Category Archives: Necklaces

Cold Connections, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Techniques, Wire Work

Stars

July 19, 2012 Karen 1 Comment

I made the pendant on the above necklace in preparation for the upcoming Cold Connections class that I’m teaching. It has a nickel silver back disk and I used a scrap book punch to cut the star hole out of a light gauge piece of copper which was dunked in liver of suphur. I riveted this to the silver. Then I got a little carried away with this star idea. I riveted a couple of other disks and wired more stars to the piece. I wanted a “Texas” Starry Starry Night. The beads are turquoise briolettes and spiney oyster barrels. The components hang from a purchased black chain.

Part of the difficulty with a piece like this is figuring out when to stop. I prepared more riveted stars and considered using more little silver components, but enough was enough! Two of those pieces are now earrings. I’m trying to learn that one consideration is designing a piece is the size of the person who will likely wear it. I wanted to wear this piece and since I’m only 5’1’’ I can’t have anything too big. This is about all the dangle my neck can handle!

This is the first time I’ve made a true “theme” piece. I supposed as a Texas necklace it might have included boots and an armadillo, but that’s just a bit too themey for me – don’t you think? Would Van Gogh be disgusted by the idea?

Balance, Necklaces, Philosophy, Wire Work

Quality Control vs. Perfectionism

June 25, 2012 Karen

Some of you may have just glanced at the picture above and decided that I’ve gone too far. About all my spouse could say when I put it on was that it was still strange.

The wire armature of this piece sat on the work table for several weeks. I tried in various ways and even wired beads on it once. I was trying to make it perfect. The first time, my wire bindings weren’t even. The second time I felt the bead placement was wrong. Finally, I looked at the piece and realized that I was trying to find the “perfect” way to embellishment it. Yet, I didn’t really know what perfect for this piece should look like.

Finally, instead of thinking about perfection, I started to think about good technique that might lead to good quality. Could I get the beads on the armature without the ugly wire ends showing? How might I balance the piece without letting the beads take over the design. Could I make good jump rings without rough edges?

You may not like the look of it, but the piece won’t fall apart or snag your clothes. Of course, this finished necklace is not perfect and I could still pick it apart, but at least I was able to accomplish those elements needed for quality. Sometimes that’s the best I can do.

Bracelets, Necklaces, Wire Work

It’s Cursive

June 2, 2012 Karen 2 Comments

“Joined up writing” or “running writing”, aka cursive formed the basis of the idea behind the pieces shown here. I think of cursive as continuous movement and connection between alphabet letters to form words as opposed to printing wherein each letter is made separately. It works for words; so why not for wire?

I’ve always hesitated to cross wires in a piece because I like a hammered look and hammering crossed wires weakens them. With the bracelets below, I simply avoided hammering the crossing points and hammered around them. It was tricky, but turned out OK.

I enjoy making this style because it naturally flows from one end to the other and forms a sturdy bracelet. I instituted a clasp on the first bracelet shown, but felt it was not needed on the second one since is was narrower.

This necklace evolved after I took one of the cursive bracelets to a boutique and the owner kept wanting to make it into a choker. It doesn’t have any crossed wires and technically shouldn’t be labeled cursive. I was largely concerned with filling the space of the piece with swirls that fit together. The trick on this piece was to go back and bind those curves in place so they wouldn’t change shape. This turned out to be a very comfortable, yet unique, necklace. I can usually tell if it is TOO unique the first time I wear the piece. I had this on the other night and individuals kept looking at it, but not turning away. If they turn away, I assume it’s not pleasing. (But they could just be nice people . . . ?)

Next, I would like to experiment with a necklace wherein the wire forms a V in the from as opposed to this arc shape. I’ll let you know if that hatches.

Necklaces, Philosophy

Charity

May 4, 2012 Karen

I’ve been working on something for a silent auction for a charity this week and have attempted to discern what the word “charity” really means. My mind goes in different directions when considering the term. Initially, I remember my days in Rainbow, an organization with roots in Masonry. I can still remember the teachings about “faith, hope and charity.”

Now, the word makes me think about charitable events. Often these are occasions where people get dressed up and socialize while being enticed to donate sums of money to charity.

