Diamond Jubilee

May 29, 2012, 10:23 am

If you live in the U.K. there is just no escaping from the festivities coming up this weekend, marking 60 years of the Queen's reign! Not only that, we've got the Olympics to look forward to in July ... so on that note, I've designed a range of:

JUBILIMPIC JEWELLERY

which you can create for yourself, family and friends, to get yourself in the mood and spirit of these most historical occasions!

The base ingredient of this souvenir
collection is a Union Jack Button supplied
by BEADS DIRECT, together with a few
other findings that you will find on their
online catalogue. This is my homage to
the Pearly Kings & Queens of London
(albeit a sideways nod to royalty!).

JUBILIMPICS NECKLACE

Materials required: 5 Union Jack Buttons, 5 x 8mm silver Czech glass crystals, 1 silver coloured flower bead cap, 1 silver chain and some 0.4mm silver plated wire.

1. Cut approximately 8" (20cm) of 0.4mm wire. Place your round nosed pliers about an 1" (2.5cm) from one end and curl the wire twice around to create a double link. Wrap the excess around the base of the link to form a wrapped loop. Cut off any excess with your cutters.

2. Thread the end of wire through the BACK of the button through one of the holes, followed by a 8mm silver fire polished crystal bead.

3. Pull the wire, so that the double wrapped link sits at the back of the button. Thread the wire back through the second hole, positioning the bead in the centre, above the button hole.

4. Thread the end of the wire through the back of a second button, followed by a silver crystal bead. Don't leave any spaces between the buttons - make them slightly overlap.

5. Repeat as before, threading a third button from the back with wire, but this time add the bead cap, followed by the crystal bead ...

6. Repeat, as before, threading two further beads and buttons to finish the centrepiece of the necklace.

7. Use your round nosed pliers to create a double wrapped link at the opposite end. (Above: you see the back of the piece.)

(A) As an optional extra ... create a small
beaded garland for your centre bead,
by cutting approx. 3" (7.5cm) of 0.4mm
wire and threading with about 15 seed
beads (as many as required to sit snugly
around your 8mm crystal).

Push the beads to the centre of the wire
and cross the wires over to form a beaded
loop.

(B) Re-thread the end of one of
the wires back through one of the last
beads to create a beaded circle.

(C) Place the beaded circle around the central crystal and pull the wires tight around the bead to frame it. Push the wire ends towards the button, through the gaps of the bead cap and wrap around the base of the bead cap, between the cap and button.

Now, all that's left to do is connect a chain to each side and it's ready to wear!

JUBILIMPIC BANGLE

To create the bangle, follow steps 1-7 of the necklace, omitting the flower bead cap (or "Tudor Rose" of England!). Connect beading elastic to each side of the links at the back of the buttons and thread this elastic with a combination of silver crystals and seed beads. This means the bangle will stretch (at the back) to slip over the hand and will fit a variety of different wrist sizes!

JUBILIMPIC EARRINGS

To make these earrings, cut about 2 x 6" (15cm) of 0.4mm wire and thread the centre with silver crystal beads. Push the ends of the wires through the button holes and twist tightly together at the back of the button with your fingers. Thread the twisted stems with some choice beads and push them upright, so that the buttons sits at right angles to the stems. Use your round nosed pliers to make wrapped loops out of the projecting twisted wires, ready to suspend from fish hook ear wires.

JUBILIMPIC RING

Another simple, quick project to make is a button ring: just bind this onto an adjustablering holder.

JUBILIMPIC KEY CHAIN or BAG CHARM SOUVENIR

You will need 2 buttons to make these. Place the buttons back to back and thread with the crystal beads on each side to secure together as one. Bind the remaining projecting wire around the beads to frame them on each side and neaten ends. Cut a length of 0.8mm wire and wrap this around the gap surrounding the buttons creating a large loop and bead stem. Cut another length of 0.4mm wire and create a beaded circle to decorate the outer edges. The trigger keyring and chain are perfect for handbags, belt decorations, zipper ornaments, pencil case charms, key holders, etcetrarara ...

*******

I hope this provides some inspiration for some quick makes to help celebrate the summer 2012! If you don't live in the U.K. and have no reason to create patriotic pieces - just adapt and use coloured buttons instead!

Psssssst ....

I also designed this
Jubilimpic Pendant,
that can also double up
as Brooch, but not having
a camera and only being
able to scan my pieces -
I couldn't get a good image
of it ... with the jump rings
suspended with red seed beads
around the exterior.
The jump rings do look
quite effective hanging down
on each side creating a sort of
'shaggy dog' look!

The button and flower bead cap, etc .., have
all been wired to a sieve disc with beaded
jump rings attached around the perimeter!

HAPPY JUBILIMPIC WIREWORKING!!

↧

CHRISSIE WEBBER profile

June 7, 2012, 3:04 pm

≫ Next: HANG LOOSE!

≪ Previous: *Diamond Jubilee*

Wire Artist Profile:

CHRISSIE WEBBER

It's always wonderful to discover a talented wire artist and Chrissie Webber, from Newport in South Wales, is just that! Her journey in setting up her jewellery business reads like fairytale, although raw talent, passion and a determination to follow her heart has led her and continues to help her, achieve success and pursue her dreams!

(Above: Cultured Pearl and Wirework Tiara)

I'm sure you will enjoy and be inspired in finding out more about her in our recent Guild interview ...

Q. Tell us a little about your background?

From childhood, I have loved making things, so my creative flair has always been there. Over the years I have had many craft related hobbies such as card making, scrapbooking, crocheting and knitting. I love singing, cooking, photography and travel. People - friends and family - are my passion along with designing and making wirework jewellery.

I have a very varied and eclectic working background. My first career was as a nurse and midwife, which I gave up to travel the world on a merchant navy ship with my husband ... much more exciting! After having two daughters, I set up a designer knitwear business which I ran for several years.

My life then took a dramatic turn, away from my creative side, as I set up and ran a management training and coaching business. This fueled my work life for nearly 25 years! However, this recession has hit hard and as training is the first thing to be axed, life changes happened once again. Change can be great though, as it can lead you in the most unexpected and exciting directions ...

(Cultured Pearl wrapped in Silver wire)

Q. What brought you to creating and designing jewellery?

I am blessed with a friend who loves to share experiences. We buy these instead of presents for each other. It's great fun and we have tried Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), water colour painting, perfume making and chocolate making ... to name a few. Almost two years ago, she took me on a one day, basic jewellery making course. I was hooked!

Not content with bead-
work, I had in my head
some designs using
silver wire. Don't ask
me where they came
from as I didn't even
have a book about it!
So, just 18 months
ago I started to experiment.
In my younger days, I
did a lot of knitting,
sewing and crocheting
which definitely influences
my work. I also love gemstones, so I began

to incorporate semi-precious stones into my designs.

You have no idea how much I resisted setting up a new business. I am 60 years old for heaven's sake! However, they do say that when you're definitely on the right path in life, the most amazing things happen! This has been my experience. People would stop me in the street, or in shops and ask me where I bought my jewellery. Then someone suggested I join the Association for Contemporary Jewellery. Within a couple of months my work was exhibited in the Cardiff Design Festival and was one of only a few pieces to be sold.

My youngest daughter then decided to get married, so I started to make wedding jewellery. Shortly after that, I literally bumped into a lady at a networking event and she became my next bridal customer. At that same event, I won a free marketing consultation. Following this, and completely out of the blue, I met one of the area managers for a major UK chain of jewellery shops. His feedback and help was such an inspiration. What are the odds of all these things happening one after another?!!

(Image: Cultured Pearl and Wirework Tiara)

By this time, I was pretty much convinced that making wirework jewellery was definitely the work I was born to do. However, I was finding it hard to get contacts to the right clients for my wedding jewellery. The brides-to-be were just not responding to my emails. Why should they? They were all using Social Media! Just as I discovered this marketing revelation, I heard about a free, eight week course in Social Media at the University of Glamorgan. I duly signed up and then on the first evening, discovered I had signed up for a 2 year degree course!! Having been a complete technophobe, I can't believe how much I love it now and how it is helping my business to grow!

Q. Do you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

The answer to this question is 'no' -
I am self-taught, except for a
weekend wirework course I went
on recently. However, I have found
Linda Jones's books an inspiration
along with 'You Tube' videos. If
you have not watched any, they are
well worth exploring for techniques.

I learnt how to do some of the
weaving far quicker and easier
than the ways I had worked it
out for myself - what a God send!

(Right image: Chalcedony Drusy and Ruby Pendant)

Q. What motivates and inspires your designs?

What motivates me are other people's enjoyment and love of my designs. The fact that working with wire and gemstones means that many of the pieces I make are totally unique, one off creations, as I do not like always repeating the same designs.

My creativity is inspired by nature, the natural world and the semi-precious stones I use. So often they just 'sing to me' to be made into a design. Then I pick up a stone and some wires, with no particular idea in mind and just let the design flow. As a recovering control freak, I find this most liberating!

Other jewellery also inspires me, not to copy it but to make something different, like this Cultured Seed Pearl Cuff Bracelet (above) that was inspired by a diamond cuff bracelet worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at a recent awards ceremony. Keeping an eye on the trends and what jewellery is being worn by celebrities also inspires me with new ideas and designs.

Q. Have you got a favourite design and if so, why?

At the moment, my favourite piece is this wire wrapped Malachite Pendant (see right image). It is one of my free flow style designs in Sterling Silver.

