Jewelry

BOBBLES AND RINGS

So, during Hurricane Irene I had to come up with something to do that involved no power, and I've been meaning to try beading for a while, so I dug through some books that I have and decided to start with wire-wrapping.  I found a fun bracelet idea with bangles and beads on it and decided to start there.  I swear, though, wire-wrapping and jewelry-making is like eating potato chips. You can't just make one thing. 

I started off with just the smaller bobbles which had no beads on them and once I found that to be easy I raided my girlfriend's stash of beads in the basement with a flashlight. (I was at her house for the hurricane.  We had no power.)

I started off with the small swirls and triangles and leaves, then added small beads to them, and by mistake I began making the bigger more personalized bobbles.

Excuse the dog-hair in the picture.  I love my pug to death, but man does he shed.  A picture for you.  He was interested in what I was doing.

So innocent looking...

So, I don't know where these steel bobbles will go.  I think I might raid my friend's stash of beads again and see if I can put this bangle together, then maybe give it to someone as a gift because I don't wear bangles... but it was too pretty NOT to make. : )




From the bobbles idea, I decided I wanted to try making rings, because I wear a lot of rings and necklaces, so I thought that might be my new direction.  I didn't want to steal any more of my friend's supplies for different kinds of wire, so I went and bought some copper and brass wire in two different gauges to see how it would go.  It was on sale, so if it didn't work out, it would be okay.

This is 20 gauge wire.  I think the bead is kind of small compared to the wire, but the affect with the copper paint on the bead is nice.  I'm thinking a smaller gauge wire would look nicer.  Maybe I'll try an 18 gauge.

Success!  My first attempt was actually given to my aunt.  I don't have a picture of that one, but I used the thinner wire first, thinking it would be easier to work with, and it sure was!  Steel, in general, is a very strong metal and it is difficult to bend, so you end up with a bruised palm trying to manipulate the wire with your tools, but copper is so EASY to work with.  I want some liver of sulfur to age it and make it look more antique, but I can only find it online, so I want to wait until I've built up a store of things which I want to bathe in liver of sulfur before I use it. 

I tried working with aluminum, but I won't even show you any pictures of what I made.  I mostly threw it out because aluminum kinks so easily that it's nearly impossible to get a smooth curving arch or to do anything with it, really.  Even a thicker gauged aluminum is useless - it's way too pliable to be useful.  (I did, however, machine an aluminum ring from a block of aluminum quite some time ago when I was in vocational high school, and that ring is my favorite.  It doesn't bend, ding, or break.  It's fantastic!  But using aluminum WIRE is completely different, and I wouldn't recommend it.)

My third copper attempt:

This is 16 gauge copper wire with a purple bead.  I like the swirls and kinks, but it's not my favorite.  I'm still hoping for more.  Maybe it will look better aged...

I like the thinner wire when it's layered, but by itself, the wire is too thin for the size of the bead unless you wrap it a few times.





I've researched some design ideas and I like some things on Etsy.  I've found a lot of gorgeous pieces made from gun metal and after researching it, I've decided to order some and make some rings from that.  It seems that the supplier is from Massachusetts, too!  The wire should be here by tomorrow!

SQUEAL!!!!!!!!!
My wire is here.  I've made two pieces and already I LOVE this stuff.  It's the perfect gauge.  It bends beautifully, and looks GORGEOUS!  So, some photos.

This one kind of happened by accident, but it's beautiful.  This is going to be a present for a friend of mine.  She'll just have to wait for Christmas for it. *evil cackle* Of course, I had to send her pictures to make SURE that she likes it before I don't give it to her for another four months...

18 gauge antique brass finished gun metal wire with a steel-y purple bead.

 This one was a COMPLETE mistake.  I was trying to do something completely different, but that's why everyone says they're one of a kind, right?  Because whoever made it has a snow-ball's chance of making it twice.

I just love this wire.  I love the results.  I am SO happy with my purchase.  This is 18 gauge wire with a textured bead and it ended up size seven according to my mandrel, so it only fits the one finger... grr.  I'm running out of fingers!