Category Archives: Necklaces

Necklaces, Pendants, Philosophy, Wire Work

Little Things . . .

December 15, 2009 Karen

. . . Mean A Lot . . . or so the song goes. I had forgotten some of the words to this piece and looked them up on the internet. That’s where I found a vocal rendition by Kitty Kallen which you can hear at the following address: www.youtube.com/watch?v=501bwTRmkYY Some days I might think the song a bit sappy, but today it’s a reminder to quit rushing around and try to be nice.

This song has been tuning its way around my head for about a week. I first thought of it when someone asked me to make some necklaces for little girls – little things. I enjoyed making those and then I realized that most of the jewelry pieces I’ve made lately are fairly large. Where are the little things?

With that in mind, I dove right in and designed some different pieces. First, I tried to picture the women I know who wear smaller or lighter weight necklaces. I thought about the particular style of each and went from there. I was pleased to find a heart in my drawer of turquoise and accented the necklace for it with black onyx and sterling silver. It was looking awfully traditional until I added the donut achieving an asymmetrical look.

The fossil in the next piece is an unusual gray color; therefore I used hematite and pearls with it.

In the brown necklace, I tried to get a semi-chunky look in a small, short necklace. I wanted it to be completely eclectic and that proved to be quite a chore. I didn’t have quite enough beads of any one kind and must have restrung this one five or six times.

The fourth piece is my favorite. Again, I wanted something that was a mixture of beads and this one also was restrung numerous times. I particularly like this little pendant and the Celtic bead that adorns it. I’ve just started trying to work with sterling silver wire and think I’m going to like it.

There’s a line in the song that says . . .”never cared much for diamonds and pearls” . . . “little things mean a lot”. . . While the connotation has to do with sentimental demonstrations of caring such as “touch(ing) my hair as you pass my chair” and “say(ing) I look nice when I’m not” . . . , let’s hope someone likes my “little” things. In the mean time, I’m going to try to remember the small gestures I can make that will be meaningful to others.

Necklaces, Philosophy

Little Lights

December 9, 2009 Karen

At dusk the other evening I drove past a yard surrounded by paper bag lanterns. This is a sure sign that Christmas is upon us. While I realize that those lights take many more sophisticated forms than they used to, such as some that use light bulbs rather than candles in the bags, they still remind me of Rudolpho Anaya’s children’s book, The Farolitos of Christmas. Anaya tells the story of an old San Juan tradition wherein some of the people dress like shepherds and enact a play showing the journey taken to visit Jesus. On the way to the church these pastores stop and sing in front of the house with the brightest lights. Although this has always been the little girl Luz’s house, one particular year, her abuelo, grandfather, is not healthy enough to chop the wood and build the fire and her father is away at war. A disappointed Luz wants to help, but can’t find an answer. Although she is too small to build a bonfire, she continues to think about the situation until one day she makes an analogical connection that guides her to a solution. The girl watches at the store while the merchant pours sugar into a brown paper bag providing the idea for building little bonfires, or lights made with bags, sugar and candles. These beautiful farolitos light the path for the Christmas celebration.

I was fortunate to meet the author, whom some may know from his adult books such as Bless Me Ultima, when I was teaching at Texas State University. I told him that I was so pleased to know the story of the little lanterns and asked how he learned about it. He laughed, saying, “I made it up.” I suppose the gift we give in writing fiction is to make others believe our stories are true. He certainly had me believing.

We simulate little lights in many ways. In our designs, certainly the bright faceted crystals sparkle to simulate light. Since I love a more natural, earthy look, one of my favorite sparkles is citrine, pictured in a double strand here. It reminds me of the color of the farolitos.

Sometimes we create our own lights. My mother had little lights sparkling in her eyes as she told me about her “date” at the nursing home and my friend sparkles when we talk about her upcoming marriage. Both of these occurrences put a little sparkle in my own smile.

Some of us buy our sparkles while others bring their own. Those that bring their own seem to pass them on as in the single candle that lights the others. Let’s just hope that in this season of tough weather, heavy traffic and busy schedules we can still “pass it own” with our own farolitos.

Color, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants

Back to the Blog

November 21, 2009 Karen 2 Comments

Many weeks have elapsed since I last wrote and it’s time to get back to the blog. We held our annual cattle sale here at the end of October and it has taken this long to get a good grasp on all the shipping, registration transfers, etc. With only a few more to complete, I can see the proverbial light at the end of the barn.

We enjoyed having our family with us to help at the sale. Grandson Gabriel certainly encouraged us to keep the proper perspective letting us know when we needed to eat and sleep.

Fall brought beautiful leaves and I became intrigued by the possibility of capturing their great shapes. The first picture is of the real leaf I picked up and you can also view my attempt at replicating it in copper.

I also liked the shape of another leaf and achieved a different color for it using a shorter dip in liver of sulphur. This picture was taken before I added a few bead dangles to the leaf where it attached to the necklace. It has already left home and I can’t take another pictures; so you’ll have to imagine it with the embellishment which gave it more personality.

