Wire Wrapped Pendant

 Finally!  

I've been sharing my "struggles" with learning to wire wrap a gemstone for a Pendant. I realize it is hard to tell from pictures just what it is I don't like.

Well, I finally made one that I'm (relatively) satisfied with. I like both the design and the way the wire looks. 

The picture could be better but here it is:

Here is one of the things I've improved. 

The wire I use is "half round". Just like the name says, half of the wire is round. The other half is flat. Now, when I was working before, I was not always able to get the rounded side where it should be, round on top.

I realize that is a hard thing to see (even if the piece is in your hand)  but if you are going to use nice half round wire, it should show it is nice half round wire! Standing on edge, as in the others, really doesn't cut it. 

Here is a picture of wire on its edge. See the top middle wire is on edge? The bottom middle wire is round as in the good one.

The other thing I like about this one is the three coils on the top. (Reminds me of the three rings in my Ring by Ring Designs' logo)

I expect that I will have more improved pendants to show you in the future. See it on the website.

You can help me, if you would, by letting me know if you like this type of jewelry. I won't feel hurt if you don't like it because, I do not really love it myself but it is growing on me. Click here:  Bev, I think...  

I discovered another thing I'm going to work on this week. Dangly earrings.

I know many of you prefer smaller earrings, but not all of you, I've found out. So, I'll have something new for next week in the earring line. Stay tuned.

Let me know if you like dangly earrings or not.

Click here: Bev, I like .... earrings.

Thanks for taking time to let me know what you are thinking, what you like or don't like. I really appreciate it.

Until next time,

Bev

Blizzard 2013

http://www.ringbyringdesigns.com/shop.html#!/~/product/category=3110416&id=19447019

Blizzard 2013

February

 

Many of you are also in the northeast and probably had as much snow or more than we did. It has been awhile around here, in south eastern MA, since we have had this much snow.

 

 

This is the view from our door on the driveway. Fortunately, our cars are in the garage. My daughter and son-in-law's cars were out. The official snow fall in our town was 23 inches but many around us got more. We are just down the street from the DPW and get our street plowed regularly. In fact, on Friday when it started snowing, I counted 15 plows going by our house before I stopped counting. We were, also, very fortunate to not loose electricity. Many are still without. They are cold and some have no water. Though there are warming places,  they still are hoping for lights soon!

 

 

 

 

 

Pathway started from our house to the  cars in the driveway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With it snowing hard on Friday, I decided it would be a good time to practice my wire wrapping. Boy, I'm still learning. Here is one piece I'll even show you.

  ;-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not a fan of swirls and curly cues in wire wrapping but I did some anyway. While my wire wrapping skills are getting better, I need to work on my design skills for wrapping. At least to make me happy with the results

 

 

I have one Amethyst button left, the darker colored one. Of course, I can always take a short trip to my buddy at Two Guys Fossils for more.

 

Amethyst,

Malachite, or

Lapis Lazuli. 

Bev

Two Guys Fossils

Part 2

 

Friday, one of my beading buddies and I went to visit Al at Two Guys Fossils again.

 

 

The pieces I showed in last week's post have been quite popular. The Amethyst button sold as a gift for a person with a February birthday. That of course gave me the excuse to purchase some more.

 

 

 

I also, tried to wire wrap several of the stones I had purchased before. Well, as with most new techniques, the results were not great but with each try I learned something new. I won't bore you with the details (plus it is too hard to explain) but I needed to get more stones to try again. I did learn what kind of stone to look for in shape and probably more important, had a better idea what not to purchase.

 

 

 

Here are some pieces I found. They are fairly flat and have some interesting shapes with out being extremely odd shaped.

 

 

 

I've been thinking about something to add to the cross but it is still percolating. So when I find some time, my next project will be to wire wrap one of these stones. Haven't decided which one to start with. It seems I really like hematite ... One lonely lapis lazuli sits there too.

 

 

 

 

Since the Amethyst was sold, here are some replacements. Each one is a little different in shape and in depth of color. The one on the right is the one sold but the other two are available if anyone is interested.

 

You can check the pieces available here:

 

Amethyst,

Malachite, or

Lapis Lazuli.

 

 

Pantone color of 2013

Pantone Color of 2013

 

 

 

 

I've featured Spring and Fall Pantone color before. I've shared the colors with you. Some are good and some are not to my liking. The Pantone color of 2013 is Emerald.

 

Emerald has always been a favorite of mine, so as far as I'm concerned, this is a WINNER.

