn that I did not need. Simply because I felt I owed them something monetarily for their influence.

If any of these women ever felt dishonored by me, I hope to have a chance to show them I care. Just because my conscience is clear, doesn't mean I would not bend and adapt to spare the feelings of another person.

Usually when I do a new design that I know is directly related to anyone at all, on or off the net, I mention their name and their influence in the work. Sometimes I explore the wire and end up in similar places as other artists, in such cases I do not usually mention their name. I may have arrived at the same place, but I arrived by my own path.

I have made a design that is 100% the same as Sharilyn Miller without ever seeing that design until years later. Sometimes the matter comes down to whether or not you believe what someone tells you. I have actually felt pressure to LIE and say I was inspired by someone else even when I wasn't. Just so that I would not look bad. Maybe you have also felt that pressure.

Though I believe in honoring our inspirations and teachers, I don't believe we should be enslaved by them. I don't believe it is empowering to set down every jot and tittle of their influences on each piece we make.

Some people are starting to find my own work to be an inspiration and I'm thrilled. Some of these people already had similar ideas, it's just that I beat them to it. Haven't we all had that happen to us? Most of them have made me feel plenty honored. They have mentioned my name and linked my blog and have far repaid me anything they have owed. But I would never want them to have to mention my name over and over every time they make a item that is inspired by that same theme. No one should have to feel afraid or fret that I will be after them for every design they make. Most of these women have already made their own contributions to weaves and vessels and have inspired me right back.

There are people who abuse this. There always will be people who give no honor or sideline their inspirations completely and some who outright steal whole designs and even teach them as their own. I do think such things are wrong. They are hurtful. And they are also against copyright law.

I am going to do something new and different very soon. I have already begun it. I am writing you a free GUIDE on how to make a trinket box. It will be on my blog in less than a week.

Wire is something to joy over. People are for caring about. We can care about each other and we can have fun.

Saturday

2010-08-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's 'morning coffee' wire work, turned into an all day affair that lasted 12 hours :))

First off, I finally played with twining. I wanted to see what I could discover regarding any potential for jewelry making. It may appear at times that I am evolving into a basket maker, but I assure you I am not. I cannot stop looking for ways that I can get my weaving to have a hole down the center of it, where as a basket maker, probably despises having a hole at the bottom of their vessel:)

So I set up my first twining project with a center hole. Pulled too hard on some some sides and not hard enough on others, it's quite wobbly:) Not that I expected any less, this was an exploration project, not an actual jewelry making one.

What the heck is a girl to do with so many spokes? Hmmm?I don't know yet!

After that, I decided to twine again using less spokes. Than I decided not to twine my spokes but decorate them in Iza Malzyck fashion. I've always wished I could make some cool 3D pendant designs in the way that she does, or to make Octopus beads in the way that Lynne Merchant does. After yesterday I realized I finally can do these things!!

I'm not happy with the finish on the pendant. It's very hard to polish when there is so much depth. I have some ideas to resolve that next time.

The ruffly wire spokes around the top remind me of an Elizabethen collar:)

Green garnet, peridot, pearl.

Finishing Things

2010-07-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am slowly working my way through various unfinished pendants and getting them set into necklaces.

This pendant was once an experiment in messy wire work.
http://theangstyartist.blogspot.com/2010/06/cleaning-up-desk.html

It took forever to weave all the beads onto the trinket box and make all the various components.

I adore the copper beads I made! You'll be seeing more of those in the future!

Unakite, agate, labradorite, lime jade, and glorious copper!!