It is good that I captured the leaves before the current rain storm. Most are now gone and today looks like the bleak mid-winter. Thankfully, this atmospheric condition will be temporary here in South Texas. We’re seldom too far away from another sunny day. I hope you’re making it a sunny day wherever you are.

Creativity, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Wire Work

Mixed UP Metals

October 10, 2009 Karen

In an attempt to complete some pieces that have been on the design table way too long, I worked with a copper piece today. It was one that I must have cut over six months ago. Several weeks ago, I picked up this piece and tried to do something with it by adding fine gauge wire and some gemstones. After making numerous holes in the piece, I realized that I didn’t really have a plan and just let the wire and stones meander across the surface of the copper. It looked all “mixed up” to me, but a kind friend saw it and admired it. “OK”, I thought, “maybe I shouldn’t throw it away.” Instead, I put is aside AGAIN! Today, I picked it up, added the chain and put it on leather. It’s finally complete. I believe in creative incubation, but I think this was excessive! The learning I take from this piece is that perhaps I shouldn’t be so quick to throw something out. Some of my work may just need to go to the time out bin.

The second metal pendant resulted from a continuation of my efforts to make mixed metal pieces. I added one of Ralph’s Rocks from Wildtype Ranch (mentioned in an earlier post) to this piece and am pleased with it. The rock hangs atop a copper shape with sterling silver rondells wired to the side. It has a hammered brass circle at the top. I’m finding it difficult to include the brass with the other metals and am hoping to get used to working with it. Brass doesn’t seem as “earthy” as the other metals, but I think small amounts of it may work in the designs.

As I continue the mixed and/or mixed up metal work, I hope to include more gemstones as accents and more unusual shapes and color combinations. While it seems my hope should be that whatever hatches is pleasing and wearable, I know from my educational training that this goal could hold back the creative process. It’s better to remain open to all possibilities and then later alter the ideas to fit the need. A bad case of the “too”s, as in “that would be too big,” that would make it too bright,” that would be too crooked,” etc. can hold back creative function. So for now, I’m leaving the word “too” in the same wastebasket at “can’t”.

Bracelets, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Techniques, Wire Work

Mixed Metal Jewelry

October 9, 2009 Karen 2 Comments

When I first saw mixed metal designs advertised in the magazines and books, I didn’t think I liked them. Yet, I’ve tried to keep an open mind about it and the idea of putting copper, brass and silver together is growing on me. I’ve had a great time making mixed metal earrings as shown in earlier posts. I’ve made about 10 more pair this week which incorporate not only the three metals mentions above, but also leather and assorted findings from Home Depot. I think the people who work at that store were a bit amused when this woman got excited about discoveries made in the assorted washers isle. I found some great washers in aluminum (I think) that look like tiny cog wheels.

I’ve had Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet by Mary Hettmansberger since my son gave it to me as a gift last year. This week, I tried the pendant on the cover which I made with adjustments for my materials. I added a couple of mother of pearl rectangles to calm the bright brass on the pendant. Since I didn’t have any silver sheet metal, I used a bit of hammered wire. The heavy copper washer on the back that helps keep the pendant from flipping over is not shown. I first tried this pendant on a silver chain, but thought it was too much and over powered the pendant. I like the leather better. I’ve worn this piece a couple of times this week, but had only one comment from passers by. I’m perplexed as to whether it wasn’t noticed or whether people didn’t like it. Perhaps it requires a different venue and deserves another outing.

I also made a mixed metal bracelet and am happy with it. It hasn’t been “out” yet. I have a feeling it will be more popular than the pendant since woman really like their gemstones. I may try adding a gemstone to the next mixed metal pendant to see if that improves its popularity. Sometimes, a designer just needs to realize that a piece may not have mass appeal, but be looking for that one person who appreciates its uniqueness. hmm . . . this sounds like marriage!

Necklaces, Pendants, Wire Work

I Think That I Shall Never See . . .

October 4, 2009 Karen

. . . a poem lovely as a tree. Do you remember that poem by Kilmer? I couldn’t remember any of the others words and looked it up today. It continues . . .

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

I couldn’t help but hold this poem in my mind as I worked on the tree pendants in the picture. Yes, I got a bit carried away, but why make just one tree when you can have a little grove?

We have had blessed rain here in Central Texas and our tanks are full for the first time in over two years. I’m just hoping it’s not too late to save some of the elderly trees. Many have already perished in the drought, but hope springs eternal when the rains come.

Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants

Papaw Polished

September 27, 2009 Karen

The pendant at the right is Papaw polished! You see, my father was a woodworker, not a professional, but a great hobbyist with a purpose. After retiring from the Army and then from work with the Soil Conservation Service, he spent many of his hours in his workshop, sawing, sanding, and polishing wood. He could make a new claw foot for a broken antique table leg or build a cabinet from scratch. He fixed things for the neighbors and built things for his friends and family. When my family visited him, I could hardly get in the door before he required me to take a trip out to the “shed” to see what he was doing. Often, I was solicited to help with the sanding and polishing.