My other thought revolves around those individuals who benefit from charity. The dictionary indicates that charity involves “generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless.” Those who make donations to charity often feel good about their efforts to help humanity.

I must admit that as I worked on my auction item, I was more interested in making a good showing than in the charitable part of my efforts. Would my piece look OK amongst the other offerings? Would it contribute well to the auction?

The first piece didn’t fly with the two men who looked at it. Neither indicated that they would bid on it. If the men wouldn’t bid on it, I decided it wasn’t right.

Late the evening before the piece was due, I started anew. Working late and picking it up again the next day, I did finish at the appointed time. As I designed this piece, I thought about the title of the charity event, The Cattle Baron’s Ball and the idea of a rope or lariat seemed appropriate. I don’t know if this piece is better or not, but it IS finished and has been delivered. The gemstone is a beautiful piece of amethyst from Magpie Gemstones.

Another of my pieces was donated by a boutique I serve for a charity event in a west Texas town. I was especially pleased that the boutique owner chose some of my work. I’d been calling this “ethnic”, but she termed it “tribal”.

I have to say that I’m a bit unhappy with myself over my concern for how my work would show up at these auctions. I think that’s pretty selfish. My focus should have been on how I might solicit the most money for the charities. The products would probably have remained the same, but I would have felt better about them. I think it all stems as to whether my charitable donation was for the needy or for myself.

Either way, I’ve learned something. I would appreciate my own efforts more if I focused on charity as love which is the term used in some of the newer versions of the Bible (faith, hope and love). Next time, I want to make that auction piece for the right reason.

Creativity, gifts, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Philosophy, soldering, Teaching, Torch Work, Wire Work

Pass It On . . . and On . . . and On

April 17, 2012 Karen

It’s not a surprise to anyone who knows me that I like to teach. I tend to grab most any “teachable moment” whether you want me to or not. With adults, I try to curb my appetite for devouring those moments, but little children need to beware!

I’ve truly enjoyed the two jewelry classes that I taught last week, one in Wimberley, TX and the other in San Marcos. I worked with seven women as they learned to make a wrap bracelet in Wimberley and then four more who worked on wrapping cabachons. I enjoyed hearing from the first group about who some of them planned to pass their bracelet to as a gift. I regret not getting a photo of that group, but note the happy intensity on the faces of the second.

It’s common for someone to ask a designer ideas come from. I have no doubt that many of mine come during preparation for teaching. I think that is why it takes me so long to get ready to teach a class. There’s something about this pre-planning that gets my creative juices flowing. I used to fight this urge, trying to stay on task, but now I just go with it. I do, however, have to resist my propensity to want to teach the new idea instead of that which was designated for the class. I just keep wanting to pass it on.

As an example, a couple of gals came over for a little assistance in starting their journey into soldering with a torch. They hardly got off the ranch before I was cutting and planning the piece below. Yes, I know it’s a bit bird-like, but it wasn’t planned that way – oh well, it’s definitely different!

I’ve also done a new soldered design that someone on Facebook suggested is Bohemian. The legs on this piece are soldered to the bottom half of the arc and then wire wrapped. I was tickled that the very first sale of this went to my good friend who often calls and says “is the Dreamcatcher Designs shop open?” (Of course you know I don’t have a shop!) Sometimes she just runs out to the ranch and gets what she needs. This piece was gifted from her to a co-friend of ours and I’m pleased for her to have it. Do you think you can wear “Bohemian” at the Lutheran Church?

As you read, many things, both concrete and ideational, were passed on last week. From teacher to student, student to teach and friend to friend. I think life was very productive.

family, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Techniques, Wire Work

A Season to Remember

March 29, 2012 Karen

It often seems that Easter is the “lessor” of the two main Christian seasons. This is largely because merchants spend months reminding us that Christmas is coming and we’d better get out and make those great sales. There is less “hoopla” surrounding Easter; yet it’s just as important in Christian heritage.

