Category Archives: Bracelets

Bracelets, Metal Work, Techniques

Warm

2 Comments

The word for today in Central Texas is warm . . . as in try to stay that way. With temperatures lower than we have seen them in over 10 years, the men here at the ranch have raced to stay ahead of the freeze and provide water for all the animals. We’ve worried about how our cattle would get water if any pipes burst since our animals largely get their water from above-ground containers. Trying to keep the pipes warm, every water outlet has been covered and/or insulated along with other precautions. Getting ahead of any potential pipe problems, many of the animals have been moved to different pastures where natural tanks are located. In other words, warmth for the pipes has been a big deal.

The dogs and cat get to stay warm in the garage at night (in separate rooms, of course) and the pregnant dog gets to come indoors. The people at Dreamcatcher are on their own.

Before the coldest snap hit, I was happily warming copper with a torch outdoors. Yesterday, that activity took place in the garage, but today it’s even too cold for that. I like the colors produced by the torch on copper as shown in the cuff below. cuf fire

I also torched a flat piece of copper and then cut out earrings in the places where the colors were most vibrant. I think this may be a good process as opposed to cutting out the object and then hoping to achieve good colors. “Warming” the metal is intriguing and I’m anxious to get going with other designs. Check back for more pictures.

Of course there is another connotation for warm. What warms your heart? A couple of pictures from Christmas morning tell most of the story for Nanaw and Sir (the name my husband said the grandchildren should call him).new toys rock1

   presents at the ranch Here’s hoping you can stay warm one way or another.

Bracelets, Philosophy, Wire Work

Curves

I went out looking for curves yesterday, hoping to cure a case of cabin fever. The local book store seemed the perfect start for the hunt and it didn’t disappoint. First, I grabbed the latest bead and wire magazines, a cup of coffee (yes I donated money for this free cup) and then I headed for the books.

The word curves, of course, has numerous connotations and since this is the famous week of fat following the Christmas gorging, I went straight to the books on exercise. Wow, those before and after pictures were outstanding. I want to see that in my mirror! Then I read what a few of the exercise programs entailed. hmm . . . There must be some other meaning for curves.

Moving on, I unashamedly sat at a table with a stack of magazines and didn’t worry as store employees walked by. They know that I will probably end up purchasing one of those magazines as I did yesterday. Unfortunately for my cash reserve, it was the most expensive, $14.95 magazine. But I REALLY needed it!

Thankfully, the bead and wire magazines, unlike those books containing before and after curve pictures, brought me back to reality. With pen in hand, I captured several curves to try in new jewelry designs. While I usually solely examine the illustrations found in the magazines, I did read an intriguing tip for shaping wire bracelets. The author suggested freezing a small juice can and then forming and hammering the bracelet on the can.

Last night, I made a couple of wire bracelet armatures and this morning I hunted a juice can. While there were none in my pantry, the tomato paste can appeared to be an appropriate size and I hammered my bracelet on it. The can approach didn’t help hunts1much with front of the bracelet since it was too rounded, yet, it was somewhat useful in forming the back of bracelets. You may note from the second photo that the can is dented. This occurred easily since the tomato paste was not frozen. I will try it another time with a different, frozen can. hunts 2

 

 

 

 

Until I decide to purchase a suitable bracelet mandrel, the frozen can initially appears to be a viable option for curving the back of the bracelets.

The last picture shown here is of a curvy armature conjured as a result of yesterday’s hunt. While I didn’t see this design in anything yesterday, it spawned as a result of actively looking for cures. This bracelet is interesting looking on the wrist and I’m debating about embellishment for the piece. At any rate, these “curves” were much more easily accomplished than the curves found in that before and after exercise book. Perhaps I’ll just write a before and after jewelry design book called “No Sweat Curves.”arm

