Earring Revival

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I’ve largely spent this week reviving my earring batch which was pretty pitiful after the holidays. I’m sorry for my family and friends who have been inundated with my requests to “try on” a pair so I could see how they look. Even though I’ve had pieced ears twice, I still can’t wear earrings; so I have to look for models. I guess I’m going to have to create some type of fake ears here in the studio so I can quit bugging people. Hmm . . . I wonder if I could make a model out of clay . . . ?

You can see from the photo that the bulk of these are hearts which were requested by one of the stores. I also made something in copper that’s supposed to resemble calla lilies and there’s another unknown shape in sterling silver at the bottom left. I thought the latter shape was a trisket, but it seems I’m wrong and must have invented that name since I’m not finding it on the internet. Do any of you know what this is called?

The above picture shows earrings that look better on that laying flat. I thought I’d call them “dancing feet”, but I’ve yet to figure out how to explain the pair on the right. I guess those have two left feet!

I often feel that I either have two left hands when I’m working or that I don’t have enough hands to hold everything I need. Some days I wish for a real human who would willingly lend a skilled hand and work in tandem beside me at the bench. Alas, I’d probably talk to the person too much and neither of us would get anything done. I guess I’ll have to stick with my own two hands and do the best I can.

Earrings, Metal Work, Wire Work 3 comments

Color It Tangerine

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If you follow the color trend predictions, you already know that Pantone, the industry color trendsetter, lists Tangerine Tango as the color of the year. I found it splashed all over the front page of the Life & Style section of the Austin, TX newspaper yesterday. If you are looking for a soothing, quiet color, this is NOT it. It is a bold and bright reddish orange that is definitely eye catching when presented dominantly in a design.

I looked at my cluttered bead table and realized that I have a few things I could call tangerine if I removed the word orange from my current vocabulary. Doesn’t Tangerine Tango sound much more expensive than orange? While in Hawaii last week, I obtained a piece of calcite that I think borders on the topic color.

Calcite is a primary mineral in cave formations and produces those stalactites and stalagmites we learned about in school. It’s usually white or colorless but can be light yellow, orange, blue, pink, red, brown, green, black or gray.

Another Tangerine Tango piece was laying in the demolition box. This is where I keep the things that didn’t work out. I put them there when I’m too lazy to take them apart and then I can grab a bead here and there when I need it.

Although the blue beads in this piece are not natural, you can see that turquoise would be a good complimentary color with this orange.

I’m hoping that Tangerine Tango won’t take over summer garments and accessories the way pink did several years ago. I remember everything that year was pink and by the next year it was totally gone. Yet, perhaps a little tango with this tangerine might be a good dance to try in a few designs. It really is pretty nice.

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Weave a Web

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It’s no secret that I enjoy weaving with wire, but I’m realizing that I enjoy weaving relationships as well. I often say to someone  “I’ll bet ‘so and so’ could help you with that” or “ ‘so and so’ would really enjoy meeting you and discussing that.” It’s likely that the true name for this is networking, but weaving people together sounds much more creative.

Sometimes weaving the right people together needs to be added to the planning of an event. Have you ever sat by someone at a dinner party with whom you have absolutely nothing in common with? I guess that’s why some people use place cards! Perhaps you have been invited to a jewelry design event where everyone else was working solely with wire and you were the only metal artist. You either have to weave yourself into the group or watch from afar.

We can also consider how friendships are woven together. When these relationships ebb, flow or dissipate, it can be because the interest that bound them together has changed for at least one of the parties. A tightly woven relationship may continue if there is more than one common thread.

Weaving is also important when you are trying to decide what art/craft shows to participate in. The artist needs to be woven into the tapestry of a show where customers will appreciate the work. If customers visit a show because it is known for sparkling, blingy jewelry and your wares are metal and leather, things might not work out well for you. I like to find venues where I fit into the tapestry, but edge to the fringes with something slightly unique for the customers.

Aside from the above ramblings and philosophy, I wanted to share the new rings I’m been weaving this week. I learned how to create them from a youtube video and share the link below with you.

First I made several of the rings out of copper. I tried putting a bead in one, but am not especially pleased with it.

Then I made one out of sterling silver wire and must admit it is my favorite.

The weaving on these rings is the same technique that I have used on the newer bracelets and some of the necklaces. It works up very quickly. The only difficulty I had was is molding the 14 gauge main wires at the end.  I hope you will try one of these rings as I think you will like the look.

