METALSMITHING PROJECTS ON MY OWN!

It's been a good while since I  posted on my  blog!!  I have been keeping busy and trying some new things based on the classes I took at the Appalachian Rock Shop.  Sooner or later, when we learn something new, we have to go it alone!!  I am posting pictures of some things I created after finishing up my summer classes.  One of the items, a beautiful labrodorite cabochon that I put into a sterling silver pendant, sold within days of posting it on Facebook.  I was so excited that I managed to create it without any major issues and more excited that someone loved it as much as I did.

 

Most recently, I have been working on Lotus Pendants.  A client requested a jewelry item that was meditation related and I did some searches, coming up the lotus flower and of course, crystals.  So I went to work, sawing, sanding, polishing, wire wrapping, soldering, and breaking lots of saw blades along the way.  I used copper and sterling - plain, hammered, layered - and these are the pendants I ended up with.  Hope you like them.  I have a show this weekend, but hope to get them listed on Artfire next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

A WEEK IN METALSMITHING

I loved my daughter's layered metal cross pendant (previous post) so much that I decided to make more for my Artfire store.  In my search for patterns that I thought would look good cut into metal, I found a "fire/flame" pattern that I loved.  I like the way the flames bend and curve and come out looking somewhat like a hand.  I tried different textures on the crosses and went with something simple on the flames to give them added interest.  I also played with different types of bales to see what worked for me and was visibly pleasing.  I think they all work and would appeal to your personal style.  I used copper and sterling silver filled sheet to complete the projects.  Argentium silver is used for one of the bails.  I plan to add chain or leather cord to complete them.  

Everything didn't go smoothly and I had some re-dos, but overall, I was pretty happy with what I accomplished on my own.  Next - I am thinking of a wire heart I'd like to try.  Maybe today! 

Have a great week.  Blessings, Anita

A MOTHER DAUGHTER METALSMITH CLASS

Well,  my classes in metalsmithing are long over and I had to  take the push to do some things on my own,  without the guidance of my teacher, Jolan.  My first step in that direction was the ring for my friend, Jeanne.   Then my daughter got me started again because she wanted a layered metal pendant... and she wanted me to teach her!   I was very intimidated, because I don't feel I am ready to teach anyone something I only just learned myself.  But I pushed onward and it was a great bonding time for mother and daughter.  She is already creative by nature and a quick learner.  So I had her come up with a design and showed her how to use a saw.  What a trooper she was - she cut out her design, breaking only one blade.  My first time sawing was awful, sawing lots of "wood" on the block and I know I went through more than one blade.  So now I am feeling a bit more intimidated, but VERY proud of my daughter.  Here is her finished pendant.

We then went to work on her cross pendant, cleaning, filing, sweat soldering, more cleaning and filing, and voila!  A beautiful pendant.  Being the perfectionist that she is, she was not happy that the cross was not perfectly square on the backing, but I told her that is often the nature of handmade - it does not have to be perfect!  The only thing she did not have a hand in was the soldering, but that will change with the next project - her own layered ring.  She has already cut out her pieces to go on top of the band.  She created her own pattern using texturing scissors, cutting out pattern on heavy paper.  She traced it onto onion skin paper which was glued onto the metal for sawing.  She did a great job sawing out the pattern.  We are awaiting more metal sheet so we can finish up the ring.  I will post a picture when it's completed.  In the meantime, is a picture of the copper elements we are using.  More later!  Anita

Week Five - Metal/Silver Smithing Classes

Following one week off from classes, the group met for Week Five!  I can't believe we are half way through already!  It was a morning split between our first project, the layered pendant, and project two, a layered ring.  Having already done most of the sanding, we went on to adding some patina to highlight the dents and lines.  I did not want a mirror finish on either side, so that eliminated having to take the pendant to the polisher.  I personally prefer a more satiny finish, especially on this yin and yang pendant.  Our instructor, Jo, gave me a  bottle of brown/black blackening agent and a paint brush and told me to paint it where I wanted it to darken the pendant.  Having only used liver of sulfur, this patina was a new experience....and I probably add "just a little" too much  But never fear, we were able to clean it up with a brass type Brillo pad...excuse my lack of proper terminology!  But this is the final result.  I plan to add a double leather cord to it and wear it to my next class. 

On to the next project -  a layered ring with design and metals of choice.  I decided to go with the same metal contrasts I used in the pendant - copper and silver.  Having traced out my  design, I set about preparing my piece for sawing.  Now, sawing is still not my strong suit, but I am less intimidated by it and overall, I don't think I did too badly.  I  will let you be the judge.  I completed the sawing and did a little clean up.  This is the result.  I will probably have to do some more filing and will probably lessen the width of the bands.  That's it till Thursday (this week).  I lost a week due to illness, but I am hopefully on the road to recovery.  Questions and/or comments are welcome!  Thanks for stopping by.  Blessings.  Anita

Metalsmithing - Week Three - Creating the bail...

Today we soldered all the pieces of my Ying and Yang pendant. I had to place the piece on the fire brick, set the copper pieces onto the nickle silver round where I wanted them and pin them into place. Pinning the pieces is done with pieces of wire and T-pins to keep the pieces from moving while they are being torched. With assistance from Jo, the pieces were easily soldered, quenched in water, and placed in the pickle for about 10 minutes for cleaning.

