Bracelets, Wire Work

Bracelet Mania

The past two days have proven productive. They have been the type of days when you have to grab a moment here and there to get in any design work; yet they were just right for bracelet production.

First, I took the heavy gauge recycled wire for a ride in the car. No, I wasn’t trying to show it a good time! I happened to be traveling with my spouse to a cattle meeting and seized the opportunity to bend a few armatures during the 30 minute ride. It was amazing how many I was able to produce when far away from the phone, fax and ranch animals. Some unusual turns appeared in these armatures as I looked out the car window to see blue bonnets and other sights. Later, I managed to hammer enough of the armatures to get a start on a couple of bracelets. turq bracelet

The following day, I took these to a store that also sells beads and the owner helped pick out what she wanted to see in the bracelet designs which she was going to market. Creatively charged, I hurried home and worked them out last evening. While I’ve seldom have the chance to let a customer help pick out stones for a bracelet, this proved to be great fun and the new set of eyes was invigorating.

bracelet coloraful

bracelet amethyst

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the bracelets pictures are 3-D and although a couple of these may be a bit “over the top”, they certainly will be attention grabbers. I hope they grab a customer! bracelet lab

I do believe in taking a leap once in a while and going over the design top. Later, another design will likely capture the best of that over the top design and the modified version can be a winner. In Torrance’s CPS (creative problem solving), this is the final thinking step referred to as “acceptance finding”. It is often the hardest one for highly creative individuals since it requires the refinement of an idea in order to make it palatable to others and, perhaps, useable or sellable, as well. As idea may be highly creative, but not appropriate for the intended use. However, if you never allow yourself to think beyond the “appropriate”, you may miss some of your best ideas. So, for those of you who need help in that department . . . may I suggest taking YOUR wire for a ride?

Necklaces, Wire Work

Fluttering By

Where are the butterflies? It’s Spring; my nose itches from the pollen that is everywhere; the redbud tree outside our widow is blooming; so, I’m thinking butterflies. I haven’t seen any. I read that the Monarch butterflies in particular don’t migrate until about October and I do recall seeing a plethora of them after school begins in the Fall. I feel sure that I’ll be seeing butterflies fluttering around the lantana before long, but in the mean time, I thought I’d add a few to my designs in anticipation of their arrival. Several weeks ago I made a necklace with a single copper wire butterfly stationed on one side of the asymmetrical piece. Yesterday, I decided they should flutter in groups and added three to a piece.  butter While the photo is too small to show the detail, I managed to put some copper beads on the wings of the larger specimen. I’m thinking that colored beads might be more attractive on flutterer. The butterfly at the top of the piece looks as though it might just take wing and escape! I guess it’s that butterfly that I always hoped would land on my shoulder. I’ve also added some small pewter butterflies to earrings and they fluttered off the sale table with good speed. A bracelet did the same. Let’s hope the three in the pictured necklace also find a happy home. I’d like to be graceful like a butterfly. Sometimes I feel as though I’m fluttering my wings as fast as I can, but not going anywhere. Butterflies demonstrate grace as they exert this same energy. I do note, however, that they take a break fairly often on a flower or branch. Maybe I should consider this and remember to occasionally pause and redirect my “fluttering”. I supposed it’s worth a try. (where did I leave my coffee cup?)
Philosophy

Meet Ups

4 Comments

There are clubs and societies and then there are “meet ups”. I do not participate in the well-organized groups mentioned first largely because I had enough of those as a young wife, mother, teacher and professional. I just can’t be a good hen. “Meet ups”, however, I recently learned, are totally different. These are just loosely arranged gatherings that seldom have a real agenda. I had not heard of these until I became interested in wire work and learned there is a great benefit to gathering with like minded people. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet up with fellow wire workers who have left their egos at home. I’m speaking particularly of the San Marcos “Faux” Bead Society. We meet up once a month with merely a suggestion of what we’d like to work on. We enjoy seeing what other designers have completed during the past few weeks, ask technique questions and solve design problems together. It’s a nurturing atmosphere with no dues, no officers and no judgment. I see individuals encouraging growth in others no matter whether we are novices or professionals. I like it!

Last night I went to a meet up of a different type. The Texas State University History Department held their annual celebration of Texas music. On the stage sat a row of renowned Texas musicians who passed songs around. These included Ray Benson, Cody Canada, Raul Malo, W.C. Clark, The Sisters Morales and Cindy Cashdollar. As each performer sang solo, others would figure out what key the individual was in and fill in with guitar, dobro or voice. Every once in a while the soloist would call out a chord change or nod to a person to “take it” at which point another musician would do a short riff. It reminded me of the days when my son played fiddle and I played guitar (very badly). We would go to the Blue Grass festivals where musicians sat around in small circles of lawn chairs just trading songs. I always appreciated the older, more skilled musicians who encouraged my young son and let him have his turn. There was no real hierarchy.