I bought this gorgeous piece of Malachite, last year, in India. It reminds me of the wonderful holiday I had and the fantastic people I met on my journey. I love to wear it and am in the process of making a pair of large statement earrings to match it. Very 'on trend' this year!

Q. How to you promote and sell your work?

I sell my work through my online shop:

www.chrissiedesignsjewellery.co.uk
which I promote through Social Media:

FACEBOOK

MY BLOG
TWITTER
PINTEREST

I also sell through a number of shops and galleries and will be exhibiting at the end of the year in the prestigious Oriel Ynys Mon Gallery on Anglesey.

Q. Do you teach your craft?

(Wire Knots and Crystal Comb)

With a background of almost 25 years as a trainer and coach I found people asking me to teach them basic wirework techniques. I love to teach and see others tap into their creativity and get such pleasure from it. Details of my courses this year (held in my studio just 5 minutes over the Seven Bridge in South Wales) can be found at:

http://www.chrissiedesignsjewellery.co.uk/index.php/courses

Q. Have you any special advice for others staring out in jewellery making?

Here are myTOP TEN TIPSfor those starting out in jewellery making ...

1. Find the style and type of jewellery making that inspires you and makes your heart sing!

2. Just enjoy! You don't have to make it into a business to be a success!

3. Look for and follow opportunities that open up to you to learn and grow.

4. If setting up a business, do not undersell yourself or your products. Remember you are definitely worth it!

5. Find the right market for your work. Even in a recession there are still people looking to buy something they fall in love with.

6. Switch off the negativity in your head, that holds you back from your success. Replace it with a positive determination and 'go for it' attitude!

7. Try and be original whilst still appealing to your potential customers. Follow the trends in jewellery each season.

8. Build great relationships with your customers face to face and online.

9. If you want a great website and online shop but can't afford to have one built for you, then use Google's web developer. It is free, extremely easy to use and even has a shop and payment facilities.

10. Remember to 'GIVE SOMETHING BACK'. Charities are always looking for products to auction or raffle. You can also find some who would love you to teach, helping others to find joy in making their own jewellery.

(Crystal, Quartz and Twisted Silver Pendant)

8. What are your future dreams and aspirations?

To follow this pathway of amazing circumstances and opportunities, wherever it leads me. Also, to see people
getting pleasure out of learning to make their own jewellery
or wearing my designs.

↧

HANG LOOSE!

June 20, 2012, 8:38 am

≫ Next: FLOWER PENDANT

≪ Previous: CHRISSIE WEBBER profile

HANG LOOSE!!
p e n d a n t ...

Having just
finished a two
week show and
now looking
forward to a
slightly slower
pace with the
summer months
approaching, I
thought this
project was most
appropriate to
share with you.

The 'HANG LOOSE' pendant incorporates a few essential wireworking
techniques, such as spirals, hammering, making a hanging frame and a
bail. Every time you create this it will look different - just play around
with gauges and wire colours, scaling it up or down, adding beads or
wire dangles ... need I go on?, as with everything, the permutations are endless!

To get started you will need your old friends: round nose and
flat nose pliers, wire cutters and a range of circular mandrels ...
if you have a ring triblet (or ring stick) that will do. You will also
need a hammer and steel bench block. As for wires, I used 1mm
for the silver and 0.9mm for the blue coloured wire, but any gauge
will do starting up from 0.8mm to 1.5mm!

1. Begin by cutting 3 lengths of wire: I used 9" (23cm) and 5" (13cm) of silver, plus 7" (18cm) of blue wire. Place your round nosed pliers somewhere near the centre of each length and bring both ends around to form a loop. Place the crossed over part of the loop around a circular mandrel and bring the outer extending wires around to shape the rounded sides. Decrease the mandrel size, depending on the wire length. (*A ring stick is the perfect tool for this, as you can shape the longest length around the widest part of the mandrel and move up the tapered end for the next two lengths).

2. Using your round and flat nosed pliers, create spirals at the ends of each unit. Try not to make these too uniform, or of the same length and size.

3. This is not mandatory, but it definitely helps and is a great way of "letting off steam" - hammer the ends and edges of each of your units on a steel bench block. (*However, be careful not to hammer the crossed over areas near the top loops as this will only weaken them).

4. Place the units together, with the loops one on top of each other and connect all together with a jump ring - or two.

5. Now to make the outer hanging frame: depending on the overall length of your longest spiral unit, create a loop of wire - I used about 6" (15cm) of 1mm silver wire and shaped it around a spice jar (use any large mandrel you have to hand, such as a pill box, condiment bottle, etc...). Use the tips of your round nosed pliers to create two small links at the ends of the looped frame. These loops should sit at right angles to the frame.

6. If you like hammering like I do, go ahead and gently 'stroke' hammer the outer part of the frame and then thread a large jump ring through each side link and the jump rings suspending the units. The units should hang loose within the frame.

7. For a final flourish, create a bail to suspend the pendant from. To make this, cut approximately 8" (20.5cm) of 0.9mm blue wire. Find the centre and fold the wire in half, squeezing the doubled ends together so that the projecting wires run parallel.

8. Use your round nosed pliers, to create a link at the doubled end of the wire.

9. Place the widest part of your round nosed pliers, or if you have bail making pliers use these (or alternatively a thick knitting needle or circular mandrel ...) and form a bigger loop, in the opposite direction next to the link in step 8.

10. Create spirals, curling outwards, on each cut end. Continue, curling the wires up on each side, but don't go higher or, past the back link that you created in step 8.

11. Now thread the top loop of your pendant through the back link of the blue wire bail. (See back of pendant in image above).

12. And ... there you have it! All that's left to do is to suspend the bail loop from a chain, cord or ribbon and you're ready to 'Hang Loose'!!

For variations on this theme, here are a few other ideas that you might like to experiment with:

For this version with silver
and purple wire:
I used 0.5mm coloured wire
to bind around the outer frame
to inject a little more colour,
texture and embellishment.

The version on the right, has a
central bead dangle that is attached
to the last and smallest spiral unit.

You could add a coloured, feature
bead if so desired ... or another spiral
dangle...

Or, try this version above: I used a Coiling Gizmo to make the coiled wire sleeve which frames the inner units.

*********************************************************************************

And on that note, my wirey friends, remember to hang loose and have fun creating your own version of this project!

↧

FLOWER PENDANT

July 2, 2012, 7:05 am

≫ Next: BASKET CASE

≪ Previous: HANG LOOSE!

Even though the heading on my calender confirms

it is the month of July, which usually spells the start

of Summer ... the weather here in the U.K. seems to be

ducking and diving between rain and clouds,

gusty winds and just very occasionally, I've

spotted a golden ray of sunshine ... So, to bring some

sunrays into your visual hearts, I thought you might

like to have a stab at making a FLOWER pendant!

This SummerFLOWER PENDANT is so versatile, as it can be beaded, created with coloured wires, the petals can be woven with wire, or dipped into Dip-It Fantasy Film to be colour coated ... Just adapt this tutorial to create your own variations in all sizes and gauges of wire!

The TOOLS required are:

Round and Flat nosed pliers,

Wire cutters and if you

have a pair of Bailmaking

Pliers use them, otherwise,

you will need a cylindrical

mandrel - like a pen or

chunky knitting needle.
Also, a hammer & steel block
is useful.

MATERIALS: 0.8mm

Copper wire & 0.4mm

Gold-plated wire ...

(although ANY wire will do!).

1. Working directly from a spool of 0.8mm copper wire, use your round nosed pliers to create a small link at the very end. Place your bailmaking pliers, or cylindrical mandrel about 1" (2.5cm) from the link and bend the wire around to form the first looped petal.

Step 1 -

should look

rather like

a big sloppy

'fish hook'!

2. Place the tips of your round nosed pliers at the same level as the top
of the small link you've just created and bend the wire back in the opposite
direction.

You are now in
position to make
your second petal ...

3. Use your bail-making pliers or mandrel to shape the second petal loop
and try to keep the petals as even in size and scale as you possibly can.

4. Continue creating more petals loops using a combination of the
mandrel and tips of your round nosed pliers, until you have 7 petals in all.
Cut the wire from the spool leaving a little tail of wire to make a link.

5. Use your fingers to gently tease the tops of the looped petals
around into a circle to form the base of your flower shape. Turn
the link at right angles to the rest of the frame, so that you can thread
the cut end through and link it around to secure.
Spend a little time re-adjusting the shape.

6. If you're a hammer-head like me (think of something, or somebody
that makes you angry or frustrated !! and) 'stroke-hammer' the ends
of each petal to spread and work harden the metal.

7. Cut a length of 0.4mm gold-plated (or copper) wire and begin
binding the centre of the flower with this wire.

8. If you run out of wire just cut more and start threading some beads

of your choice into the central part of the flower.

9. To add more colour and detailed decoration, you can also choose

to wire through the centre of each petal frame, creating rays of beads

within each petal.

After lots of wiring, beading, swearing and a couple of cups of tea ...

you could end up with something like this!

**********************************************************************************

You can also dip the flower frame in DIP-IT FANTASY FILM (available from 1stforcrafts and from Fred Aldous) to create different coloured pendants for necklace and earring designs. Have a look at some of the pieces I have made in the past:

**HAPPY FLOWER ARRANGING !!**

(P.S. no watering required)

↧

BASKET CASE

July 13, 2012, 3:40 am

≫ Next: SPIRAL FOUNTAIN

≪ Previous: FLOWER PENDANT

BASKET CASE! ...
Yup! That's me!

