A change
of technique can really help to keep your work fresh. As I’d made several bead
embroidered pieces I decided I’d do some wirework for a change. I’d recently bought
some tarnish resistant wire with a lovely antique bronze finish, so I decided
to make a piece with a leafy woodland look to it. At first glance I thought
attaching the bigger leaves would be impossible if I wanted them flat within
the piece, as they only have one hole, running front to back at the top. But
thinking outside the box, I created ‘veins’ of wire and this attaches them
securely, and adds some textural interest.
Wirework can be daunting, the trick
is not to overthink it, but go with the flow and relax. The shapes are much
more interesting and organic when you work intuitively, and I find you waste
less wire!
Sunday, 28 October 2018
Saturday, 13 October 2018
Autumn Arabesque
My latest necklace (pictured below) went off to a new home a couple of days ago and for a few hours my workdesk was tidy.
Gardens and hedgerows are full of
inspiration for a beadworker at this time of year. The last of the summer
flowers are still hanging on despite the windy weather. I still have sweet
peas, petunias and brightly coloured geraniums and our autumn
crocuses are in abundance, their beautiful mauve petals contrasting with the yellow
and orange leaves which have fallen around them. On our walks this week we’ve
enjoyed looking at all the lovely fruits and berries, and I've started a new project inspired by all that natural autumn glory. The desk soon became covered once more by a bright array of lovely treasures from my hoard!
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I’ve begun these earrings by
making a framework from copper wire. I made little arabesques which I soldered
inside the frame – so glad I did classes and learned to solder, it’s meant I
can custom make rather than buy certain pieces and I find that it allows me to
express my vision in a much more personal way.
Fallen leaves have so many
colours, ranging from lime to gold to purple and pink, so I’ve selected threads
in those shades. A weekend of beady bliss to look forward to!
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