While I enjoyed the music last night, I couldn’t help but notice what a great time the musicians appeared to be having. I believe they were genuinely pleased to have a venue to meet up with others who just liked to play. They just happened to be on stage in front of several hundred people. Each person could participate with the others if he or she wanted, but there was no pressure. The next gig they got didn’t depend on it. Relaxation was apparent. Unfortunately, one of the musicians didn’t seem to get it and didn’t participate with the others. He either wasn’t talented enough to pick up the tunes, he was having a bad night or he forgot to park his ego at the door. Whatever the case, he was the loser. It was interesting that the other musicians just left him alone and didn’t try to get him to play along.

So, what do these meet ups have in common? Did I learn anything from the musicians’ meet up that is applicable to the design meet ups? You betcha! The best things happen in a gathering when you try.

  • Try to join in.
  • Try to help someone else.
  • Try to encourage others.
  • Try to appreciate the small improvements that you and other make.
  • Leave ego at the door. It doesn’t matter how many pieces you did or not sell; it’s just about sharing.
  • If someone doesn’t want to participate; just leave the person alone.

It’s a real treat to go to a meet up where it doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve been. It doesn’t matter if you feel funny or you feel sad; you can just BE. I think the Avett Brothers sum it up best in their song The Perfect Space.

I want to have friends

That I can trust

That love me for the man I’ve become

Not the man that I was

I want to have friends that let me be

All alone when being alone is all that I need

Thanks to the SMFBS for those Thursday meet ups!

Bracelets, Metal Work, Necklaces, Pendants, Techniques

Rivet . . . Rivet . . .

metal bracelet

I’ve been riveting all weekend and I’m still not very good at it. Intrigued by the look of my new bracelet design, I felt that surely if I made several of them I would get faster at riveting. Alas, this has not yet been the case. I guess this would be a good time to also work on patience. Each piece of ornamentation on these bracelets is attached with wire rivets and I do like the way they look.

square metal

The metal for the top and the bottom bracelets was “touched by fire” to give it color variation while the middle bracelet’s rectangular shapes were not treated with the torch.

Some of the difficulty in riveting occurs when the circular pieces are domed. I’m still not sure whether to dome and then rivet or vice versa. Either way is a little tricky. round metal

I’m also trying some pendants using the same technique. Although it’s difficult to see in the photo below, the pieces of the necklace pendant say faith, hope and love. I was trying to capture the look of a mobile when I selected the double hanger for this pendant.

I was working on the bird pendant at our wire workers meet up and exclaimed out loud “I can’t get this bird to rivet!” The clever lady next to me said, “it’s not supposed to. It isn’t a frog.” Eventually, the bird DID rivet.

I plan to keep practicing. Keep your fingers crossed that my riveting skills improve. I think it would be pretty tacky to have to resort to glue!

hope faith

 

bird

Philosophy

More Nursing Home Adventure

The last time I did a little show at the home where my mother resides, I drug myself home and said never again . . . but, the body forgets, the heart remembers and last week I did a Spring Burst of Color for them. The picture herein shows the little display that I did in the nursing home living room.  While you can’t see much from the photo, you can get the idea. nursing home display I’ve been doing shows at this facility for six years now and no matter how early I show up prior to my appointed time I have sneakers. No, not on my feet. These are the kind of customers who sneak a peak before I’m all set up and especially before their “friends” know that I’m there. It seems that many of these “friends” want what the other person picked out before they arrived. I think it’s becoming a game for them. It makes it fun for me and I do my best to stay out of the well-intended fray. Yesterday, a late-comer picked out some funky mixed metal earrings and then we searched for a suitable necklace to go with them. Finally, she wanted a piece I had put back for one of her friends. Off she went for “negotiations” with the first buyer. They determined that I could make a second necklace like the favored one. I got so tickled that I agreed to try even though that prized piece had come from the $10 bargain tray. Will I never learn??? It’s not really a problem because these people support my mother and you can’t put any price on that.

I also get tickled at the way people pay for the jewelry other people purchased. It’s one of those . . . “if I pay for this today, can you buy my lunch tomorrow and then owe me the rest at pay day” kind of deals. I love it! I have no doubt the funds all work themselves out. I teased one man who works there because one of the female workers sought him out to pay for her piece. He came right in and gave me cash. When I asked if she was his wife, he just gave me a silly little smirk and I gave him a big wink. I’m still wondering about that one.

