Showing posts with label wire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wire. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Weaving Freeform Wire Jewelry


Kalmbach has done it again, along with Kaska Firor.  They sent me Weaving Freeform Wire Jewelry by Kaska Firor to review and it's a fabulous book.  I love working with wire, and this book has my mind spinning with all the wonderful designs in it.  There's 20 beautiful step-by-step projects in this book.  It covers 5 different wire weaves, the Over-over, over-under, coiling, circular and looping. I'm thinking I don't really know anything about wire now. LOL Kaska was initially studying interior design in college, but took her first class in wire jewelry in 2000 and that was all she wrote, you might say.  You can feel her enthusiasm and passion for freeform wire weaving in this book, and she has done a great job of passing that on to the reader.
  She starts off with the basics about wire, frame and weaving wires, selecting your wire, wire shapes, wire hardness, wire size or gauge and metals and colors. She also cover other materials you may want to incorporate into your weaving such as beads and stones, embellishments and findings.  There is also a section on Tools and Supplies as well as Wire Techniques.  Her pictures are very well done and easy to see/understand.  She also tells you how to fix a mistake (which I'm sure I'm going to need a lot-at least at first). Then she gets into the Weaves. And after each weave, she has a project for you to try once you've practiced the weave.  I have seen so many wonderful pieces done with wire weaving and always wondered HOW they did that. Well now I'll be able to weave myself.  After the chapter on all the weaves along with projects to make from those weaves, she added Chapter 2 which take you to the next level and shows you how the weaves and techniques you learned in the previous chapter can be used to create more advanced, multi-level designs.  I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go that far with my wire work, but it doesn't hurt to dream.  Kaska teaches classes at her studio in Cincinnati, Ohio and displays and sells her jewelry at art shows in the Midwest.  She has won numerous awards and her woven bracelet design was featured on the cover of March 2012 Art Jewelry magazine.  So if you're ever in the Cincinnati area, look her up and take a class.  It looks like from the book, you'll love it.
There are so many great designs in the book, but so far my favorite is the Gnarly Bangle on page 59 which incorporates the circular weave and the cylindrical weave.  Just be prepared to use a LOT of wire. LOL  Here it is:
Isn't it wonderful? I can't wait to try making it.  And if you're looking for some of my other Beaded wire-wrapped jewelry, Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass kreationz for your Home or Garden, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.  Please comment below and let me know what you think about the book. Thanks. And be sure to go to Kalmbach and purchase the book to get your creative wire weaving juices flowing.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Hot and Cold Jewelry Connections Book Review

I recently received this book from Kalmbach Publishing for review. It's written by Kieu Pham Gray.  This is a fantastic book describing how to make jewelry with and without a torch. So many of us don't have the place to use a torch in our homes or are afraid to fire a torch in our homes.  So I love Kieu's approach to this. She teaches you about the materials, tools and techniques in using metal to make jewelry so you can choose which approach works best for you or the piece, with or without a torch. 
She covers connections with wire, metal tabs and other cold connections plus heating your metal with a torch to make the same piece. 
She starts out with the Basics on materials, covering different metals, wire and wire gauge and strength as well as tips on how to save money on recycled jewelry wire and using less expensive metal/wire especially when starting and practicing.  She then covers the Basics in tools, starting out with the 'must have tools' moving on to tools to add over time and finally the 'luxury' tools we all would like to have. Finally she moves into the Basics with Techniques.  This section covers making loops, cutting and piercing metal, riveting with tube and wire rivets, metal stamping, adding color or patina, annealing and soldering, sawing, texturing, filing and sanding, gluing and finally polishing.  Whew!  That's a lot of information. 

Then we get to the 'Projects!'  And what wonderful projects they are.  And my favorite part is that they are always in pairs, made with hot connections, i.e. soldering and cold connections in so many different ways.  The funny thing is, that in each of these projects I had a favorite, but it wasn't always the same. Sometimes it was the hot connection and sometimes the cold connection. So I have my work cut out for me in making some of these projects. LOL  I really like the little Pod pendants on the cover of the book.

And these little Memento pendants are adorable.

But my favorite project is the Flourish bracelet!  And I like it both ways, hot and cold. So I may have to make one of each.  

