Color Inspiration: "Honey Mustard" it is!

So, we're back to "mustard" being named the "it" color for Fall.   (...And I said I only liked mustard when it was "honey  mustard.")   Well, it turns out my tastes run similar in food and colors.  I just couldn't bring myself to design an entire piece of jewelry around a color I personally find "distasteful."   (I know, pardon the pun... I started to say "icky," that would be worse!)

"Sneak Peak"

But I REALLY wanted to try to challenge myself to use a color I wouldn't ordinarily use, and yellows, whatever the hue, don't tend to be a primary color theme in my jewelry.  Like Winnie the Pooh, I put my finger to my head; said "Think, think, think," and decided I must have a spot of honey!   So, honey mustard it is--the color of and inspiration for my next piece!


What can I tell you about how I created this one?   After forming a general idea of the color of mustard I wanted, I had the notion I wanted to pair it with something cream colored, pearls perhaps.   I decided to just go shopping so I could get a good look at the bead colors, mix and match,  take them home, and start to work.  Once there, I changed my mind just a bit, but kept with the light and airy color scheme.

The Beads:

I chose citrine chunks (top) for the lighter color 

rather than the ivory pearls I had in mind,

and used 7x8mm potato fresh water pearls 

in amber for the darker mustard color.

I wasn't sure what I would use as my focal.  I considered antiqued brass or copper until I found this ceramic gold-colored leaf in a small sale bin, just calling my name--the only one--and in perfect condition!    I took it home and dressed it up a bit with green and amber pearls, added a copper tube bead I had from ages ago--I mean AGES, does 20+ years make it "vintage?"-- and wa-la...my focal!

The Focal:

A leaf among the leaves!

The clasp.

I used bright copper wire in two gauges to accommodate the bead sizes and I hammer-hardened each and every wire.  A third, very heavy gauge copper wire was used for the focal and clasp.  The jump rings and the tube bead for the focal were purchased and have an antiqued copper finish. 

The necklace.

The End.

                                

My mustard, with a bit of sweetness added! 

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Welcome!

• Greetings to our new follower and friend from "3Pearls!" Her 3Pearls Etsy shop and blog were featured on our last post, "'Window Shopping' for Halloween & Autumn Jewelry."  We're very happy to have you join us!

• And another warm welcome goes to Sandra, the most recent person to join our group!   Sandra, if you would like to comment at any time and tell us more about yourself and your interests, please do!  Either way, we're happy to have you here!

Thanks to each of you for joining us and our conversations!  Welcome!  

--Sharyl

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P.S.  I have one more Halloween entry to post (not as elaborate as last time), but if you have jewelry you've made you would like featured here, please let me know.  I'll be happy to link to your site or add a photo!   If you don't have a shop or a blog, no worries, just email me!  Last chance!  

And as usual, comments and suggestions on the piece of  jewelry shown above or the photography are most welcome! It's one way I learn.   Also, if you've designed something "mustard" lately, feel free to include a comment with the link or URL to your piece so we can see what it looks like!  (For not being interested in mustard, I've become very interested in mustard!)    Thanks much!  --Sharyl

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Images:


Photos & jewelry by Sharyl


Owl:  http://www.wpclipart.com/holiday/halloween/.cache/owl_3.png


Comment guy:  http://www.wpclipart.com/blanks/callouts/eyeball_character/.cache/bubble_eyeball_character_question.png

Purple Necklace Complete! -- Updated

I've added a few updates in violet in the middle of this entry.  See area around outside photo.  Thanks!
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It seems like so long ago... 


since I started wishing for these beads, the start of it all, the Purple Wine Red Cultured Stick Pearls! 



Then they arrived and I went to work creating the individual segments to the necklace I had planned, as well as the focal bead and part of the clasp. 

The focal piece is made of a large piece of amethyst I've been saving,
an oxidized bead cap, and bright copper wire.
I made both the bead and clasp from 16mm copper wire.

I originally planned to use just the stick pearls and the Czech glass round beads in purple, sticking with a consistent color theme, and highlighting with oblong bright copper beads.  But after making the "Grape Vine Earrings," I decided to add touches of green in this piece too. 