Often I thought I was finished sanding a piece only to have Papaw run his rough hand across it and shake his head. That meant, there was more to be done. Although I really thought the sanding was often excessive, I quickly learned that I might as well do it right or he would go back and fix my work which was the ultimate insult.

Following the sanding, there were usually layers upon layers of varnish that went on a piece until the polish was just so. Of course there was sanding to be done between the layers. Sometimes, things then required a light coat of wax or oil to produce the appropriate finish.

Today, I couldn’t help but think about Papaw as I worked on the pendant for the pictured piece. I cut it, hammered it, oxidized it and put it in the tumbler thinking that would be the end. Wrong! The edged were still slightly ragged. So, I ground them with the Dremel, smoothed them with the file and felt sure I was done. Wrong! The piece still wasn’t just right. I could practically see my father shaking his head. Finally, I worked on it with steel wool until I had something to be proud of. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if Papaw ran his hand over it would it be Papaw polished or would I be put back to work? Maybe I’d better go feel of that pendant again.

Necklaces, Pendants, Philosophy, Wire Work

Productivity

September 25, 2009 Karen 2 Comments

I’ve been chastising myself for accomplishing so little the past few days. Although I’ve tried to work at my normal rate, things just haven’t worked out well. Granted, the ranching business is quite busy as we prepare for the October production sale and the phone does, thankfully, ring quite often regarding our offering.

Yesterday, I thought I’d simply put down the jewelry design work and focus on sewing something for my 9 month old grandson. When I began the project, I noticed the cat begging at my window. Taking pity on her, I let her into the studio and out of the rain. There seemed to be a “thank you” in every swish of her tail. Following her initial pleasure, however, she realized I just wasn’t going to stop and continue petting her as long as she wanted. First she got in my lap as I worked at the sewing machine and then she hopped right up on the machine in an attempt to distract me. I wasn’t especially happy with her when my stitching went awry while she paced around on the machine cabinet. Eventually she prettied herself over on the fabric I was trying to cut out. I finally gave up on that project and put it all away, except for the fabric I couldn’t get out from under the cat.

Another attempt at the jewelry did net a couple of pieces that are going out of state. Feeling a bit down about my lack of productivity, I realized that I did at least get pictures of them.

It seems I’m not the only person in my family who has been worrying about productivity lately. Twice on my last visit with my mother, she commented on how unproductive she felt. None of my philosophical dialogue seemed to comfort her. I tried my “age and stage” lecture, then the circle of life sermon, but they just didn’t work. Another resident, who is a friend to mother, overheard us talking. “That’s just silly",” she said in a very stern voice. “I’m productive if I just make it through another day!” “You should be happy to have accomplished that.” Mother didn’t bring up the subject again. Oh, for the wisdom of our elders – what would I do without it? I’m just beginning to see that I’ve been more productive than I realized.

Necklaces, Wire Work

Stringing Along

September 19, 2009 Karen

Today I decided to string along with my husband who went to a cattle sale. It turned out to be a beautiful day for a drive through the Texas hill country and the recent rains gave new life to the entire area. Although the grass looked pretty green, there was still little or no water in the streams along the back roads. This country may be starting to recover, but it isn’t there yet.

Since I wouldn’t want any “grass”, green or otherwise, to grow under my feet, I took my beads along for the ride and the 7 hours we spent in the car proved productive. Pictures of the finished necklaces follow.

You don’t really want to know how many beads ended up on the floor of my car, but it wasn’t too bad. Actually, I’m thinking the car is a pretty good place to work. The natural light was excellent, the company was good, my cell phone was out of range and I couldn’t hear the fax machine. Hmm . . . this could become a new place to hide out and work!

Belts, Earrings, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Wire Work

Just Pictures

September 13, 2009 Karen 2 Comments

This blog runneth over with philosophy lately, so now I’m just showing a few pictures of some of today’s work. These are a little of this and that as I attempted to stay focused on my to do list. The first strung necklace and earrings shows how I just keep coming back to those bone horses. These are a bit larger than what I usually use and so I didn’t do a double strand as in previous designs.

The next design is entirely of copper wire and beads. I used both 18 and 20 gauge wire selected according to the size of the hole in each bead. The pendant is surrounded by a new type cage that I am trying.

The bulk of the work time today was spent on hammering copper sheet metal and preparing components for an order. Armed with drill, dremel and a new texture hammer, I finished most of the pieces. I have not yet put the patina on these, but a few are shown below. The top piece will be a belt buckle; the round piece will be a pendant and there are six ovals requested by the customer for an unknown purpose. I’ve used the same type ovals previously in necklaces and in belts. I purchased the texture hammer on etsy from Hodpodgerie. It is one texture on one head and a different on the other. I’m not showing a picture of how my index finger looks after I hammered it with the new texture. Those little grids on the hammer are quite sharp. I imagine I will lose my fingernail. I also imagine I will be much more careful in the future. OUCH!

Dreamcatcher Designs