Next we set about creating a bail. I did several tracings on paper, cut them out, and folded them in half in the form of a bail to try different sizes against the focal piece. Once I found the tracing of choice, it was traced on tracing paper and wrapped around the nickle silver (set with glue stick) and I was off to the bench pin to saw out another piece of metal. I did get a few scratches on the metal and broke, not just one, but three saw blades getting the job done! However, the final cut piece came out well. Using grits 240, 400, and 600, in that order, I sanded out the scratches.  The bail was torched to soften the metal so the bail could be formed. Out of time today, so until next week, here is a picture of the focal piece and the half-formed bail. I think the next step will be to solder the bail to the focal. I plan on hammering the bail and one of the pieces on the focal, so we'll see which step will be next! Until next week, here is a picture of what we have up to now. See you next week! Blessings, Anita

Byzantine Bracelet in Rose Gold

 

Created today, a Byzantine link bracelet done in Rose Gold Parawire. CBC Metal/Parawire has a whole line of permanently colored copper wire in many gauges and colors to pick from. You can let your imagination flow with ideas to incorporate their wire into your designs. With the cost of silver skyrocketing, Parawire offers a cost effective way for you to create. There are other alternatives in colored wire and this is one of many.

I love the Byzantine link and this one is for the individual who wants a heavier bracelet. It is made with 16 gauge wire. Not sure if men would wear this particular color or not, but definitely great for woman! Thanks for looking. Blessings, Anita

NEW IN FEBRUARY!

Winter certainly has given us a run for our money this year!  I am soooooo ready to break into Spring!  But in the interim, I have been making more chainmaille, some in argentium s.s., as well as doing some wire wrapping.  I am selling on consignment at two shops locally, MAE Spa, Hartford, OH and Dan - Gallery & Gift Store, Sharpsville, PA!  Very excited to have these two new venues.  I am also doing an show at the B&O Microbrewery, Youngstown, OH, on Feb. 12 from Noon to 7 p.m. - an afternoon of art, music, and local brew!  I have made some new items in January and February for each of  these venues.  And I still have Artfire!  So, this is how I beat the winter blues!!  If you have any questions, please leave a comment or e-mail me at JewelryExpressionsbyAnita.gmail.com.   Thanks for following!  Blessings, Anita

MORE EGYPTIAN COIL JEWELRY

Egyptian Coil Link
Bracelet

Egyptian Coil Watch in Jeweler's Bronze

Today I worked on another watch with an Egyptian coil band and hook closure.  I also created an Egyptian link bracelet and embellished it with some natural stone beads and Czech glass beads.  I did make this one up on my own, but that's not to say it's never been tried by anyone else!  But unless I hear otherwise, I will call it my own custom Egyptian Link Bracelet in jeweler's bronze.  Thanks for looking and have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!  Anita

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

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

INSPIRATION!!!

I decided to do some "beading" rather than wire, and guess what? I went right back to wire....I guess it's becoming a part of me. This was a really fun project for me. Creating the wire pieces, putting them together, and incorporating the beads - it fulfilled the creative need in me. I love the way it came out and especially how the colors work together. My mind is already working towards a next project - I seem to create as I wake in the morning...that's when the creative juices seem to flow! There is so much beautiful bead and wire work out there in cyberspace and in magazines, that you have a lot of ideas to work with to create your own unique piece of jewelry. I read of one designer who gets ideas as she drives down the road - like the way a truckload of logs is stacked in a truck - so I am trying to learn to keep my eyes open to everything around me - colors, textures, or the way something twists or bends. You never know what might inspire that next piece of jewelry! Until then....Have a great day! Anita

HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOURS & SPECIALS!

I HAVE SCHEDULED HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOURS AT MY HOME, AND WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND THE SPECIALS TO VISITORS TO MY BLOG. SPECIALS GO INTO EFFECT TODAY THROUGH DECEMBER 15TH. All items are 20% off!

If you wish to purchase an item on my blog, but not seen on Artfire, please contact me through this blog.

SNOWMAN EARRINGS (not listed on Artfire): $5 a pair - with the choice of a red or green collar area. The snowmen are as pictured on the necklace and are placed on silver plated earwires.

SNOWMAN NECKLACES (pictured above, not listed on Artfire): 14" snowman necklaces to fit the "Little Diva" in your life...The snowman is placed on a silver, red, or gold seed bead necklace with the snowman hanging, as pictured and I am happy to take orders. They are $15.

COLORS OF FAITH BRACELETS : These bracelets are created with pewter and sterling silver spacer beads, a pewter toggle, and Czech beads. YELLOW represents God’s perfect light. BLACK represents our sins. RED represents the blood Jesus shed for us. WHITE represents the cleansing of our sins. GREEN represents the new life we have in Jesus. BLUE represents the baptism that identifies us with Jesus. PURPLE represents the crown of life.”
FOR EACH BRACELET SOLD ON ARTFIRE, $5 WILL BE GIVEN IN SUPPORT OF MY CHURCH MISSIONS COMMITTEE. For proper sizing, add 1/2" to 1" to your wrist measurement. They are $30.

You can e-mail me with orders or questions at: ajhearn@roadrunner.com

As always, thank you for your interest. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Anita

MORE WIRE AND LAMPWORK

I have spent the day creating some more wire and lampwork pieces, as well as two copper focals. One of the focals is a gift, and the others I plan to place on Artfire. It's been a wonderful creative day! And a very hot, muggy one as well!

NEW ITEMS ON ARTFIRE

I have spent the day today adding and deleting from my Artfire store. I have added several new items, including the sterling bracelet with "Beads by Jeanne." I had a jewelry showing yesterday at the boat docks, so had several things to delete as well. I can't believe the day is almost over...and still more to do tomorrow. Have a great week! Anita

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.