  
I ended up using a much wider variety of beads than I planned to in terms of:

• color (various shades of purple and green),  
• materials (glass, gemstones, types of metal, and the pearls), 
• and bead shapes (round, oblong, cathedral, and so on).

One of several layouts I did while still in its "skeletal" stage.

I found creating the segment pieces was fun and easy.  What I couldn't figure out was how to link the pieces together.  I had planned on using bright copper jump rings, but things weren't working out for me there.  I spent days agonizing over this.  So I asked for input.


Then, in a fit of haste, I couldn't wait to even post my query and went shopping for inspiration.   I went looking for copper wire in a particular size I wanted, but alas, the store had sizes larger and smaller, but not what I wanted. So I looked for jump rings.   I didn't think they had the bright copper ones I wanted, but I combed the shelves.


What I found was a package of jump rings that contained  both oxidized copper and oxidized brass rings.  I finally resigned myself that I would take these home and try the antiqued copper, even though I had preferred not to mix the bright and antiqued copper on this piece.  


I also found some really cool chain that had open oblong links, with every 5th one or so a closed antiqued copper link.  I bought that too, thinking that between the two of these, I might be able to finish the necklace.

When I got home to my necklace with all the segments spread out, I opened the package of jump rings to try them out, and the most surprising thing happened!


While I didn't like the antique copper much (not a big surprise), I did like the antique brass!  It didn't match the bright copper at all, but complemented the green-toned beads!

Next, I took one of the large closed links and some of the small links from the chain and added it to the amethyst focal bead to add length (and bit a drama)!

I used another one of the large chain links as the closure for my clasp.

It's difficult to get the entire necklace into a photo, but here is my best attempt to give you an idea of the completed piece.

<Ugh, I know the lighting on this on is off!  
Just must get or make a lightbox/tent!  
Have several sets of directions for making 
and options for buying   
Anyone with advice on what works best 
at a reasonable price,
 please let me know!>  

Note: Adding this outdoor shot after original posting time:

Wanted an outdoor shot.
It was freezing cold out this morning,
but captured this
"Grapevine Necklace on Trellis."

I also took some shots of the necklace to show a closeup perspective of various sections.

Comments?  Suggestions?

• Do you think the antiqued brass links were a good choice or would something else have been better?

• What do you think of combining types of metal and metal finishes?

• What are your thoughts on this necklace as a whole?  

• Do you have any comments on the photography of this piece?

As always, I value your honest opinions!   It helps me to know what I did right and what I can do better!   Many thanks!

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Before we close today, we have a new member to greet!

I'd like welcome Marie Cramp from Calgary Alberta Canada to our group!  Marie is  on the web in a number of places, and has some of the most unique, lovely jewelry you'll ever set eyes on!   Check out her Skye Jewels  Etsy Shop, blog, and website!  You are in for a treat!   


Marie was recently named the "Art Bead Scene Designer of the Week!"    Congratulations and welcome, Marie!  We are so glad you have joined us!

--Sharyl

What I'm learning about jump rings

Note:  Since writing this to post, I've since solved my "dilemma"  for this particular necklace.  But I'll face this over and again, so I'd still like to post this and see what you have to say.  My posting showing the completed necklace will follow tomorrow  so you can see how I solved my problem.  I can imagine many solutions though, so I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the possibilities!  --Sharyl 


Thing #1:  Jump Rings...

I've finished all the sections of my purple necklace and just need copper jump rings (or something) to piece the sections together.  I had made some for another necklace I recently completed, but they weren't turning out so well this time.   (Can wire cutter blades dull or the tension go astray?  I can barely cut through the wire, and it's the same wire I used  before.)  

So I stopped work on the necklace briefly and practiced just making jump rings.  Since I've been working with copper a lot lately, I turned to some silver-plated copper and aqua-plated copper to play around. 



I turned these into a quick pair of earrings I wouldn't attempt to sell to anyone else due to the quality, but will keep for myself rather than toss.  (And yes, how did you know I have them on right now?)



