Finished Sterling Silver Filigree Crosses

So, here is the one larger cross I just finished and the other one with the large amethyst briolette.  I really like the layers of scrolls and fine gauge wire that holds all of it together.  These pendants are currently listed at wearartbyjulie.etsy.com.

Before, During and After Patina...

Progress on the Filigree Sterling Cross

At this point, I had finished building this piece.  Showing front and reverse detail.

Filigree Sterling Silver Cross in Progress

I've listed this pendant on my Etsy shop, but they only allow five images.  How could just a handful of images show the work and detail that goes into making a piece like this?  So, I'm posting some photos here!

You will see some of the initial scroll layers have been added, but there will be more layers of scrolls on top and under these.  I also added many sterling silver beads by essentially sewing them to the piece.  The two wires coming out of the top were made into the bale.

Fold Forming Organic Copper Leaves

Here are some photos of the various steps of working on some fold formed copper leaves.  I started with 24 gauge copper sheet that I milled to thin.  It's possible to start thinner at a 26 to 28 gauge.  It just depends on how much texturizing or hammering you will do.  The metal will thin out as it's worked or milled.

There are so many ways to cut and shape pieces like this.  I wanted my pieces to have waves like dry leaves.

It's a process to do this because you anneal the metal, work it a bit, anneal and work some more.  This was a super fun way to add a lot of dimension.

Copper and Stone Pendants Cold Connection

The top pendant was a simple coiled piece of copper I had hammered accents on.  I decided to get creative by adding a round bead to the center.  I threaded the stone with wire, wrapped it, coiled the ends and tucked it under.  I did something similar with the bale.  This seemed to add a lot of interest to the metal by connecting various pieces of metal without heat.

The second pendant also features labradorite that has been wrapped into a bale.  I used the same bead plus some Czech glass beads at the bottom.

The bottom pendant is copper and I had milled a laurel leaf onto it.  I bent the milled stem section of the leaf back to form a bale.  I made a wire wrapped bead for an accent and used a nice fluorite for the dangle.  These all started out as simple ideas and the little accents added layers of interest.

Bracelets and More in the Works

I've milled my favorite leaves onto copper for some bracelets that are in the works.  The other pieces were milled, cut and annealed for various projects.  The smaller pieces are for a special project.  I can never be without a Sharpie and they are on the bench, tucked in my pockets, in my pack, tool box and so on.  Pictures to follow!

Turquoise in Polymer Clay with Micro Paracord Bracelets

I taught a workshop in Phoenix a couple of weeks ago and we made faux turquoise of polymer clay.  We made a lot of other things as well, but the turquoise is just so fun!

The polymer clay is put in a food processor, then pressed back together.  *Just a reminder that any tools used for polymer clay will then be dedicated for polymer clay. 

The results will vary on how finely ground the clay is and how you roll or press it back together.  There are so many things you can do with this such as beads, slab pieces and accent strips.

The pieces are cured, stained, wet sanded and buffed on a jewelers wheel.  There is a bit of labor and several steps involved, but the results are really nice.  Many people think this is real turquoise, then I tell them it's polymer clay.

I used a micro paracord for the bracelets with black clips in the back.  This is more of a herringbone type weave and it takes a little longer to tie vs. the basic macrame or cobra knot.  This makes a really fun and rugged piece of wearable art.  The bracelet can be untied and the cordage may be used for various utility needs.  This may also be called a survival style bracelet which is really popular with the hikers and campers!

Southwestern Pot Beads in Polymer Clay

I recently made a series of my Southwestern Pot Beads in polymer clay.  These are a similar style to the beads I had published in "1000 Beads" by Lark Books last year.

I mixed all the colors, created the stripe accents, sculpted, used my own custom stamps for the tops and added all the accent lines by hand.  These were cured, stained, sanded and buffed to polish.

I made bracelets with these and they were delivered to a gallery shop in Phoenix.

Nature Photography In The Woods Citrine Ring

Some of the things I make are a bit more rustic, so it's fun to photograph them out in nature.  Sometimes Mother Nature surprises you and the weather can change fast.  My destination was over 7,000 feet, the wind whipped up and the temperature cooled as it plunged to 47.

I always have some sort of bag with supplies, extra clothing, food and water.  Hats are super handy because they not only shade you from the sun, but they keep your head warm and help block the wind.  Not to mention food, water and other supplies that are a good idea to bring with while going on an adventure.

I had multi-layers of shirts and sweaters and also blankets and beach towels.  One of the beach towels came in handy for a wind break.

I hiked over to some favorite boulders to click some photos with my i-Phone.  I have a really nice full size camera, but I use the camera phone on quick trips like this.

Items photographed in full shade really look the best.  Since it was overcast, it was a little challenging to find full shade.  I've used the same boulders before, so I had a feeling the location and time of day would work fine.

Certain background colors work well with certain items.  Some background colors enhance and some do not.  Try to photograph your item on various backgrounds.  Copper on a rust color might not always work and sometimes granite will look better.

