After the Storm...

Yes, I can see the beauty after the storm!

Kyanite, Pearl and Labradorite Pendant In Sterling

I made this sample pendant last night in sterling silver with sterling beads, various stones and one silver fresh water pearl.  I completely hand made this pendant of sterling silver wire and if you look closely, you will see where I added some ball chain as well.

I call this a sample because this is the first one I've made with a stone in the middle vs. a silver pendant.

I used kyanite which is a mineral and it's a bit softer just like the briolette at the center.  When I mention stone softness, I'm referring to the Mohs Scale which is a mineral hardness rating system. Kyanite rates about 5.5 from what I've read and makes this stone better used in pendants or earrings.

New Silver and Gemstone Bead Bracelets

Here are a few bracelets I've made with my new silver and gemstone beads.  I used a couple of different knots on these. The thicker weave with the cords running through the cuff bead worked out great!  I will be making more of these in the future.

Copper Name Tags with Wire Wrapped Beads

These are for Sami and Rachel!  They were so simple to make and just simply fun!

Gemstone Concho and Sterling Cuff Beads

Here are some photos of the beads I just finished.  I haven't seen any like this and at first, I was only going to make leaf texturized band beads to use with my paracord bracelets.  You can see I've progressed from cigar band rings to cigar band or cuff beads. I then decided to add some wire work and pearls.  I then decided to add a row of gemstones all the way around the pearl.  I really like this look however, it may be a bit fragile with stones of this size for a bracelet.  I will test the wear waters and call this one my own.  I will also be searching for some smaller gemstone beads as well.

The other cuff bead with the three pearls will be a great, durable piece to wear as part of a bracelet.  I need to experiment with some weaves and designs.  I may try to make some leather bracelets to wear these with.  Time will tell!

On the Bench Last Night...

Here we have another sterling texturized concho/cuff bead with all sorts of stones wired around the top.  I used a really pretty fresh water pearl in the center, labradorite, tanzanite, sterling beads and one more pearl.  The patina was in progress when I took this.

I had a piece of silver and figured I could cut four pieces, stamp on some designs, shape them and there you go... Two sets of ear cuffs!  OM.... Namaste... You get it!  I'll post more photos when these are finished.

Nothing to Report...

That's right... I have nothing to report because I'm taking the weekend off, celebrating Independence Day and swinging between these two trees!  Now you know where all the pine tree inspiration comes from.  Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Sterling Silver Cuff Bead with Fresh Water Pearl on Black Paracord

I've been working through some design ideas for what I'm calling textured cuff beads that have wire wrapped accents.  I texturized the silver sheet with dry oak leaves, I stamped sterling on the inside, filed the edges, formed the tube, soldered the piece, hammered it, tossed it in the pickle (acid bath), drilled a couple holes on the top and then did the wire work.  The pearl is anchored down to the bead and I've wrapped some of the wire to connect and secure the coiled sections.  This is the first one I finished that was all handmade.  I will be making a couple of larger cuff beads like this and use them on larger bracelets.  I may try using them with thicker pieces of leather almost like a concho.  Should have some of the other beads ready in a few days.  I haven't seen any beads quite like this and the design is something I came up with while day dreaming.  Seems there is a lot of that going on with me and no shortage of ideas to work through.  I'm also posting a photo of the beads and earrings prior to doing the patina.  Some of these items are for sale at wearartbyjulie.etsy.com .

Oak Leaf Imprint Earrings in Sterling Silver

I decided that I was really, really short on earrings to go with the pendants I've been making.  These have the same texture as many of my pendants.  They are sterling and I used wire to wrap the top and bottom and added some really pretty fresh water pearls.  These look large, but are nice and light weight and they will not weigh your ears down.  I will be making some more earrings soon with various stones.

I've experimented with taking photos on lighter color sand and cement.  The sand works well to hold the earrings at just the perfect angle for photos.  The lever backs press right down in the sand and then you just click away!