Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sterling Silver Herringbone Bangles

Seems like I just can't get enough of wrapping wire.  I decided to try my hand at the herringbone wrap, which was downright fun once I got the hang of it.  My early attempts were clumsy and misshapen, but that's what copper wire and bulk beads are for.  It took several tries to get the wire gauge and the beads to match up.  And yes, I could have paid for the tutorial and gotten the instructions for how to do that, but where's the sense of adventure in that??



So now I was ready to create an actual bracelet using this design.  I made individual herringbone links using emerald green bulk beads and 22 gauge raw copper wire, then connected them with jump rings.  I have a tendency to eyeball measurements and this resulted in uneven sizes for the links.  I have the same issue when I cook.  It works great for main dishes like meats that benefit from winging it with spices and sauces, but for baking it's a bit of a disaster.  *sigh* 
My theory is that if you want jewelry that is perfectly uniform, you need to buy factory made Chinese jewelry, not artisan handmade jewelry.  

The obvious problem for me was all those jump rings.  Since I'm not able to solder them (not in my repertoire yet) I worried about the rings pulling apart.  Granted, the piece would be work hardened by tumbling, but that's just never going to be as secure as soldered.  Better yet, solid.  It turned out well, but as a future design, I felt the need to solve the jump ring dilemma.  I wondered if my 20 gauge sterling half hard wire would fit through the drill holes of the beads I wanted to use - some really nice vintage carved Sleeping Beauty turquoise.  Luckily they did, so I created the basic form of the bracelet strung with the turquoise beads on a single 20 ga Argentium sterling wire, then made the wrappings around that single base wire using 24 gauge Argentium silver.  


I love the result.  It fits more like a bangle with the stones facing up at all times. Granted, it gives it a bit more formal look, but that's ok.  This is the same design done in black onyx.  The clasp is a simple hook and eye, all from the same base wire. 



The Signature Swirl Collar Inspiration

It started as a picture in my head.  I spent one Saturday afternoon looking at line designs and kept coming back to the idea of tendrils, like the ones on sweet peas.  This sketch developed from that idea.

The lines are sexy and sensuous, but elegant.  Sweet peas are innocent and delicate, after all!


Taping with masking tape to secure the design turned out to be a mistake, as the sticky stuff stays on the metal when you peel it off to work the wire weave.  I think I'll try painter's tape (the blue kind) for my next attempt.
I hadn't realized that when I was creating this, I was making it "backwards".  As I wired, I would place it around my own neck in just this position.  When I finished and put it on the mannequin, I realized that it was "backwards" from the position in which it was sketched and created.
Hammering brings out the movement of the lines and adds character and personality to the piece.















Polishing with MAAS, cleaning with Xylol, and two coats of ProtectaClear, then 1 hour in the oven at 180°F.


The finished product.  


ShesSoWitte Signature Swirl Gold Collar in non-tarnish brass, $75




VISIT SHESSOWITTE ON ETSY

The Purpose of the Blog: A Virtual Trip to Ontario

I've been thinking about blogging my jewelry process for some time now, but never really got the concept.  I have spent the past two days on a search for new inspirations, making Treasury Lists on Etsy.  In my search, I stumbled across Janet Hill Studios.  I have been lost in her mesmerizing world of tiny interiors and glimpses of lovely ladies and their shoes ever since.  I also now understand the concept of the blog.  At least I have the inspiration I need to create my own more regularly.  Thank you Janet Hill.

TO VISIT JANET'S ETSY STORE CLICK HERE
TO VISIT HER BLOG CLICK HERE