Sunday 25 November 2012

Herringbone part one

Enamel donut with wirework bale and chain
This does not necessarily mean there will be a part two you understand so don't be holding your breath.

I've been playing around with herringbone weave this week. I'm not quite done with it yet, I still have a few ideas kicking around in my head that I'd like to try out.

This necklace uses an enamel donut I made ages ago and loved but I never quite found the right combo that made it into a something.

It has been looking at me from the slide pockets I stick up on the wall to keep half thought out things, doodles, near misses and "I like it but have no idea where I am going with this" things.

Anyway, I did some herringbone weave on the blue & orange crackle beads. Then off I went wondering what would happen if I didn't weave round a bead and while testing that idea to destruction came up with the herringbone bale based around a tiny copper bead.

Et voila! a necklace and a lot of scrap wire. Good job I use copper.

Just as soon as I manage to take some decent photos of it,  I'll sweep away the cobwebs in my MISI shop and put it up for sale.


Sunday 18 November 2012

Golden Brown

Wirework necklace and bracelet brown
Still wrapping and coiling over here.

This is a necklace and bracelet set I am making for someone at work. She really liked the black and white crackle glass beads on the pendant I made for myself but wanted something like the chain but in brown (there's always one isn't there) .

Anyway because I'd ordered smaller beads and because the brown was more of a dark amber and  just didn't have the oomph of the black and clear I've added some coil beads in a chocolate brown wire.

I've only lightly patinated the copper this time so the overall effect is sort of a rusty colour perfect for a redhead.

It's fairly understated to wear with a suit at work but the clear part of the crackle beads just throws off the odd sparkle as they catch the light.

Now to master herringbone for some rather funky blue and orange crackle glass beads I just couldn't resist when I ordered these. Oh and then there's the brown/blue marble effect beads. Shopping it's really dangerous.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Winding round and round and

Wrapped enamel pendant 1st go

I'm still working my way through Abby Hook's book this pendant wrap was based on her sea urchin design.

My first attempt didn't really gel looking too heavy for the enamel piece which is due to me wanting to adapt the design so I could use my enamels and using the wire I had on hand which is heavier than the one recommended. Neither did it really hold my enamel secure as it was a domed piece rather than a true cabochon.

Wrapped enamel pendant
After sleeping on it I took off the beads and folded four of the prongs round the back then added more tiny copper beads for a much lighter look which also hold my enamel securely (which is nice). I've teamed it up with a wrapped link chain I made from some crackle beads I took a fancy to ages ago and never got round to using. I have to admit it's not perfect so I'll be keeping it for myself (shame :) )

Note to self get a stand that doesn't look like someone tried to hack its head off.