I can't wait to get started with my projects, inspired by her love of connections and teaching in this book.  Plus, she's coming to my local bead store in Killeen, Texas, Bead Bistro!  So, I'm planning on getting my book signed AND hopefully taking a class from her. I can't wait.  So, if you've been unsure about how to use Connections in your jewelry to enhance it or weren't sure of which way was best, be sure to get over to Kalmbach books and get your copy of Hot & Cold Jewelry Connections.  You'll love it.
For some of my wire-wrapped and beaded jewelry I've already made, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.  I also have Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass kreationz for your Home and Garden.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

ZNETshows Keychain Lightning Round

Another great ZNETshows challenge. I was contacted a few weeks back by Hope of Crafty Hope and ZNETshows about doing a lightning round challenge with their Keychain hooks.  The idea was, we pick out 2 beads and they'll send them along with some of the keychain hooks for us to design something with.  They got delayed a little because the keychain hooks were out of stock. But I finally received them last Thursday and got to work.  I ran into a snag with my first design and am still working on it, but I got my other 2 designs finished and am presenting them here for you to see and let me know what you think.  I chose these Black Matte faceted glass bead crystals and these Orange and Cream faceted glass rondelles crystals.  I wired wrapped and attached to some silver chain I had, the Orange and Cream crystals along with some black seed beads and oval beads I had.  I attached those 3 to the bottom of the Black Faceted Crystal and Orange and Cream crystal and then attached everything to the Keychain.  This is my Black and Orange 'Chained' keychain, zipper pull or purse bling.  I prefer them as purse bling. 

My second design is my 'Tribal' keychain, zipper pull or purse bling.  Again, I prefer Purse Bling. LOL.  I hammered the end of silver colored wire, then strung the Orange and Cream crystals, the Black Faceted Crystal the and the black seed beads and oval bead I had on one of each of the 'tribal' wires. I then hammered the other end and did a simple loop to attach them to the keychain.  In between each of the 3 'tribal' wires, I hammered more silver colored wire in shorter lengths, did a simple loop and attached them in between the 'tribal' wires.  I also wire-wrapped one of the Orange and Cream crystals and attached it to the loop on the bottom of the Center 'tribal' wire for a little more dangle and bling.  Hope you like my Keychains/Purse Bling.  They are available for $17 each with free shipping till the end of the week.  Just comment here on my blog if you're interested.


KayzKreationz Purse Bling, Zipper Pull, Keychain

For more of my Beaded Wire-wrapped Jewelry and Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

CBC 2000 Giveaway

Recently a group I'm in on Facebook, the Creative Bead Chat held a giveaway for reaching 2000 likes.  There were about 40 different artists that donated prizes.  All you had to do was comment on the prize/prizes you liked and say how you would use the prize.  For example, would you wear it, give it away or create something awesome with it and if creating, what would you create with it.  There were some great prizes.  And Lo and Behold, I won a fabulous pair of earrings from Alicia Marinache.  Alicia hails from Burlington, ON Canada.  She loves working with silver and copper and semi-precious stones, bringing inspirations from nature into her art.  These are Etched Brass squares that have been patina'd and sealed, with glass lampwork beads attached to Sterling Silver findings.  Aren't these great?  They're even prettier in person.  It was so great of Alicia to donate these, along with all the other artists that donated wonderful prizes.  Alicia has a shop on Artfire, called All Pretty Things.  Why don't you jump over there after seeing what else I won and what the others won and who donated the prizes.

Also, because there was a small snafu with one of the other prizes that I though I had won, Melinda Orr generously offered to send me a prize package from her designs/stash. I love Melinda's work.  She has some of her designs HERE and more here in ORRTEC shop.  Melinda loves working with Metals and texturing and patina'ing them, plus leather.  Anyway, Melinda kindly sent me this great package with one of her new designs.  It's a piece of leather, wire-wrapped focal and copper wire.  I know what I want to do with it, just haven't gotten a chance to put it all together yet.  Plus I need a rivet/snap setting tool for the snap/clasp on the leather.
 
Be sure to check out all the other great artists and shops that won or donated prizes.  And if you really like making jewelry and networking with other artists, be sure to check out the Creative Bead Chat group.
To see some of my Wire-wrapped, Beaded Jewelry, Stained Glass, Mosaics or Fused Glass Kreationz for your home and garden, be sure to check out KayzKreationz.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Blu Mudd Design Team Reveal

Voting is open for the Blu Mudd Design Challenge, Vote HERE Now!
A few weeks back, Moriah Betterly of Blu Mudd issued a challenge on her facebook page. She makes wonderful ceramic pendants. She was willing to send those that wanted to play one of her pendants. In exchange we had to design a necklace with it.  I love her pendants, so I signed up immediately.  As usual, life has gotten in the way. But I think I finally got it finished the way I want and like it.  These are the pendants she sent out.  Aren't they great? 

