Category Archives: Wire Work

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.

Bracelets, Creativity, Philosophy, Wire Work

Diverted

October 1, 2009 Karen

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! 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.

Bracelets, Wire Work

Pot Luck Bracelet

September 29, 2009 Karen

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! 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.

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.

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.

Earrings, Metal Work, Wire Work

Daily Oral Math

September 20, 2009 Karen

When I taught first grade, we were supposed to follow a prescribed set of exercises for Daily Oral Math. These were very short exercises in which the teacher posed a mathematical problem and the students solved it without the aid of pencil and paper. I really liked the idea behind these exercises, but I didn’t especially like having to follow the teacher’s manual. (Aren’t you surprised?) Often, after doing the oral problem in the book, I added one or two of my own. They were often based upon a recent first grade happening or something we had seen on the playground. (If Johnny hid Jason’s shoes out on the playground, how many single shoes were brought back into our room? How many little boys were in trouble?) As I was taking photos of designs today, I almost wished again for a group of first graders to whom I might pose the problems at the end of this post.

The pictures today are of new earring designs. I’m been trying to get used to the idea of using mixed metals in more of my pieces and have used the earrings to jump start this process. As you will see by the numerous photos (minus two that have already gone out) that I got a bit carried away.

I fear that some of these earrings are in search of a woman with a long neck. Most of them are definitely swingers! It was fun to play with the mixed metals and the look is starting to grow on me. Next, I need to tackle pendants with mixed metals.

Oh, and that math problem . . . let’s see . . . something simple here first. How many people would it take to wear 16 earrings? How many women would it take to wear 16 earrings if three of the women had two holes in one ear and one hole in the other? Would this create any type of problem? How many different combinations of pairs of earrings could you create with four pair of earrings? Would that number double if you used all eight pair of earrings? How many readers DO NOT want any more Daily Oral Math?

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!

Earrings, Metal Work, Philosophy, Wire Work

It’s Been a Long Time . . .

September 16, 2009 Karen

. . . since the dogs and I have been for a long walk. The four of us used to walk every other day, but the 100 degree plus days of this long summer gave me an excuse to be lazy. Today, a 78 degree morning, seemed the time to start anew. We were all excited as we started out. I actually thought the Blue Heelers might just leap over the fence and out of their pen when they realized we were going. They acted like three children who had never been to a McDonald’s play scape before and their mother finally let them go.

Knowing the youngest one could not control her exuberance, I placed her on a leash. When her mother took off to bark at the hilltop bulls, she did also, jerking me sideways to the point of nearly falling. Bad Puppy! Finally under control again, we peacefully, more or less, made it down the hill to the front pastures. There awaited another temptation, our beautiful yearling heifers. Instinctively, the mother dog went straight for their legs attempting to run full speed through the gate to get them. Unfortunately, she is a very FAT dog and initially got stuck in the gate. With great fortitude, she backed herself out and went under the gate only to be stepped on by one of the heifers. Back she came holding one little paw up in the air. I’m sure I should have felt sorry for her.

The three legged dog and the rest of us continued our relatively pleasant, albeit slow due to the limper, walk. When we came to the weaned bull calves, the same silly dog went racing through the electric (arf, arf, ouch) fence only to be chased back through (ouch, ouch, arf) the electric fence by the little guys. Now, a very dejected three legged dog walked even more slowing back home. Did she learn a lesson? Absolutely not! When we got back to the hilltop, she again tried to get after the big bulls.

I think that dog is a good deal like some of us. I go flat out when something is of interest to me and often pay the physical consequences later. Moderation doesn’t seem to be a word that fits with my personality (or the dog’s). My poor dog will probably suffer for a day or two, but what do you want to bet that the next time we walk she does the same things again? I’m ordered a shock collar today!

The eventful walk did, give me energy for design work and I started right in this morning. Now, I have pieces polishing in the tumbler and more earrings on the brain. The picture shows a couple I made last night. Hopefully as I work today I will try to remember the morning walk, my age, and my physical abilities and do a better job of balancing myself than my dog!

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