Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Bead Table Wednesday-Work in Progress

This week I've been working on some new pendants.  These have either foldformed or etched copper components combined with a back plate of brass.  The two foldformed ones are for an order I have.  I need to put holes in the tops and add the neck cords.  One will have beads connecting to the neck cord and the other will have dangles off the bottom.  


foldformed pendants - work in progress




I'm thinking about stacking some paddles atop this triangle pendant.  I haven't done that kind of bail before but the shield shape looks good with with the horizontal lines of the paddles.


  etched pendant -work in progress

I'm working on getting some work photographed so I can apply for some shows.


These pendants all feature  a method of capturing the cabochon that I learned in a class by Richard Salley.


Check out the other bead tables here:



Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Bead Table Wednesday-Where is My Table?

I been a bad jewelry maker and haven't gotten much done so far this year.  My son and I started a new business at the first of the year and then we both got that illness that was going around with the never ending cough. At least the business is going well.  


A couple of days ago I realized that I hadn't heard from Red River Revel and that it was time to apply.  Sure enough, the applications are being accepted now and I have not one  photo of anything new.  Getting my pictures done and the application made is a priority. 


Meanwhile my bead table is completely buried under STUFF from my reorganization.  I'm not about to take a picture of it but I will photograph a couple of things on my trusty work stool. I'm taking a break from excavating the table so I can get some things finished.  The photo table is in better shape so at least I'll be able to take pictures soon. 


John, who works with my husband, sent me some found objects.



found objects-hard drive components

Sorry for the bad photo but these are so very shiny it's hard to photograph them.  These are all computer hard drive spacers and other parts.  I've used rings like those on the top to make earrings before, but I've never had these other parts.  The triangle blade shaped pieces scratch very easily so I'll have to texture or etch them.  These are all aluminum parts and weigh next to nothing--perfect for earrings.



found objects-buckles


These found objects came from Alchemy Shop on Etsy.  They are originally from Latvia.  The buckle part on the bottom is from a vintage Russian military uniform, I believe. I can't wait to use it.  It does present some challenges since it is steel and  isn't completely flat.  I'm a little afraid of snapping some of the detailed parts if I try to flatten it. 

Next up are some ridged copper rounds from Magpie Gemstones.  I will try enameling some of them. Also shown here are two pony beads by Rebekah Payne of Tree Wings Studio on Etsy. The top one is the rising sun pony and the bottom is the Appaloosa pony. 

copper beads and ponies

This focal and accent  beads are by Martha Eason of Menagerie Studio on Etsy. Martha just started making the accent beads and I really like these. 



heart focal and accent beads


Check out the other bead tables here.