Not all from today!
Jen June 24th, 2008
As promised here’s the leather cuff with the plaster cast included. The imprint was from a goofy little doll I have kicking around though I did end up chopping off his forehead so he’d fit more easily on the band. I also used brass etchings for the ends and practised my hook closure rather than add ribbon. Again, apologies for the photo quality. This little stuff is making my camera ..erm.. barf.
Another project that didn’t get photographed right away. This one was for earrings - which I didn’t make - and a ring using wire to create the nest and beads for eggs. I really like this idea and have seen other jewelry artists use it. It reminded me a lot of knitting with wire.
Continuing on with the cuff theme, here’s one made using etched brass as the main element. As I don’t have easy access to a copier/laser printer, I simply stamped the brass and then etched. I added some eraser dots (use a clean, new pencil eraser end as a stamp) on the side and wrapped the duct tape to create a border. I’m pretty pleased with this one. And it’s actually quite comfortable to wear too!
My silversmith daughter thought this ring was pretty funny. She was taught by Master Goldsmith Orland Larson so the very idea of using solder as the basis of a ring is anathema to her. I say, "Expand your horizons, Girl!" 
I would use a different stone next time, as even though it was quite pretty as a stand alone, it really doesn’t show up once surrounded by the solder and wire casing. Still. I’m ever so impressed with myself.
And the final photo for this update … and maybe my favourite to date … is my take on the spoon cuff. I didn’t have a sterling spoon, so decided to substitute a fork. I cut off the handle, flattened the tines, curling the outside ones and then stamped my work "Consistent" along the remaining handle. I used the word "Intent" for the metal charm as an homage to my New Year’s resolution to live in "tents" this year. Because I hacked off the handle, I needed a few more rings to be able to close the bracelet. With each subsequent project, my soldering skills are getting better and better. Oh! And lest you think I completely suck at the pounding metal thang, just so you know, I’m using a piece of some old tractor part as my anvil - it’s rusted and pitted so all my rings’n'things get that aged look right away. I WILL be buying myself a proper anvil - or smooth steel substitute - but until then? Rustic jewelry BayBee!
- Art Challenge , Experiments
- Comments(9)
I love seeing all the work you have created, Jen. If you are interested in a Canadian source for your anvil, check out Lacey West in Vancouver.
http://www.lacywest.com/proddex.htm
I faxed an order to them on a Tuesday morning, and received it in the mail two days later! Also, when they didn’t have specific supplies in, they phoned to check if I was okay with a substitution. Great service and efficient.
so what is this resolution about living in tents?
I LOVE the fork!!!! Break the “rules” is often THE best way :} And i’d keep the “old” anvil around, even with a shiny new smooth “proper” one!
I love the nest!
I love these…..sooo creative. And I agree, keep the old anvil, there will be times when you want that texture.
More groovy pieces! They are all fabulous but I must say that I adore the fork bracelet, that is freakin’ awesome!
Do you sell your jewelry? Where? Etsy?
I think my heart stopped beating when I saw that fork piece! Amazing, fantastic, wonderful stuff- you’re such an inspiration to me with your anarchic approach to your work.
I say stick with the tractor-part-as-anvil method, you’re getting some seriously crustariffic results!
Came over from Sue/Artful Adventures and her award to you…so what book are you talking about here? I’m in love with this work, especially the stamping on metal…how are you doing that? PLEASE share your info!!!! (I’m off to read more back posts to see if I can find the info on my own - but would love hearing from you!)