I recently bought Sharilyn Miller's new book on contemporary copper jewelry. In this book, she invited other jewelry designers to contribute designs for using copper. This one was by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong and for some reason it just spoke to me. I don't know if it is something I would wear, but I sure like the looks of it at this point.
You begin with a free-form wire support which is work hardened and hammered for permanence. Then, you create cages with smaller gauge copper wire to hold the turquoise stones (not drilled beads, but chunks of turquoise) and then wire them onto the frame along with thousands (don't know that for sure, but it sure seemed like it!) of tiny beads.
I will next either buy or make the links for a copper chain to hold make this into a necklace. At the sides are two loops for attaching the chain so I am still thinking about whether to make my own links or see if I can find some that I like for this piece.
I worked on this both days of our ArtChix sale last weekend when I wasn't talking to customers. It sure involved a lot of wrapping!
Ms. Roper, I just love this. I saw Dale's piece in a copper jewelry library book, not sure if it was the same book you speak of. I am planning to attempt one myself this week. (2 years later than your blog entry, lol) I plan to use leather and suede as the "chain" part. You have done a gorgeous job here, I bet it turned out magnificently.
ReplyDeleteStacy...Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! Yes, this design was contributed to Sharilyn Miller's book by Dale Armstrong. I have made only the one, it sold almost immediately, and I have not had the nerve to try another one...it really is a lot of work, but not difficult.
ReplyDelete