 

With St Patrick's Day coming in March, Emerald is a great color to feature. (I know Valentine's day comes first but I have to plan ahead)

 

 

 

 

Here is a great start with an Emerald Kumihimo bracelet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then there is a Four leaf clover necklace

 

You have to click on the clover picture to see it rather than the cute Panda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some nice green earrings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made a quick video of all the "green" pieces in stock. Let me know what you like best. Just click to see the video.

 

 

How do you like the new newsletter design?

 

Until next time,

 

Bev

New Ring Design

New Ring Design

 

 

 

 

Here is the start of the new ring design. It is a new chain maille weave for me. After getting over the new weave bumbling thumbs, I was able to get a piece started (above) The next problem is joining the end and forming a ring.

 

 

 

 

That is usual for new designs but still frustrates a bit. However, I was reminded (several times) of the word of caution I give students in my chain maille classes. The ring you close the best, it the one you need to open again. I finally got it together in a form of a ring to wear. Anyhow, how do you like the new ring design?

 

Never satisfied with one design, I tried another variation. It looks good but is not as comfortable to wear as the one above.

 

 

Now for some information on the ring, specifically.

 

It is a design from Urban Maille where I purchase most of my rings. Aislyn is a great teacher and helper aside from providing great rings. It has taken her a long time to come up with a pattern for a ring that would satisfy her. She calls it "The Perfect Ring"

 

The first great feature is

 

Comfort -- This ring is extremely comfortable and effortless to wear because the chain is flat and makes it cling to the finger. The finger is not perfectly round, like a rigid ring. This ring conforms perfectly to the finger so after a very short time (hours) you don't feel it at all. It's like having a strip of soft fabric wrapped around your finger. When you've been wearing this one for awhile, other rings seem unnecessarily restrictive by comparison.

 

The second feature is

 

Durability. I've been wearing mine all day and all night including showers and washing dishes. It still looks shiny and bright. I would take it off if I were to start mixing meat loaf with my hands. I take my engagement ring off when I do that, too.

 

 

Close ups of hands are usually not pretty! Look at the ring!!

 

This ring can be made with different metals. I used Silver Filled (like gold filled) because it was a little cheaper to do. I've been extremely pleased with silver filled vs sterling.

I've ordered some Argentium Sterling silver rings, some bronze rings and some gold filled. I plan to mix the metals in some new rings. Specifically Argentium Sterling Silver and Gold filled. Looking forward to that one.

 

I'm thinking of calling them "Ring of Rings". I've only made a few and have discovered several things I need to know to proceed effectively.

1) What is your ring size?
2) Do you like sterling silver or silver filled?
3) Would you like to see a mixed metal ring? (silver and gold or silver and copper, bronze or....)

 

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.  Comment below

 

 

Until next time,

 

Bev

Birthstone Gifts

Birthstone Gifts

 

 

One of the things people like to give as gifts is jewelry with birthstones. It is a more personal gift and usually very appreciated.

If you do a "Google" search for Birthstones, you will get many choices. With in the choices you will find some disagreement in what specific Birthstone that fits each month. To simplify things, I chose the list of Swarovski crystals. That fits better into my jewelry making anyhow. Most months are pretty much the same in each list. April isn’t a diamond but (clear) crystal. October has a few choices as does December and June. Other choices for October are Opal, Light Rose and Green Tourmaline. For December other choices are Turquoise and Light Sapphire. For June, Pearl is another choice.
 

 

Most chain maille jewelry can have Swarovski crystals added to make a birthstone piece. Of course you can make a bracelet or necklace of just Swarovski crystals with some spacers

Another idea is Family, Grandmother or Mother's bracelets. Having the color of each birth month of each child. Here is an example of one with the child's name and October birthstone, sapphire.

 

Think of the people on your gift list. Would someone appreciate birthstone jewelry? You can design one of your own that will be special to the recipient.

You can see some suggestions of Angel Birthstones on my website. Actually, almost any angel will make a good gift. Do consider birthstones as gifts.

 

Let me know what you want to design for your gift(s).

 

Until next week,

Bev

 

New Video Magatama Kumihimo

New Video

Magatama Kumihimo

 

If you have been following my posts, you probably know what I mean by Magatama Kumihimo.

 

But if it is new to you: Magatama is a type of seed bead. Seed beads usually are small beads (seed like) Magatamas are not your normal seed bead.

 

 

 

 

They have a very distinctive shape. The holes are slanted rather that going straight through the bead. There are smaller magatama beads, too, however.

These are 4 x 7mm in size.

 

 

   

 

 

And they come in hundreds of different colors. It is great fun trying different arrangements of the magatama beads as well as using different colors. They can be strung all in one direction to have a "pine cone" effect or in a random fashion. Then you can add other seed beads and come up with an entirely different look. And of course, the colors can be in a pattern or completely mixed.