Bracelets, Creativity, Wire Work

Winding Around

Growing a bit tired of making the popular wave bracelets that I’ve done for months, I’ve been fiddling with other ways to form wire armatures for bracelets. I’ve attempted to apply the core of creative constructs, fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration; but got a bit stuck on the first f. My goal was to find as many different ways as possible to create a cuff armature to hold gemstones using a single length of wire. I wanted the bracelet to have at least three rungs to make it interesting. Armed with lots of wire, I began in an attempt to be fluent. Alas, I wasn’t very! The difficulty popped up in figuring out what to do with the ends of the wire. Although I created several ways to shape the wire, few of them were usable. The first picture shows a bracelet adapted from one shown in Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders by Irina Miech. I’ve made this bracelet before and it is popular. 3 wave bracelet Previously, I constructed these with deeper curves and more stones and they were nicer.

The second usable idea came quite by accident from a casual customer comment. When I showed her one of my large round collage pendants, she plopped it right down on her wrist, commenting that she’d like it as a bracelet. Of course, I went straight home and made one. (or two . . . or three . . . ) Two of the bracelets and one armature are shown here. bright bracelet I think the armature looks like a fish. fish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fish doenWhile working on these bracelets, I’ve had to challenge my thinking about practicing to learn. I’ve always thought that bigger was better while learning. For example, we use large letters and large musical notes in the initial teaching of reading. When I learned to do seed bead work, I started with larger seed beads until I learned a technique and then gradually worked down to the tiny one. Therefore, I figured that with wire, I could start with the big stuff and then refine it. That was the thought until my hands started to ache. With wire work, of course, bigger means heavier gauge wire that is usually more difficult to bend. Painfully speaking, I think I’m going to experiment with a lighter gauge and then graduate to the heavier wire. That said, I can only surmise that there are no absolutes in learning. How to go about it varies not only with the person, but also with the medium. I’m realizing that more pre-thought before jumping in might yield a more “comfortable” practice.

I’m still winding wire as I attempt to find the perfect cuff armature. Let’s hope another customer provides a good idea today.

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

Mixed Metal Jewelry

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. mixed pendant 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. mixed metal brace 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!

Bracelets, Creativity, Philosophy, Wire Work

Diverted

What does it take to come up with a new idea and a new design? Tomes of literature exist regarding how to stimulate the creative spirit and encourage it to develop something new. W. J. J. Gordon and Tony Poze working with Synectics as well as thinking guru, Edward DeBono, Lateral Thinking, have made a small fortune training corporate industry thinkers all over the world on how to develop new ideas.

While this blog could easily become a dissertation and list numerous ways to develop something new, today’s focus is on only one, diverting attention. There are many examples in the literature of instances wherein a designer, researcher, or developer spent intensive study attempting to develop a problem solving idea, only to finally give up and move to another activity. Perhaps the individual went for a walk, watched a TV show or, as in my husband’s case, drove the tractor for hours. In other words, the person diverted attention from the problem at hand. Amazingly, when the developer focused on something totally alien to the idea development, an “aha” moment occurred. 

It’s hard for many of us, particularly in a time crunch, to take the time for a diversion. There are all manner of excuses. “This is going to the store TOMORROW!” “If I don’t get this done today, it will never been finished.” “I don’t like to give up.” Go ahead, I’ll bet you can add ten more reasons. Yet, most sensibly, we should try diversion.

I have been attempting to do some sewing for my little grandson for a couple of weeks. Finally, yesterday, while stuck on a design problem, I stopped and worked on his little shoes. I became so interested in the task, that I forgot all about the jewelry problem and enjoyed my diverted work. I was not even deterred when someone told me the shoes looked like slippers. OK, that’s probably true, but wait until you see them in leather! boy shoes The child is only 9 months old; I think slippers are OK.

I must admit that I did not have any great “aha” during my diversion. Sometimes, the diversion simply refreshes you, as was the case yesterday. Following the shoe/slipper diversion, I went back and very quickly finished several pieces with which I had been piddling. A couple of them are below.

