LOTUS FLOWER EARRINGS

A pair of my newest earrings ... Lotus Flowers. These were fun and challenging to make. A pattern of the lotus flower was glued to sterling silver sheet. A hole was drilled in each section I wanted to remove in order to insert the jeweler's saw blade and carefully saw out that section. Then came lots and lots of filing and sanding. Jump rings were soldered on for the ear wires and for the dangling pearls. I really like these earrings. I know my sawing skills improved making these .... and in making the mandala earrings I'll post in a day or two.

NEW EARRINGS!

It's been a long, long, long time since my last post. No excuses, just a creative slump. I'm sure it happens to everyone. Anyway, since our Southern California weather has been SOOO HOT lately, I've been staying inside and keeping cool. And I've made several pairs of earrings. Here are the three I had time to photograph today and add to my Etsy shop. I love the textures that were achieved using the rolling mill and the richness of the patina. The ear wires are antique copper niobium, which is an alloy that is non-allergic. More to show you in a day or two. I forgot how long it took to photograph, edit and post to Etsy!

TRAIL'S END ... ANOTHER NEW BRACELET!!

It was a busy weekend ... another new bracelet that I really love. It looks great with any of my leather wrap-arounds, like the one shown. This bracelet is another project from Beadshop.com, called Trail's End. You'll find a list of supplies, a video and Episode Notes. How easy does it get!! Hopefully you'll make one and share your project.

WIRE COILED CHAIN AND LAMPWORK BRACELET

It's been so long ... months and months ... since I've posted here. I've been a little under the weather, but finally am feeling better and getting back to the projects I love.

I just finished a bracelet that was inspired by Kate Richbourg from Beadshop.com. She makes wire work look so easy! If you haven't visited that site, there are tons of projects you'll find under their Projects heading or under Free Tip Friday (10:30 a.m. PST) or Facebook Live (Wednesdays at 10:30 PST). You can watch the broadcasts live on Facebook or later see the videos. It really pays to sign up for their newsletter for great sales.

Back to the project ... I first wound a coil with 18 gauge wire on a 4mm mandrel until I had 2 inches. Later I had to make more links to get the bracelet to fit. Plus I had a few links you'll never see! This bracelet rolls on. You could also add a clasp if you prefer.

These coils were then cut and the ends were bent up at a 90-degree angle with flat nose pliers. My first try at this ... not that easy, but not too bad. It would be much easier to use dead soft wire which neither the 18 nor 20 gauge were.

Here are some of the finished coils:

Next, I selected some of my own lampwork beads and made loops on each side of the bead with 20 gauge wire. These loops were then attached to the coiled links. Here is the finished bracelet.

MIRRIX LOOMS' WEEK 6 CHALLENGE FINISHED!

This week I finished the Week 6 challenge early ... the weekend is free, as the new challenge is emailed every Monday! The challenge was RECYCLE. That took some thought. I have a lot of junk, but what could you use for weaving? It came to me when I was putting away laundry. My white sock drawer is jam packed full of old tennis and golf socks!

I started cutting the socks into strips and making balls. I warped my loom with that beautiful warp thread I used on the previous coasters and started making two more coasters with recycled socks! Great idea. The weaving was done so quickly by my using the shedding device again.

HOLIDAY TREE ORNAMENT -- Week #4 Challenge

I finished Week 4 of Mirrix Looms' Summer Weaving Challenge. The challenge was GIVE. Make something, give it to someone or just leave it somewhere for someone to find! I was able to make two tapestry holiday tree ornaments on the warp on my loom ... and love them! I still have the second one to finish. Weaving was easy ... but finishing took some time. Hand stitching a piece of ultra-suede to the back, then sewing the tiny little seed beads three at a time to the edges. Then decorating the tree with the larger beads ... and finally attaching the hanger made with the tiny seed beads. Whew!

While they were on the loom, they looked like this:

MIRRIX LOOM SUMMER WEAVING CHALLENGE WEEKS 2 AND 3

I forgot to post the finished Queen Nefertiti bracelet, which was the weaving challenge for last week. It's beautiful. I have the option of sewing tiny seed beads to the edges, but I don't think I will ... it is finished. I love the clasp.

The challenge for week 3 was to weave with a new material. I had seen a wonderful coaster that was made in one of the Mirrix Looms weave-alongs, so that was my project. I bought fabric and tore it into one-inch strips. My other challenge was to install the shedding device onto my loom. It started with my making my own heddles. Those are the white strings you see in the photo below. I did a happy dance after attaching the handle to the shedding device and everything worked. No longer did I have to go over and under every thread. Magic!

I finished one coaster and will now advance the weaving to the back so I can make another one on the same warp threads. It's pretty rustic looking, but I kind of like it! I think next time I'll use thinner strips. The edges don't look that great, but maybe you get better with experience. Also more experience is needed in ending and adding a new color. Maybe stitching the two ends together first ... ?

I've taken the weaving off the loom. Now I have to tie and cut the ends.

Finally this afternoon I finished! And just in time, as we get a new challenge tomorrow morning. I'll try one out tonight with my drink and see how I like it!

MIRRIX LOOM SUMMER WEAVING CHALLENGE

I joined the Summer Weaving Challenge with Mirrix Looms. I wanted to make the second bracelet in the Queen Nefertiti kit I had purchased quite a while ago. The first week's challenge was to take your loom to a different spot to weave. Since I was using very very very tiny seed beads (with seven colors in their separate piles), I knew I had to choose a spot with a table and very good lighting. So I carefully took my loom, beads, needle and thread .... and glasses and clip-on magnifier .... out to a table on the patio. Oh, and also my iPad which had the pattern to follow! Early morning quiet with just birds and the sound of falling water in the fountain. Very nice.

The second week's challenge was to take the time to weave every day. That was not too difficult for me. I like weaving in the early morning. And this week I wove and listened to Wimbledon! This morning I was able to finish. It measures 6-1/2" and will shrink slightly when taken off the loom.

Here, the weaving is off the loom and I'll let it "rest" overnight. Tomorrow I can knot and cut the ends, and then attach the beautiful clasp.

Also tomorrow ... every Monday ... we will receive our new challenge for the week!

MIRRIX LOOM WEAVE-ALONG ...... FINISHED!

I'm doing a happy dance, as I finished the tapestry bracelet and attached the button this morning! I love the black edge the seed beads created. It was such a fun project and look forward to their Summer Weaving Challenge.

MIRRIX LOOM WEAVE-ALONG .... Continued

I just finished 7" and took my bracelet off the loom! It was so relaxing and fun to do. The Mirrix loom is just the best.

This bad boy now needs a haircut! Then the next step is to cut the black ultra suede the bracelet is sitting on. It needs a tiny edge to stitch to the weaving. After that 16/0 seed beads are stitched around all edges, three seed beads to every stitch. I wonder how long that will take?!!! A loop and button are sewn on for the closure.

Look for my next post to see the finished bracelet!!!!! I'll be doing a happy dance, for sure.