I will take several photos of a scene and move the camera angle slightly each time.  I will also tend to bring the camera back from the piece as well.  This will change the focus each time.

There is a lot of texture to the wire wrapping and even the underlying boulder.  You will notice each photo will look a little different.  Some of the photos of this ring had a clear shot of the wrapped shank, cord or boulder.  I was looking for an overall focus on the item.  There are other times I do want one area in focus and another area more blown out of focus.  Just take plenty of photos! 

I've many times set up an area to photograph items with props, clicked photos, taken down my area, gone inside to review photos and have discovered, I've somehow missed my mark.  The best thing I've learned is to vary the camera angle and move back a bit.

I photographed the ring on various sides and angles.  There were two boulders and a bunch of pine needles between them.  I used those to prop up the ring.  I also found an old sun dried piece of wood to use as a mandrel.  It all seemed to work.  Just look around and toss some found objects into the photos while out in nature.

It's possible to take really good photos of your work in any setting.  It just takes practice and you don't need an expensive amount of equipment.  A camera phone may just do the trick! 

Scroll Cross Revision

I decided to add a large, deep purple amethyst briolette to the bottom of the pendant.  I also made the necklace to be adjustable to lay just right with various collars.  It's now sitting in a display case on a black velvet form, waiting for someone to take it home.

Scroll Cross in Sterling with Amethyst

I made this cross with various gauges of sterling silver wire.  I built a frame and layer by layer, added hand bent and formed sterling scrolls.  I added silver beads and a micro faceted amethyst bead in the center.

This was completely made with cold connections and no soldering was used.  I cannot say it was all a wrapped piece, but imagine sewing with super fine sterling wire.  In, out, up and over I went with the wire to secure the scroll pieces to the frame.  You have to be very careful to keep the wire in a loop and not pull it and kink it.  If that happens, you have to carefully unbend and straighten the wire.  A good pair of nylon jaw pliers are really one of the most important tools.  I use it to straighten and to also press wire in some areas to tighten things.  My less expensive pair works better than the higher quality ones I purchased.  

My favorite tool to cut the small wires would be small nail clippers.  They are curved and can get into tight areas usually without cutting other pieces.  I have several sets of clippers in pretty much every tool box and work area.  They work great and are very inexpensive.  The price of the tool doesn't always dictate how great it will work.  I have good pliers and special tools, but the little wire trimmers I use are simple nail clippers.  If you don't have power tools, you can file the ends, use sand paper and I have even used emory boards, then sand.  Experiment and see what works for you.  

The beads are also wired in at various locations.  The wire around the stone that looks like a bezel is a heavier coiled wire.  The bale is larger to accommodate the sterling chains with amethyst and sterling   beads.  This could also be worn on a heavy black cord or velvet ribbon.  If you wear something like this on a black cord or ribbon worn over my usual black crew neck t-shirt, it will look like it's floating.

I added a double wire loop to the lower back of the tip to add a dangle.  I may add a pear shaped pearl or amethyst briolette.  Still working through some final details.

This wire wrapped and cold connected style of work is inspired by some pieces I've seen made in Eastern Europe.  I haven't seen any crosses like this and this is my own design.  Every piece I construct is one of a kind and unique.  

This has an old world look with the patina that darkened it.  The scrolls remind me of architectural elements with their detail. It is strong and delicate at the same time.

Good Morning Starshine, the Earth Says Hello! Desert Finch Hatchlings

Well it's that time of the year again and spring has sprung!  Long story, but there was a little nest above my patio and year after year, the little finch family would visit, the little eggs would appear, hatch and then the little ones would fly away!  I believe these are the local desert finches.  The males can have a bit of a reddish color and the females are a darker tan to brown in color.

There was a previous nest up there and year after year, it got higher and higher and it had become rather messy as well.  I wondered how they would be able to even get in and out of the nest because it had become a high rise?

They have replaced the old nest with some pretty snazzy new construction.  The first photo will show some of the many different types of grass and clovers the mother used to craft her new home.  I believe there is even some chihuahua hair up there!  This photo was taken around March 10th.

I had taken some photos of the little speckled blueish eggs in the nest around March 20th and some last Thursday.  I heard the little, tiny chirps earlier and had a feeling the eggs had hatched.  I was right and they were up there all fuzzy and waiting for mother bird.

I used my i-phone to take the photos and they came out really great.  I didn't have to get too close and the results were pretty clear.  Nature photography is so much fun!

Life happens fast, so enjoy every minute of it!

On the Bench

I milled some oak leaves on a lighter gauge of metal for this project.  Currently working on sawing out several leaves.  These need filing, sanding, shaping and so on...  There are various steps to finishing these to make them look more like real leaves.  The impressions are on both the front and the back of the pieces.  The real natural leaves may not fully align, but you will see detail on both sides.

New Pieces for The Store

I finished up some items and dropped them off at The Store the other night.  There was a great vibe at the arts center with a festival going on and artists doing demos for the visitors.  I walked in right when a lovely person was looking at a necklace I had made.  She took that one home and a bracelet as well.  The weather has been so beautiful and it was just a pretty night!  The photos are of The Store, some of the sterling earrings I dropped off, the stairs down to the museum and the ones up to the metals studio.