So, when you’re stuck, try diversion. I like that term better than “relax!” Type A personalities divert better than they “take a break”. Maybe one day I’ll learn to do the latter.

bracelet3

plain bracelet

Bracelets, Wire Work

Pot Luck Bracelet

A few weeks ago, I picked up a new book by Irina Miech, Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders. While I’ve wanted it for a while, I felt better about the fact that I waited for just the perfect, large coupon from the bookstore to get it. Don’t we all love a bargain? The book is full of great ideas and I must admit that as with most of my design library, I’ve mainly just looked at the pictures. Last night, however, after a very long day that started pre-dawn, my brain was tired and I decided to actually follow a pattern. If you’ve read my posts previously, you know this is not my forte. A few hours later I had a new bracelet. Did it look like the one in the book? NO. Did it have to look like the one in the book? NO!braceletnew The piece in the book was made with pearls and smaller stones than what I created. My bracelet was pot luck. I made it from the extra beads that lay upon my bead board. Several times during the process I thought I might need to turn back and actually plan, but I trudged on.

When I finished last night, I thought the bracelet was pretty gaudy; but this morning it looks a bit better. Albeit, I would not want my wired friends to inspect the quality of the work; it is simply a prototype of bracelets to come. I think with a lighter gauge wire and somewhat smaller beads, this might work. This cuff does not need a clasp as you can see from the second photo. braceback

Pot lucks at social functions are usually quite popular. Let’s just hope that once this bracelet is perfected, it too will be something people will want.

Bracelets, Metal Work, Philosophy, Wire Work

Shiny

Today was a shiny day! You might think this means that the sun was out today, but it was dark and cloudy. Usually, we would think this is bad, but today it was a happy phenomena. Following what seems to me to be an eternity, we have received over an inch of rain and this initiates hope for our drought stricken area. While that doesn’t sound like very much rain, relatively speaking, it’s huge. We went out after supper tonight to move the young bull calves to a different pasture and they were leaping, jumping and kicking in the cooler weather. If I weren’t partially over the hill, I would have been kicking and jumping too. The wet, black animals looked shiny and clean following the day’s washing and I can’t remember ever being so pleased to come back to the house with muddy shoes. I’ve decided “shiny” has nothing to do with the sun.

As an example, several years ago, my husband remarked that a young woman at a meeting he attended was “shiny”. Since I hadn’t heard that term in reference to a human before, I wondered if he was talking about her makeup or her clothes. My husband just kept saying, “you know . . . she’s real shiny.” Finally I decided that this was a half compliment indicating the woman was polished or fixed up to look attractive. I’m still not quite sure about that one, but when I learned her young age, I quit worrying about it.

A person could certainly have a shiny personality. This often connotes a bubbly disposition and a gregarious person. While this is usually pleasant, there are times when a shiny personality can be downright irritating. Someone with a shiny personality needs to know when to and when not to SHINE.

Today, shiny is an adjective for a new bracelet. new bracelet It’s copper and I elected to omit the patina. It definitely has bling! The ovals were cut from a sheet of 24 gauge copper and the rings are handmade from recycled copper wire. I made a second bracelet in the same style and did patina it. This is for a boutique owner who doesn’t like shiny (on her jewelry).

All things considered, shiny can describe a feeling, an action or a state of being. Some think shiny is good and others see it as negative. All I ask is that tomorrow’s shiny day also brings more rain to central Texas.

Bracelets, Philosophy

Marketing Rules

2 Comments

There’s probably a wonderful list somewhere that I have refused to follow, but I’ve got to begin to stick to my own marketing rules. Rule number one for me is to always wear jewelry I’ve made. I’ve followed this regimen for so long that I don’t feel right if I go out without both a necklace and bracelet on.  Rule number two must surely be the following: have another similar piece to what you are wearing available for anyone who asks “where did you get that?”. I thought I was doing pretty well with that one, but the rest of the story will follow. Rule number three: be willing to remove the piece you are wearing and sell it. Yes, I’ve also followed that one reasonably well.

