Hard Candy...

It has been 2 weeks since ArtBliss, and I still have that post-workshop, 'I'm going to perfect all my newly acquired techniques, create something no-one has ever dreamed of, and change the world with my jewelry!' sort of mindset going on...just overlook that last whiny, pity-party post!  Although, thanks to my sweet bloggy friends for the virtual hugs and kind words :)

I was downloading some photos of new creations and found the photos I finally got around to shooting of my  "Hard Candy" beads I created in Melissa Manley's fabulous class.  We cut copper discs, punched holes, domed them, enameled them, fit them together with a center disc and tube riveted them together into actual beads! 

Even though mine are pretty danged wonky (and yes, that gorgeous red one has a big, stinkin' chip in it) I am still pretty tickled with them!  Aren't they cool?  They look like miniature planets :)

Ring-a-ding-ding...

I saw a really cool ring in SBS Wire this month, and was going to give it a go, but decided to just incorporate the style of the band, so I set out to make a prototype.  I haven't made rings with such big wire before, ...this is 16g copper (I am obsessed with it lately, it seems), and I was a bit nervous I wouldn't be able to make it do what I wanted and would just waste the wire, but was pleasantly surprised.  I think I will be making more  for upcoming fall and winter shows - maybe I will venture into silver as well.

Things I would change about the next ones will be smaller swirls on the side, or place them closer to the focal.  They aren't in the way for my big fingers, but they might be noticeable for some.  And, as much as I like the Hill Tribe silver bead in the focal, I will choose a different style next time, since the little lip around the holes makes it difficult to get the wire close, so there is a gap.

Luckily, this one is just my size :)