I simply asked for something in reds/burgundy, NOT blues. LOL  And as usual, I forgot to take a picture of the one I received before I started.
I knew I wanted to make my own bale from wire. So I took some 16 gauge copper wire, cut it, filed it, hammered the ends and the center, punched a hole and Voila!  I had a bale for my lovely pendant.  I also knew I wanted it to be really rustic. It just seemed to fit the shape, design and color.  So I went through my leather strips, went to Hobby Lobby to get some more colors that I envisioned and set to town making links.  This turned into WAY more work than I anticipated. I cut each strip of leather, tied each strip into knots, punched 2 holes in each strip (used my metal punch as I didn't have any leather punches or needles that would go through the leather).  Now, how do I attach each leather link?  I had to hand wrap/create copper links in every single hole in each leather link.  I figured I would need 6 leather links on each side of the necklace. So I cut out 12 leather links, punched 24 holes, wire-wrapped 24 wire links and Guess What!  I only needed 3 leather links on each side because I also wanted to make some copper wire tornado beads for in between each leather link.  Talk about tired hands from all that leather and wire work. And now I have double the links I needed. Don't worry, they're being used. It's just not done yet.  Now my dilemma was, how do I attach all the leather links to the bale?  Out come the leather and the metal punch again. So, I've got 2 small pieces of leather cut and punched. They run through my copper jump ring and I start wire-wrapping AGAIN! (Oh, and by the way, I also hand made ALL the copper jump rings as I didn't have any available. And I had to make the copper links to run through my copper tornado beads to be able to attach them in between the leather links. Are we seeing a picture here?)  I also hand crafted my clasp. It's a simple Figure 8 and S hook clasp as I didn't want to take away from the rest of the necklace and the Ceramic pendant.  The reveal goes up tonight and the voting starts tomorrow on Blu Mudd Facebook page.  So what do you think of my Rustic Leather Garden necklace?  Did I do the pendant justice?  Don't forget to go vote.  I may be keeping this one for myself. 
Closeup of the focal and bale
Closeup of the Copper wire tornado beads and leather links
 
But if you're looking for more of my Unique, Eclectic Beaded Wire-wrapped jewelry, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.  I also hand craft Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden. I'm sure you'll find something you can't live without. LOL

Monday, May 20, 2013

Earring Swap Blog Hop Reveal!


About a month ago, I signed up for a different blog hop. Jessica of Whimsical Monkey was wanting to know who would be interested in an earring blog hop.  You would sign up, get a partner and then find out what they liked/disliked, what their favorite colors were, if they liked short, long, dangly earrings, etc.  It sounded like fun, so I threw my name in the hat.  I got paired with Jessica McMullen of Pheonix Gate Arts.  She does leather work and is working on some armor for her hubby.   When I contacted her, she said her favorite colors were blue, black and silver, and that she wore mainly lightweight earrings.  Now, I don't do blue, so I don't usually have much blue in my stash.  But I had just won a stash of beads and wouldn't you know it, there was some great blue beads and coordinating beads in the stash. There was some porcelain/ceramic, some onyx, some glass and Czech glass and more.  There was also the great pewter (in black and silver) earring findings to hold five different dangles.  So I got to work picking out all the beads I wanted to use and then laying them out in different patterns.  I wanted to make sure they weren't too heavy for Jessica, though.  I also don't have much silver in my stash, but I had this great Non-Tarnish Silver wire from Artistic Wire and made my own 'Tumbleweed' ear wires to match. I hope she likes them.  But then, I wanted to do something fun for her, too. I had these cute bottle caps from Guiness Black Lager beer that my son likes. So after cleaning them real well, I folded the grooved edge of the caps up all the way around to look like a ruffle.  Then I punched 3 holes in the bottom of the ruffle and one hole in the top and went back to my stash. As it happens these bottle caps are BLUE with their gold logo, which to me looks like a harp.  (The only problem with bottle caps is getting them off the bottle without bending them all up.  But that makes them unique.)  So this time I used more gold toned beads with the blue and then had some dark brass/bronze ear wires I attached to the top hole to make some fun earrings.  These are light weight also.  Hopefully she'll like both pairs of earrings.  If you'd like your own pair of beer cap/drink cap earrings feel free to contact me here on my blog or in my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz.  I've got several pair I'm going to be listing soon. 