Now, I have a new rule. Last week, in a rush to call on a customer, I quickly donned a bracelet that matched my outfit. I didn’t even think about my second and third rules. Off I went; I called on my customer; I sold several pieces; then, she wanted my bracelet. “Oh sure,” I said, “I will make you one of these, the one I have on is a bit too old.” Actually, it was a good three years old and I had worn it a great deal.

When I commenced to recreate the bracelet, I realized that it’s hard to find the same beads you used three years ago; but a thorough digging to the bottom of the seed bead drawer produced the needed beads. I began the piece, only to remember why I don’t make that bracelet any more. It takes TOO long! Five hours later, scratching my head I asked myself why I quoted the customer such a low price. That’s when I instituted rule number four: Never wear a piece you don’t want to make again. Rule number five must surely be: Stop quoting prices until you see how long it takes to make the piece.

Actually, the bracelet turned out well as shown in the picture. I made and sold a number of these some time ago.  ellastic bracMade on elastic from the fabric store, it is especially nice because it doesn’t require a clasp and easily slips on and off. It’s also very sturdy. I made a few of these on narrower elastic and my mother, who has severe arthritis, has really enjoyed hers.  I used matagama seed beads for the one pictured. They are shaped like drops, but are a bit larger. The turquoise stones add a little color. The second photo shows the inside of the bracelet. elastic back

I

I think these are pretty good rules if I could remember to follow them. Rules, however, as we all know, are meant to be broken. I just need to be smarter about how I break my own next time.

Bracelets, Techniques

The Seedier Side

I haven’t done as much seed beading lately as I used to, but Friday, as I walked by a tray of turquoise on my table, a bead whistled my name. I picked it up and felt it should become a Fall bracelet. In order to make the freeform peyote used with this stone more interesting, I started in the middle with the stone. Usually, I start at one end and work toward the focal. I enjoyed this technique and will try it again soon. gturq The pictures shown really don’t do the stone justice. I would take another photo, but I had it with me and a store purchased it. Don’t you just love a fast turn around?

The problem with quick sales, is that I sometimes jump to erroneous conclusions. I begin to think the design or color combination is really going to catch on and I repeat it too many times. Then I realize that the initial sale just happened to go to the one person who liked it rather than selling because it was such a winner. Alas, how do we know a winner from a one-timer? turqbrac2 Lately, I’ve been trying not to go all out when something sells quickly. Should I make another similar piece like this bracelet? Of Course! Shall I make 14 of them? Of Course NOT! It’s such a shame that I must use common sense even when I’m creating. Bummer!

Bracelets, Color, Necklaces

Spurts

Most of us are well aware that things come in spurts. There are growth spurts that are usually good for children and bad for adults. There are spurts of energy that may result in good things such as getting that closet cleaned out or rearranging the desk.

It seems lately that the jewelry designs I sell come in spurts also. For example, I first made the peyote peyote necklace in the picture shown and a similar bracelet about five years ago. At that time, I sold several, more bracelets than necklaces, and then the sales slowed. Now, after about three months of not making any, I’ve filled three requests in the last two weeks and have another on the queue. Since there is no pattern for the pieces, each of these is different, yet, the technique and colors remain stable. Some of these pieces have more browns and golds while others, like the one shown, use black as the dominant color. All of them, however, use turquoise and red/coral. It’s rewarding to know that a design can endure for several years.

There has been another spurt of folks wanting the wave bracelet. I use recycled copperbracelet for most of this piece. Sometimes I embellish it with turquoise and pearls as shown here. I’ve also used turquoise and carnelian and think a variety of other choices would work.

Spurts are certainly welcome in the jewelry design business. I just wish I could predict what the buying spurt will be in time to more quickly meet the demand. Unfortunately, sometimes by the time I round up the needed supplies, the spurt has passed.

Oh well, if I could predict the future I might be tempted to enter some less reputable occupation.

Here’s hoping all your spurts are good ones.