I've been so busy making beads that I haven't slowed down long enough to make some jewelry with them. I don't know if this happens to you, but after a while I begin to think that I'm not sure where to start.
I made this hollow tube bead with ancient-looking writing on it. It has areas that are crackled, and it looks really old and worn. I wanted to make something with it, something wearable, instead of just listing the bead on its own. So I started getting out vintage style chain, claps and bead caps. It began to go together with copper and brass touches.
A while back at a collaboration creativity gathering, some test beads were made using frit on copper tubing. I wanted to make something special with the beads, the enameled copper drops. They have large openings, so I used bead caps at both ends, and they took on a really vintage, antique look.
That's when I noticed that the colors of frit on the copper went really well with the colors on the hollow tubes. I used it to make a long dangle bead on the bottom, using a brass headpin with a flat paddle end.
I must be the slowest jewelry maker / designer around. I do admire those who can make several pieces in a few minutes, like magic. I have to try things out, adjust. Lengthen, shorten and try things on.I do like how it turned out. I just wish I was faster - so I could make more pieces in the time I have available.
If you want to see more photos, I've listed it in the Etsy shop.
This necklace turned out very beautifully and the colours are just lovely! I find sometimes a piece needs a bit longer be finished, so that you find the best combination of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteRenate
It's beautiful Lynn!
ReplyDeleteLynn, that is beautiful. The combination of beads reminds me of a Tibetan prayer wheel. I'm intersted in the frit on copper tube. I have tons of glass frit sitting around! I'll have check this out.
ReplyDeleteThat is just beautiful! I've actually been so focused on making jewelry that I had forgotten that I wanted to make beads! This is a good reminder to take time and enjoy both aspects.
ReplyDeleteI really really love this necklace! Great job! I'd love to see you selling the hollow tube beads!
ReplyDeleteWow wow WOW! I'm in awe, really, I am!
ReplyDeleteThanks, your encouragement means a lot - I work in solitude and have only my own eye to use to decide what goes where so I appreciate the feedback.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really, really like the idea of the tibetan prayer wheel - I've been thinking a lot about spirituality lately so it must be showing up in the work. Now that you say that, I can exactly see what you mean.
And yes, I have some tube beads in the works, they are interesting to make and to use in designs.
Thank you all EVER so much for the terrific support. I feel like the world's slowest putter-together jewelry maker!