I’ve always been a very open person. Although I try not to be a whiner, if you ask me how I am, I’ll tell you the truth, even if it isn’t pretty. I’m the same when discussing my design work. If something was easy, I’ll say so, but watch out if I’ve had a problem. Today, I’m still struggling, but one step closer to where I want to be, with wirework. The problem has surrounded making wire bracelets.

Deciding months ago that “copper is the new silver”, since silver is too expensive to use for learning something new, I visited the local recycling center. After entering the place with a bit of anxiety and uncertainty, I was delighted to find that  the heavily tattooed pleasant men there were very helpful and had an ample supply of copper wire in many different sizes. I made a great haul, carrying home a heavy bag full of wire for a mere $11. It could last for the rest of my copper phase days.

Armed with my expensive Lindstrom tools and inexpensive wire, I set out to make the perfect copper bracelet. After all, how difficult could that be? The answer is “VERY DIFFICULT” for a novice. After many failed attempts, I completed the simple bracelet show here. I should have stopped with this tidbit of success, but NO, I had to add gemstones!. The first attempts at this feat remain shrouded with a cloth and declared deceased. There will be no picture of them. Finally, remembering that I’m the “never give up” woman, I tried one more time today. You can see in the photo below that this prototype may actually have possibilities. I still have miles to go with learning to weave wire, but it seems to be going more smoothly than when I began. Just as soon as I take more Advil and my arthritic thumb recovers, I may just try another piece. By the way, I especially like the hammering involved with this type of work.  Perhaps now when I’m stressed instead of saying “I need to bead!” I may be saying “I need to hammer!”

  (By the way, the next time I go for copper, I’m paying more attention to those artistic tattoos. I’ll bet there’s a design idea hidden amongst them!)