Wire Wrapped Freshwater Pearl and Crystal Earrings

I've been experimenting with some earring designs using wrapped wire, stones and crystals.  I've been working through various design patterns and writing instructions including gauges of metal and lengths to cut.  This way, if I make these in sterling, I will get maximum use of my silver wire.  I was out of town recently and trying to make earrings and I didn't have any jump rings.  I decided to use pieces of wrapped wire to pull the various components of the earrings together.  I connected the pearls to the main part of the earrings and also the top with one piece of wire.  Sometimes the lack of supplies will make you think and then you have something that's a bit different.  I think I will run with this design and say adios to the jump rings for the moment!

I desire to make beautiful things, but I'm also aware of prices.  I will be making these in a silver coated copper wire and copper wire.  The stones around the edge are actually crystal rondelles and I did use real fresh water pearls for the drops.  Your eyes will be drawn to the focal stone and if that's real, there is the feeling that these are more expensive.

I will be making these in sterling as well and I have found a source for some ruby, emerald, tanzanite and tsavorite beads that will look great with these.  The prices on the better stones I will buy are good, so you can have something in sterling with actual gemstones and it will still be affordable.

Thanks for looking.

On the Bench and Around My Neck

Seems I have so much going on with various projects including textured metal, new pendants and earrings as well.  I recently finished a couple of large sterling silver oak leaf pendants.  They are dog tag size and simple, but interesting.  These make a quick journey from the bench to being around my neck!  I'm wearing one right now and I might not take it off!  As always, thanks for looking.

New Pieces

I've finished buffing some of my new pieces and have made earrings and bracelets.  This series of color is inspired by Sedona and the red rocks!  You will see earth tones, turquoise, what looks like stone inlay, petroglyphs and even hints of woven Native American blankets!

It's the things we take with us that connect us to the places we have been or dream of!  This wearable art will remind you of somewhere special and you can always have it with you on your journeys.

Please visit www.wearartbyjulie.etsy.com to view more available items!

Thanks for looking!

Oak Leaves on Metal

I was up in the mountains over the weekend and collected various organics from the forest floor to use in my metals class.  After annealing, I sandwiched some very dry oak leaves and pine needles between silver and some copper.  I cranked this through a rolling mill and you can see the beautiful detail of nature forever impressed upon my metal.  I lightly sanded the metal with a fine, higher grit sandpaper before milling.  The leaves over the sanded metal in a way, protected that finish and the other areas that received more pressure, seemed to shine up.  You can adjust the mill however you want, but I like how these pieces came out.  I will be working on some pendants and will patina them again when I'm finished.