I Heart Metal

Enough complaining! I'm moving onward and upward.

I have really enjoyed the metalsmithing sessions I've been taking for the last couple of months. I have learned so much and there is so much more to learn. However, tomorrow will be my last session for the summer. So sad : ( It's just to difficult for me to line up a sitter, and make the time to work on projects between classes. But, the break will be brief...just for the summer. Then in September, I'll be back at it! The sessions that is, as I'll be working on metalsmithing projects, or any new projects for that matter, when I have a chance.

In the meantime, here are some recently finished pieces...

Foggy Forest - Dendritic Jasper Necklace

And remember this? I finally finished this pendant, and I'm very pleased with the outcome.

There are a couple more projects in the works. Hopefully, I'll get them done soon.

More Metal

I haven't chatted about it lately but I'm still loving the metalsmithing. Still taking classes, and trying to figure how I'll get my session in once the kids get out of school. Here's a peek at some of the pieces I've finished as of recent...

The stone for this necklace is a beautiful Apatite. It's the most beautiful shade of blue. I love, love this necklace, but can't keep 'em all, right?

the back

Love this one too...Larimar necklace

I cut out the back on this pendant, the back of the stone is as pretty as the front.

Prehnite earrings, this is my first pair of earrings. I'm looking forward to making a couple more pairs, with different stones of course.

I've got some more metalwork projects in the mix. They are a little more time consuming to complete, and once I get started I don't want to stop, so I have to pace myself.

More Metal Monday

Yesterday, we woke to white stuff on the ground...crazy! Hubby was home, and the kids were engrossed in a movie, so I ceased the opportunity and slipped out to the workshop. It was freezing but I'd rather play with metal than watch tv, or better yet, clean.

I've been in search for some really great cabs to set. As a result, I've discovered lots of great shops on etsy, that have fabulous stones. Although, I'd rather see and touch the stone before purchasing, I have yet to be disappointed. One of my purchases was this Willow Creek Jasper from StepheezGems. She has lots of great cabochons, if your in the market.

I had a devil of a time with this pendant...good thing I was working solo. This isn't exactly the way I had sketched the back out, there was suppose to be a few wavy wire pieces, but they were not cooperating. Instead of having a full on temper tantrum, and risking loosing this big piece of silver...yikes!...I settled for sawing the curve instead. I'm still thrilled with the way it turned out.

Willow Creek Jasper Pendant

note to self...I need to go back and clean up the oxidation a bit around the balls

Next up, I finished off the pendant of the unknown stone with some gorgeous tourmaline rondelles.

as promised a picture of the back

Finally, a great everyday ring. This is nice and simple. I textured and domed a sterling disc, then set it. Super cool!

I'm so happy with what I got done this weekend, of course I can thank the lousy weather. Did you have time to create this weekend?

Metalsmithing

I've been M.I.A. lately in the blog world. With the coming of spring, life picks up a little more hectic pace. We headed out of town while the kids were on spring break, softball has begun, and I'm frantically trying to kick it into high gear so that I'll be ready for upcoming art shows.

Today will be another hectic day, but I wanted to drop in and share a few metalwork projects that I've finished. I'm totally, lovin' doing metalsmithing. There is SO much to learn!

Peruvian Opal Pendant

I love, love this pendant and can't wait to get a chain so that it can be worn. However, this setting set me in a fit everytime I worked on it! The flower petals and cut out back...I was probably a little ambitious to start with something like this, but it's done, gorgeous, and I love it!



the back...I cut the back out so the light can shine through, the stone is so pretty, and added the flower petal to match the front.



Pendant

I'm unsure what this stone is, any ideas? I purchased it quite a while ago. Anyway, I'm not quite done with this. It looks kinda blah right now, but there will be colorful dangles on the bottom loops, and of course chain. I forgot to photograph the back, but I there is lots of scrollwork. More photos when this is finished.

Druzy Ring

 Ring

Here's another...don't know the stone, ugh! Love this too! I wear it all the time! Copper back sheet and silver balls. This is the first piece I completed entirely on my own. To say the least I was giddy with excitement when it was finished and realized...I. Can. Do. It! Yea!

I promise, it won't be so long before I check in again, and I'm trying to catch up on reading the blogs I follow.

Have a great weekend!

Who Knew It Could Be Such Fun

Have you ever come across something new that you are absolutely obsessed with...well I'm like that with lots of new ventures. If I even kind of like what I'm interested in then I jump in with both feet and sometimes (many times...) go overboard. You know what I mean???

This is what has happened since stumbling onto the book that I previously blogged about Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet. I always love a good challenge and last year I began piddling in metalwork, not that I don't love creating with wire but just to expand my horizons and try a little something new. So I got a couple books and LOTS of supplies and did just that...piddled. However, since getting this new book I have been doing more metalwork and combining it with wire. A perfect marriage! And these last couple of days I have just gone hog wild! My dear hubby took the oldest kiddie and went away for one last hurrah before school starts and that left me with my little princess who is more than happy to play by herself for hours on end. (of course she doesn't do that when her older brother is around) So for a couple of hours for two days I got busy out in my studio/garage. I really enjoyed forging and pounding the metal and creating while it lasted. Take a gander at what I did...I had so much fun. I'm sure there will be more to come especially since my kids start back to school on Wednesday.

Twisted Cliffs - Mixed Metals Pendant/Necklace

This pendant is much like the example that is in the book. Forged from copper sheet, the edges have been hammered, then holes punched to add the dangles/charms. I'm super pleased with the way that it turned out! This is definitely a Bold statement piece, not for the faint at heart. Can't wait to see peoples reaction as I will be taking this piece to an art's festival in the weekend to come.

Unlocked - Mixed Metal Earrings

These earrings are forged form brass, sterling, and copper. Notice that every component has been hammered...pounding....that's one of my favorite parts...getting out all the pent up stress.There is lots of that to go around with 2 kids.

Glittering Caves - Mixed Metal Earrings

Again, just like the book...copper sheet forged into a triangle shape with a sterling silver wire wrapped bead on the inside. Super unique-my mom and sister's reaction-"Ooooo, I really like them..." my husband's-"uh, not so much." Go figure!

All Around - Mixed Metal Earrings

For these earrings, I wanted to do a little something different than was in the book. The components are cut from copper, brass, and sterling as before and textured (of course) but instead of stacking, I decided to sew the components together with fine gauge sterling wire. Again, pleased, might have to gift these to my little sis...she liked them so much!

Oil Spill Pendant

Oil Spill~Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Pendant

I was so excited upon receiving these beads! Couldn't wait to create a new something. The focal bead is so much larger than the others so I wanted to make a pendant using it.


This is how it turned out. This bead is large and chunky (22 mm x 30 mm), and I wanted the wirework to compliment it well without covering up the metallic finish and raised bumps. The bead is framed in coiled fine gauge wire, followed with another wrap of a medium gauge wire. The base and top loops are also coiled, and the top is embellished with hammered cascading spirals.


I am very please with the results! I almost hate to sell it...but I did save the largest of the smaller beads for moi.

Be sure to check this Oil Spill Pendant out in my etsy shop.

Update from yesterday's post

Freeform Cone Weave Pendant/Necklace

Okay...here is the finished necklace with much better photos. I am on the fence whether I am going to add this piece to my Etsy shop or take it to the gallery. If I do list this necklace in my shop I will be doing it later tonight, as I have a really busy afternoon.