I also urge you to consider how you weave other things together in your family and relationships. Just as with the wires in the rings, individuals can support one another and create a strong whole.

family, Philosophy, Rings, Wire Work 1 comment

Winging in the New Year

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We are a family that thrives on playing music and singing; so it is certainly fitting that our grandson ushered in 2011 with his drum set and the ABC’s song. His new hat only added to the festival of laughing. I’d have to say he definitely “winged” it with the drums.

We were also blessed with the beautiful sound of our new wind chimes given to us by wonderful friends. These alto chimes resonate (wing) gently through the air with wonderful clear tones. The photo verifies the fact that we finally received some rain here and the outside terrain is looking much better. This was much needed moisture since the last loads of hay that arrived here came all the way from Mississippi.

I winged it by creating some new wire jewelry that looks a bit like some type of flying creature. It’s already time for me to start using Spring colors since this it what my wholesale customers will need next. These are just the beginning.

I created this garnet piece at the end of last year, but it got me started on the “winged” pieces above.

In between drumming, singing and making winged jewelry, we did find a little time for baking. My grandson was only too happy to help me bake a chocolate pie. Amazingly, the rest of the family was only too happy to eat it!  

Since the New Year has been properly winged in here at Dreamcatcher Ranch, the only thing left to do is say “Happy New Year” to you.

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‘Twas Two Days Before Christmas . . .

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. . . and all through the town . . .

Today I happily set out with a small group of errands to run, none of which would be life or season threatening if not accomplished. It’s a very cold day here in Central Texas and I was sure that shoppers would don the Christmas spirit along with their jackets today.

People were actually quite cheery at my first stop; but then I was just finishing up a previously ordered large purchase and they were feeling good about it. The “spirit” of people at my next stop wasn’t quite the same. There were lots of shoppers at Penney’s and they were NOT all smiling. I felt sorry for the little children there who were either being pushed in a store cart or ushered by hand around the building. I was hopeful of finding a smiling child and eventually spotted two. Their dad had them in a double stroller and was tilting it as he tried to convince the little guys that they were flying. I hope the mom, who was shopping nearby, appreciated the delightful squeals of her children.

I also saw a large fellow standing very still as he looked at the women’s slippers hanging on the wall. He just stood there; so I just watched. Finally he removed a carefully folded list from his coat pocket. He put it back and continued to just stand there. Perhaps I should have offered to help, but, knowing that advise sometimes adds more confusion, I just moved on.

Many of the people in the store just looked confused. It’s that time of the season when you can no longer put off choosing what to get for Aunt Margaret or Uncle Harry. I noted that some people look downright angry when they are forced into last minute decisions.

A pair of women, having trouble making a choice, eventually grabbed a garment and determined they could take the one they already purchased back. I think there will be many returns after Christmas and I’m really glad that doesn’t usually happen with the jewelry I sell.

I traveled on to Walmart and kept watching for smiling Christmas shoppers. Several times I observed older couples and thought one or the other of them was smiling. Then I realized that when you’ve lost several teeth, your lips take on a different shape that can look like a smile. (Actually, some looked like frowns.) I hope when my teeth fall out I’m left smiling.

Although I had planned some other stops, I came home right after Walmart. I had collected all the smile data I needed for the day and concluded that the facial expressions I sought just weren’t very abundant. At home, I put the Christmas music on, gave the animals extra treats and put on my own smile. I plan to keep it on my face for many days. This is more important than what I’m giving people. My family may not remember what I gave them for Christmas, but they will probably remember my disposition!

One of the gifts I made best depicts the source of my feelings for the season.

I just need to realize how happiness comes from that which touches my heart and let the cross remind me of the source of the true Christmas spirit. I hope this also puts a smile on your face.

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‘Tis the Season For . . .

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. . . RED! It’s interesting to watch groups of people and note the predominance of things that are red this time of year. Red sweatshirts, red blouses, red skirts and red Santa hats seem to be in vogue. It also seems a good time for red noses as winter ebbs and flows in the center of Texas. Amid the red I keep hearing “cough, cough, s n e e z e!” Yes – ‘tis that time of year too.

Red jewelry also seems to be popular right now. I’ve sold all the coral necklaces I made and have noticed an abundance of red bling on the necks and wrists of shoppers.

I tried to wear red bling. Several weeks ago I made a red garnet pendant and hung it from black seed beads. It just didn’t work. One reason was that it was not the right length. This became apparent when I wore it to a wire workers meetup and people kept saying “pull your necklace up” or “pull your shirt down.” These gals are very helpful and obviously I needed to do something about that red necklace.