There was interest yesterday in the prayer finger beads I’m making and although I only sold three, I suspect folks will remember I have them when they need a gift. prayer This idea was given me from a Lutheran friend and I have enjoyed creating over a dozen of them. They measure a mere 6 1/2” around and are for holding while praying or perhaps for hanging on the wall. I box them with a decorative paper printed with either the Serenity Prayer or a quote from scripture. Several people bought these for hospital gifts. I hope they bring strength and peace to those who receive them.

box 

All things considered, I do enjoy those nursing home shows. I just have to think to wear comfortable shoes, take two Aleve before I go and remember to have fun instead of trying to be a salesman. I’m glad it all came together yesterday.

Earrings, Necklaces, Wire Work

Chain, Chain, Chain

1 Comment

. . . chain of fools . . . I can’t help but hope that I’m not a fool for having purchased three complete spools of silver plated chain. I usually get it by the foot and then when I get home I can’t figure out anything cool to do with it. The chain usually ends up becoming part of the extender for a lobster clasp. So, in a moment where “the devil made me do it”, I bought the bullet and am so far thankful for my action.  I’m having the best time using chain and finding multiple ways to incorporate it into the designs.

Pictured herein are just a few of the pieces incorporating the chain. The first necklace pictured includes the earrings hanging on the side. butterfly necklace multi The beads are inexpensive dyed magnesite heishi beads.

The purple piece is also dyed magnesite and the photo makes it look a bit washed out. The nuggets are really a nice color. The butterfly and flower charms are pewter.

purple mag

 

 

 

The final picture displays a heavier piece, again made from dyed magnesite. I thought these big nuggets were odd at first, but they are beginning to grow on me.

magnesite chain

 

I’ve also fashioned multi strands of just chain into necklaces that may be layered with other things. Now I’m thinking .  .  .    BELTS!

Am I a fool to no longer think I MUST purchase sterling silver chain? The newer plated chain has come a long way and I need to go along with it. While there are still those who will only purchase true silver, I’m beginning to think that many of my customers want to look good while saving their pennies. Here’s hoping magnesite and plated silver chain works for them. Chain, chain, chain .  . .

Color, Necklaces, Wire Work

Bursts of Spring

Hooray! I think it’s Spring and time to use all those pastel beads that have been patiently waiting through the winter months.  shell coins The first photo shows shell coin beads that I’ve enjoyed working with. In other pieces, I’ve strung them with wire links, made a four strand necklace of many colors and used them on silver chain. Putting them against garments, they seem to work with most of the summery things, even those that don’t contain these specific colors.

Dyed magnesite is vivid this year and I must silence my mother’s words when she asks “isn’t that pretty heavy?” Using chain with these colorful nuggets helps to lighten them and they are fun to wear. In addition to the necklace shown, I strung these with wire connectors and leather and also wired individual colors to go singly on neck wires. magnesite I’ve also made both short and longer versions of the one pictured. It’s been fun to make my own chain out of 18 gauge wire.

While it seems I should go to the bead store to find the “hot” colors for summer, I go to the boutiques. It doesn’t really matter to my customers if the bead is “hot” it really matters whether or not it compliments their new outfits. Looking at clothes and THEN going to the bead outlet makes much more sense. There is, however, a catch to this process. How do I go to the boutiques without wanting to buy the clothes? I guess I’ll just have to work on that one until my ship comes in.

Philosophy

Free Ride?

Who says there’s no such thing as a free ride? Last week before the last of the puppies went to his new home, he was playing with the puppy we are keeping. Our puppy was sitting on a towel and the other little guy had the towel in his mouth pulling it across the laundry room floor. Since puppies don’t know about taking turns, it looked like a free ride to me.

This little episode made me start to wonder about the “free ride” phrase. I believe we get many free rides in our lifetime, but perhaps we just don’t see them as such. For example, someone held a shower at my home several weeks ago. It’s one of the few times when I’ve been able to literally sit in the back row, since I didn’t know the guests, and just enjoy myself. I didn’t have to be the life of the party or the charming hostess. It was a real treat. I think it was a free ride! I was able to ride on the bride’s veil tails and remember my own shower some 42 years ago. I also got to listen to whispers from other women about their own special times. It made me wonder if the back seat promises more enjoyment and meaning than the front. Is that where you have to be for a free ride? I think I shall try it again.

