Journey of a Necklace

I haven't written for a while because I've had a dip in creativity. I'm sure all you crafters out there can relate. It all started with a necklace. I had this vision of a wire wrapped chunky necklace that would have looked divine. So I started to make it, the first time I did not have a long enough piece of tiger tail (beading thread) after the wire wrapping. This happens sometimes but it was frustrating.

So  I tried again. This time the work was too heavy and snapped the tiger tail. You can imagine my frustration. So I stopped and watched some 'Star Trek: Voyager' instead. I then worked out how to fix the problem with more wire but I did not have the right gauge in the right colour. I improvised, I thought it looked good. Then my husband saw the necklace and said it looked like it could fall to bits in a slight breeze. I gave up on that design.

A few days later, after many episodes of Star Trek, and time spent playing 'Skyrim' on the Xbox, I had an idea. I decided to macrame the necklace instead, and the chunky look would still be there. It worked! I really like how this turned out.

The necklace uses Howlite, Agate and an Agate/Quartz pendant. I submitted it to the 'Wall of Fame' on Jewellery Maker TV. They commented that it was 'beautiful'. After all the heartache to finally make the necklace, I am actually very proud of the finished result.

And I'm back crafting, I have so many ideas now. The only problem is that the weather is now decent enough to start gardening. There really aren't enough hours in the day. lol

New techniques and first bespoke items

This week I tried a new technique for me, a floating bead jewellery set. I had some flourite nuggets that I really wanted to use, and decided that amethyst nuggets go really well with it. I was so pleased with the result tht I sent it to 'Jewellery Maker TV' 'Wall of Fame'.

They showed the bracelet photo, and I was really pleased with what was said. Especially because Mark, my favourite designer on there was positive about the design. Mark said "Tom and I were looking at this, this morning, we just love the simplicity of it. And Flourite is one of my favourites." Vicki, the presenter commented that it was "gorgeous, beautiful".

 

After that high, I got my first bespoke order on Etsy. A ribbon choker and bracelet set. I'd experimented with ribbon, and how wire could make it look prettier. This design was what came out of my ideas. I had originally used lapis lazuli but the customer requested amethyst. I think they turned out ok, and the customer is very happy with the order.

Fame at last, well, Hall of Fame

I've made a few items these past 2 weeks. My first make was a Carnelian Necklace and earrings. I was watching 'Downton Abbey' and got inspired. I've tried to go with the elegance of that series.

 

 

I'm actually quite pleased with the way it turned out. The gemstones look a lot nicer in real life though. I decided to send it to 'Jewellery Maker' TV's 'Hall of Fame', and they put it on air. Comments  by the presenter, Carole included: "Some beautiful, gorgeous tones in here, really, really right for Autumn" "that is absolutely gorgeous with that beautiful little drop there." "that's stunning, and beautiful earrings there as well" "Angela, thats absolutely gorgeous, thank you very much." "An interesting design." So, I think its safe to assume that they liked it. I'm going to enter another one and see what they think. It's nice to get feedback on my designs from people in the know.

 

I decided to make some cheaper necklace and earrings sets at stocking filler prices (£5-6). They are very simple, with agate pendants, but they are something I would wear myself. I think the graduation of colour in them is quite simply gorgeous.