Now, here's what Jessica decided to make for me. I told her I love metal, mixed media, wire, leather, stones, etc.  And then I told her pretty much, just surprise me.  I also told her I usually wear long dangly, chunky earrings.  Aren't these great? (Well, due to postal problems, I haven't received my earrings from Jessica. They were supposed to be here Saturday, but I was out of town for a wedding Saturday and Sunday.  As soon as I get home, hopefully they'll be here and I can be surprised and get pictures.  So stay tuned/come back later Monday or Tuesday and you'll be able to see what Jessica sent me. I know they're going to be fantastic.)
Here's the rest of the participants. I know some hadn't gotten their earrigs yet an were waiting on them to post, so be sure to check back and forth for the next day or two. Hopefully everyone will have their reveal and posts up then. If the links aren't clickable, check Jessica's blog, Whimsical Monkey. Thanks.
Blog:
Inge von Roos: ingetraud.wordpress.com
Nancy Smith: wirednan.blogspot.ca
Miranda Ackerley: http://blog.mirandack.com/
Shelley Graham Turner: www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com
Ginger Davis Allman: http://thebluebottletree.com/
Nicole Valentine Rimmer: www.nvalentine.blogspot.com
Stephanie Weiss:  uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/
Spun Sugar Beadworks: Spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Beccy Peterson: Beccy's Baubles
Ani Forsyth: Veil Dancer
Marde Lowe: FanciMar Designs
And if you're looking for more of my Jewelry or Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.  Be sure to come back to see my earrings.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Spotlight on Wire Book Review

My newest book review is Spotlight on Wire by Melissa Cable.  It is published by Kalmbach books.  They have an amazing variety of books on all types of Jewelry designs, techniques and more.  This book is a great example.  Melissa has done an amazing job highlighting so many different techniques, design ideas for wire.  She owned beadclub bead store in Woodinville, Washington for 7 years and quickly realized her passion for creating and teaching students projects that would allow them to not only learn fun skills, but walk away with a finished piece.  And she has accomplished that with this book.  She starts out with How to Use the Book and all the abbreviations you'll see throughout all the projects.  She also has Spotlights on Tips and Techniques, Basics and Tools throughout the book. Then she delves right in.  Chapter 1 deals with woven Wire.  I especially love the very first project in the book and this chapter, clustered Jewels and how to make a flat rectangular focal really stand out. I can't wait to try this.  Chapter 2 talks about Textured strip wire and has the neatest idea for a 'Poor-man's Rolling Mill'.  I'm anxious to try this out, too.  And a sneak peak/tip, I got my idea for one of my Bead Soup Blog Party pieces/focal bale from this chapter.  So watch for it on the 20th of this month.  Chapter 3 helps us out with Corrugated Wire.  Roundabout Road and Rippled Bangle are great examples of this and next on my list to try from this chapter.  Chapter 4 deals with Heavy Wire.  Chapter 5 moves on to Chain and Wire and Chapter 6 finishes off with Basics.  If you're looking to widen out in your skill with wire in your jewelry work, this is a fantastic book. You won't regret adding it to your Jewelry Library.  It's for sale here at Kalmbach Books.  Here's just a sample or two to whet your appetite for this wonderful book.
Be sure to keep watching my shop, KayzKreationz for unique jewelry pieces made from inspiration from this book.  I also carry Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass pieces for your Home and Garden.
 
(The book above was provided by Kalmbach Books for review. The author of this blog has not received any other payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Texas Pepper Jams: !Crazy Hot Nuts!

This is a great article about Nuts and their health benefits.  Plus they're adding Spicy Hot nuts to their shop. Be sure to check it out and get in on the fun.

Texas Pepper Jams: !Crazy Hot Nuts!: A nut isn't just a nut anymore! There are 53 varieties of nuts. Can you name them all? Some nuts we love to eat are: almonds, pecans, walnut...

And if you're looking for some great Stained Glass, Mosaics or Fused Glass Kreationz for your home or garden, or Wire-wrapped, Beaded jewelry for yourself or as a gift, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Book Review-Irina's Inspirations


I was recently sent the book Irina's Inspirations by Irina Miech.  It is published by Kalmbach Books.  It is a fascinating book. I had never seen any of her designs or jewelry, but from the cover to the end of the book I was hooked. She takes her inspiration from everything.  She starts out with how to recognize inspiration, then moves into Materials and Design, then the Tools and Techniques you'll need.  And finally the projects.  It is amazing.  As I looked at the photos of her inspiration and then the pieces she made I was just in awe.  She also talks about how to achieve balance and then watching the trends to know what is or will be in fashion. 
After that comes the projects.  I love the fact that with each project she posts the photo or inspiration behind it.  It really helped me to see how to see the inspiration and then how to draw from it to make a design.  She starts with simpler projects/inspiration and moves on into harder, more difficult ones towards the back of the book.  She outlines each tip/technique very well, so you can understand exactly what she's doing.  She also includes step by step photos to help.
There's something for everyone in the book.  But my 2 favorite projects would have to be the Hawaiian Isles bracelet, made with Wire mesh (which I have not been able to find yet) on page 64.  It is a contrast (with the mesh) of the lava fields of Hawaii and the tropical flowers you find there.  Even the clasp carries out the theme, since it is a floral clasp. I love it. 
My other favorite piece is the Botanical Tiles bracelet on page 88.  I love metal and she uses copper square discs that she textures as the background 'tile' for the botanical 'focal' pieces on top of them.  She uses a variety of components to achieve those botanical pieces.  It is wonderful. In fact, both of my favorite pieces can be seen in the photo of the cover of the book at the top of this post.
So if you're looking for a way to kick up your inspiration a notch, or just some wonderful designs, check out Kalmbach books and get this book.  You'll love it.

