Jen Worden - Mixed Media Artist

Jen June 19th, 2008

Part of working through tutorials is realizing that not everything will work out as was the author’s intention. So was yesterday’s project. I almost skipped this one because it really WAS jewelry based which is NOT my thing. But after reading through the instructions I saw that there were a few techniques that might come in useful so I motored on.

The first thing that became obvious was that my mini blow torch just wasn’t up to making really BIG beads on the end of the wire. And not having 18 gauge wire was going to bite me in the butt. I swallowed and grabbed my propane cannister and finally just lit the thing.  Fear: 0; Jen: 1. I was beading my 20 gauge wire with gay abandon. I managed to set more stacks of buttons on fire than my nose cares to remember  - buttons of questionable heritage smell BIG time - but I eventually got the hang of the angle and was ready to proceed. Then I got to the part where I needed to drill holes in the now flattened balls. Okay. Here’s where the gauge became a BIG factor. My measly 20 gauge would just shatter under the pressure of the drill. Likewise my handy dandy screw hole punch I purchased for Linda & Opie’s book last year. My awl worked sometimes but the wire would yield to the wood block and on more than one occasion remained embedded. ARGH!

It was a lesson in frustration. Finally I managed to get 4 stacks made and moved on to the remainder of the tutorial. I didn’t have beading wire. I didn’t have crimping tools or the crimping thingees. I didn’t have any suitable resin danglies. I didn’t have a suitable chain. So. I improvised. And the end result looks like caraaap. But!  Here’s what I learned:

1. I can now make a hook closure - oh! the possiblities for shrines and boxes!
2. I can draw a bead on wire!
3. I know the difference between wire gauges and why you might need something heavier and not just because it might be stiffer.
4. I can light/work with a propane torch.
5. When faced with a project that really isn’t up your alley, decipher what the TRUE elements are and concentrate on those, leaving the rest behind.

   And last but certainly NOT least…

6. Always ALWAYS use quality materials no matter what!

I’m currently working on the leather bracelet with the plaster cast and am absolutely SMITTEN with that process. Photos will be forthcoming. Stay tuned!

• Art Challenge , Experiments
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