Inspired by the beautiful and timeless patterns in Morocco, These earrings have been wire wrapped in a basket weave pattern. These earrings dangle graciously and bring a little touch of exotic elegance . I love wearing them.
So I had these beautiful Emerald color green Onyx that I bought a while ago, and I could not wait to make something with them. So a few weeks ago, I finally got a chance to sit down and create this necklace. I used fine silver and sterling silver. The shape of the necklace just mimics the shape of the stone, and I really like how it came out. I love the pop of green against the silver. It will definitely be noticed when worn. I am not a green person, but I just love this color. What do you thing? where will you wear this necklace to go?
So what is exactly handmade or handcrafted jewelry? According to wikipedia, “Handmade jewelry is that which is crafted by hand, just as jewelry has been since it was very first created by humans. Unlike modern machine-made jewelry, no two pieces of handmade jewelry – even of the same design – will be identical. Many artists who handmade jewelry use no pre-made or fabricated parts at all, even creating their own findings, such as ear hoops and hooks, brooch pins, clasps and more. Much handmade jewelry is created using age-old metalsmithing techniques such as forging, chasing and more to create complex forms in various types of precious and other metals.”
As stated above, handmade jewelers use a myriad of techniques to create pieces that are usually unique. Gemstones, beads and many other materials can be incorporated to add color to jewelry, or to make it even more special and original. However, many labeled handmade jewelry nowadays used components that may not be handmade. Sometimes, pre made pieces can be combined with other handcrafted jewelry components to create a unique design. Many will argue that this is not truly handcrafted, but I will leave that debate for some other time.
Taking care of your handmade jewelry
Jewelry is an important part of everything we wear, and people who like accessories certainly consider jewelry as an important part of their outfit. A handcrafted piece of jewelry can make a big difference in one’s presentation. In addition, unlike mass produced jewelry, handcrafted jewelry is unique, as it is almost impossible to create identical pieces. Because many handcrafted jewelry incorporate semi precious gemstones, it is important be careful when taking care of these pieces. Some gemstones such as malachite, azurite, lapis lazuli, chrysocolla and fluorite are soft and should be preferably wiped down using soapy water. Harder stones can be briefly soaked in soapy water. Using an ultrasonic cleaner is not generally recommended because many stones can be damaged during the cleaning process.
When storing sterling silver or pure silver, using an anti tarnish tab will help retard and even prevent your handmade jewelry from tarnishing. Make sure to change the anti tarnish tab as suggested by the manufacturer. These anti tarnish tabs can be found at many jewelry supply stores. If the jewelry is already tarnished, a polishing cloth such as sunshine polishing cloth can be used to gently remove the tarnish on your handcrafted jewelry. Even storing sterling silver jewelry in a closed ziploc bag, when not in use will greatly reduce tarnish.
I am loving using and experimenting with copper, especially since it is affordable. Here’s another necklace I created. The stone is a fancy Jasper. I love fancy jasper, the colors and hues are just gorgeous. I paired this jasper with some copper and sterling silver beads and I am quite pleased with the results. More to come definitely. I am planning on exploring more the possibilities of this design. I have a lot of ideas already.
So, I have using copper more and more recently partly because of the price of silver going higher every day, and I have to say I am loving copper more and more. So many possibilities! and since I have a pretty decent stock of copper wire and sheet, I told myself, this is a great time to start using it.
So here’s a necklace I created a few weeks ago using copper and a beautiful magnesite disk bead. I did oxidize the copper and I love the look, but next time I’ll just leave it as is. I like the copper color against the greens and blues as well.
I am starting a series on the basics of wire wrapping where I will be discussing basic wire wrapping techniques and wire wrapping tools tools. So, if you have decided to venture into wire wrapping, and would like to be able to start working with minimal investement. The good news is that you don’t need a whole lot of tools to start working with wire. So let’s get started with the few tools you will need at first.
A flush cutter or even regular cutter to help you cut the amount of wire needed. A flush cutter is nice because it will reduce the amount of filing you need to do after cutting your wire. You don’t need to run out and buy the most expensive one. Just buy a reasonably priced one at your local bead store and start working with that. Later on, if you want to invest in a more expensive one you can do so.
A chain nose pliers. This type of pliers has long fine jaws that are ideal for reaching into confined area. One with smooth jaws ( instead of serrated) is better, since it will not mar your wire.
As the name suggests, these pliers have round, long and tapered jaws that will help you create loops, curves and swirls with your wire.
A metal file will be really useful. It will be use to file the wire and remove any burs resulting from cutting etc.. You can buy a metal file by visiting your local hardware store.
A ruler or type of measuring device to help you measure the length of wire needed.
With these few very basic tools, you will be all ready to start wire wrapping and enjoy the experience without investing a fortune in tools. Of course, if you’re into buying more tools, there’s always something you “need” 🙂
This is the second time one of my project is featured in a magazine. This time, my Dorje pendant project is feature in the Fall 2012 issue of Wirework magazine. That is so exciting! Turn to page 22 to see my work. I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity. It was such a pleasure working with all the nice folks to bring this project to life. Would love to do it again.
Meet the dynamic duo behind the Handmade artist forum and Handmade Artists’Shop: Kimberly and Andrew: With 2 active young children, they both find time to work tirelessly on both sites as well as create a variety of wonderful handcrafted items. Kimberly is a multi talented artist; jewelry designer, glass painting artist to only name a few. Andrew also finds the time to create chainmaille jewelry as well as maintaining and promoting both websites. Below are a few of the wonderful items created by Andrew and Kimberly. You can check out their creations on their websites: Makin’ the best of it and chaimaille by MBOI. You may also visit the forum and HAF Shop. You’ll be amazed.
John Atwell Rasmussen and his wife Debora have a shop full of beautiful items that will captivate your attention. From gorgeous gems to beautiful jewelry, browsing their shop is a feast for the eyes.
Below are only a few of my favorites. make sure to visit their shop for more.
This gorgeous topaz make me dream of the possibilities.
Artisans Blog 