Showing posts with label hoop earrings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hoop earrings. Show all posts

Monday, April 15, 2013

Improving My Technique...

Handforged Sterling Hoops with Secure Clasp
 
 I have been primarily self-taught in my skills as a jewelry maker.  And while I have gained much experience and developed my own successful ways of 'doing things', I've really wanted to grow, improve and refine many of my techniques -- and maybe uncover and remedy some 'bad habits' at the same time. My last class at Hui was perfect for just that! Creating these simple sterling hoops refined my shaping and hammering skills and developed a new technique for creating a secure clasp to better hold the earring closed.  I also practiced using different tools for filing and polishing.
Stacking Bangles in Sterling, Copper and Brass
 Stacking bangle bracelets provided new opportunities in soldering - experimenting with brass and copper solder, firing temperatures, sanding, hammering and shaping were all part of the process and were valuable experience.  Plus, I have three pretty mixed metal bangles to wear! 
 
One of my favorite things to make is stacking rings - so cute and so fun to wear in a bunch! I learned a great deal more about ring sizing, making a set of  'templates' for each ring and bangle size and some fabulous production techniques. It was a great class!
 
Sterling Stacking Rings
Leaving the studio yesterday, I felt kinda sad.  I've met some really talented and wonderful people there in the last couple of months and will miss them and the comraderie of our groups.  I can't wait to return and sign up for more!

PS.  I also finished my larimar ring which I'll post later this week :)



Thursday, September 22, 2011

New Rustic Hammered Hoops

...you know how much I love metal, especially rustic-distressed-organic-industrial metals. Wire is one of my favorite mediums to achieve this look and I've been playing with some new tools - particularly a mandrel and rawhide hammer that allow me to shape heavier gauge wire with ease. I've begun with some simple hoops using a piece of 16 gauge sterling I had on hand -- after filing and sanding one end to taper the wire, I shaped the circles using the mandrel and soft hammer - how fun! Hammering for texture and strength came next and then oxidizing and polishing for shine-- not bad for a beginner!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Weekend Deals at Wild Woman Jewelry

Little Black Dress Goldfill Hoop Earrings ~ Featured in Etsy Finds Weekend Deals Storque Article this weekend! (Click on the photo to see the article.)
Weekend Deals at Wild Woman Jewelry
Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25 ~ Receive 15% off your total order including shipping all weekend long! Simply write the words WEEKEND DEALS in the message to seller box at checkout and 15% of your total will be refunded to your Paypal account.
Weekend Deals also apply to all orders from The Garden Shed, my other esty shop! Check out original photography holiday notecards and party invitations available NOW!