I like Easter! It reminds me of standing in my little short white choir robe with the big bow at the neck waiting in the wings of the sanctuary for our turn to advance down the isle and sing. I can still smell the starch in that bow and feel the pinch on my toes in my new Easter shoes. My Mom usually led the children’s group and then waited for us to arrange our wiggly selves while she adjusted her music at the piano. We were advised to smile and sing or vice versa and I could never quite do both at once. I just remember be glad to get that itchy robe off!

We usually ate deviled eggs and ham for our Easter dinner. When I got a bit older, I made cake with icing, green colored coconut and jelly bean decorations. Much later, I became the one at the piano for my own little choir.

Now, I enjoy singing with my grandson and making crosses for the Easter season. I know these aren’t just for Easter, but it is a fitting time to create them and remember their meaning. I’ve been preparing crosses for a class I’m teaching in San Antonio. You’ve seen these photos before.

I wanted to try some other styles and have a couple of new designs.

The first is simply multiple pieces of wire wrapped to hold together. I found this to be tricky, but liked the result. The cross on the right is made from the same soldered base cross design as the filigree crosses, but features weaving and the use of bead embellishment without the filigree piece. It has a small copper disc on the back, like the filigree crosses, which covers the wrapping that secures the beads.

I’m hoping to spend more time “near the cross” in the weeks before Easter and will show you if anything else “hatches” on the design table.

charms, Cold Connections, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Teaching, Techniques

Making Cold Connections

March 16, 2012 Karen

Thinking of the word cold could lead us to a conversation about weather or about personalities. Have you ever heard someone say that a person is cold? Of course that usually means that the person isn’t very friendly. In that case, aloof might be another term to describe the person. Most of us prefer friends and acquaintances who are warm! By the way, I also prefer weather that is WARM!

I’ve been making cold connections for the past couple of weeks. No, I haven’t been meeting cold people and the weather here has been quite warm. Instead, I’ve been making cold connections with metal. When we join things to metal in a way that doesn’t require heat, usually through soldering, we say we’ve used a cold connection. This week my cold connections have been through riveting.

It was my turn to lead and share a technique at our monthly Faux meet up. Yesterday, we had about 20 in attendance and I think most of us got a little better at riveting in the time we spent together. I was determined to have some new projects that my fellow designers could try and thus the reason for the past weeks of making those cold connections. I thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of the pieces I designed.

The first is the easier of the two and is just a simple variation of the wave necklaces that I’ve made. This one features a riveted charm in the center. This charm utilizes both a copper disc and a nickel silver disc with the center cut out. I riveted these two together and also riveted a pewter finding in the middle. I used a headpin that I balled with the torch for the center rivet. The other rivets were purchased from Rio Grande Jewelry Supply. I wired the charm onto the wave necklace armature.

The second necklace is a bit modern looking, but it’s definitely different. I used alcohol ink to color some copper discs and then riveted them together with nickel silver discs. Again, I used balled headpins for the rivets. I also riveted some big hole rose quartz beads that I got from Magpie Gemstones (www.magpiegemstones.com) onto a couple of the discs. Although you only see two rose quartz beads on this necklace, it took four to make it if you count the two I broke while trying to rivet them. You really have to be careful when riveting a gemstone.

I demonstrated how to make a few other riveted charms, but haven’t yet used all of these in a particular design.

I really enjoyed working with my friends yesterday and helping them initiate or hone their riveting skills. Although they were making cold connections, thankfully none of them were cold!

Here’s hoping all your personal connections are warm and that if you end up with cold connections, you’re riveting!

Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Wire Work

Imitating Nature

February 21, 2012 Karen

How many times have you read that an artist gets inspiration from nature? If you aren’t “into” art, you’re laughing and saying “NEVER!” Yet if art and the process of making it does interest you, you’re probably thinking you’ve read or heard this many times. Whether it’s painting, sewing, making jewelry or most any other art form, the influence of nature is apparent.

One of my favorite boutique customers requested some new collage style necklaces on leather. I had fun making this type for her last Fall and it was time to add a Spring twist to things. Nature led the way for the two below.

The first piece features a dragonfly and a couple of lilies. My spouse assured me the lilies were upside down, but I hung them anyway. (Maybe they are lilies that didn’t get enough water and are hanging their heads down . . . ) I put these on a simple small S type link and then attached the leather through jump rings.

