Week 35 – Crystal Clear
So, I didn’t have any of my handmade glass beads that would fit this theme. Instead I chose to create some wire wrapped gemstone earrings. I love the images inspired of crystal clear but wanted to create something that is very classic and wearable. Bases of these earrings were forged of solid sterling silver wire and hammered flat. Outer edges were coiled with very fine sterling silver wire. Along the inner edge I have added faceted black spinel and tiny thai beads for a very delicate look.
Dropping down in the center are beautiful crystal clear faceted sprial cut rock crystal briolettes which I have wrapped again with very fine sterling silver wire. Dropping above the focals in a lovely cluster are sparkling faceted rutilated quartz onion briolettes. I have oxidized only the outer edges of the sterling silver to give a two-toned effect. I love the versatility of these earrings. Thank you ~Laura
For more pictures visit my website: www.jewelsbyldesigns.etsy.com
Rings
I came up with these four ring last night my muse went into overdrive and I am on a ring thing this week all the ring are done in 26 gauge wire one is lemon quarts 2 are tourmaline and one black onyx stones. It is amazing what you can do with thin wire, when I sent away for these stones I thought one they were bigger and two I didn’t know how small the holes would be, so live and learn (LOL) As always C&C welcomed Linda Blog Web site
More Netted Bezel Fun…Silver Leaf Jasper Pendant
This Eni-inspired pendant was created for a pendant swap at a forum I joined. It started with a big silver leaf jasper focal bead which was a nice size, but after I got it wrapped, decided it needed some embellishment. I started out thinking it was going to be a very organized, consistent border, but it sort of had a mind of it’s own…:) I used 4mm faceted silver leaf, moonstone rondelles, tiny Hill Tribe Silver beads, and freshwater pearls. It’s new owner says she loves it – yay!
Week 34 – Woven Bail Pendant – Randi/Dax58
The owner of my LBS really liked the look of the woven bail on some of
my older pendants. She asked if I could create a class teaching how to
make them… I told her "sure, no problem" and then had to make a new
one, since I wasn’t sure if I could still do it!! The base wire/spirals
are 20g, and the smaller weaving wire is 26g. I usually antique this
type of wirework, but the focal
lampwork bead I used has some silver accents, so I left it bright. I’m
sure I’ve modified the style of the bail a bit, but I remember learning
the basics years ago from an Eni Oken tutorial, and I highly recommend
her tutorials for any one liking this style of wirework!
Comments are always welcome… check out StudioDax for more about my teaching, My Jewelry Blog for more on my FSOJ projects, and My Website for more of my jewelry. Thanks, Randi
MOMMAKAT: Hip to be square
I’ve made one of these bracelets before using traditional round beads, but I wanted to try it with different shaped beads.. these square Sodalite beads are really nice, they have bezels on the edges and everything. I really wanted to feature them in a piece, so what is better than square frames? I’m especially pleased how well the clasp came out. Not exactly square, but angular for sure. This sold almost the second I put it out, and the gal commissioned matching earrings, which turned out great.. regretfully I didn’t get pictures of them. 
I used 20 or 18 GA for the frames, and 24GA for wrapping the stones in. More pics and story at my blog: http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com/2008/08/week-34-hip-to-be-square.html#links
Bunch of bangles
Only one week behind. This is an easy way out and I enjoy making them. All are 18 ga wrapped wire. The copper has green opal beads, the G/P has blue agate and the silver has adventurine. www.Ebbdesigns.com
Copper Bracelet
I used 16 gauge wire hammered flat ( very good for frustration) I then used 26 gauge wire to weave a net using copper spacers. On the coiled ends I tried for the first time a basket weave and now know what I have to do to make it better the second time around. I truly do believe that after you do something 5 times that is when you will get the best one, of course I like to keep the other so I can see the progress I made. I also included two turquoise stones I always have loved the copper orange color mixed with turquoise. I will leave it alone to let it patina. C&C always welcome Thank you Linda! My Blog My web site
French Culture
Fleur De Le
"The culture of France and of the French people has been shaped by its geography, by profound historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups. France, and in particular Paris, has played an important role as a center of high culture and of decorative arts since the seventeenth century, first in Europe, and from the nineteenth century on, world wide. From the late nineteenth century, France has also played an important role in modern art, cinema, fashion and cuisine. The importance of French culture has waned and waxed over the centuries, depending on its economic, political and military importance. French culture today is marked both by great regional and socioeconomic differences and by strong unifying tendencies."
The Fleur de Le was the first thing that popped into my mind…so I went in search of an image that would allow me to use it as a guide. Once found I printed it then rubber cemented the copy to 26 gauge sterling silver sheet. After a little clean up I sweat soldered the 8mm snap set where I wanted the CZ located.
Next came the fun part…I roughed up the surface a bit so that I could add color and definition. First I tried Prismacolor pencils and was unhappy with it. Then I dug through my stash and found an acrylic paint that is normally used on fabric then heat set. Using two of the colors I applied the colors to achieve the illusion of depth…letting it dry completely between coats. The finishing step was spraying a clear lacquer that is sold on www.wholelottawhimsy.com to seal pieces…such as patinas on metal. =)
Thank you,
Deborah aka Sneekbead
A little something for fall
First time I’ve tried this chainmaille weave and I’m not sure I got it right. Supposed to be Jen’s Pind. They’re still pretty and a nice long dangly pair of earrings.
Another late one
Not on theme but at least Peridot is August’s birthstone. I tried to make something a little more complicated but they’re still very simple.
Cwj's Year of Jewelry Blog 