I've been experimenting with wire weaving for a
while and thought I would pass on a little basket
case tutorial, or 'cage' - for you to have a 'play' with!
It all started a couple of year's ago when I was creating
wire icycle decorations for a Christmas project, that
I realised I could fold up the wires from my frame to
encase a stone or bead to create basket cage pendants!

Woven wire jewellery has been around for a while
and they are some amazingly talented artists using
this technique in a very sculptural and contemporary
way. One of my current favourites is KATHY FREY
from California, who incidentally has a book out,
called: ELEGANT WIRE JEWELRY.
Her pieces are just WOW! Take a look at the images below:

I also love the work of jewellery and accessory designer,

INES SCHWOTZER (from Germany). See below: ...

Have I wet your wire appetite yet??!

If so, step down a few more rungs of the wire ladder and have a go at

making a simple basket cage for a stone. You will need: 0.8mm and

0.4mm wire, a tumbled stone (mine was about 1" (2.5cm) in height and

approx. 1/2" (1.5cm) in width). For tools, you need your usual buddies:

Round, flat and chain nosed pliers and wire cutters, hammer & steel stake.

1. Begin by cutting 2 x 5" (12.5cm) lengths of 0.8mm wire (or, at
least 5 times the length of the stone you're about to encase). Also,
cut at least 12" (31cm) of 0.4mm wire and begin by binding it to
the centre of one of your 0.8mm lengths.

2. Place the centre of the second 0.8mm wire across the first
(in a 'cross' shape) and use the fine binding wire to secure the
two pieces together.

3. Weave the fine binding wire (up and under) the crossed wires
until you've used it all up and formed a central woven area, or base
to your cage.

4. Place your chosen stone onto the woven area and bend the 4 projecting
wires up vertically around the side of the stone.

5. Bring the 4 projecting wires together at the top of the stone and bind
to secure as one, using a short length (say, 3" - 7.5cm) of 0.4mm wire.
Cut off any excess binding wire and neaten the ends.

6. Cut another, much longer length of 0.4mm wire ... approx. 18" ...
and starting at the centre of the wire AND around the centre of one of
the vertical wires of the cage, begin weaving the wire around the perimeter
of the stone, securing around each vertical wire as you go.
(*I start at the centre of the wire and frame and weave half the wire
downwards and the other half up the frame and that way I don't have to
work with an extremely long and awkward length of wire!)

7. Once you've used up half the wire, wrapping the base part of the frame,
continue with the rest of the wire and work your way up to the top binding.

8. Secure the end of the fine wire around the previous top binding and cut
off any excess and neaten the end.

9. Spread your 4 x 0.8mm projecting wires out at the top and choose
one (the longest to be your link, 2 to be your decorative 'tendrils' and the
other (as above) can be wrapped tightly around the 0.4mm binding.

10. After binding it around the top, curl any extending wire into a
small spiral and flatten at the top of the cage, hiding the binding wires
underneath.

11. Hammer and flatten the 2 side projecting wires on a steel block,
leaving the central wire untouched ... this will eventually be your central
hanging link.

12. Use the tips of your round nosed pliers to curl 'tendrils' (or, wire
ribbons) with the flattened wires on each side. Make sure the cut ends
are pushed in and are not sharp, otherwise, they will catch on your clothes
when worn!

13. Use your round nosed pliers to curl a link with the central and last
projecting wire. If, like me, you have enough wire to make a double link,
open it up at the top to separate, creating a double top suspension link.

14. Et voila! I've used the tips of my round nosed pliers to twist
(and tweak) the woven wires around the stone to create a little more
interest and movement ... but that's your choice! All that's left to do
now is suspend it from a cord or chain!

************************************************************************************

EXPERIMENT AND PLAY WITH THIS IDEA!

It's a great locket pendant

for suspending, memento's, tumbled stones, etc...

Below are a few more variations that I created using this technique:

... I'm just going to crawl back into my cage and create some more variations ...

↧

SPIRAL FOUNTAIN

July 18, 2012, 2:24 am

≫ Next: HADASITY

≪ Previous: BASKET CASE

FEATURE on ...

SPIRAL

FOUNTAIN

JEWELLERY

....................................

On an internet browsing mission,
I happen to stumble upon the wonderful
wirey creations of Nicky Kennish
from Spiral Fountain Jewellery.
Her work is packed with originality and
character, especially her animal and
bird creations!

Sit back, enjoy and be inspired
when you read on and see some of
the stunning pieces she has created!

Unicorn
Pendant
in Silver
with
Crytals

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

I'm a married Mum with two children, living in the lovely rural
countryside of Cumbria (United Kingdom). I didn't always have
such a settled lifestyle though! I was originally born in
Warwickshire, but left home to go to University in Wales.
I qualified as a doctor and then joined the RAF for 7 years and
got to travel to places such as Germany and the Falkland Islands.
Those were exciting years, but not very compatible with family
life and so I pretty much gave it all up to have a family, although,
I did return to working part time as a doctor.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP SPIRAL FOUNTAIN

JEWELLERY?

The jewellery making started a few years ago after seeing the book
'Bead & Wire Art Jewelry' by J. Marsha Michler. I was totally
hooked after reading it! The inspiration to actually start selling
and to set up Spiral Fountain Jewellery occurred after, combined
with a middle aged crisis, I decided to enter a jewellery competition
at a local Agricultural Show. To my astonishment, I actually won
first place! That's when I finally began to wonder, what if I could
sell this? There's a bit more detail about this on my BLOGSPOT.
My shop name derives simply from the fact that I love spirals
and create oodles of them in my work!

DO YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL TRAINING?

No, I do not have any formal training at all. Everything I do
has been learnt from various books (including two of Linda's!)
and watching 'how to' videos on the internet. There's such an
enormous amount of advice out there, which doesn't have to
cost the earth. However, I think I would like to try a course
one day, when I'm ready to expand my expertise - just waiting
for the time when the kids will let me away!!

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?

Most of my inspiration comes from the magical nature of Cumbria

where I live. Whether it's birds and bunnies in the garden or

magnificent mountains and lakes, or the seaside. It's all here,

inspiring me, anytime I head outside. I also love history,

especially Egyptian, Anglo Saxon and medieval times, which I

think are where my love of chainmail stems from and inspires

pieces like the 'Eye of Horus' (see below).

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE AND WHY?

It is hard to choose one, as I love it all! Pushed to make a

decision though, I think I would say it is weaving with wire,

as this has enabled me to 'draw' anything I want to, whether

it's a set of bagpipes, or a humming bird.

DO YOU TEACH YOUR CRAFT?

No, I don't teach as I'm not self-confident enough to do that yet.

Maybe one day, when it's no longer worth me trying to hide

those grey hairs!

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE AND SELL YOUR WORK?

I first sold my work in a local gallery, Lowes Court Gallery, who

are a local charity run gallery that promotes local Cumbrian

artists. They were very helpful in supporting me to make that

first step. Once I had gained confidence that my jewellery

did actually sell, I approached another gallery and started doing

some local craft/agricultural shows and then started selling on

FOLKSYas my first online selling site. This then led me to

starting up my own WEBSITE and also selling on

WOWTHANKYOU.

Promotion really is needed though to make this work.

Family and friends can be great at spreading the word about

you (with business cards at the ready) and online sites such as

FACEBOOK, Twitter, creative connections, craft juice and

having your own BLOGSPOT(free with blogger.com) has been

invaluable! I'm not a natural business woman, busy searching

for mass sales, but I've had to accept that this is what you have

to do to make a few sales!

********************************

Thank you Nicky, from SPIRAL FOUNTAIN JEWELLERY!

Keep creating your wonderful pieces and I hope this will provide

you with extra confidence to believe that YOU have an immense

amount of talent to be an even more successful wire artist and

achieve your wildest creative dreams!

↧

HADASITY

July 28, 2012, 12:11 am

≫ Next: THE WHAMMER!!

≪ Previous: SPIRAL FOUNTAIN

FEATURE ARTIST

HADASSAH LAU

"HADASITY"

I feel very honoured and excitably happy to

be able to feature and profile a very successful

wire artist who has managed to make quite a

name for herself in the fashion world, with her

very unique, eclectic mix of vintage-

contemporary jewellery designs of

beautiful tangled gold wires and colourful

exotic baubles!

HADASSAH LAU is a Singaporean jewellery

designer, who from humble beginnings is
building a large following of admirers for
her vibrant jewellery and accessories.

Read on ... for The WireWorkers Guild

recent exclusive interview with the very

talented Hadassah ...

WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUND?

I don't have any education or training in Jewellery
at all actually! I have studied Mass Communications
and went into the finance industry for 3 years after,
so it's really divine that I am doing what I'm doing
now.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Extremely expressive, fun, sometimes impulsive
(although, I'm trying to let some things go through
my head first and not just through my heart!),
compassionate and real.

DID YOU ALWAYS ASPIRE TO BE A JEWELLERY

DESIGNER?

Not at all! I had always thought of being either a Jazz
Pianist, fashion designer, interior designer, make-up
artist, or a hairstylist. However, being a jewellery
designer actually means I get to be all of the above
right now, as I can play the piano and write songs in
my own time, sew clothes and when I'm not making
jewellery, I can design my home, plus do the hair and
make-up for the jewellery shoots, etc... so, it's all a
dream come true!

DO YOU HAVE A FORMAL JEWELLERY TRAINING

OR ARE YOU SELF-TAUGHT?

I'm entirely self-taught. I never even watched a YouTube
tutorial before I started! When I was 15 or so, I had a bunch
of wire from my uncle that he found somewhere and I
started twisting it into anything imaginable, with whatever
I had to hand. In those days, I used odds and ends like
buttons and tiny seed beads and made rings for myself or
key-chains and tiny earrings for friends. Although I must
admit there was a girl in my class during the exam breaks
that sparked my interest in jewellery when I saw her
making earrings and I said to myself, that looks like fun!

