Cluster Ring

Today's project is light and easy after the hand and finger numbing weaving yesterday. This wire wrapped cluster ring is based on Margo Farrin O'Connor's article in the Step by Step Wire Jewelry Summer Preview 2007 issue. Oh yes, I am taking action in trying out the projects outlined in this issue. Instead of 16g wire recommended in the tutorial, I used 20g for the ring shank. I made three loops (instead of the five shown in her instruction) where the wired beads are attached to (can't be seen in the pictures here). All in all there are 15 wire wrapped beads attached to the three loops (five on each). They are a mixture of some of my favorite stones including swarovski crystal, rutilated crystal beads (golden and maroon), garnet, jade, agate, pearl and Czech fire polished glass bead. Henry (my youngest son) likes this ring. Maybe because of the sound it makes when I shake the ring.

Failed Pendant Project

I failed miserably in this project. This is supposed to be the weave bezel by DancingFeather in the Step by Step Wire Jewelry Magazine Summer Preview 2007. Wasted the whole afternoon weaving and the result is a distorted looking pendant. I used 25g for the weaving and I think the wire is just too hard for this kind of weaving. Shall try finer wire next round. That is the problem with stainless steel wire, the soft is not as "soft" as in other wire.

Washers and Pearl Earring

Back to pearl again but this time I wire wrapped them around the stainless steel spring washers that I have been playing around with lately. One of my favorite piece this one. Always fascinated with pearls.

Hardware Earrings Again

Not much to say here, just another variation of the hardware earrings I have been making since the last few days. Although I am on leave from work this whole week, I did not manage to make the number of wire jewelry pieces that I thought I could. The two boys are really a handful. The whole house looks like being hit by a hurricane and by the end of the week, I think I am losing my voice - halfway there already ...LOL.

Another Hardware Earrings

Another stainless steel washers day. If yesterday I only used steel washers, today I incorporated some gemstones to the earrings. They are tourmaline at the bottom (purplish), agate (light orange) at the center and swarovski crystal at the top. I am getting the hang of the spring washers already. They are hard to bend but after a few times, I know which way to bend and how to hold the pliers. Yes, need to use two flat nose pliers at the same time to close the gap. And a lot of strength......My arms are sore....LOL. Very good workout actually. Hope this will help me to flatten my tummy...LOL.

Who says its Hard to "Wear" Earrings

Today's earrings are made of washers (including spring washers). These washers have been sitting in my box for many many months. Took them months back and started something (bracelet actually) but I don't like the result so I dismantle it. The spring washer is another story. It is just so hard that I gave up bending the gap open that first time. Somehow, I managed to pry them open today and just went ahead to make this two sets of earrings. Used up all my strength that my hands are sore....LOL. This is really "hard work". But, I will making more of them. Now that the spring washers have been conquered, it should be easier.