What did I learn from this experiment?   What I concluded was:


1) I shouldn't make jump rings on my own with wire cutters.   The cuts don't come out even.


2) Many of the ones for sale don't have even cuts either.  Maybe I SHOULD make my own.


3)  To REALLY do it right, seems to require not just wirecutters, but either:
         a) a saw-- (I don't think so!  I watched a video of a woman wearing goggles but sawing tiny jump rings with a big saw right next to her fingers and I'm thinking, where's the safety lesson in this?!   I'll pass.  I grew up with very safety-conscious parents--no playing with fire or sharp objects!)

        b) special equipment--This requires a steel mandrel, power drill or other machine to turn the mandrel, a "jumpringer" or other saw-like device for cutting, and a tumbler to harden the wire.  (I first learned about tumblers from Lori Anderson, and now I see them mentioned everywhere!)  There are helpful videos and tutorials on using "jumpringers."  It costs more than I can afford at the moment, but I'd love to have one.  It looks like this is the best way to get a decent jump ring!   

Making Jumprings, Chainmaille by MBOI

(Technically, the "jumpringer" is still a saw, but the blades are small and hidden.  I like that in a saw!)


4) Or you can buy some really nice handmade jump rings on Etsy from people who already have the equipment and know what they are doing...at least until you become one of those people.  


I've seen prices from pennies to over a $1.00 per piece for copper jump rings.  I'm not looking for any fancy design work here, but the quality of the copper and the work varies quite at bit.  However, cool as they are, as much as I would like to have them, as much as they are worth it, I know I won't be selling a necklace with $50 worth of jump rings in them in the near future...really sorry to say.  


So, it seems like such a simple thing, but darn it, I'm struggling with a "JUMP RING DILEMMA!"   


Thing #2:  Substitutes for Jump rings...


I was so baffled by the "JUMP RING DILEMMA," I attempted to find creative alternative.   I could swear I had seen something similar in a book once--so I tried this, admittedly "quick and dirty" version to see if it would work.  

I can tell you now, this does not work!  If you could just leave it laying on the table, it MIGHT be okay.  Maybe.  Otherwise, multiple problems...


The section pieces won't stay in their proper places on the connector wires, so I would need to better secure each area.  And, with the slightest movement,...

UGH!...we have a complete tangle.   I don't know about anyone else, but when I get a major multiple tangle going, I have to hand it to my husband!   So that's no good.


I also tried to use olive green and eggplant ribbons to link pieces too, given that fiber is so popular these days, but it just didn't look or behave right on even one connection.  Given the quantity of links I have, it would have been a nightmare.





Feedback Please!  


So, I'm still working on the purple necklace.  Done but for linking sections together!   If you have suggestions, please let me know!   It looks like a skeleton right now!


Anyone care to share their experiences with jump rings?  

• If you make them, what tools or equipment do you use?  

• If you purchase jump rings, do you have a favorite source?  (I'm thinking... secretly hoping... that maybe some of these just look not-so-great because the size is so enlarged on the screen?   Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a molehill and just need to buy some already?!   Or is it a new set of wire cutters I need?)   

• What have you used other than a jump ring or just basic twisted wire to connect links?   Have you seen photos of this done in some creative way that still allows movement?   (If you have a link to your site or another site you think would be helpful to include, please do!)

Thanks for your feedback, and good wishes for whatever you are working on this week!

Sharyl


P.S.  Were you thinking the same thing I was when I followed "Thing #1" with "Thing #2?"   If so, here's a fun posting I found regarding "Thing 1" and "Thing 2"  on the blog,  "Zakka Life."   Hope you enjoy!

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So, again, the purple necklace has been completed.  Photos next time!  (What's YOUR guess--Did I use use jump rings or a substitute?!)

Please note:  In researching jump rings, I saw the term spelled both "jump ring" and "jumpring."  I've tried to be consistent and use "jump ring."  However, when I was quoting someone who used "jumpring" or came across the equipment called a "Jumpringer," I used the spelling as I found it on the website.   