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO LAUNCH 'HADASITY'?

I was spending way too much on materials and making too
much jewellery for any one person to wear, so I figured I had
to start selling my pieces to sustain my material buying
addictions. Also, at the time, I had decided to leave my job
as a Financial adviser and pursue my creative side and so I
started an Etsy store. All the names like "RingsAndThings"
and other cute jewellery names were already taken and I was
trying to think of a special name for my jewellery line ...
and then I thought, what better than to play it off my own
name - HADASSAH and call my business: HADASITY.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS AND

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

They are beautifully random, perfectly symmetrical and
downright colourful! I think those three lines say it all.
I get inspired by colours, people and life in general!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR CORE

CUSTOMER BASE?

People that like to be happy and love unique things.
My regular customers are always those that become
friends, because it's relationships in life that last.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS? DO YOU

RUN ANY SPECIAL EVENTS TO ATTRACT NEW

CUSTOMERS?

To date, I haven't sent out any press releases and have only
done a handful of events. I feel that the best way to promote
your business is to give your best in what you do, be sincere
and appreciative of your customers and always stop for
the one. Even if the customer only spends a little initially,
if you still honour and appreciate that person regardless of
how much they spend, they will come back. The best
promotion is 'word of mouth'. That is why I now use
FACEBOOK and my BLOG because when people
'Like' things they will 'Share' things and tell their friends
to buy something, which is a hundred times better than
any advertorial in any magazine!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT SINCE

YOUR SUCCESS?

I wouldn't even consider myself as having achieved any real
'success' in the way the world views it. 'Success', to me, would
be changing lives and making a difference to the people you
reach out to. When I know that my customers and friends
feel special and loved and when they wear my pieces, or
appreciated by their friends when they've gifted them Hadasity
designs - that is always my proudest moment.

HOW DO YOU VIEW THE CURRENT STATE OF THE

FASHION RETAIL MARKET? TELL US A LITTLE

ABOUT YOUR LATEST COLLECTION?

I feel that now more than ever, people are starting to value
unique handcrafted work because affordable mass-produced
items are so easily available everywhere. People are
looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and are
also more financially able to appreciate the arts. Also, there
are thousands of choices out there for consumers, so what
makes you different from the rest? It's not so much about
the design, but it's the relationship they have with the
designer, or the affinity they have with your brand.

HAVE YOU ANY ADVICE TO PASS ON TO OTHERS?

Ask yourself what your strengths are, learn from others, but
don't ever copy! Be original and sincere in everything you
do. Learn from your mistakes because we all make them
everyday, but your test only serves to be your testimony and
your mess will one day be your message. And talk to God,
because his love is infectious.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE ASPIRATIONS?

First of all, I am looking forward to becoming a loving mother
and everything else will have to revolve around that. I am
thinking of starting a social enterprise lifestyle line - designing
cushion covers and getting them sewn by sex-trade victims in
Cambodia - but I will be working on that sometime next year.
I do want to spend more time painting and working on my
music as well, so I have a lot on my hands already! Life is a
journey and I'm excited to be on it!

*******************************************************

For more information about Hadassah's stunning work,

see her website: HADASITY.

↧

THE WHAMMER!!

August 3, 2012, 2:46 am

≫ Next: WHAMMERED CIRCLES

≪ Previous: HADASITY

!!NEW HAMMER ON THE BLOCK!!

Some of you will know that I am passionate about wirework,
jewellery design, beads and stones, in fact anything arty or
crafty! However, my journey into jewellery making didn't
start with wire, it started with metal and enamelling.


Cloisonne Enamel stick pin brooch on Sterling Silver by L.Jones

Scroll back 23 years, when I attended the Sir John Cass jewellery
college in London (as a relatively mature student of 30), my first
taste of jewellery making was in silversmithing. I instantly fell
in love with metal sheet, the fact that I could saw out my shaped
designs, when it was flat and hard, and then anneal (heat it) to
make it soft ... and hammer it into shape, flatten and harden it again...


Sterling Silver Leaf brooch by L.Jones

When I discovered wire, I treated it exactly like metal sheet and
carried on with my love of hammering to flatten, spread, texture
and work harden it! After all, jewellery pieces should not only
be aesthetic, but functional and practical as well: chain links and
clasps and any open open wirework designs need to have a solid
structure to stand the test of time.


Sterling Silver etched Snake earrings by L.Jones

Anyhow, over the years ... I think it's about 12! ... I have enjoyed
using wire as my design muse. Doodling shapes and colouring
it in with beads and stones. However, the question of what hammer
to use has always been an issue of contention! You can of course
use any hammer for wirework, as long as it has a highly polished
steel face, so as not to mark the metal. Therefore, over time I have
been purchasing simple ballpein hammers, chasing hammers,
planishing hammers, nylon headed hammers ... you name it, I have
a bucket load! Some are good for one thing, some for another, but
all are definitely designed for sheet metal and not thin, pieces of
wire and as such, the handles are too bulky, which makes for limited
control.


Silver Silver Pendants with freshwater pearls by L.Jones

I hope now to have resolved this problem once and for all
with the launch of my WHAMMER
The world's first specialist wirejewellery hammer!
Designed in collaboration with
London Jewellery Supplies,
it has the perfect credentials for wirework, encompassing all
the benefits of other metal hammers, such as chasing,
planishing and nylon headed.


The Whammer! designed by L.Jones in collaboration with London Jewellery Supplies

If you're wondering what the Whammer's attributes are, read on:

1) Dual purpose head (steel and nylon) - making it two hammers in one!
2) Extra weighty head, means you don't have to strike too hard, just
"stroke" the wire out, leaving a minimum of surface texture.
3) Nylon face is perfect for flattening or ironing out kinks, as
well work hardening coloured and plated wires without changing the
surface of the wire.
4) Convex steel face is especially designed to get the best results for
spreading, flattening and work hardening wire.
5) Short stem handle means you have good control over each strike.
6) Ergonomic grip means it's comfortable to hold.
7) Small overall compact size means it's easy to stow away and carry
around.


Copper and silver wire 'Eastern Delight' Necklace by L.Jones

I probably don't need to tell you, why I had to call it the
WHAMMER!! It's a combination of the first letter of
'wire' plus the word 'hammer', being completely descriptive!
I also probably don't need to say, that it's possibly one of
the most therapeutic techniques in wireworking - you can
bash away all your troubles and woes to a primitive jungle
beat! In fact, I'm dreaming on an idea to introduce wirework
and hammering techniques as a treatment for clinical depression.


Wire Flower Hairpin by L.Jones

So keep your eyes open for some project tutorials coming up
soon ... using the WHAMMER. The technique of hammering wire
takes a little practice, it requires a 'stroking' motion on a steel block
and the understanding of the material you're using.

London Jewellery Supplies
will have stock from 15th August, however, do pre-order now
to ensure you get the first batch as soon as possible!
Everyone who has tested the first prototypes has seen instant
results and improvements in their hammering style ...
so what are you waiting for, let's all get WHAMMERING!!!

↧

WHAMMERED CIRCLES

August 21, 2012, 9:48 am

≫ Next: Bead Wheel Necklace

≪ Previous: THE WHAMMER!!

Flower Pendant by Linda Jones

If you want to make timeless, original jewellery ...
good tools are an essential part of your kit!
If you haven't heard about the WHAMMER yet ...
I suspect it's because you've either been away
on holiday, or living on Venus ...

So with no further ado, I'm going to introduce you
to one of my favourite WHAMMER projects:
PATCHWORK CIRCLES.
I also want to show you, how I have adapted the
same project to work for different designs.
So, sit back watch the tutorial and then enjoy
being inspired by the gallery of designs below ...
(P.S. Click on "Read more" under the film to see the 'Gallery of Circles' ...

And now for inspiration using the circular hammered
frames for other designs:


Red Dangle Pendant Earrings


Blue Bead Cord Pendant

'Hoopla' Bib Necklace


'Orbital' Necklace & Earrings

Simple Cord Pendants

Large Frame Pendant


'Tassel' Pendant & Earrings

Purple Wire Pendant with Pearls


'Ameoba' Pendant

Stacking Bangles


Crystal Frame Choker

ARE YOU GETTING BORED YET???


'Summer Meadows' Brooch


Lucky Mascot Tie-On Bag Charm


Pearly Sundial Necklace & Earrings

Black Olive Earrings


Solar Plexus Healing Pendant

I SAW YOU YAWNING!!


'Behind Wires' Pendant

... AND ALL THESE ARE BASED
ON 'The Patchwork Circle' Tutorial!!

The WHAMMER is available to order
from:

London Jewellery Supplies

HAPPY WHAMMERING!!

↧

Bead Wheel Necklace

September 2, 2012, 1:32 am

≫ Next: UPCYCLED & UPDATED JEWELLERY

≪ Previous: WHAMMERED CIRCLES

Red BEAD WHEEL Necklace by Linda Jones

This BEAD WHEEL project has evolved over
many years, beginning it's life as a smaller scale chain
link system ... and now becoming a much bolder and
more simplistic design! It can be tweaked and altered
to suit your individual style and creativity ... and I hope
it sparks off a new playful route of inspiration in your
wire repertoire!

So, take a minute to read through the tutorial
and once you've had time to digest the
progression of images, you'll be able to adapt
it to suit whatever beads and coloured wires
you have to hand!

