Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Moving on to Elegant Jewelry

I've had a lot of fun making my simple jewelry; jewelry that can be made in about an hour. But I was finally ready to move on to making something more intricate and elegant. I also got a request to make something with a gothic look to it. After much contemplation, I finally had an idea in my mind to fit the style I wanted to put together.

This choker, which took me about six hours to make, was the result of such. I used 28 gauge wire and a B crochet hook. I twisted out wire away from the project at the appropriate sections to get the branch accents.The red beads and design were just enough to provide a gothic look (fulfilling the request), while still being quite an elegant piece that can be worn with a formal dress or a casual top.

With this choker, I also stepped up to making my own jump rings and clasp in order to create an adjustable fitting, which allows it to be worn at any position of the neck that is desirable.





Here is an elegant bracelet that I've recently made.
This bracelet was made from the most thin wire I've used yet. This is made with 34 gauge wire, which, though very dainty looking, I think may be too thin.

I created this using single crochet stitches and added clear beads. My favorite part of this bracelet is actually my handmade clasp and ring. I may just try making a full bracelet out of those!   ;o)

Actually, I do love the look of the bracelet, so I may just try making them with a smaller gauge/thicker wire and see how that works.









Inspiration for forging my own rings and clasp hook came from books such as:
I'm also interested in making chain  mail style jewelry... maybe later!

Handcrafting Chain and Bead Jewelry: Techniques for Creating Dimensional Necklaces and Bracelets         Beadmaille: Jewelry with Bead Weaving & Metal Rings (Lark Jewelry Books)        Classic Chain Mail Jewelry: A treasury of weaves



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