Last night I took it apart and reworked the little jewel. This is not my favorite part of designing, but every once in a while you just have to give in and admit you didn’t get it right the first time.

I changed the strands from which the pendant hangs to a type of figure eight double strand. In the dark last night it looked great. In the light this morning IT DIDN’T! Although all the beads are garnet, they didn’t all look the same color. Therefore, midday brought another necklace revision wherein I added some of the strand beads to the pendant. I’m almost afraid to look at it again, but am hoping I have it right this time.

Right now I’m thinking that it’s too bad you can’t give unmatched beads a dip in something, like you do with metal in liver of sulphur, to make them end up the same color. If there are any chemists out there – go for it! (OK – I’m sure all you gemologists just cringed – sorry.)

When I struggle with a piece like this I try to figure out what, if anything, I learned from the project. This piece taught me to pay more attention to how I finish something, to try on a piece as I work on it, to look at things more often in good light and to accept that good resistance to closure may go on for weeks. “Yet, red necklace, I’m definitely finished with you now.”

Happy Red to all of you!

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Laughter and Productivity

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Most of us know that laughter is an excellent way to prepare for creative thinking. The research certainly backs this up and I can attest to it. When I worked with the Creativity Division of the National Association for Gifted Children, it seemed the other divisions tried to avoid our proximity during our meetings. We were probably the loudest and most fun group in the building. Most years, the division meetings were all held at the same time and in various parts of the same large room. The Creativity Division could clear out the entire room when we met. While many probably thought we were just goof offs, we were one of the most productive divisions in the association. Our spontaneous eruptions usually led to a new idea that proved beneficial.

Lately, I’ve seemed to be in need of some of the Division’s spontaneity. At this point in December, I’m feeling a bit spent and my productivity has waned. It’s obvious to me that creativity and productivity are inextricably linked for me. If I’m not producing, I’m not problem solving and therefore am not being creative.

Yesterday, I got a little help with this problem from a friend . . . my mother. When I arrived at the nursing home to visit her, she informed me that it was about time I got there. She had on one earring and was trying to get the other stud on. I couldn’t help but wonder how long she had been at it. We laughed when she was finally “fixed”.

Then I asked her what she wanted for Christmas. Without missing a beat she said, “my TWO FRONT TEETH” and flashed me a big toothless grin. Indeed, her two front teeth are missing and she does need a couple! Again, we laughed and laughed. I think it was her spontaneity as well as her answer that got me. We went shopping together and then grabbed some lunch, but I just kept thinking about her Christmas wish.

This little episode reminded me of last year when we asked her where she was when she and my father got married. Again, without missing a beat, she said, “Out of My MIND!” The woman, who will be 91 in January, is quite clever.

When I got home yesterday, I continued to chuckle and decided to try a bit or jewelry work. That’s when things began to flow nicely and the ideas became present again. Was it just time to design or did the laughter really help. I vote that it was the latter.

I mainly worked with cabochons yesterday, but was pleased with a couple of the new wrappings and the bezel I created.  The first stone is a boulder opal and all the rest are turquoise (yes, even the brown one). See what you think.

I’m hoping to hang on to this productive thinking and continue to get some good work completed. I’m a believer that for me, at least, laughter leads to productivity and creative thinking.

I guess that the moral of this entry is . . . find something to laugh about and if you can’t find anything, go visit my mother!

Creativity, Diversions, family, Metal Work, Philosophy, soldering, Torch Work, Wire Work 2 comments

Suddenly, It Was Quiet

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My husband and I have enjoyed two weeks here with our daughter’s family, including a two year old, and five days with my son and his fiancé plus Daisy Mae, their dog. For those of you with a large family, this probably doesn’t seem like many people, but for us, it was a very pleasant house full. We are fortunate that we all get along so well and enjoy many of the same things. I looked in the den one evening and saw five adults on either computers or IPads and the two year old on an IPad also. I was the lone non-tech person since I was working with wire on a bracelet.

At other times, it wasn’t so quiet with either Daisy Mae, the Blue Tick Beagle, baying at something outdoors or my grandson working on his high pitched scream. Thankfully, it was a happy scream, albeit shrill.

Then, by ten o’clock Saturday morning, it was suddenly quiet again. Today, things are back to normal with the only loud sounds coming from my hammer on the bench block. I’ve completed a good deal of whacking and am hurrying as I prepare for a show tomorrow evening. Here some new earrings that just hatched. These are made from small squares of copper sheet that I annealed and thin rolled, starting at one corner. I used a hole punch on the bottom and now they remind me of faralitoes. These little lanterns are the focus of one of my favorite children’s books, The Farolitoes of Christmas, by Anaya. You might visualize these as little tin lights wherein a candle can shine through the holes.

