It's a Wrap!

I thought I would share the results of my first forays into a new technique for me - wire wrapping.



Wire Wrapped Flint Arrowhead

This first item is a flint arrowhead that a colleague gave to me asking if I could turn it into a pendant.  I am happy to say that she is delighted with the results.

After the arrowhead I decided to try and wrap a couple of pairs of earrings using teardrop semi precious beads in turquoise and coral.

Coral Wire Wrapped Earrings
https://www.etsy.com/listing/117024948/coral-collection-coral-earrings-wire 

I have always really enjoyed the look of wire wrapped jewellery, but haven't been brave enough to try.  I now cannot wait to try out some more projects.  I have a few stones without drilled holes that I can make pendants from.  One of the great things about jewellery making is the multitudes of techniques and styles to try out - it's impossible to get bored!

Turquoise Wire Wrapped Earrings
https://www.etsy.com/listing/117021812/turquoise-earrings-wire-wrapped 

Now I just need to get more wire.....off to the shops!

Bitter Sweet Symphony

Bitter Sweet Symphony by the Verve is my favourite song, of all time.  I like to listen to music whilst I am beading – I think it helps the creative process.   Music puts me in a happy place. If I am feeling down or frustrated with life (or the traffic!!), I put on my favourite play list – and after singing to a couple of my favourite tunes at the top of my voice, I suddenly don’t feel so bad!  It’s a fact that it impossible to be angry or cross whilst listening to something you love.   Music has the power to uplift.

Turquoise and Black Rhinestone Roundel Earrings - sold in November on Etsy

I think the iPod is one of the best inventions of all time - I love my little orange iPod.    The joy of being able to make up play lists of all my favourite tunes, with such simplicity......bliss!!  I remember the frustrating days of my youth, trying to tape tunes from the radio or records (yes....records.... there was life before CDs). 

Turquoise and Labradorite Necklace - sold in November on Etsy

This weekend was pretty hectic – too many social engagements and not enough time for beading!! Not that I am really complaining, it’s always lovely to see friends and family, and make some new friends along the way.   I wanted to take photos yesterday afternoon so I can upload my new pieces to Etsy, but it was raining and the light was really bad.  So instead of posting new pictures today I am sharing pictures of the items I have sold from my Etsy shop in November.

Dragon's Vein Agate Necklace - sold in November on Etsy

What I did have time to work on this weekend is what I am calling my “Coral Collection”.  I love coral – there is something special about the combination of brilliant red and silver – and it feels festively appropriate with Christmas coming up!  I did also incorporate subtler colour schemes into a couple of pieces by using orange sponge coral and natural cream coral instead of the red.  After I have uploaded my coral collection to my Etsy shop I already have another collection in mind – the Tribal Collection – earthy, natural, rustic pieces using beautiful gemstones.

Agate Teardrop Slab Necklace - sold in November on Etsy

This weekend I also started to experiment with a new technique for me - wire wrapping.  After a couple of somewhat dodgy attempts I was rather pleased with my results.  This detour into wire wrapping was kick-started by me being given an arrowhead by one of my colleagues; she asked if I could please turn it into something she can enjoy more often by wearing as a necklace.  So I decided to give wire wrapping a go.  I think it is something I can get quite addicted to – it’s really fun creating your own shapes!  Hopefully tonight I can take some pictures of my new pieces to post next – may have to use artificial light though as it is still raining!

Turquoise and Indian Kashmiri Bead Bracelet - sold in November on Etsy

Please have a browse around my Etsy shop and if you like what you see then please "LIKE” my shop.  I am uploading new styles and pieces every week.   Also while you’re at it, it would be great if you could ‘LIKE’ my Facebook page too!! J

Turquoise, Brass and Agate Necklace...the finished product

This is the finished necklace that I started on Sunday afternoon using turquoise beads of different sizes, a faceted agate oval focal bead, brass beads and findings and carnelian.  It looks quite different to what I first had in mind, but that's how it goes sometimes.  If something doesn't look quite right or sit totally well with the eye, you start playing around and then the design takes form as you go along.  Originally this necklace was only going to use turquoise and brass, but when I was looking for an interesting focal bead, my eye landed upon the oval facet cut agate bead, which is a thing of beauty - and from there on the the necklace took a different design turn.

I used a variety of different sized turquoise beads - from 16mm rounds, 14 mm roundels, 12mm rounds and 8 mm rounds.  Each of the brass findings is also different - there is a mix of beads, bead caps, diamante charms and daisy spacers.  The bead string is securely fastened directly onto the neck chain.

I think I need to add a matching bracelet and earrings - that can be tonight's project!

A lazy Sunday afternoon.....with Turquoise

Turquoise is one of my favourite gemstones.  It has been mined as far back as 6000 BC making it amongst the first gemstones to be mined.  It was greatly prized by the Egyptians and has the claim of being the only gemstone to have a colour named exclusively after it.  To learn more about turquoise, try the All About Gemstones website: http://www.allaboutgemstones.com/semi-precious_gems_turquoise.html

I love the versatility of turquoise, it looks fantastic with both casual and smart clothes. It mixes especially well with black, grey, peach, red or white. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/115429288/turquoise-bracelet-turquoise-jewelry

From a design perspective I usually mix turquoise with silver, but today I started working on a piece using brass beads and findings instead.  Turquoise and silver is a classic mix, but in my mind turquoise with brass actually looks just as good.  I am so pleased with the results!  I am working on a necklace that utilises a large oval, faceted, dark red/orange agate focal bead at the centre, with a couple of carnelian beads thrown in too, to pick up the colour of the agate and accent against the bright blue turquoise.  What a great colour combo - turquoise, dark reddish orange and brass!  I can't wait to finish it tomorrow and get the photos uploaded.

I also finished a couple of turquoise bracelets, both with silver beads and findings.  Each has a filigree silver heart charm and an extra turquoise bead drop near the clasp for a little extra bling and interest.  In one of the bracelets I used a blue and silver Indian Kashmiri clay bead at the centre,which works really well.