1. The first step is to create 7 circles of wire for the
beaded 'wheel' centrepiece of the necklace. I wrapped
0.8mm (20-gauge) silver-plated wire around the nylon
head of my Whammer hammer and cut each of the wire
circles off my spool, leaving overlapping wire of just under
an 1". (Because if you cut them like jump rings, or
complete circles ... you'll end up with squashed oval
units - and that's another design altogether!).

2. Choose a mixture (or palette) of beads you wish to use
together for the 'wheel' decoration. I used a selection of blue
toned and silver coin spacer beads and I created a thin coil of
0.5mm copper wire, which I cut into small segments (this
coil can be made on the thin handle of a Coiling Gizmo, or
wrapped around a thin knitting needle ... or even the tip ends
of your round nosed pliers). However, anything goes ... as long
as the beads aren't too big and can be threaded onto
0.8mm gauge.

3. Thread a selection of chosen beads onto one of
the wire 'wheel' circles and create a small link with
the tips of your round nosed pliers - positioning it
on the same plane as the circle. (P.S. some of your
larger beads are going to be a little stubborn about
being threaded onto a curved wire ... so just gently
TWIST them on, so as not to distort the circle).

4. Using the tips of your chain nosed pliers, bend the
overlapping wire upright, where you've made the
link.

5. Open the link and secure the upright, extending wire
within it to complete your first circular 'wheel' of beads.
Then, using your round nosed pliers, create a small loop to begin
the start of a spiral ...

6. Spiral the wire down towards the top of the circular
frame and flatten it over the edge, using your flat nosed
pliers.

7. Now you're on a roll! Connect the next silver
circle into the first and repeat steps 3 to 6 once again,
but varying the choice of beads slightly to provide
a random, 'organic' feel to the necklace.

8. Keep on connecting all the circles of beads together
until you have 7 bead 'wheels' all joined up as a chain.
Stop here - and you've got a bracelet, OR ...
you can now connect each side to a ready made chain
or cord and "Ta Daa!" it's ready to wear ... OR ... you
can make my 'Lucky Horseshoe' Chain below ...

9. For the 'Lucky Horseshoe' Chain: I used a felt pen
as a mandrel and cut 2.5" (5cm) lengths of 0.8mm
(20-gauge) silver-plate and copper wire for each unit.
The centre of each wire was molded around the pen
to create a 'U' shape.

10. Use your round nosed pliers to create links at
the ends of each unit. (Don't make these links too
small in diameter ... as you'll see below in *step 12.)

11. If like me, you wish to Whammer the rounded
end of each link to work harden and shape: place
each unit on to a steel block and 'stroke' hammer.
(You will need to spend a little time re-adjusting
the shape of each unit after hammering, as it can
distort the top part ... but, just take your time to do
this, as it will toughen the wire, making the overall
chain much more durable.)

12. Once you've made enough units to create a chain
to your desired overall length, attach to each side
of the beaded 'wheel' centrepiece and connect to each
other, alternating the silver and copper units. *(As
referred to in step 10 - don't make the top links on
each unit too small, as they must be able to be
flexible and have movement when worn.

Here is the finished piece - all you need to do now
is make a wire clasp for one end and you're done!
Ready to wear the dancing Bead Wheel Necklace!

And of course, a pair of matching earrings is easy-
peasy-lemon-squeezy to make, once you've mastered
the necklace!

Now ... try making it in other colours to suit your
outfits!

... OR ... without any beads at all!
Here I have distorted and 'tweaked' the circles, plus
added a bit of therapeutic Whammering to create an
original 'Puddles of Wire' chain!

*********************************************************

GO ON - HAVE A GO - AND DO

LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET

ON! I WOULD LOVE TO SEE

YOUR FINISHED IMAGES

ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE!!

P.S. I know I have been doing quite a few 'Circular' based wire tutorials lately ...
but that's because I am 'round the bend'!!

... LOOK WHAT CHRISTINE GAIGNARD,

from Montreal, Quebec made following my

tutorial ... Well done, Christine!! :D

↧

UPCYCLED & UPDATED JEWELLERY

September 11, 2012, 11:15 am

≫ Next: MNC JEWELS

≪ Previous: Bead Wheel Necklace

There are such lovely boldtrends in contemporary
jewellery - BIG fashion statement pieces!
(as shown in the image above) but sometimes, it's hard to
know how to get started or be inspired to make this
type of prominent, original design!

UPCYLING (or, "recycling" as it used to be called
before it became so fashionable!) is such a great way
to give wasted or useless materials and components
a completely new, improved life as well as inspire a
trend setting piece.

Turn your junk into new treasures!

As autumn descends, you'll have more time to
sit indoors and creatively design some special
pieces. But where to begin? Well you could
start by asking all your friends and family if
they have any old broken bits of jewellery that
they no longer want ... or maybe, go through
your own jewellery box and find things that
you don't wear any more or need repairing...
You could also try looking at charity and thrift
stores ... Go on a junk hunt and I'm sure you'll
come up with a stash of stuff!

I've put together a TUTORIAL to show you how
I approach an upcycling project ... obviously,
each piece would be different, depending on
the components I'm using (or, the mood I'm in!).

Above - is the stash I picked up to make my new
piece ... an old brooch, broken knotted pearl necklace,
broken earrings, and turquoise chain necklace, some
curtain rings, some brass chain from a hardware store
... all pieces that have been sitting around and seen
much better days!

1. The way I get started, is to sift out the largest or
most 'statement' like pieces from the pile, as they
will make up the centrepiece of my design.

2. Next, I place them on my bead mat to get a balance
for colours. You can either choose to go down the symmetry
route or create an asymmetric design. I have such a hodge-
podge of styles and shapes, that I've decided to try and retain
harmony and balance with colour rather than shapes.

3. I now need to work out, how and with what, I am
going to connect and attach my components together
and because of this colour scheme, I've decided to
blend the tones and use copper and gold plated
wire.

4. Looking at each of my components, especially
the focal units, I decide which ones need adapting
or revising to bring them back to life. The brooch
(above) needed the broken back pin removing. I've
also disconnected 3 of the pendant tassels and added
some new ones to blend in with the rest of the
colour scheme I'm using.

5. With a bit of fine wire wool, I've brushed up
the outer decorative edge and managed to prise
off the white ceramic centre 'stone'. Then I've
used some hole-punch-pliers to create holes on
each side for connection to jump rings.

6. What to put in place of the white ceramic
stone? I could have used liquid resin, done some
decoupage, glued in a new stone, or coin ... but
in the mood I was in whilst making it, I took a
decision to punch stamp a circle of copper and
connect this with spiral rivets to the centre of the
old brooch frame.

7. The brass rings looked a bit dull when they
were empty ... so wired in some of the beads to add
extra colour!

8. Then, I started threading some of the beads with wire,
making links at each end ...

9. These resin beads looked so different to the round ones,
that I choose to link some of the broken turquoise necklace
to one edge on two of them.

10. And if you want to make larger units out of smaller
components, this can achieved by binding them together
with wire to form a new, much bolder unit!

TA DA!! Here it is the finished piece! A big bold
statement necklace created out of broken, junk
jewellery!

Each piece you create will obviously be completely
different, however, the main things to consider are
BALANCE and HARMONY in shape and colour.

1. Start by picking out statement, or focal components
for your design.
2. Consider a basic shape, foundation outline for
your piece, by placing your units together. Is it going
to be symmetrical or asymetrical...
3. Work out a colour scheme from the beads and
pieces you have (let them 'speak to you') and if they're
all very different, introduce a new themed colour
to create overall continuity to the piece.
4. Look at each component and consider if it needs
extra embellishment, refurbishing or cleaning, etc...
5. Place and plan your design by placing your components
on your bead mat in a rough design and spend some time
repositioning them until the units and colours appear
unified and colour harmonized.
6. Connect all units together, with jump rings of the
same colour to retain overal unity and harmony.
7. Wear the finished piece and look at it on in the
mirror. This will expose any balance issues and
you will be able to see if it hangs properly and
comfortably.

I HOPE THIS INSPIRES YOU TO ROUTE AROUND

THE BACK OF YOUR JEWELLERY BOX OR BEAD

STASH ... ANYTHING GOES! BITS OF LEATHER,

BUTTONS, FEATHERS, ZIPS, WASHERS, CUT UP

DRINKING CANS, RIBBONS ... you name it!
It can all come to life in a new form ...
Don't be afraid to experiment!

!!UPCYCLED AND UPDATED!!

↧

MNC JEWELS

September 19, 2012, 1:31 pm

≫ Next: LEAF TUTORIAL

≪ Previous: UPCYCLED & UPDATED JEWELLERY

I spotted Monica Catrullo's work by chance, (on the world
wide windows to the world - the global internet!) and instantly
loved her sense of style and design! As such, I invited her to be
a feature artist ... and she's generously agreed ... all the way
from Italy, to grace us with an interview and insight into her
beautiful and stunning jewellery creations! Sit back
and enjoy!

FEATURE ARTIST:
MONICA CATRULLO
MNC JEWELS

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

I live in Milan, Italy. I'm married to Roberto and we
have a wonderful eight year old child called, Alessio. I'm a
chemist by trade and have been working for ENI research
laboratory (ENI is our National Oil Company), for almost
twenty four years.

Since I had my baby, I've been a part-time employee, but
would like to have more time to follow my passion, which
is making jewellery.

I've been fond of wearing and making earrings since I was
a little girl. I used to make long earrings using my mother's
old necklaces ... However, it was only five years ago, that I
discovered my real skill for wirework!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP MNC JEWELS?

