When is a mistake not a mistake?...

...When it turns out into a masterpiece and the inspiration for the rest of an ensemble! Even better when you get a commission from it.

Recently, I have been focusing on perfecting my wire working techniques initially inspired by the award winning wire work jeweller Rachel Norris.

Creation 1

Ring 1

The first piece I created was a ring (Ring 1) which ended up too small for me unless I lost several stone! I was gutted because I loved this ring especially with it being my first. The overall design had good balance, the colours were pleasing and it felt so good in the hand. Not one to give up I started on a second ring.

Creation 2

Pendant

I was obviously with the fairies when I started 'Ring 2' - might have something to do with having a good movie on in front of me - I cut the structural wire too short and it was not long enough for the ring shank. However, It was long enough for a bail I thought and surely long enough to finish a pendant - hence the creation of the pendant. It had a nice flow to it and sat really nicely on the decolletage. I was pleased with how this 'Ring 2' turned out as a 'Pendant' - a beauty on its own - no one will ever know! Then of course I could not stop there ... what is a pendant without a pair of earrings to match!

Creation 3

Earrings

So off I go making a set of earrings. This is more challenging because I now have to make two pieces that matched! I like a bit of a challenge and was not going to let this turn into another mistake. I made the two pieces simultaneously and voila! Even more pleased with myself now, but wait a minute, I still do not have a ring to wear which was my original aim!

Creation 4

Ring 2

I was determined to wear my latest creation the next day. Tired as I was with slightly sore fingers by now and a hot cup of coffee, I knuckled down and created Ring 2, this time with more care (the movie had finished by now - a good thing too). I was a little more confident now and started to add other elements to the original design concept and was liking what I saw evolving in front of me. I finally finished the ring and now comes the final test ... will it fit? YES! I was mighty pleased and off to bed I went.

Conclusion

And that is when a mistake is not a mistake! - One nights work, five creations and not a piece wasted or destroyed. What is even better is when I got commissioned for the entire ensemble on the very first day I wore the set and Ring 1 got sold to someone with a perfect fit!

Soft Elegance collection - Silver wire work featuring healing Amethyst, love stone Star Rose Quartz, protective Peridot, grounding Smokey Quartz and sterling silver findings.

Moral of the story

Never let a mistake stay a mistake and always wear your creations! If it is good enough for you it is good enough for someone to buy it.

Until next time...

Jeanne

Today and everyday ... is an adventure!

Water Gems

Water Gems

The concept

For this project I have combined both my passions for jewellery design and papercrafting. I have been perfecting my wirework techniques this month with one of Rachel Norris' designs of the dragonfly and it just so happens that the Clarity Stamp Challenge for this month is 'Animals' which includes insects. What perfect timing to marry the two. A dragonfly to me is like a gem darting over the surface of a body of water with its iridescent wings and sometimes very vivid coloured elongated body - hence the inspiration for my 'Water Gems'. A display greeting card with an attached brooch which can be removed and worn.

The making

Water Gems

I made the dragonfly brooch with 0.4mm and 1.0mm gilt copper wire, 6mm red beads and green seed beads. For instructions on how to make this beautiful dragonfly I refer you to Rachel's DVD. 

For the tent card, I used a 210x150cm black card stock and stamped the Clarity Dragonfly stamp in a randomised pattern using Perfect Medium, both on the cover and inside the card. To create the look of iridescence I dusted the stamped images with Perfect Pearls. I stuck a band of black card coloured with Creative Expressions Metallic Gilding Wax (stuck to only one side of the fold where the card bends to create the tent) to hide the mechanics of the brooch attachments. I chose to use the gilding wax because it gave the look of shimmering water. I used the same card for the 'Water Gems' sentiment which I then gold embossed. 

Water Gems

For the topper, I created a water scene with cloudy sky using a brayer and stamped some foreground with Clarity Wheat (would have loved to use the Bullrushes stamp if I had it) onto white Clarity card. It was then matted and layered onto black then gold cards. I then made two small punctures in the card to fasten the removable dragonfly brooch with some wire and finally layered the completed topper onto the prepared card blank with foam tape for added dimension. To finish the card I added a stopper using a strip of black card stock and stuck three gold spiral paper clips for interest and balance.

Materials used:

Card blank - Black 300gsm, Gold Mirri and white Clarity card

Ink - Adirondak Bottle and Juniper, Distress Ink Faded Jeans, Broken China, Black Soot, Perfect Medium and VersaMark pen

Mica Powder - Perfect Pearls Forever Green, Forever Blue and Kiwi

Gilding Wax - Creative Expressions Metallic Gilding Wax Ultramarine

Embossing powder - Stampendous Detail Gold

Stamps - Clarity Dragonfly, Wheat and Grasses 6

Embelishments - Wired Dragonfly, gold spiral paper clips

Other - Brayer, cotton wool, craft knife, Perfect Layer 1/8in and double sided foam tape

I am entering this card for the Clarity Stamp Challenge 6 for the month of August 2013 - 'Animals'.

Jeanne

Today and everyday ... is an adventure!

Welcome!

My Blog is now up and running. I have been working on it for a while now and it is finally ready! I hope you will enjoy reading my posts and vice versa for me to read your comments. Please feel free to let me know if you encounter any bugs or gremlins. Knowing me, I will probably be playing around with it for a while.

I must thank Sally-Ann for her time and expert advice with the setting up of this blog.


Jeanne

Today and everyday ... is a new adventure!