Tree of Life

Recently I was looking to try out some different designs that I haven't attempted yet. Tree of Life pendant looks interesting and really effective. It would always remind me of a little Wire Tree that my parents had back home. That tree was meant to bring luck and money.

So anyway, I have looked on Youtube again to see any tutorials. Though I must admit I am guilty of never fully following tutorials and tend only get the jist of the whole project from the videos. The rest I work out myself to make it work for me. On the video I have watched for this, 0.3mm wire was used for branches and the actual tree. At the time I only had 0.6mm wire but it does the job. For future attempts I have ordered some 0.3mm wire and will look into smaller beads as these seemed a bit too big. Especially considering the whole pendant is about 4is cm in diameter. So is pretty big as it is.

In my opinion, the good thing about this design is the fact that you can fit it any season. Mine is green as I love spring and summer but for this time of year mixing in red and orange beads would create lovely autumn leaves. I will also look into creating different shapes within the round pendant and expand the idea. So maybe use symbols, etc. Like the "Peace" sign perhaps?

Here is my take on Tree of Life! Hope you like it. :-) V. x

Herringbone Wire Wrapping

Here is a video I have come across today. I have seen Herringbone Wire wrapping on several forums and blogs and really liked how it looks however never quite knew how to make these beautiful little links. Here is Youtube video with exact instructions:

Watch "How to Create a Herringbone Wire Wrapped Bead" on YouTube

Wasn't all that difficult, was? :-) Now give it a try and see if you can get it up to scratch! Below I'll include a picture of my  first attempts! I am really chuffed to find out the correct way of making these. :-D

Rings

Internet and magazines are full of different ring designs. At first I have attempted some simple basic designs such as simple wire wrapping rings. I am aiming to make some Herringbone weaved rings. Haven't really quite figured those out yet but practice makes perfect!

The two rings above are my most recent attempts. I have combined copper and silver plated wire in order to create the bottom design. I have used simple wire weaving and then spun the ends around in order to create fastening with spiral ends. You could have a play around with longer pieces of wire and create different shapes. You could use some beads to make them more unique.

Now the top ring is my favourite! I have started it off by platting 3 strands of wire to make it big enough for my ring size. It's a simple plat that you'd use in your hair. Trying out 4 strands of wire should work perfectly too and make the ring a bit thicker. Once the sizing is perfect I have twisted the wire ends and pressed them down to form little spiral effect over and over until about an inch of wire ends were left. Then I have wrapped the ends on either side of the ring band. It has that celtic look about it and looks so great! I am definitely wearing that one soon!!!

The power of Grey

The great thing about beads is that they come in different shapes and colours! This provides us jewellery makers with inspiration and ability to create unique pieces of work. Even though I love brightly coloured beads, pastel coloured and natural looking beads are my weakness! So while at Hobby Craft I could not resist getting some white, silvery and grey beads. Combining with silver plated wire I've been using for the last couple of months I thought they'd make a nice piece.

Finally I have found some time to make some jewellery! A bit ironic considering I am off sick from work...
So anyway.. I have used 0.8mm silver plated wire and 6 beads from the chain. I wanted to create something very simple and elegant but with a little bit of detailed. I used simple techniques to achieve this look and pretty sure anyone can attempt this!!!

I just love how silver wire makes the beads look brighter. This item is very wearable as it doesn't really need to match any of your clothing. That's the great thing about natural coloured beads such as these! And even more importantly, the whole bracelet cost about £1!!! BARGAIN! :)

Cabochon Wrapping

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have invested into a couple of magazines which I have been scrutinizing for a good few weeks now. n one of the magazines I have discovered a great way of wrapping cabochon beads. The cabochon that I bought is a turquoise howlite from eBay. I wanted to try out the techniques and experiment with wire.

The design in the magazine had a slightly different finish. Instead of curls in the middle part of the pendant, it was crossed over and wired around the back. I must admit I have run out of wire length by that point so I had to improvise which I don't think turned out too bad. Especially for a first attempt... :) It's delicate and very wearable and I can't wait to wear it to work next week.

Simple but cute!

During the last trip to Hobby Craft I have decided to have a wander around the shop and see what other little gems they have hidden. Hobby Craft is great as it has massive variety of different arts & crafts supplies. Ranging from cupcake making or card making to jewellery!

So.... I have come across some really cute wooden leopard print buttons and figured they would make amazing earrings that are unique and stylish! Afterwards I couldn't wait to get home and get stuck in!!! The design is very simple and takes only 2 minutes. I am considering adding some little pearly colored roses in the middle of the button but haven't yet decided if I want to make them more "blingy" however would spruce up the design if you wanted to hide the holes in the middle. Have a play around and see what suits your liking.

Things that you will need:

• 2 buttons to your liking
• 3cm of 0.6mm wire
• 2 earring wires (can be handmade)
• Wire cutters
• Flat nose pliers
• 2 mins of your time!

Here is the result: (Without the roses... Should I add them? How CUTE are the buttons?!)

What do you think? ;)

Latest Shopping Trip

Yesterday me and my boyfriend made our way into Preston to get some supplies for our hobbies. I have patiently waited for him to get his little bits and bobs and then went to Hobby Craft. I could NOT wait! :)
This is where I found Wirework magazine which ended up being a bargain and I was well chuffed with it! Prior to this I have discovered Wirework magazine through browsing online and following the group of Facebook. As you probably know, I was not disappointed! :)

Some of the latest additions to my collection/supplies are some new beads, loads of wire, fimo, etc. Here are some pics:

I have never used Fimo but I am definitely looking forward to it. Making some handmade beads with the designs that I want should be a lot of fun and maybe I'll get the other half involved in this just for fun too! :D What are your recommendations for using Fimo? Maybe any tips?