Tuesday, August 13, 2013

...and, now for some jewelry!

Yes, all my jewelry making blog friends, I do still make jewelry.  In fact, I just took a bead looming class this past weekend, so I have another method in my arsenal!  But, I digress.  I have finally gotten some enamels and did some torch fired enameling, ala Barbara Lewis.  Some of you may remember that I took a class with Sally Stevens over the winter and fell madly in love with torch fired enameling.  So, I finally acquired some different colors of enamel from Barbara's well stocked online store and I set myself up on our screened porch and spent three hours enameling copper beads, swirly headpins I made, and other fun pieces. 

The headpins were made with the idea of creating my version of Sally's bib necklace that was on the cover of the April/May issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry.  Here is my necklace.
 
 
 
I used ceramic beads, along with some small copper beads to make the links on my cool enameled headpins.  I decided to make the chain after seeing the beautiful chains my blog friend Patti has been making.  So, I used 16 gauge copper wire and made infinity links which I linked together with jump rings.   The hook is a variation of an infinity link that I saw used on a necklace on Pinterest.  I wish I could remember when I saw it and who made it, but unfortunately, it's been a while ago.  Here are a couple of detail pictures.
 
the clasp
 
 
 


The headpins and the chain.
 
 
I also made a pair of earrings from two enameled beads. 
 
 
 
So, there you have some of my adventures in enameling on my own!  There are more pieces coming!  I really love doing it.  Its a very fast technique and you can end up with a lot of different components is a very short amount of time.  Its very addictive!
 
I hope you are enjoying the quickly passing summer.  Have a wonderful week.  Thank you for stopping by and welcome to any new readers.  I'm so happy to have you join me!
 

 





10 comments:

  1. my first time back here in 2 months and what beauty await us readers! always beautiful here, though :-) that necklace is fantastic!!! i really like how you put the enamel on the squigglies. and that clasp looks great. Patti is so good at that wire, isn't she? her pieces are among my favorites to wear. i am digging those earrings too...great color and great swing!

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  2. I just love what you do with enamelling, absolutely gorgeous!

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  3. Man, you are so good at your enameling! I have the book, I have all the supplies, and I have only done one session! I must get back to doing this...your beads are fantastic and I adore that necklace! I LOVE YOUR CHAIN!!! There is something so special about a having your piece 100 percent handmade, isn't that the truth?!!!

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  4. I forgot to mention...that clasp is AWESOME!

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  5. Wow, Maryanne! This is totally sensational. Your enameling work is gorgeous. I love the whimsical feel of the entire piece. It would make me smile just to be wearing it!

    Hugs,
    Linda

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  6. Maryanne, wow! What a gorgeous necklace. I love the enameling, and I love the clasp. Makes me want to get out my wire and start creating.

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  7. Stunning Jewellery Maryanne ....love the necklace and those earrings are beautiful

    Hugs Annie x

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  8. Hi Maryanne, just popped over to see you and so envious of your jewellery making skills! Your necklace is stunning - you are so clever. Really looking forward to being one of your partners in the ICAD swap. Margie x

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  9. WOW, Maryanne! Your jewelry is amazing! I absolutely love the beautiful necklace and the wonderful clasp! And your earrings are gorgeous, too! You are a woman with many talents! Thank you so much for sharing them with all of us!

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  10. Maryanne - WOW, WOW, WOW!!! Your necklace is stunning! What a beautiful piece - I can certainly appreciate all of the time it took to create this necklace with all of the wirework and enameling. You've really outdone yourself!

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