Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Lots of Earrings

The swirl earrings I showed last week inspired me to make more. I've been getting better with the swirls and tried some different looks. Plus I made some twisted earrings that I've made before.
 
 
 
Here is a pair like the one from last week.
The color is more blue than shows in the picture.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Then I tried some Antique Bronze swirls in two different colors. I need some earrings to go with the wire wrapped pendants I have using Antique Bronze wire.
 
 
 
 
 
Here are some red ones. This pattern could be made in many different colors. Your choice. Have a favorite color you would like? The metal could be silver or gold, also as well as the Antique Bronze..
 
 
 
 
Now when you cut the wire to make the earrings, it is a good idea to cut more than you think you will need.
 
 
But, not wanting to waste the extra, I started swirling the left over pieces. And here is the results.
 
 
 
 
 
Nice variation for those who like smaller earrings.
 
 
 
 
Here are the twisted wire earrings that I made. (Busy this week, no?)
 
The beads are blue tear drop shaped with a flower design you really can't see in the picture.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And last but not least, twisted wire with pretty faceted black crystals.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I've added these to my web site and you can see them there with more information about them (size, price etc.)
 
 
Let me know how you like the new earrings
 
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Until next time,

Thursday, April 18, 2013

I changed my mind

 
 because I can!
 
 
Remember last week when I said I would finish the Grapevine necklace using the plan I had to make it from two bracelet kits?
 
Well, I decided that it wasn't going to work as I wanted. So, I will now have two Grapevine bracelets.
 
 
Now what? I do have other unfinished projects.
:-)
 
One is using the Fiber Kumihimo necklace I made to go with the Picture Jasper pendant I made.
 
 
 
 
 
(Another change of plans project) I ended up using Antique Bronze chain instead. It really looks much better. But now what to do with the Fiber Kumihimo?
 
 
 
I, also, have a pendant that is waiting to be used. It needed a bail. I purchased some Vintage Bronze wire for that and added to the Fiber Kumihimo. Voila a new necklace.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The picture does not do the pendant justice. You can't see the lovely "sunset" for example. I like this combination.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
That wasn't the only thing I've been doing. I saw a nice video with an idea for earrings. I'm always looking for new earring ideas as I get a lot of earring requests.
 
 

 
Unfortunately, the picture shows that I'm not consistent with my wire work but if they are on different ears, I don't think it will show as much as in the picture. Or, I could "treak" them a bit.
 
 
Let me know how you like the new pieces
 
.
 
Until next time,
 
Bev
 
 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Kumihimo Necklace: How to?

Kumihimo Necklace: How to ?
 
It seems that I run into times that I just don't get much done in the "creating" line. This is one of those times. So, what happens to the subject for my weekly posts?
 
 
I'll share a little secret with you. Around 4 - 6 AM on Monday mornings, I lay in bed and think... about what I might say. (I often lay in bed thinking on other mornings, too) Most often I come up with something easily. Today (Monday) not so easily. Finally, I decided to share one of my unfinished projects that I have.
 
 
 
I love this bracelet. Those of you who see me often will recognize that because I wear it often. So, the next project for me was to make a matching necklace.
 
 
 
 
 
The bracelet is made from a kit from Sally Battis and I figured I could order two bracelet kits and make a necklace. What I didn't figure, ahead of time, was that Sally includes the length cord for a bracelet. - Not a necklace, even if you order two kits. Well, duh!
 
 
 
 
 
So, I now have a bracelet size piece. Plus another bracelet size piece. But can I still make them into a necklace?
 
 
 
 
 
I could just order more from Sally (I'm sure she would send me the proper length cords) but could I do something else?
 
 
My plan is to take the two "bracelet" pieces and put a pretty clasp on two ends, (hooking the two bracelets together) then add a chain to the other ends and voila, I'll have a necklace.
 
 
 
The pretty clasp will be in the middle as a focal and the chain around the neck.
 
 
 

 
The thickness of the braid, really, is too much to go comfortably around the neck anyhow. Other similar necklaces I've made all have a chain around the neck. This also, allows you to vary the length of the necklace. This is a feature I love. Not only for selling to different people, but for me to be able to adjust the length for different clothing styles.
 
I should be able to finish the necklace by next week so I'll show the finished product then. Saying that in print gives me the motivation to get it done!   ;-)
 
 
Until next time,
 
Bev