A JOURNEY IN METAL

I created this pendant a week or so ago while having morning coffee...I seem to be most inspired in the morning...anyhow, I wanted to string it and this is what I came up with. I really enjoy cutting the wire and making the chains myself - tedious, but it's a "feel good" when it's done. Now that I've gotten my tools, I hope to become more adventuresome.

New Tools! New Books!

I am very excited because yesterday and today I got the tools I ordered to learn sawing metal and soldering....I'm going to try to teach myself with the assistance of some books I purchased, but if this fails, I will have to find someone in the area to teach me. My purchases included a soldering gun, plate solder, copper tongs, bench pin, pickle, flux, a rubber block to help when polishing metal, a jeweler's saw and blades......I think I have all I need to get started, but that may change once I get started. I think this will be an exercise in patience for me! My husband is enjoying my "tool" interest and purchases, too! Who knew at my age I'd be taking this on!!! And...I have my friend Jeanne who is always cheering me on! Thanks, Jeanne!

p.s. The books I purchased to assist me in this new endeavor are:
Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry by Mark Lareau (great for the newby)
Making Metal Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg
The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

All of these books have something special to offer - I have been through them all at least three times now, and will do so again. You can never remember it all. And there are some great projects in each book.

Some new wire wraps....practice, practice, practice!

Well, I am practicing. I have many, many beautiful stones to work with from brother Bob's collection. I am continually amazed at nature's beautiful artwork. I have been all over the Internet watching every video tutorial I can find on wire wrapping. Sometimes I hit a block and just don't know what step to take next on a wrap. So, I go back to watch the videos again and hope for answers I may have missed the first time around. They make it look sooooo easy!!! I have a special order for someone and I will post the picture (triangle shaped, beige on top, green on bottom). I also rewrapped the black and white stone (it's snowflake "something" - can't remember). My husband has a book on rocks and minerals that I will have to borrow to see what I can identify. I made some wrapped earrings in the herringbone weave - my first pair - also needing practice, but love the look! Thanks for looking. Anita

THE FINISHED PRODUCTS...

These are the final photos of my wire-wraps, as necklaces. I hope to post them on Artfire after the holiday.

A NEW PENDANT

This polished stone is also from Bob. I took the plunge and wrapped it in sterling, using half round in the center with round on either side. It took me a while - not sure if it was because I was nervous using the s.s. or if it is a matter of getting used to the s.s. The stone is a lovely black and white design, like the last one I did. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the results. The most difficulty area for me was creating the bale and wrapping around it, then deciding what to do with the extra wires. Thanks for looking. HAPPY EASTER!!!!

WIRE WRAPPED POLISHED STONE

I decided today is the day I tackle a wirewrap from a tutorial. I have done some free-form wraps, but nothing structured. The tutorial was one I found on the internet and although directions were vague in some areas, I think I got the gist of it. The polished stone is from my brother Bob's collection - it was his hobby. He is deceased now, but was very supportive of my jewelry making hobby, and I know he would appreciate that I chose one of his stones for this learning adventure.

Addendum: I decided to try another, again, one of Bob's polished stones. Isn't nature WONDERFUL in its design!