It all started a couple of weeks ago with trying with wanting try out some of my components in earings. I found a couple of tutorials on line for making ear wires. Ahhhh, they are fun to make. Then it moved on to these new oval connectors. Could they be used in bracelets? Could I actually make my own clasp? 
Then I found this square bead that I made, who knows when. And I looked at it and said what on earth would you use this for? Then my mind wandered back to my childhood wish to be Catholic. I was fascinated by rosaries back then. Actually, I am still fascinated by religious iconography. So wire wrapping away, I put this necklace together. But I cheat and connect the pieces with jump rings.
These are really done for my own amusement. And I must say that brass wire is a whole lot more challanging than the copper or sterling that I've used in the past. Who knows where any of this will go?
I credit this jumping from one thing to the next to my Dad. He was a mechanic, silver smith, roof builder, welder, lead lighter, wood carver, pipe layer, cabinet builder, lapidarist, much of it at the same time. A Renaisance man at it's best and pretty good at most of what he turned his hand to. Although to this day my Mother regrets letting him alter the roof line over the sun porch. But Dad always took pride in what he did and nothing left his shop half done or shoddy.
Another part of the legacy. These things were fun. I'll probably do some more. The brass wire is an enjoyable challange. But they will stay with me for now.
11 comments:
why, do you feel like the brass wire is harder than the other wires? what gauge were you using?
I LOVE the necklace!!! You did a great job!
It is quite addicting isn't it?!! Ha!
They are all really nice pieces, but I reeaaaly like the bottom necklace, the colors are soft and gorgeous! Fantastic job! It looks like it comes quite natural to you. I am intrigued by your attraction to religius icons and catholicism, since this is a subject I have been talking with Deryn Mentock about a lot these days. Growing up catholic was not easy for me, and I love and am fascinated with the story of Christ and the images, but I grew up and still hold partial fear in my heart toward this subject. I have been working on a piece of jewelry with some religious symbols in it, but it is a work in progress. Sometimes I feel sacreligious, others times I say to myself, why not, this is beautiful and I do believe in these icons, and have trusted in there power for years! Oh, how I wish we could just sit and talk and not type!! Argh!! Enough for tonight, story to be continued! I tend to get long winded!
Lorelei, it's 24 gauge dead soft and just doesn't feel as maleable as silver. But I love the colour and I love how you can temper it on a block without getting lots of little dents in it. So it's a matter of being comfortable. Your work with brass is fantastic!
Excellent work, love them both!
Thanks Cristi and Marbella! I am not a jeweler but I do love the manipulation of metal.
Sharon, thanks and no you're not long winded. I grew up Lutheran, one step removed from Catholics. Same sort of heavy burden, although we didn't get to do confession. We just had to hope our good deeds out weighed the sin :) My fascination with iconography in religious art whether it be Christian, Islamic,Bhudist or whatever, is the reverance and awe that it is created in. And I think a lot of that is cross cultural. You don't have to subscribe to a particular belief system to have it be relevant. I guess really for me there is a transcedence and that is very appealing. Anyway, I'd love to chat more as well.
LeAnn, I really like your new jewelry, both pieces would be fun to wear. And I love the color of the connectors in your bracelet, it looks blue and green.
Debbie
LeAnn,
just beautiful, both pieces! I do to see more. And I think this is a good way of showing people how to use your pieces at the art market - for those that need a little jump start.
I think I particularly like the necklace ...BTW, it is perfectly alright to use jump rings, jewellers have been doing it for centuries. ;)
Have a beautiful day!
Renate
Lovely work! Your beads and buttons are beautiful, too, and I will be heading over to Etsy to check out your store!
Renate, you always always give me such great support!
Silver Parrot, thank you and I'm happy you've found my blog.
how much fun just to drift!
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