Dawn Mist - Finished at last

Hurrah, my latest piece is completed. Learned how to make a few new twists and turns with the wire during its making.

The weather is so lovely outside that I've decided to take the afternoon off, and sit out amongst my plants to read the little pile of wirework  books that came through post last week.

Filigree Wirework

Filigree wire wraps just seem to suit the muted dawn shades in my latest wirework  piece. The central section is nearing completion - just a few more beads to weave into the side 'arms' to give it stability and structure.

I've loved every minute of making this. There have been some long pauses between wraps, as I consider how to continue the shapes. That's what I love about working with wire - it can be fast and freeform, or slow and symmetrical.

A new dawn

A new morning saw me leaping out of bed with an idea for a wire wrapped necklace in mind. There's no holding me back when I'm excited by a new creation and I was hunting through my beads before I'd changed out of my jim jams! It's at a very early stage at the moment, but the wire 'skeleton' is taking shape ready to be encrusted with beads in shades of dawn and dove.

The real challenge will be achieving a symmetrical look. I will take my time, checking my work after every wrap, adjusting as I go. I'll post more pics as it progresses over the weekend.

Safari - A new necklace inspired by African wildlife

I've been busily wire wrapping all morning. I've reached the stage where I'm putting all the component parts of 'Safari' together. I had a good ferret about in my box of semi precious gemstones and came across these agate beads to include in the chain.

I will make some elements with beads and wire loops and incorporate them between the bail and chain sections. The colours complement the pendant really well. Can't believe I created this pendant and then had it sitting in my component box for so long. I guess it was just waiting for the right accent beads to come along. Anyway, it will be a heavenly creature once it's done!

Floating petals

It seemed an appropriate time to add this pretty piece to my Folksy store. Looking out at my patio, there have certainly been some floating petals this week.

I loved coming up with a design for this fused glass cabochon which made the most of the striking lime green border. I made paper cut outs before I got to work with the saw and hammer. The little pink flecks in the glass have the look of an impressionistic watercolour. Which reminds me - I must remember to watch the programme on BBC2  tomorrow about the RA summer exhibition. Every year it makes me determined to do more painting of my own. If the rain ever stops I'm intending to sit outside and paint my pot plants!

Rain and shine

We’ve had rain all week. After working so hard to create a lovely place to sit outside our back door, it’s been too wet to venture out. The poor plants have taken a battering, the chives are no longer standing  to attention and the daisies have sensibly closed their petals in defeat. However, coming down to make the first coffee of the day I looked out and couldn’t believe my eyes. Despite the early hour, and the damp cool morning, there was the most beautiful little humming bird moth hovering among my patio plants. I did a quick sketch, noting it’s rust coloured wings, cigar shaped body and amazingly long proboscis.

I do hope it will return, as I have plenty of flowers to tempt it including some pretty Zinnias. I waged war on the slugs this year, with copper tape round all the pots and a daily ‘snail patrol’ every morning and evening. If I find one I lob it over the hedge into the field. So far I’ve only lost one plant. My vigilante approach seems to be working!

The upside of all this wet weather has meant that I have had more time for jewellery making.  I’ve completed two necklaces this week! ‘Elfine’ is done and will be off to her new home soon. I loved every minute of her making, and am pleased with the arrangement of all the different elements.

The back has turned out nicely neat and smooth, which is something I always aim for in my bead embroidery projects.

Whilst the rain pattered down I created my ‘Nixie’ wirework necklace. I just loved that cabochon with its flash of green and had some fun choosing all the lovely beads to coil and weave around it.