Experimenting with "Soft" Wire

I purchased some 18-gauge "soft" wire a few days ago and was excited to give it try.  I had read about it before, but not worked with it.   Upon trying it out, I was at first thrilled, then disappointed, then happy to have discovered it!    I'll explain...

• Although 18-gauge is a fairly thick, heavy wire, normally hard to wrap and bend, this wire was easy to do so.   It was much more flexible and that was an exciting discovery!   

•  I quickly recogized its limitations though.  Like using a too-thin wire, it didn't hold up well to a string of heavy beads, tending to bend and flop around.   Disappointment set in.  I also found that it scratched and dented more easily, leaving undesirable tool marks.

• Soon though, I found it had its own niche.   It worked wonderfully for wire wrapping and for use with one large bead rather than a longer grouping of beads.   It wraps beautifully and so much easier than harder wire of the same gauge.   It does require a lighter touch with the tools, particularly any that would leave nicks in the silver.    I'll use it for certain projects only, but have discovered that it does have a useful place along with many other wire types I like to use.     

After experimenting a bit, I found that the project, above, is one example of where this soft, heavy-gauge wire will be useful.   I was using two pieces of dyed quartz I had.  I'm not sure what this piece will be "when it grows up."  I'm thinking of getting a few more pieces of quartz in similar shapes and colors and linking to make a necklace.  

Keep watching...   You may find it on my website one day soon!   

Sharyl's Jewelry, "Necklace" section

Why One Won't Do - Wire Gauges for Jewelry-making

Ever walk into a jewelry-making store, start out in awe, then get  overwhelmed by all the choices?

I'm not just talking about the multitude of beads in every material, color, shape, and size you can imagine, but also finishings, clasps, crimp beads and crimp covers, all in a variety of metals, sizes, and qualities.  

Then, there's also THE WIRE! 

If you are working with wire as a basis for your jewelry to make pendants, bracelets, rings, earrings, you probably don't need just one type or size of wire, but maybe 4-5 to get you started.   Why so many rolls?    Each gauge of wire handles differently and serves a different purpose.  

The higher the gauge, the thinner the wire is.   For example 24 gauge is very thin and pliable.   It is best used for making links in a chain, dangles for earrings, and linking very small, lightweight, small-holed beads.   If you need the item to be stiff when you are finished, this is not the wire for your project.   22 gauge is nearly the same.   It's good for doing wire-wrapping around stones and crystals small in size.   It's nice for these jobs because it's so easy to bend.

As the gauge numbers get lower, the thicker the wire is and, generally, the harder it is to bend.   20 gauge wire, is an excellent slightly-stiff wire that is nice for bending, scrolling, twisting, and making hammered clasps.   It bends easy enough when you need it to, but hardens up after hammering.  (See sample below.)   It's my favorite, all-around wire size.

 

18 gauge is the largest I use, but you can find larger wire.   At this size it can become very difficult to bend and control.   It is great for pendants though when you have heavy beads that need a lot of support so they don't wiggle too much or so the wire doesn't bend after the necklace is made. 

Because each size can fill a different need, I sometimes use more than one wire size on a single piece of jewelry.   A heavier wire may stabilize the base of the pendant while there may be dangling pieces connected to the bottom by thinner strands of wire.   

Don't be tempted to use a thin wire for a pendant though, just because a couple of the beads have small holes.   You'll be sorry when the piece won't stay straight.  Instead, use a bead reamer (a very thin round file made especially for this purpose) to carefully enlarge the hole or substitute with a different bead.   (Please note that bead reamers work great on most beads, but not on glass.)

In addition to gauge, there are many other considerations, such as whether you want to start with a less expensive wire at first for practicing, a sterling silver wire over copper, or solid sterling silver...or maybe you perfer copper, brass, or ...      It may seem overwhelming in the beggining, but know that with a little experience, you'll soon be reaching for the exact roll of wire you want for each of your projects!

For more information and samples, please visit www.sharylsjewelry.com.

Content originally published:    Sharyl McMillian-Nelson  ©  2011 Intuit Inc. Business Directory article   (15-Jun-2011)