Rose Fairy's Wedding

Wild Roses . . . My first leaf bracelet was big and bold, fit for an archer-elf; this one is small and delicate, perfect for a rose fairy's wedding. Made from sterling silver sheet and wire, with a single freshwater pearl, this cuff is hand fabricated, using techniques I learned many years ago while making silk flowers. Thanks, Hiromi-san! I still remember all of your patient, and thorough, lessons. The wild rose is only 2 cm in diameter, and the leaves are no more than 2.5 cm long. The filigree on the bracelet is a mere 1 cm wide. This is a very, very dainty bracelet!

I love to switch gears while working in series!

Archer Elf's Cuff

Yes, another leaf! A big one this time -- as big as I can make it using my leaf stamp. First I stamped the basic shape of the leaf from copper sheet, and then I used my hammer, dapping and chasing tools to give it some life and character. When I was finished, I gave it a colorful heat patina. My son thinks I should make another as a hair ornament, and I think he may be right! So, I may not be finished making leaves yet. (if ever!)

For this bracelet, my little butane torch was just not enough. I made the jump to propane, and it is super. A little bit scary, but also very exciting; no matter what my horoscope says, I am most certainly a fire sign. Although I love many different aspects of making jewelry, fire is definitely my favorite. There is something so satisfying about making metals merge and become solid; no matter how much I love gems and beads it's working with metal that make my heart beat faster.

For my sister

Happy Birthday, Sis! I hope I made it small enough. I have the big wrists in the family, and I'm always making things too big. It's hard for me to believe that anyone's wrists are actually as tiny as that! But this one is so small that I cannot squeeze into it, so hopefully it should drape nicely on my little sis. The bracelet is sterling silver and turquoise and the earrings are turquoise and white fire opal.

Secret Garden

Another leaf! I had been saving this very gemmy Labrodorite cab for something special, and when I made this leaf, I knew this was it. The necklace is made from freshwater pearls, sterling silver and sapphires. The blue flash in the Labradorite is so special, it just cried out to be surrounded with the deep blue of the sapphires. I love this one!

Amethyst Maille Pendant

This pendant is made from sterling silver sheet and wire, with a faceted amethyst. The leaf is stamped, chased and hand-formed, and the setting is a variation of my wrap setting. There is just the tiniest bit of maille in the pendant; I think it is a good companion for my amethyst maille bracelet. I'm very excited about the leaf; it's a new technique for me and one I'm interested in pursuing. I just love using fire and hammers!

Amethyst Maille

Now this is a big stone! Sometimes keeping it simple is the best thing. I love this big faceted amethyst -- and I didn't want to distract from it with anything fussy.

In private collection

Gold Maille Tennis Bracelet

These little gold rings were calling to me . . . so I wrapped up some more CZs and created another variation on the "tennis bracelet." It is very smooth, comfortable and lightweight. I think I have arrived at a wrap technique that is sturdy without overwhelming the stones; but I'm going to wear this one for awhile, just to make sure that the stones stay in place. The best part about creating new techniques is getting to keep the prototypes!

Sapphire Song

Whew! Another Maille bracelet, this time with teeny, tiny sapphire briolettes, dozens and dozens of them. I first made this bracelet with thin rings, thinking that they would look better with the tiny brios -- but these babies pack a lot of sparkle and the thin rings just looked too thin! So I went back to the thicker rings and now it has more substance. But after wrapping all those briolettes, I'm ready for a rest. When I fell in love with them, I forgot that I would have to wrap them!

Silver bling bling

Another variation! Wire-wrapped 5mm CZs with maille -- this was a lot of fun to make. I've always wanted a "tennis bracelet" and this satisfies my longings, big time. I'm wearing this bracelet with jeans, and I think it would also go out on the town. Too bad I'd rather buy gemstones than fancy dresses!

Infinity Rocks

I'm starting the New Year out by trying some things I've never been able to do. I want to make this a year of learning! in that spirit, I began with chain maille. I have loved it for years, but always got discouraged and gave up. Well, not any more! I made the Ruby and Pearl braclelet first, and then the tourmaline one. Both are variations on Jennifer Casady's bracelet.

Year of Jewelry

I've just started this blog as a personal Year of Jewelry for myself. I thought it might be interesting to have a record of what I have been doing -- that it might be fun to see where I've gone over time and how I got there. So welcome to my Year of Jewelry, 2007!