Watches n' Wire

I ordered some watch faces in copper, silver tone and gold tone and incorporated my Egyptian coils.   The gold one is made with jeweler's bronze.  I think they are both lovely and there are so many other ways to incorporate wire as the band...just let your mind go free.

A SPECIAL GIFT

I made this today as a gift for an 80th birthday this weekend.  A very special lady in my life, and probably the greatest influence on me as I was growing up.  Made with love... 

OPEN ROUND CHAIN MAILLE BRACELET

I got my July issue of Art Jewelry and among other wonderful articles, was a pattern for an open round chain maille bracelet.  Since I've only done two chain  maille bracelets and this was described as a "beginner" project, it was just the right project for me!  The most difficult part of this project was getting it started...they suggested  using a mandrel and I came up with a straw, taped my three starting links and continued to add links until it was the right length.  I added extra links to taper the ends and added a toggle that I crafted myself - something else I'd not done before, but I like it.  I've always found chain maille rather intimidating, but these two recent bracelets have definitely given me courage!  If you are considering chain maille, I definitely recommend these two patterns as starters.  Blessings,  Anita  p.s.  You can find the other bracelet in a previous post.

BOX PATTERN CHAIMAILLE BRACELET IN COPPER

Today's project was another box chain maille bracelet.  I used smaller jump rings (4.5), 18 gauge.  It's a nice heavy chain for a man or a woman.  My hat's off to all chain maille artists who do this all the time.  It is a very challenging art form,  but worth every minute when you see the finished product.  I  added patina and put it in my tumbler for about one hour for hardening.  Hope you had a great weekend.  Blessings.   Anita

EGYPTIAN COIL NECKLACE IN BRONZE WIRE

I am in almost done with this necklace....I  need to add some links, a hook, and a cab - this was as special order and we have not decided on a focal yet...but I have put a couple of focals against the necklace.  I created the bronze flower last week with bronze PMC.  It has  been patina'd, so is a little darker.  The stone cab is a beautiful carnelian stone with reddish orange hues.  We'll have to see what the client likes - she may have something altogether different in mind!   Have a good weekend.  Blessings, Anita

OUR GRANDCHILDREN!

I thought I'd share some pictures of the best gifts life has given us - our grandchildren!  Ashton & Braden are now 7 and almost 6 yrs of age.  Miss Abbey (Summer Abigail) is 4 months!

SUMMER ABIGAIL - AKA ABBY

ASHTON WITH GRAMMIE AND MEMA

BRADEN HAD FLOWERS FOR HIS SIS AFTER HER RECITAL!

ASHTON AND BRADEN AT DISNEY WITH MOM & DAD

NEW BRONZE PMC PIECES!

As promised, here are the pictures of my latest adventure in bronze PMC.  Two matching leaves - earrings; a daisy, an owl, and a heart- large enough for a pendant; a small leaf - a great embellishment; a pansey - also an embellishment.  The one piece I am excited about is a motorcycle pendant.  I recently had someone ask me if I make biker jewelry.  I didn't, but decided to see what I could come up with.  My friend Jeanne (aka gammiebrat) and her husband have a collection of motorcycle memorabilia and I asked if they had something small enough to make a mold for a pendant.  We found a small bike and with Jeanne's help and her molding clay, came up with an impression.  We were very excited that it came out so well.  I will say that I think the piece looks better in person.  If you know of someone who might like one of these on a leather cord, refer them to me!!

A FAMILY KEEPSAKE BRACELET

This birthstone bracelet was a special order for a friend who wanted a keepsake to honor her parents and grandparents. We decided on Swarovski crystal with sterling silver components/accents. I took her small stature into consideration and didn't want something too overwhelming, but dainty and feminine. I e-mailed these pics to her today as she is out of the country right now. I hope she likes it, but I can always make changes to suit her, if necessary. I so appreciate that people give me free rein when I create something for them. It's a great compliment.

New Listings

I am posting new listings on Artfire today and will continue to add over the next few days!  Just an FYI!  Thanks for looking.  Have a great weekend!

Blessings,
Anita

NEW ITEMS TODAY!

Here are today's creations - an Egyptian Coil Watch,  Turquoise Cathedral bead bracelet and earrings, and two gold stone bracelets.  The gold stone bracelets have to be sized for the client who ordered it, so the wire ends have not be snipped as yet!  I also worked on some bronze metal clay pieces, and when I get them fired and cleaned up, I'll give you a look/see!  Of course, that's assuming they turn out okay during the firing process!  Thanks for stopping by!  Blessings.  Anita

BEADING IN JULY!

Today I finished up three necklaces.  The first is a rainbow of mauve, blue, and green in a multi-strand necklace, created with seed beads, tube beads, and more of Jeanne's lamp work beads set as the focal point of the necklace.  I love this piece - great for summer.    The second piece is also in mauves with stone chips and polished stone focals.  A heavier chunky look, great for the individual who likes the look of natural stone.  Great for summer or fall, I think.  And lastly, everyone likes a simple black necklace - this one is done with sterling silver accents and a simply wrapped black focal bead.   Which look appeals to you?  I'd love to hear from you and your thoughts on these pieces!  Thanks for looking.  Blessings.  Anita

CREATING FOR THE LITTLE DIVA!

Hi, everyone.  I have some new things to show today!  I have added three necklaces to my "Little Diva" line for the little ones in our lives.  All were created with seed beads and a simple focal.  Two were embellished with lampwork beads, created by my friend Jeanne.  The third piece was embellished with pink and white floral porcelain beads.