MNC Jewels was born, little by little ...
I started beading using small beads and crystals. Then I
discovered ENI OKENand her work and I fell in love
with wirewrapping. It was like a new beginning! It felt
like I had discovered a magic world! The name for my
jewellery business, MNC, is based around the consonants
of my name 'MONICA'.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?

My inspiration comes from the world around me, mostly
from nature and its shapes. I love using wire, and I know
it's a strange thing to say, but it's the wire that drives my
hands (and tells me what to do). I start with an idea in
my mind, but it's the wire that decides how to turn it into
a real piece of finished jewellery ...

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE,
STYLE AND WHY?

As I said before, my favourite technique is wirewrapping -
weaving with wire. Why? I really don't really know? It
was love at first sight! Maybe, it is because with wire,
you can create any shape and your possibilities are therefore
infinite. I also like other techniques such as chainmaille,
peyote and so on ... which I love to mix and combine together.

DO YOU TEACH YOUR CRAFT?

No. I don't teach classes or courses at the moment. However, I
write for an Italian magazine that teaches people how to make
jewellery.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE AND SELL YOUR WORK?

I promote my work on Facebook, my fanpage is:

MNCjewels by Monica Catrullo
You an also find me on Twitter too.

HAVE YOU ANY SPECIAL ADVICE FOR OTHER'S
STARTING OUT WITH JEWELLERY MAKING?

My advice is to try and find your own way and unique style.
Not to stop at copying other designers work, even if it's an
excellent imitation. I admire anyone who is able to create
something out of his/or/her hands and mind. Everything born
from passion is admirable!

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM DREAMS AND GOALS?

My very long term dream is to have my own studio and to be
a real full-time artist. And of course, have a lot of customers!!!

***************************************************************
Monica, I'm sure in time, you will fulfill ALL your dreams and goals ...
your talent shines very brightly in Milan!

↧

LEAF TUTORIAL

September 28, 2012, 5:48 am

≫ Next: THE BIG BEAD SHOW

≪ Previous: MNC JEWELS

It's that time of year again ... and leaves are dropping all
over the place! Over the years I have designed numerous
'Leaf' and 'Autumn' themed pendants and earrings and I
never get tired of the shapes and colours that nature provides
as a design reference...
So with this in mind, I want to share a LEAF tutorial
with you, it's one that I hope you can adapt and make your
own. My first attempt at this style looked rather more like
a FEATHER, so with that in mind, I am going to combine
the two words together and call this tutorial:
FLEAF DESIGN

So gather together, your usual wireworking tools:
Round and Chain nosed pliers, Cutters, 0.8mm and
0.4mm copper, silver or gold plated wire (whatever
you have to hand will do!). Whammer hammer
with block is optional ... but, it does help
toughen the outer frame.

1) Cut approx. 6" (15cm)
of 0.8mm wire for your
outer frame and bend in
half. Use your fingers
to shape the curved sides
of the leaf.

Cut a second length of
0.8mm wire which is
approx 1.5"(4cm) longer
that your leaf length.

Straighten this length.

OPTIONAL
2) Place the
leaf frame
on a steel
block and
hammer
the outer edge
to flatten and
toughen.

Make sure
you don't
hammer the
crossed over
wires or you
will weaken them.

3) Using the
tips of your
round nosed pliers,
curl a tiny hook
at one end of the
straight cut
length and attach
this to the
base of the
leaf frame.

4. Using the tips of your round nosed pliers, curl
small even coils (like you make jump rings) with
any wire you have to hand ... I used 0.8mm gold-
plated, but anything will do!

5. Cut short lengths of 0.4mm wire (about an 1"
(2.5cm) wider than your frame) and create tiny
loops at the centre of each length, by crossing the wire
over at the centre, around the very tips of your round
nosed pliers.

6. Begin by threading the central straight wire
with a coil, followed by the looped length of
0.4mm wire.

7. Push the coil and fine wire to the
base of your frame and connect the
projecting ends around the sides of
the frame. Wrapping the ends a couple
of times around - cutting off any
excess and squeezing or flattening
any protrusions of wire.

8. Repeat step 7, adding a second coil
followed by the fine wire and continue
attaching to the sides of the frame ...

9. Work all your way up the centre of
the frame and then secure the top, by
wrapping one of the projecting wires of
the frame in one direction around the
straight stem, the other in the opposite
direction.

10. You can either cut off the excess
projecting wires on each side, or (as
above) curl decorative spirals using
your round and flat or chain nosed pliers.

11. You could make another coil to thread
onto the projecting wire above the spirals
and then create a double top loop ...

... and
here it
is ...
ready to
wear!

You could also make a few more and
attach together to make a fuller 3-leaf
pendant!

Try adding beads or feathers ...
coloured wires ... thicker gauges!
Just play around with whatever you
have in your stash!

You could also add beads onto the side wires

to add more colour! Obviously, you would

have to do this from Step 6 ...

... and if you wish (for a fish) you can also adapt it

to become a FLISH design!!

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

As always, use the tutorial as a base guide to fuel your

inner creativity! And please don't be shy in sharing your

experiments, trials and wirey attempts on my Facebook

page!

↧

THE BIG BEAD SHOW

October 2, 2012, 2:29 am

≫ Next: CHRISTMAS ANGEL

≪ Previous: LEAF TUTORIAL

OCTOBER is going to be a sparse month for the
Guild! I wont have time to update it, or
post new tutorials ... so, before I disappear for
the next few weeks, I want to make sure that every
beader in the U.K. is aware of the wonderful show
that is about to hit Sandown Racecourse, in Surrey on
20th October2012
THE BIG BEAD SHOW!

You'll experience a plethora of stunning beads, tools,
semi-precious stones and a great variety of
WORKSHOPS!

You'll also be able to see my WHAMMER being
demonstrated byLONDON JEWELLERY SUPPLIES
and witness first hand how 'stroke hammering' is applied
to wire to create unique, bespoke jewellery. If you
haven't got a steel block and Whammer yet, I definitely
recommend that you visit the London Jewellery
Supply stand!

The world's first specialist wire jewellery hammer!

If you can't make the show ... LJS has another date
for your diary - the opening of their new showroom
and workshop in Hampton (just a stone's throw from
Hampton Court Palace) ...

Grand Opening of Showroom:
OCTOBER 30th from 4.30pm
and I'll be there to demo the Whammer! Information on
workshops that they'll be running at their premises can be
obtained very soon ...
*P.S. Here's a date for your diary: I'm booked to run Xmas themed
wire and bead sessions there on Tuesday 20th November!!*

But back to:

Do make a point of looking out for
SARAH DOWNTON
Bead lampworker extraordinaire!!

She'll have a fantastic array of her stunningly unique glass
beads for sale and I can guarantee each one is a treasure,
that can be incorporated and designed into a fabulous piece
of original, contemporary jewellery!

I bumped into Sarah not so long ago, when we were judging
the British Bead Awards and I just couldn't resist purchasing
a few of her eye-wateringly delicious handmade beads ...
take a look below, at some of the jewellery I have created using
Sarah's beautiful beads:


S.Downton 'Coin' bead with wire/crystal bail


S Downton 'Cylinder' bead with wirewrapping	and bail

S Downton 'Fish' bead with wavy wire chain

S Dowton
'Bar' bead
with 3D frame

So, keep your creative endorphins topped-up and I'll be back in

November with some Christmas themed inspiration!

And if you haven't yet seen my TWISTER BEADS tutorial, I'll leave

you with this ...HAPPY WIREWORKING!!

Twister Bead Tutorial using Whammer!

↧

CHRISTMAS ANGEL

November 6, 2012, 10:37 pm

≫ Next: SPARKLER DECORATIONS

≪ Previous: THE BIG BEAD SHOW

As a jewellery designer, I can't escape the slow countdown
to Christmas! There's no way to avoid the start of mad-
hand-mass production of all things decorative and gifty!

Beads and wire are the perfect combination for creating
accessories and gifts and if you're into making your own
cards ... this little project is a perfect solution! In fact, this
BEADED ANGEL PROJECT
can be created as a pendant, earrings, placed
on a card, suspended as a tree decoration, wired onto
a napkin ring, or used as part of a table display ...
Just make them and they will decide where they
should go...!

1. All you need to get started, is your usual tools:
Round, Flat, Chain Nosed Pliers and Cutters. As
for materials: 1 x peardrop bead (for the body), one
round bead (for the head), some seed beads (for the
wings) and 0.8mm, 0.6mm and 0.4mm gauge wire.
Although, you could make the whole thing with 0.6mm
if that's all you've got to hand!

2. Working from the end of a spool of 0.6mm wire, create
a small circle with the tips of your round nosed pliers. Spiral
the wire around itself, until it is at least the diameter of the
widest part of your chosen peardrop (or body) bead.
Cut from the spool, leaving a tail of approx. 2cm projecting.

3. Using the tips of your round nosed pliers, curl the projecting
end into a small spiral until it sits just below the larger spiral,
created in step 2.

4. Place the tips of your chain nosed pliers at the centre
of the spiral and stretch it out - opening up spaces
between the coils - so that it becomes a tapered 'curly wurly'
cone shape. Bend the small end spiral down.

5. To make the 'arms' of the angel, cut 5cm of 0.6mm wire and
place your round nosed pliers at the centre of the length. Cross
the wires around the tips of the pliers, so that they project in
opposite directions, creating a small loop at the centre.

6. Place your flat, or chain nosed pliers on each side of the
central loop and and bend the projecting wires in towards
each other to create the 'arms' of the angel.