I made a similar pair a couple of weeks ago and they left home before I took a picture. That pair didn’t have the holes, but were wrapped in half round sterling wire.

I was hoping to show you the texture on this second pair of earrings, but it’s difficult to see in the photo below. My friend gave me a new little hammer which I happily used to tap dents all over these discs which I then domed.

Today, I finished the cascade of beads and mixed metals shown below. I’ve made this necklace before and have always said I wouldn’t make another one. Alas . . . I gave in. It’s quite time consuming with all hand made chain and jump rings. Then, as you can see, each bead is attached with an individual head pin and wrapped loop. I thought I was finished with this twice, but then kept going back and adding more beads. Today, I’ve promised myself that I WILL NOT add any more beads! It’s going in the traveling display case right now! I hope this blog entry finds you relaxed after a quiet (or noisy) Thanksgiving weekend and that when the real world calls you back Monday morning, you’ll be ready for it.

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Set

Filed under: Bracelets, Necklaces, Wire Work | Back to: Homepage

If we brainstormed meanings and contexts for the word “set” the list would be fairly long. I guess early encounters of the term was when we learned about “ready, set, go”. Later, in school we learned about things that come in sets and about the specific mathematical use of the term.

The term also has multiple connotations in the context of jewelry design including how to “set” a stone and my most familiar phrase, “where did I set my glasses down?” When I first started making jewelry, it seemed my customers wanted things in sets. I never strung a necklace without also making matching earrings and often included a matching bracelet as well. Then later the trend of matching changed and I quit making sets. Many customers wanted a more eclectic style that didn’t include those perfect matches.

Now, I’m back to including earrings from the same stones used in a necklace mainly because I don’t want to have to hunt the stones when a customer requests a match. This week, I decided to go back to the early days and make a true set that included a necklace, earrings and a bracelet to match. I made the bracelet first and then used the same weaving and stones on the necklace. I couldn’t decide which necklace picture was best so below you find both. The stones are lapis and azurite from Magpie Gemstones (www.magpiegemstones.com).

I hurried to finish the above set before a show I did at a community center yesterday. I just knew someone would want the whole thing. Wrong! The necklace, with earrings, was the first piece that sold at the show, but the bracelet remained behind – so much for sets! Today, someone else selected the bracelet.

The question now is whether or not to make another full set. I guess I’ll try it again since even though the pieces didn’t all go home with the same customer, they did all go home. Isn’t that what really counts?

Right now, I think I’ll just “set” my body down and rest while I contemplate what stones to use in my next set.

Bracelets, Necklaces, Wire Work 6 comments

Off the Design Table . . .

Filed under: Bracelets, Creativity, Techniques, Wire Work | Back to: Homepage

AND on to someone’s wrist. I’ve been working for several weeks to get the new bracelet design where I want it. The dimensional bracelets, for which I have a tutorial on etsy, have continued to be popular, but I think it’s really important to stay ahead of the market. I’m continually wondering what the next bracelet design should be. Since those dimensional bracelets are so comfortable and fit most anyone, I thought I should stick with another cuff type bracelet.

As I played with a new design, I employed the SCAMPER (from Bob Eberle) creative thinking technique in which each letter stands for a different way to make a modification. Using the ‘C” verb,  combine, I wanted to put the wire cuff and some wire weaving together. The “R” verb, reverse, led me to move the swirls in the middle of the dimensional bracelet to another point on the cuff. This also helped me decide to pull in the top middle rather than expanding it as I’ve always done before. I played with the other Scamper verbs and feel they helped contribute to the final product.

I’m still contemplating which of the various versions I like the best. The weaving was probably too difficult for my current technique on the two shown below. This will need practice. Yet, I was able to do a smoother job on the first bracelet shown at the top, indicating the promise of a smooth weave. I’m hopeful that I will continue to improve my skills.

It’s interesting that these bracelets are so comfortable. I’ve been letting various people try them on and they usually comment “this feels good.” I think that means I should stick with it.

My favorite part of the design process is the development of an idea and I’m truly thankful for the many creative thinking techniques I keep tucked in my back pocket. Now I’m at that tedious stage where I simply must keep practicing without much more modifying. Let’s just hope that my technique is on a fast learning curve!

I also hope these new bracelets will be coming to a wrist near you.

Bracelets, Creativity, Techniques, Wire Work 3 comments