Friday, August 12, 2016

Turquoise and Pearl Bracelet


Multi Wrap Bracelet in Sterling Silver with Turquoise and
natural pearls.  The bracelet has lots of sterling silver in its design.  The Oval is handcrafted by wrapping thin wire around a thicker oval wire and then soldered closed.  I wanted to add hearts and decided to compliment the design by adding a heart clasp hook as well.  

I love the pearls in contrast with the Turquoise!  These pearls are naturally colored in these gorgeous
shades of peach, lavender and off white.  I am in love with these pearls!!  

Each link of the bracelet is hand twisted.  I am a big believer is handcrafting all of my components whenever I can.  

Thursday, August 11, 2016

How to Patina Copper and Sterling Silver



How do you turn a shiny copper ring to a beautiful copper ring covered with a dark patina?

There are different methods, but I use a product called Liver of Sulfur-

Please Beware:  This product has dangerous fumes and should be handled only in a well ventilated area.  Do not handle the product with your hands.  Wear gloves or use tweezers to hold your piece.  Another thing you should know is that it smells of rotten eggs!!  That's right... rotten eggs!!  :)


The pictures below will show you  my method:  

1st thing to do is to clean your piece of jewelry or metal with pickle solution (please don't reach for the pickle jar from your refrigerator).  When I mention pickle solution I mean an acid base mixture used to remove dirt, oil or fire scale.  You can make a basic pickle solution with citric acid which works very well for copper and silver (I'll post an article about it in the future).

*As mentioned previously, make sure to not handle your jewelry with your hands, after you've done pickling it in your acid solution.  The oil from your fingers will interfere with the patina.

Secondly, I use a small Crock Pot (they're quite inexpensive, but I got mine as a bonus when I purchased my large Crock pot for my kitchen).  

I add a bit of water, no more than about 1/2 cup to my crock pot put it on and wait for the water to get hot;

Once water is hot, add a thumbnail size of the Liver of Sulfur to the hot water and stir until it dissolves (use a junk piece of metal to stir);

You can also add 1 tsp of ammonia (I didn't do this thus far, but it's advised to this in order the deepen the patina);

*Dip your piece of metal quickly, rinse it, check to see if the color is to your liking and if not, dip it again and repeat the rinsing process.

You can use a brass brush to sort of polish it up and repeat the dipping and re-polish.

I hope my method was helpful for you beginners out there!








Thursday, August 4, 2016

Personalized Wire Wrapped Heart Wreath


I was asked to make a wire heart wreath, and yes wire.  Lots and lots of wire and a combination of carefully selected glass and acrylic beads.  

This was for an anniversary gift.  

These wreaths can me made in any shape and they make wonderful welcome wreaths as well.  I sold many smaller versions of these as sun catchers or even as door hangers.  

**Just wanted to let all you jewelry makers out there that Fire Mountain Gems is offering 80% off almost 5,000 gems, jewelry and beading supplies!!  Great time to stock up!!!  Click here to go to their site.


Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Rustic Copper Spotted Bracelets


Finished an order of 4, Rustic Copper Spotted Bracelets with Sterling Silver and
multi leather.  

Although these bracelets have a sturdy clasp on them, I added two slip knots on the leather part.  I find it make sit easier for the customer to size the bracelet perfectly to their wrist size. 

**Just wanted to let all you jewelry makers out there that Fire Mountain Gems is offering 80% off almost 5,000 gems, jewelry and beading supplies!!  Great time to stock up!!!  Click here to go to their site.