When a friend shows me a new wire or torch technique or someone at a design meet up shares an idea, is that a free ride?  They don’t ask for anything in return and I don’t have to contribute if I gave all my creativity at the office. Most of the  designers with whom I spend time are totally unselfish and share things for the sheer joy of it . . . a free ride.

. . . and the puppies? It’s blue bliss around here since we now have just the one pup we are keeping. While I was blue to see the other six leave for new homes, I feel blissful about their placements. Now I can have my laundry room back and things will begin to return to normal . . . whatever that is.

Keep your eyes out for that “free ride”. Perhaps you’ve had one recently and just didn’t recognize it. If you can’t find one, why not give one?

Bracelets, Wire Work

Just Like Mike Mulligan

Do you remember the story of Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel? This old children’s book has many important messages, not the least of which is about when the old (steam shovels) begin to be replaced by the new (those run by diesel, etc.) In this book, Mike bids on the digging of the basement for the new city hall and says that if he is unable to do it in just one day, he won’t need to be paid. Of course, he gets the job done, but then realizes that he and steam shovel, Mary Anne, can’t get out. As best I recall, Mary Anne stays in the basement and takes on a new steam task for the building which Mike manages.

Today, I pulled a Mike Mulligan. My six week old puppies have figured out how to escape from their temporary outdoor fence. Disgustedly, since I couldn’t get anything done due to chasing puppies, I got in the fence and put up quite a formidable barricade so those little darlings would stay put. As I eyed my work, I suddenly realized that I had no way to get out. There is no gate and I had just sealed the only opening. Eventually, I stood precariously on a rubber tub, grabbed the porch railing and hoisted myself out. It was NOT a graceful happening.

I’ve had some Mike Mulligans with my new bracelet designs. While starting with great enthusiasm, after adorning the armature with the first beads, I’ve sometimes realized that I didn’t leave myself a pleasing way to finish the piece. The goal with these bracelets has been to create depth in the design without sacrificing comfort, Often when I achieve a large focal point on the top of the bracelet, it flips much too easily when being worn, but this style has done great – no flipping! The first picture, taken from the side of the bracelet, shows the dimension. red bracelet You can see how the wire form layers to which small beads may be attached. The beads help hold the distance between the layers. The Mulligan happens when I get “stuck” on one layer and can’t figure out where to go next. This bracelet with red magnesite, lapis and amethyst is still in progress. The one below is finished and wears nicely.

yello bracelet

 

 

 

In the end, Mike Mulligan and and steam shovel did not grow obsolete but rather found themselves in a new line of work – all because they got “stuck” Let’s just hope that as I get stuck on layers of these bracelets, I’ll find a new creative and attractive way to finish things off.

Necklaces, Philosophy

Too Young?

You’re never too young (or old) to pick up a hammer. I was privileged to stay with my  grandson for several days while his parents were out of town. On occasion, I would try to sneak in a little hammering on wire that I had configured while he was napping. Such a good little child . . . he wanted to help. Although I tried to interest him in his little toy hammer which had bells and whistles, he wanted mine. I was amazed that this 1 year old could wield the hammer and strike the bench block. I was, however, careful to keep my toes and fingers out of the way. He’s a strong little guy! I think his favorite part was the sound of the ping when the hammer met the block. boy hammer Do you think we have a future designer or construction worker here? I think we just have a little boy who wants to do everything!

It makes me think how much fun we all have when we try different things. The wire work group with which I meet once a month tried etching and it was fun. I enjoyed this process, but was not fully captivated by it and realized that I can try something new without having to go “whole hog” into the endeavor. This is a phenomenon I’ve seldom experienced. I usually go overboard.  I looked around the room during our meet up and saw totally absorbed women working on their etching and seemingly not worrying about anything else. It resembled the concentration and joy I saw on my grandson’s face when he made the hammer go “ping”. Do you think we could market this to psychiatrists as “Creativity, the healthy way to improve your outlook”?

rough turq

 

The pictures herein show some of the pieces I’ve done lately to “improve my outlook”. The first is a double strand of very rough cut turquoise and agate.

 

The next is a sterling silver wave adorned with cherry quartz, amethyst and pearls. silver wave

 

 

The third piece is made of shell with some spiney oyster and magnesite.

shell  

I’m definitely hoping for spring weather with the latter two pieces. I find that the boutiques are bulging with new spring clothes, so it’s time to think about pastel jewelry. All three of the pieces were new combination for me and another creative avenue. We don’t have to try something totally new to be creatively happy. It you can’t get to a brand new experience, just do a little juggling with the one you are currently tackling. I used to tell my gifted/creative students that if they were bored, it was their fault. They have to bring something to the learning experience. I think my grandson brought a great big hammer!

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