. . . chaining. An obsession is an idea that cannot be gotten rid of by reasoning. I’ve created so many designs with chain in the last week that I’m wondering if this is an obsession. Most of us largely consider an obsession to be negative, but I’m pretty pleased with the new necklace designs. Do you think an obsession could be positive?

The chaining phase I’m in initiated with a piece that has already found a home, but it led to two necklaces that have the same designs, but different stones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, I made a couple of variations on this style. The first one featured faceted black onyx beads and it went quickly to its new owner. This second piece is done in turquoise with a bone eagle and other stones. You can see that all the wire components of these pieces are handmade including the headpins. I had not intended to make the latter, but on the evening that I wanted to attached the gemstones, I was completely out of headpins. So, I made a date with torch and balled them myself. I’m still facinated with how you can hold a piece of wire in the flame and a little ball forms and crawls up the wire. I lost a few of these balls as I was watching them climb the wire. They got too big and fell right off! I think I finally gave in on the turquoise piece and went to the store for “boughtin” pins.

Eventually, I grew weary of making jump rings and tried a different design with purchased chain. Also, I wanted a mixed metal look.  I was attempting to achieve a “no droop” effect with this piece and made a looped half neck ring to stabilize the design. I attached a handmade chain to finish it off and give it more motion. There is a cluster of faceted black onyx beads on one side of the necklace. I don’t know if this will be as popular as the pieces with gemstones, but I think it has lots of potential. Gemstones or pearls could easily find their way on to this piece.

So do you think I’m being obsessive with the chaining? Probably! But, I choose to think I’m just putting in a lot of good practice to improve my skill in making chains. I don’t think I need to go to the doctor yet!

By the way a couple of these pieces are in my etsy shop if you want to check them out.   http://www.etsy.com/listing/63457769/turquoise-and-copper-chain-necklace