Friday, September 2, 2011

New Clay Beaded Lily Flower Plant Charmer, Stake, Poke Jewelry

I love decorating my plants, pots, garden.  This is my newest listing in my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz  It is a polymer clay Lily flower, with Yellow, Orange, Green Dyed Howlite beads and Copper wire tendrils on a Copper Wire plant stake.  Some people call them plant stakes, pokes.  I like to call the Plant charmers.  Because they just add "charm" to your plants and pots.  This listing is for both and includes free shipping.  So if you're looking to "accessorize" your plants and pots, check it out here: Lily Beaded Plant charmer  It's jewelry for your plants.
And for more great Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass items for your Home or Garden, again, visit my shop, KayzKreationz.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

KayzKreationz talks about a Soft-Flex Wire Giveaway

If you love craft wire, you'll love this giveaway by Soft-Flex on Andrew Thornton's blog.  He's giving away 6 spools of their craft wire this Tuesday.  It is peel and scratch resistant and also is clear coated to prevent tarnishing.  They have over 20 colors of craft wire, plus bare copper and vintage bronze.  This wire is great if you have metal allergies, too, since it is lead and nickel free.  And, it's made in the USA!  So check out this giveaway.  But don't leave too many comments, because I'd really like to win those 6 spools. LOL

Friday, December 19, 2008

Copper-It’s amazing look, usefulness and qualities and the Shop of the Day

Copper and Red Glass gazing ball Copper is a ductile metal with an excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. When most metals are grayish or silvery, it has an unusual pinkish or peachy color. It is an essential trace element for plant life and humans. There is evidence that copper has been used for various things for thousands of years. The United States and Chile have sizable reserves of it and mine it through large open pit mines. It can be used for electrical wire in homes and electronics plumbing pipes, to make coins, and as an anti-germ surface that can add to the anti-bacterial and antimicrobial features of buildings such as hospitals. It also has a significant Jasper and Copper wire wrapped pendantpresence in decorative art. Some even feel it has curative properties and wear it as jewelry. As it ages or patinas, especially when outside it takes on a beautiful green color. With that in mind the Shop of the Day has some unique copper, glass and stone items for your home and garden. So check out TapestryArabianFarm for items like this Glass Gazing Ball or some of the items in the box to the right. And if your one of those that loves to wear copper, check out my Jasper and Copper Wire-wrapped pendant at KayzKreationz. But if copper isn't your thing, take a peek at STRINGandSTONES for some gorgeous Sterling Silver and Gemstone jewelry like this.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Something Shiny for that Someone Special-Dichroic Glass Pendant

Shiny, bling, Dichroic Glass Pendant
Here's something your someone special may like. It really sparkles, especially in the light. Makes a nice gift for yourself or someone else. I love Dichroic glass, because of the way it sparkles and shines. These 2 have lots of bling. So check these out at: http://kayzkreationz.etsy.com/ And for some sterling silver and gemstones check out: http://stringandstones.etsy.com/

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

New Featured Shop of the Day


The shop today has outstanding jewelry: http://cthings.etsy.com/ Since I had blogged about jasper, and I love jasper anyway, check this necklace out: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16425872 It's gorgeous.

And for more jasper check out this necklace and earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16239021


Or click on the picture.

Monday, November 24, 2008

New Featured Shop of the Day

Well, another new featured shop. This one has some cute jewelry, like in the box to the right. Check it out: http://glitterstar.etsy.com

And if you're into sterling silver and gemstones check out: http://STRINGandSTONES.etsy.com

And if you love glass and/or wirewrapping, check out my shop: http://KayzKreationz.etsy.com

Monday, November 3, 2008

New Copper Dangle Earrings

Just got some Copper Dangle earrings listed on Artfire.com

My user name is KayzKreationz, but you may just have to search for copper earrings or click on the link if it shows up. Still need to work on the pics, but it's getting late. Another day.