The second necklace features a smaller dragonfly, a couple of bead dangles and a pea pod. The chain allows them to have a nice little swing. This piece has an interesting swirl bail at the top – one I don’t imagine I know how to make again. I think I have to be watching TV while I do it unconsciously! My friend, Shannon, of Vixens Natural Jewelry showed me how to made the pea pods. I also used her design to make some earrings. You will most certainly see the influence of nature in her work. You can check out her shop at http://www.facebook.com/#!/TreeandMoonJewelry?sk=app_169505045786

I made a third necklace, but it hasn’t quite taken off yet. I created a little wire bird and hung her with a bird’s nest and a cage. I was calling it freedom. Unfortunately, the cage seemed out of place; so that one is back on the workbench for further consideration. Perhaps it will fly before long.

It’s a great day in Central Texas to be out with nature; so I think I’ll get out of the studio for a while and go study outside. Do you think I can call that work?

Color, Necklaces, Pendants, vendors, Wire Work

Spring Colors ???

February 11, 2012 Karen 4 Comments

I set out to create some “springier” colored pieces, but I can’t quite seem to get there since it is so cold outside here in Central Texas right now. It looks like I ended up with more cross over colors and that’s probably OK. The first two photos show the apricot moonstone strands and cab (www.magpiegemstones.com). I wish you could see the sparkle in the tiny beads that tells me I’m going to need more of them!The problem for me in purchasing beads is I often buy too many of those I can’t determine how to use and too few of those that work really well. I doubt I’ll ever get that quite right.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I’ve been playing with wire trees just a bit more and wanted to create a scene in the piece below. (Yes, my family and friends are probably saying I’ve created a “scene” before, but I’m not talking about that kind!) I created a small wire bird for it, but the winged creature was too big proportionally for the tree. Oh well, it was a nice thought – cute bird.

Finally, the double strand piece below made with turquoise, lapis and amethyst sports a new finding, shown on the right side of the photo. I’m trying to develop some new types of multi strand links and separators. I made this piece to see if one of them which takes a necklace from two strands to one would work. Thus far, I’m happy with it, but the truth is in continued wearing. It did great on its initial wear around the house last night. You can see that this piece makes its way around the neck with a chain. (I wouldn’t want to make a piece without some kind of metal on it!)

So when will the bright Spring colors show up in the designs here at Dreamcatcher? I may just have to wait for inspiration from the redbud tree in the front yard since it’s usually one of the first harbingers of Spring. I don’t think it will be much longer and I’m sure those readers in the North are wishing even more than I that the season would make a happy change. Until then, we’ll just be pleased to see the sun and know that more warm weather will soon follow.

Color, Necklaces, Pendants, Wire Work

Color It Tangerine

January 20, 2012 Karen

If you follow the color trend predictions, you already know that Pantone, the industry color trendsetter, lists Tangerine Tango as the color of the year. I found it splashed all over the front page of the Life & Style section of the Austin, TX newspaper yesterday. If you are looking for a soothing, quiet color, this is NOT it. It is a bold and bright reddish orange that is definitely eye catching when presented dominantly in a design.

I looked at my cluttered bead table and realized that I have a few things I could call tangerine if I removed the word orange from my current vocabulary. Doesn’t Tangerine Tango sound much more expensive than orange? While in Hawaii last week, I obtained a piece of calcite that I think borders on the topic color.

Calcite is a primary mineral in cave formations and produces those stalactites and stalagmites we learned about in school. It’s usually white or colorless but can be light yellow, orange, blue, pink, red, brown, green, black or gray.

Another Tangerine Tango piece was laying in the demolition box. This is where I keep the things that didn’t work out. I put them there when I’m too lazy to take them apart and then I can grab a bead here and there when I need it.

Although the blue beads in this piece are not natural, you can see that turquoise would be a good complimentary color with this orange.

I’m hoping that Tangerine Tango won’t take over summer garments and accessories the way pink did several years ago. I remember everything that year was pink and by the next year it was totally gone. Yet, perhaps a little tango with this tangerine might be a good dance to try in a few designs. It really is pretty nice.

Unique jewelry creatively made with care at The Ranch in San Marcos, Texas