by Cindy on August 12, 2011
Hello!
Seems I’ve been all caught up with summer lately and haven’t shown any jewelry in some time! Believe it or not, I have been burning the midnight oil lately creating jewelry, but I am tucking those away for long-term projects. I do have a sweet necklace to share though, this one features a stoneware pendant by Golem Design Studio. I was fortunate to meet Vlad, half of the Golem team, when I attended the Bead & Button show. I loved the color combination immediately, and thought it would look great with a printed summer dress. Or fall- this one could definitely go a long way this fall. The spacers are by Spacer Queen and the spotted lampwork are by Blue Seraphim, both on Etsy. Btw, if you’re interested, you can find Golem’s paisley collection here.
Does it look like sterling silver in that wire-wrapping? You can’t tell, but I used silver-filled wire in this necklace. Silver-filled wire is a great alternative to sterling in a market that is sky-high. I still oxidized the wire and tumbled the chain portion in my Lortone tumbler. If you are not familiar with silver-filled wire, it is wire that has a layer of sterling silver mechanically bonded to a brass (at least from this supplier) core. The layer of sterling silver is known to be hundreds of times thicker than silver-plated. I was happy with the results and find this wire will make a great option in some wire projects.
We are heading off on a road trip up north. I hope to check in with you soon, and in the meantime just a few thoughts…..
-Cindy
by Cindy on August 6, 2011
Do you ever take pictures in series? I do! I’ve been intrigued in the past by old doors, chandeliers, and of course my kids! 🙂 This summer something caught my eye on the beaches. Today I’d love to share a collection of photos I’ve taken over the last 2 months. I couldn’t resist when when I stopped and noticed just how interesting a beach umbrella could be.
by Cindy on July 30, 2011
Imagine jewelry inspiration and tutorials available immediately. No need to sign up for a class or take a trip to your bookstore. Interweave has rolled out its very first wire eMag and it is ready for download! Interweave has made it easy to download this new eMag on your PC or MAC, and has plans to debut iPad and other tablet versions this fall.
What makes this online magazine so GREAT? Live Wire is interactive – you’ll find articles, tutorials, resources AND videos. Scroll around and click – it is easy to find information in greater depth than you would with a traditional magazine. Beginner wire workers especially will find the how-to videos by Editor-in-chief, Denise Peck, particularly helpful. Watch as Denise walks you the steps to create the perfect wrapped loop, simple loop, wire straightening and making jump rings. A special FAQ section and an article on patina/texture will also help answer those burning wirework questions you might have.
The eMag includes eight fantastic projects with contributions from my friends Kerry Bogert and Cassie Donlen. You will also find projects and articles by Denise Peck, Jane Dickerson, Kate Ferrant Richbourg, Kieu Pham Gray, Karen Keegan, Sara Richardson, and Ronna Sarvas Weltman. I think you’ll love the large, screen-sized step-by-step pictures for each project. You can also click on the pdf version of the article and you’ll have a copy in your hands lickety split. I was asked by a friend recently if this eMag was worth it. Oh yes, it is! And at a very reasonable price of $9.97, you’ll have access to wire inspiration at your fingertips.
I was excited to be a part of Live Wire eMag. I was asked to contribute a basic spiral-based design and was happy to create a wire charm holder pendant. While working on the concept, I created pendants in both bronze and copper. You’ll find the copper charm holder in Live Wire, featuring a beautiful ceramic hand pendant by Nan Emmett of Spirited Earth.
I was so inspired after viewing my contributor “copy” of the Live Wire eMag, that I got to work on one of the projects right away. I stayed up until 2 a.m. that night to finish it, but I was motivated. 🙂 I was intrigued by the clever construction of Kerry’s coiled wire bangle. I created my bangle with oxidized bronze wire and an amazing polymer clay focal by Christine Damm. I love the colorway that Christine used for the beads in this set.
If you’ve taken the digital leap and downloaded Interweave’s new Live Wire or Everyday Bracelets eMags, let me know your thoughts! I know I’m excited about this new direction in jewelry publication.
-Cindy-
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