Not quite the first completed project of 2018, but the first one ready to show off: Spring Garland Earrings! 2″ long asymmetrical tendrils of beaded vines make up these lightweight, dramatic earrings. Findings: .925 sterling silver leverback ear wires from Plazko.com. Beads from Creative Destination, Drumbeat Indian Arts, Fire Mountain Gems, Bead World, Bead…
Read More Spring Garland EarringsFor 43 years, Ornament Magazine has been documenting personal adornment through the world’s highest levels of wearable fine craft and art media. The magazine itself has a physical beauty that has never been compromised: thick paper, glossy finish, stunning photography, and deeply-researched articles. I first encountered Ornament in January 1979 in the skimpy magazine section…
Read More Ornament MagazineTechnology is wonderful. Especially when bright but otherwise bored people say ‘Hey, these zirconium ceramic ball bearings and whetstones are nearly as tough as sapphire. I bet we could make jewelry out of this stuff!’ Jewelry wonks are already familiar with Cubic Zirconium, the relatively cheap and readily available diamond-substitute gem, usually faceted and sold…
Read More Black Ceramic ChainThis will be an elitist rant about metal wire. First, soothe your eyes by looking at this piece: (Lisa Barth: ‘The Perfect Marriage’ bracelet, photo courtesy of Lisa Barth and Bead & Button Magazine. Link: http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/gallery-of-designs/f761) Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about wirework jewelry. Sometimes known as wire-wrapping, wire-weaving, or tension…
Read More Etsy Showcase: some twisted wires