7. Using your round nosed pliers, curl the ends of the
projecting wires into small loops (to create the hands).

8. Thread all the units onto the end of a spool of 0.8mm wire,
starting with the peardrop bead, followed by the tapered spiral,
the 'arm' wires and finally the pearl 'head' bead.

9. Using your round nosed pliers, create a wrapped
link at the very end of the wire (this will act as the
suspension loop, as well as representing the angel's
'halo').

10. Push all the units tightly together and cut
the wire from the spool, leaving enough of a
tail to make a small spiral headpin at the base
of the peardrop 'body' bead ...

11. Flatten the spiral headpin against the base of the
peardrop bead, securing all the units together as one.

12. And now ... for the wings! Cut approximately 20cm
of 0.4mm wire and wrap to secure, the centre of the length,
just under the pearl 'head' bead (between 'head' and 'arms'),
straighten out the wires on each sides.

13. Thread one of the projecting wires with your chosen
seed beads ( I used about 30 beads for each wing) and
secure the wire back around the central stem (under the
pearl 'head' bead) as before.

14. Repeat step 13, on the opposite side, to create the
second wing.

15. Cut the ends of the wires projecting from the wings
to about 2cm and spiral them in towards the centre,
flattening one on one side of the angel and the other on
the opposite side, so that they sit just under the pearl
'head' bead. To shape the wings: push the beaded
loops in on each side with your fingers to create a
inward dent.

16. And now your beaded angel is ready to suspend
from a chain (a ribbon ... as a tree decoration, or
as a gift tag) ... I also, wired a few beads between the
'hands' with 0.4mm wire ... you can finish it as you
feel fit!

ONCE YOU'VE CREATED YOUR FIRST LITTLE
ANGEL, YOU'LL BE READY TO MAKE MORE!

HERE ARE A FEW MORE EXAMPLES TO
INSPIRE YOUR FERTILE MINDS ...

ANGEL EARRINGS. (These are better created without
'arms', so that they don't hook onto flowing hair!).

ANGEL STICK DECORATION. This little angel
is holding a star wand and I've left the wire projecting
from the base of the bead, so that it can be used as a
table, or plant decoration. Just push the wire into a
plant pot and let her sit amongst the holly, or a gorgeous
poinsettia!

Above, is a variationANGEL STICK PIN ...

Excuse me, if I buzz off now to make some more
to put on my Christmas cards for special friends and
family!

I hope you too will be inspired to make your own!
**** HAPPY 'ANGEL' MAKING!! ****

P.S. a beaded angel is for LIFE ... not just for Xmas!!

↧

SPARKLER DECORATIONS

November 28, 2012, 2:09 am

≫ Next: REVIEW OF 2012

≪ Previous: CHRISTMAS ANGEL

You can save a few pennies at Christmas by making your own
decorations, cards, gifts, accessories, etc... and here is a project
that can be adapted as a tree decoration, a pendant, handbag charm,
a key ring, wired onto a napkin ring ... I will leave it to your unique
imagination to embellish and decorate whatever you wish!

1. Firstly, you need to thread some beads with wire creating links
at one end and headpins at the other. Sparkly crystals are perfect
for this and I have also used my TWISTER beads (created out of
0.8mm/20-gauge) gold plated wire. Follow my tutorial on 'You Tube'
to learn how to make these:
TWISTER BEAD TUTORIAL

2. Cut a length of 0.5mm clear nylon filament (fishing line) and
thread this through the top links of your beads to suspend.

3. Thread a 1mm crimp onto the end of the clear nylon filament
and post the other end back through the crimp, so that when both
ends are pulled in opposite directions, the threaded beads are drawn
together to form a bunch.

4. Pull the nylon together tightly and use the tips of your chain
nosed pliers to squeeze the crimp to secure at the top of the bunch
of threaded beads.

5. Thread a couple more beads on both projecting ends of
clear nylon filament, plus one more crimp...

6. Squeeze the crimp flat with your chain nosed pliers to secure
the beads in place and cut off ONE of the projecting nylon threads,
leaving only one extending at the top of the decoration.

7. Thread this projecting nylon line with a further bead, a crimp and
some small seed beads and re-thread the end back through the crimp
to create the beaded hanger loop at the top of the decoration.

8. Pull the end of nylon filament tightly together, so
that there are no gaps between the beads and squeeze
the crimp to secure the beaded loop at the top of your
decoration.

It's now ready to be suspended from your Christmas tree!

Experiment with your own choice of coloured, shaped and
sized beads to create decorations, jewellery designs and
embellished accessories!

In my book: 'BEAD AND WIRE JEWELLERY FOR SPECIAL
OCCASIONS' on pages 115-117 you will find instructions for
my 'Bead Bauble' project which is similar in technique and style.

... but as Christmas is approaching ... here are a few more
images with a Yuletide feel!

Try it with white pearls, crystals and and clear bugle beads!

... Twister beads and purple faceted beads!

Just hunt through your stash of beads
and experiment with what you've
got to hand to add some Christmas
sparkle to your home!

P.S. You'll find more Christmas wirework projects on
BEAD TV such as SNOWBALL PENDANT,
CHRISTMAS WREATH BROOCH and SHOOTING
STAR PIN ...

↧

REVIEW OF 2012

December 20, 2012, 1:27 am

≫ Next: A is for APPLE FLOWERS!

≪ Previous: SPARKLER DECORATIONS

Oh ... WHAT A YEAR!
... and just as a quick reminder, here is a
look back in a 20 image review of some
of the projects and highlights!

We had some fantastically super talented, highly
unique FEATURE ARTISTS,
such as: ...

PAT LANGFIELD of PORTIA'S CRAFTS

ABBEY HOOK

LINDA SINNISH

CHRISSIE WEBBER

NICKY KENNISH of SPIRAL FOUNTAIN

HADASSAH LAU of HADASITY

MONICA CATRULLO of MNC JEWELS

SARAH DOWNTON - LAMPWORKED BEADS

At the beginning of the year (if you can remember
that far back) there were a lot of HEART themed
projects, leading up to Valentine's Day ...

1) Starting with the post and project of 10th January,
of how to create one of my favourite heart designs:
VINTAGE VALENTINE:

2) Following this was another HEARTY
Beaded Pendant on the 25th January ...

3) The final heart theme came in the form
of the February 6th post, with this freestyle
TWIN PASSION pendant.

4) On the 17th February, I dedicated a complete
article to the humble BAIL - an instant decorative
enhancement to a plain wirewrapped pendant!

5) The LUCKY MASCOT project came up on the
28th February ... which always looks great on a
key ring, hand bag charm or book mark...

6) Trotting onto March 18th, ready for the Spring
proms and dances, was the HOT BOW tutorial.

7) The 3rd April was the EASTER themed project
of beaded NEST RINGS!

8) Following on with the bird theme, feather's went
flying on the 12th April with the FEATHER EARRING
project.

9) We went with more feather's to arrows on
the 4th May with the ARROW NECKLACE.

10) On the 16th May, through popular demand,
was the marriage of wire with SHAMBALLA
BEADS!

11) And then Britain was struck with all things
patriotic and JUBILIMPIC JEWELLERY
was unavoidable!

12) Stepping into June, we chilled out with
the HANG LOOSE pendant tutorial!

13) With all flowers blooming, we were
ready for the FLOWER PENDANT
on 2nd July.

14) On the 13th July, the project tutorial
was one of my favourite BASKET OF
STONES pendants.

15) Then into August, we saw the launch of
the world's first specialist wire jewellery
hammer, called the WHAMMER!! A necessary
addition to any wireworker's toolbox!

16) Moving swiftly onto the 2nd September, was
the BEAD WHEEL project ... bold, colourful and
contemporary!

17) Then, by popular demand, was the
UPCYCLING tutorial ...

18) With Autumn hovering in the air,
it was time for a leaf design on the
28th September, in the form of the
FLEAF project.

19) Creeping into November, there was a need
for a Christmas theme and the BEADED ANGEL
came floating in on 6th November.

20) Continuing with the festive theme, we enjoyed
the beaded SPARKLER DECORATIONS!

So on that high note, I want to wish
every member ofthe Guild and all
those who enjoy a dip into wirework,
the merriest of Christmas's and hope
to join you formore project inspiration
in the New Year!

P.S. If you would like to put yourself forward as a feature
artist ... please don't be shy! I would love to hear from
you (linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk).

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND
BEST WISHES FOR 2013!

↧

A is for APPLE FLOWERS!

January 6, 2013, 9:06 am

≫ Next: PEBEO for Wirejewellers!

≪ Previous: REVIEW OF 2012

HAPPY NEW YEARone and all!
2013 is now upon us and the festivities,
gastronomic glutony and over-spending
has all died down ... and we're back to
tightening our belts and settling back
into a routine with new aspirations and
goals to fulfill for the coming year!

(Well, that's the theoretic intention at least!)

So get your pliers out, plus a selection of
beads and 0.4mm wire and have a crack
at an old project of mine. It's a basic 'flower'
tiara decoration, which can be adapted with any
sized beads to be scaled up or down to
create earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings, etc...
Have a go at this:
'APPLE FLOWER' BRACELET

1.I threaded 6 x 4mm beads onto the end of some
0.5mm purple coloured spool of wire. (However, the
size of beads is your choice and 0.4mm silver-plated wire
works just as well!)

2. Bring the end of the wire around to create a beaded
circle, crossing the wires over where they meet.

3. Pull the end of the wire across the centreof the
beaded circle and and thread a further bead ontothe
end (to fill the central space).

