Year of Jewelry and other Projects

It's been a while since I've posted anything.  I've been spending a good bit of time with my bead soup and doing a lot of experimenting with weaving.  I was so lucky to get several free tutorials from Nicole Hanna when she had a fan celebration on facebook.  I haven't completed any of the tutorials but I have been practicing her weaving techniques.  I used them on this large amethyst pendant and I'm very proud of the results.

Jasper and amethyst surrounded by a copper frame.  

Design inspired by Szarka of Magpie Gemstones.

I've also been experimenting with salt water etching.  This is a great method using a battery and salt water to etch metal.  I'm still experimenting with various resists as I haven't quite gotten the results I desire.  I've done the ferric chloride method in the past with good results but the chemical is expensive so it's good to have an alternative method.  I've learned quite a bit so far and am looking forward to trying some more etching this weekend.  This is a picture of my first attempt but the etch is not deep enough - I think the solution needed more salt.  A few more experiments and I'll write a full blog on etching. 

I'm also continuing to create a piece each week for the Year of Jewelry Project on facebook.  The weekly themes have been challenging as I am trying to make a piece that reflects the theme, although that is not a strict requirement. I am using the themes to try techniques and designs I might not create otherwise.  It's a great way to help me think outside of my box.

Week 6 - Embrace

Embracing My Inner Child - what fun I had with this !!

 

Week 7 - Off the Cuff

I love this unakite and copper cuff 

Week 8- Multiples

...going in circles

Week 9 - Simplicity

a simple wrap around a gorgeous and large tiger eye pendant

Week 10 - Wabi Sabi

an excellent theme - I truly enjoyed reading about Wabi Sabi and seeing the beautiful designs posted by each participant

 

Week 11 - Rescued from the Scrap Bin

Heavy gauge copper wire literally rescued from the scrap bin, reshaped, and embellished with a few amethyst chips - nice save !!

Week 12 - Spring has Sprung

Indeed it has in my part of the country - temps in the high 80's last week !!

This is a lovely piece of sea glass from Nova Scotia - collected by my dear friend, Datz Katz, and gifted to me in a trade.  The glass looks like snow behind a budding tree branch.

Week 13 - A Personal Talisman

I haven't officially posted this one yet - but I think a quartz crystal - said to promote healing and energy - is a good talisman.  I have many more crystals to be wrapped and I love the way the weaving enhances the beauty of the crystal without distraction.

Guess it's time to get back to my bead soup - and more weaving and etching.  Thanks for stopping by.