Breezy Beauty!

It's a beautiful, breezy day here under the Ponderosa Pine canopy.  It's a good place to relax, recharge, think and dream!

Japanese Maple Leaf in Fine Silver

I gathered a variety of the sweetest Japanese Maple leaves to use for this project.  The detail is so tiny, delicate and beautiful.

I milled a fine silver ingot, then used it for the earrings.  It's almost pure and is softer than sterling, but works well for earrings and pendants.  I made the ear wires of sterling silver.

Turns out, my favorite pair has the San Carlos peridot, followed by the amethyst.  The labradorite pair is already stationed in another location.  Well, those were dropped off at the store today with some necklaces.

Some photos along the way while these were in progress.  Happiness is... a pile of colored gemstones at my fingertips!

Payson Diamond Pendant in Copper

I made this pendant with a piece of quartz found on the Mogollon Rim area of Arizona.  It was so cold the two days we were up there, so it was fitting to call this crystal the ice cube!

The front is really pretty and the back has a healing area with some grooves and areas that stick out further.

The various gauges of copper wire really create a nice form to hold the crystal without drill holes or prongs.  I did patina the copper, remove the excess and lightly polished the piece.

This can be worn on a slider cord and I have also forged some fun clasps for my cord necklaces as well.  So, if you're wondering what I will do with all the crystals I've collected...  I'm going to keep some and make some jewelry!

Payson Diamonds

Here are some photos of what are called Payson Diamonds.  They can be mined or harvested from the earth right here in the Arizona Rim Country.

There are designated dates to dig between October and February and it's limited to hand tools with a max area of a cubic yard.  The forest service requests that all holes and areas be back filled with your till.  Unfortunately, it looks as though some over the months and years have not completely honored this request.

It's also requested that the digging be 6' from any Ponderosa Pines and oak trees.    This is so the root systems are not disturbed.

There are various ways of trying to find the pretty quartz.  I've sifted through some fill dirt where others have already done some digging.  Sometimes they miss the pieces because they can be coated with mud.  The rocks have an entirely different shape, so those get tossed to the side while you keep looking.  I like to use a garden tool and move the soil back and forth.  I have even been walking and seen a big crystal partially out of the ground.  The rain or melted snow give them a nice cleaning.  It's so fun when one makes an appearance!

I was sifting through some soil in an area and decided it was time to move along.  I thought the area was not very good.  I leaned back to gather my tools, turned my head and saw a really large crystal partially uncovered.  I dug it up and there are usually more than one in an area, so I did find another.

They will range from super clear like glass to milky looking ice cubes.  Some will have nicely terminated tips and some will be rough or chipped.  The inclusions vary and I found some that have waves of rainbow colors inside them.  One of the larger ones I found looks like it had little hair like fibers on the inside. It's really great to find a dual terminated one that may more closely resemble the shape of a Herkimer Diamond.  You will see a dual terminated, large one in the center of my photo.

Some have facets and tables like cut gemstones and a good majority will have healing areas on them.  It just depends how much room they had to grow 250 to 500 million years ago.  I guess there is just no way to tell for sure how old they are.  I'm no expert, but a novice here.

They will need a good soaking, scrubbing and cleaning.  I've been experimenting with ways to get some of the dirt out and a firm brush is helpful.  Some of the fractures may take on the stain of iron and almost give some a citrine type tint.

We talked to several people who said they looked, but didn't find any.  It depends if they were walking and looking to collect them off the surface of the forest or if they are willing to dig and spend some time, meaning hours on various visits.

It's important to remember that you are essentially out in the wild looking to harvest natures sweet little gems.  I like to keep obvious gear on and with me at all times.  I'd make sure car keys are secure because you may be up, down, leaning this way and that way.  If you dropped them in the forest, good luck retracing your steps and finding them!

It can be really fun treasure hunting, but I would be aware of time spent and time of the day.  You've hiked in and give yourself time to get back to your vehicle before it gets dark.

Some other things I considered were to listen and be aware of your surroundings.  I warned someone to pay attention to the low hanging branches.  Of course, I was so busy looking at the ground at one point, I walked into some myself.  I came upon a jagged rock pile, my foot wobbled and I dropped some supplies and hand tools.  We also saw an area that looked level, but had been dug down on the other side creating a drop off.  Just be aware of various terrain because it's not a paved path.

I wear gloves and like the extension the hand tools give.  You're out in nature, so I did see various spiders, worms, small centipedes, etc.  I did bring something to sit or kneel on vs. sitting directly on rocks.

So far, I've been out a handful of times and it was a blast.  I try to harvest the crystals carefully, tread with care and leave the surroundings not too much different than how I found them.

Forest Chandelier Pendants

Here are the three finished pendants with honey and root beer quartz, Arizona San Carlos peridot, handmade wire wrapped beads and hand forged clasps.