4. Push the bead into the centre andsecure in place,
by threading the end of the wire over theouter circle
of beads. Pull both projecting ends tight in opposite
directions to form your very first 'Apple Flower'unit!

5. Cut the wire
fromthe spool,
leavinga tail of
about 4-5 cms ...

6. Use the tips
of your round nosed
pliers to create a
double wrapped
loop or link and
cut offany excess
wirewith your cutters.

Neaten the end.

7. Repeat, on the opposite side of the unit
tocreate another double wrapped loop.

8. To make a bracelet, create about 6 more Apple-Beads
followingsteps 1-7.

9. Connect
your Apple
Flower units
together
using jump
rings and
attach a clasp
at one end to
create a
necklaceor
bracelet chain.

Et voila! An APPLE FLOWER BRACELET!!

Or ... try making some EARRINGS following the
same tutorial.

... and what about
a matching ring?

Make it with 8mm
beads for an eye-
catching statement!

Or ... use more beads for a fancy decorative ring!

I used a similar technique for my 'Flower Power'
Choker in my 'Wire and Beaded Wedding'
book, pages 57-59 and wired the Apple Flowerunits
onto a choker frame ... see below ...

I HOPE THAT'S PROVIDED
YOU WITH SOME NEW YEAR
INSPIRATION!

... so get those beads rolling in
2013!!!

↧

PEBEO for Wirejewellers!

January 11, 2013, 11:53 am

≫ Next: WIRED FOR LOVE

≪ Previous: A is for APPLE FLOWERS!

If you've never come across the name:
P E B E O

for high quality artists materials of
all kinds, let me be the first to introduce
you to this brand. Since 1930 their
art materials have been available for
both professional and amateur artists
in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolours and
Pastels as well as a range of Casting,
Modelling, Silk and Glass painting,
etc..., etc..., etc..., but it's their
FANTASY Moon and Prism
colours and Jewellery Accessories ...
that you'll be the most interested in!

I had already seen some beautiful samples of
demonstration pieces at
LONDON JEWELLERY SUPPLIES showroom
in Hampton, Middlesex, (where they sell all the
supplies) therefore, when I was asked to product test
some paints, I couldn't wait to get started!

What I really wanted to find out, is would it work
well with some wireworking techniques? And my
initial results are positive ... well, I hope YOU
also agree with me????

Working withFantasyand Moon Paints, you just
need to purchase some Jewellery Accessories: such
as Pendants, Bracelets, Earrings and Ring blanks,
plus some plastic droppers and a packet of
Glazing Resin and you're ready for action!

The instant satisfaction is in the fact, that all you
have to do, is stir up the paint colours, drop it into
the recess of the jewellery blanks and then wait for
the magic to take place!

http://youtu.be/eT9-ceP9bKA
(You don't need to speak French, but it helps ...
otherwise, read the subtitles!!)

So what's this all got to do
with WIRE?
... I hear you ask?

Well, I have found that you could create some very
original jewellery pieces using your own wire motifs
within the resin.

Here's my first experiment, using a base of Pebeo black,
red and silver Fantasy paints on the Oval Bracelet, with
my own wire squiggles and motifs (created out of 0.8mm
silver-plated wire and Whammered!) placed onto the
dried paint. This was then sealed and coated with
Pebeo Glazing Resin.

Going one step further ... to add a little more
originality to the piece, I decided to remove
the existing clasp and add one of my own.

And ... two steps on, I decided that beaded charms
would complete and make it a unique one-of-a-kind
bracelet!

I also created a matching necklace using Pebeo's
Oval Pendant blank.

Then, I had another go at using a purple, silver and
green combination of colours with some wavy wire
inclusions ...

... and I decided to remove the bracelet clasp and turn
it into a necklace, using wireworking techniques and
some matching beads!

If you don't want Ovals, try the square bracelet
blanks instead. They are very contemporary and
in vogue!

Here's my Turquoise
version using the
Fantasy Prisme
Paint, topped with
my wire spirals
and coated in
the Glazing Resin.

However, to make
it just a little bit
more original
I opted to attach
6mm silver
beads in between
the squares!

Not only that, I changed the clasp
to a chunky Toggle!

Here's another attempt, using a different
colour palette:

... and once again
I changed the clasp
to add a little more
originality!
After all, that's what
jewellery should
be all about!

So, if this has inspired you, PEBEO has

everything you require to create some

stunning jewellery pieces in every colour

of the rainbow! The only thing you need

is patience in letting it dry ... A good

8-12 hours is essential between dropping

the colour in and glazing. And once again,

the clear glaze must also be left to dry

for at least another day!

More information about PEBEO products

can be found on their website:

www.pebeo.com
and all accessories and paints can
be purchased here in the U.K. from:

LONDON JEWELLERY SUPPLIES
(the home of the Whammer!!)

↧

WIRED FOR LOVE

January 28, 2013, 9:18 am

≫ Next: RUTH JENSEN

≪ Previous: PEBEO for Wirejewellers!

SPECIAL VALENTINEFEATURE

The origins of Valentine's Day are shrouded in mystery,
however, we do know that the month of February has
long been celebrated as a time of romance.

There are many stories surrounding St.Valentine and
legend contends that he was a priest who served during
the 3rd century in Rome and when Emperor Claudius II
outlawed marriage for young men - (as he felt that all
young single men would make better soldiers than
husbands!) - Valentine, realising the injustice of the
decree, continued to perform secret marriage ceremonies
for young, courting lovers. When his actions were
discovered, Claudius ordered that Valentine be
sentenced to death ... and hence, he became a martyr
and pronounced a Saint, in the name of LOVE!

Whatever, story or myth you might read, it is an in-
disputed fact that the 14th of February has since
become the second most popular card sending day,
after Christmas!

So without further ado! The WireWorkers Guild and some
of its most generous followers and talented wire artists
would like to share with you some HEART felt inspiration!
Below is our stunning:
***GALLERY of HEARTS***
PLUS+ we have a 'special gift'
a WOVEN HEART TUTORIAL by
RACHEL MURGATROYD!
(So ... are you sitting comfortably? Then, please ENJOY!
Starting in alphabetical order ...)

1. Gorgeous Red Heart Pendant, designed and created
by ALISON BICKELL from TREASURED FOREVER.

2. A wonderful Valentine set, including: Necklace, Bracelet
and Earrings by AMBER HEFNER of THE WILD TANGENT.
Which won her 1st prize for a 'Bead My Heart' competition
for Happy Mango Beads.

3. Above, is the beautiful delicate wirework of ANNEMARIE
KENYERES from PRETTY ROCK JEWELLERY.

4. Here's a very original first pendant from ANNY CHRISTOPHER
from ZELENY CRAFT.

5. And yet, another super stunner from ANNY
CHRISTOPHER from ZELENY CRAFT!

6. And here's one more from ANNY CHRISTOPHER to
complete her lovely trio of heart designs!

7. This superb contribution is from JENNY ARGYLE, better
known to all of us as BEADMAD JEN of KEITH AGNES
TUTORIAL and DESIGN fame!

8. Here's BETTY KELLOG'S Gorgeous
Blue Dichroic Glass Heart Pendant from
her HOMESTYLE-ARTS website.

9. This delicately dainty "Bleeding Heart' pendant contribution
is from LOUISE GOODCHILD, inspired by her Dicentra plant.
(Look out for her, as she will be a feature artist later on this year.
Can't wait ... !)

10. Another highly unique style and pretty pendant from
CHRISTINE GAINARD!

11. And from designer/photographer SALLY PITMAN - alias:
SKYPIXIE - here's her stunning wirewrapped Fimo Heart bead
(which was created by her talented mother, Valery King!).

12. Some more heart shaped pendants from the talented
wire charmer, SKYPIXIE!

14. Above is a beautiful Bracelet of Filigree Hearts designed and
created by KARON CRAWFORD, who is a guest presenter and
demon-strator on JEWELLERY MAKER TV channel.

14. Another winning exquisite entry to the Happy Mango Beads
competition was from LAUREN POTTS of LP'S JEWELRY.

15. SIAN GRIFFITHS contributed this gorgeous
pink quartzite heart with freshwater pearls all mounted
on a co-ordinating kumihimo braid.

16. Here's a something scrumptiously yummy from
SUE MASON-BURNS of KIWI-CHICK
CREATIONS!

17. Enjoy another highly original stunner from
SUE MASON-BURNS!

18. And to complete her trio of hearts designs, above, is
SUE MASON-BURNS's luscious vintage rose pendant!

19. And look what's just flown in, all the way from
Manilla!Some cute and colourful Love Bugs with
heart shapedwings designed and created by the
very talented, ANGELA MARIELA SISON of
CAMPBEADS WIRE - WORKSHOP!

20. Finally, CLAIRE BARTRAM of FOLBAR BEADS
sent in her stunning design, inspired by a Valentine
magazine project I did for Beads & Beyond!

And if that wasn't enough VALENTINE themed jewellery
for one feature, I have delved deep into the Guild archives
and dug up, some more heart shaped pieces, designed and
created by WIREJEWELLERY.CO.UK
( http://www.wirejewellery.co.uk/)

And if that's not enough culinary wirey titilation and
visual feasting, here's a stunning project from the very
talented jewellery designer:
RACHEL MURGATROYD
called: WOVEN HEART PENDANT!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S

TO ALL THE WIRE ARTISTS

WHO LOVE TO CREATE!!

(and many heartfelt THANKS to all the talented

wire artists who so generously contributed to the

gallery!)

↧

Latest Images