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I made a video of the various Magatama Kumihimo bracelets I've made. It shows the different patterns that can be made and many of the different colors and color patterns. As you watch the video, see if you can pick out the ones that are the "pine cone" pattern (strung in all one direction) or the ones with random stringing. You've seen them all before but having them all in one place may help understanding how they really look. (Unless you have seen them in person, it really isn't clear.) This doesn't even touch the many variations that can be made.

 

 

 

 

 

The Kumihimo part is how the magatama beads are woven together. Kumihimo is Japanese braiding using (in my case) a foam disk. This is a picture of the disk and how it looks in progress.

 

 

 

 

 

Fibers and not beads are shown here - in case you are looking closely. But the idea is the same.

 

  

So, click on the picture below or here to view the video. Enjoy. (I really like the music that I was able to add even though it stopped before the end of the video.)

 

 

 

You can purchase or find more information on these Magatama and other Kumihimo bracelets on my website by clicking here.

 

You can feel like a "Devil Woman"  while watching   ;-)

 

Golden Raspberry

Kumihimo Bracelet

 

 

 

 

While on Thanksgiving vacation on Cape Cod last week, I made 3 new Kumihimo Bracelets. Two are similar to others I've made and one is quite different. I'm featuring the different one this week. (Actually, I haven't really finished the other two.  My reason for the feature - is because this bracelet is different, and I'm sticking to it!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may recognize it as the bracelet I showed under construction last week.

 

 

 

 

 

However, I was able to get a better picture of the lovely colors at home and show the hammered Antique Brass toggle clasp I found for the finish. Though nothing is like seeing it in person.

 

 

The other two should be finished next week. In the mean time you can see more information by clicking on the pictures or clicking here: Golden Raspberry bracelet and go to my website.

 

 

(Always remember you can email me anytime, if your prefer)

 

Until my Friday Special and next week,

 

 

Bev

Glass Dome Pendant Ideas

Glass Dome Pendants

Let's come up with some new ideas

 

 

 

 

Last February I started making Glass Dome Pendants. Because they are so versatile, it is hard to show everyone what can be done with them. The designs are endless and are only limited by our imagination.

 

 

 

 

I started looking at various pictures and found some "themes". Japanese symbols, flowers, Kaleidoscope designs and various others. You can see some of my choices on my website.

 

Here is one of the Japanese designs for "Peace". I get compliments when I wear this one. Plus being asked "What does it mean?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is one of the flowers that I chose to make. One of my favorites. See more here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the two craft fairs I attended lately, there was a lot of interest in the designs I have. But as I talked to the people (that is one thing I love about being at craft fairs - the interaction with my customers) I found they had some other requests. Since then, I've sold some "special" pendants. Children's pictures - gifts for grandparents, pets - gifts for ?? or themselves. So that made me wonder what suggestions will all of you, my newsletter followers, come up with. Thus, this post asking for your suggestions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the ability to have these pendants used as fundraisers. My friend, Melanie, requested a blue paw print to sell at her school. The school mascot is the "Hancock Huskies"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, the "Parkview Panda" mascot. Pandas are popular in general, of course. And this one is so cute. (Parkview is the school my youngest grandson attends)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You see where this could go? I have another request for the local high school marching band to raise money for trips etc. They sell for $15 (a good price point) and profit is $5 per pendant. Beats magazines and candy bars.  ;-)

 

 

Think of the little girls who love dancing, kitties, dogs or play music. Here is the link again to the ones I already have.

 

 

 

And a link to let me know what suggestions you have for more designs.

 

 

 

Just a quick note about the pictures. Most do not have the glass dome in the picture because of the glare in taking the picture. Hope that is not confusing to you. All will have a glass dome. It does tend to magnify the picture a bit, too.

 

Blue Danube Necklace

Blue Danube Necklace

A new Kumihimo with Magatama beads

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the time I had waiting for the Hurricane Sandy storm, I had a chain maille class  and then time to make a new Magatama Kumihimo necklace to match a bracelet I made last spring. Here is the bracelet.

 

 

 

 

 

There are 4 different colors in the pattern with the beads strung in random directions. It is similar to the one I called "Firecracker" and showed in a post in June.  I have several bracelets made with this design that you can see them all here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided that the Blue Danube bracelet could use a matching necklace. The colors are striking and very eye catching. So here is the matching necklace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

Here is a close up of the beads. Really beautiful, if I say so myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you who are here in Massachusetts, I will be at a craft fair to benefit the Boston Children's Hospital (Pediatric Advanced Care System) on Saturday, November 10 in West Roxbury, MA at the Elks Club (248 Spring Street) across from the VA hospital from 10 AM to 4 PM.

 

 

Until next week (or Saturday) ,

 

Bev