Thursday 10 November 2011

Jewellery Lesson No.2.

Well it wasn't a one to one lesson this time - so I struggled somewhat, and the technique took longer, but I did make a necklace and a bracelet.

So this is the bracelet - the big bead is central - I've just photographed it wonky.
The beads have a metallic finish except for the crystal ones.
 I used three beads to make the third charm from each end.

This is the charm style pendant.  
The tutor chooses the style and we get to choose the beads.
This weeks lesson concentrated on wirework - making loops etc.
Which we really stuggled with - but practice makes perfect and all that!


I have put beads either side of the clasp fastening, as I always struggle trying to find it when I try to do it up at the back.  There are a couple of glass beads with oriental calligraphy on them which are sweet.


This afternoon, I whizzed up the shop to buy some beads to make some earrings to match my bracelet.
More fiddley wire work - but I am finding it easier now.
Here is the bead board that Kath was using, when I visited her, and her red tweezers.
I am glad that I really concentrated when she was explaining things.

Here is a bracelet I am working on - I bought the chain, but forgot to buy the clasps, so back I'll go tomorrow to get some.
If you do jewellery making and don't have one of these boards they are great.  They are moulded plastic, and the top is suede like, so that prevents things slipping.  When you cut the wire - which you have to do a lot, instead of the bits of wire flying off sliding across with table, it hits the board and stays there.
The moulded sections are used for your beads and findings etc, and the measurements make it so easy to centre what you are doing - my bracelet looks askew as I laid it down when I had added the beads, but when making it, I could lay the beads out evenly where the markers are, and jiggle them about to get the design I like best.

   I spent a few happy blissful hours this afternoon, using Kath's board and tweezers and the earring findings are hers too.

And guess what - I found it so easy and never messed up anything!



15 comments:

Sandies' Patch said...

Oh, you're hooked alright! LOL!

I think you are doing great, the variations between individuals is what makes it just that - individual!

When I used to have craft weeks at the centre I used to work at, I could always tell whose work belong to who(?whom) when I looked at them at the end of the day, certain ways and twists you knew a certain crafter would make.

I'm sending you something, if you already have it/them, feel free to pass on to someone else, get them hooked!
sounds like drug dealing LOL!

Have a great weekend,

Sandie xx

sam21ski said...

YAY Way to go Lottie, they look stunning. Love that centre bead you chose for the necklace.

Is there a lesson 3?

xxxxx

Lorraine said...

I like your ventures into jewellery making..I found it quite difficult. I am sure your friend Kath is now looking down on you and is glad you are doing somethng that she loved doing..God Bless and hugs

Cath Wilson said...

Ooh, I'm so impessed, Lottie - you're doing brilliantly. I had one of those boards and threw it out - duh - wish I'd known. Lovely beads and really stylish projects. Great to see you enjoying it x

Kath said...

All lovely. I like the bracelet you are making at the moment. Lovely colour.

Kath said...

I meant to say, what a brilliant idea to put beads near the fasteners. I sometimes struggle to find the ends too.

Hels Sheridan said...

ooh that board is a great idea, loving your latest bady creations, they are FAB! I only just recently got into making jewellry, yep, addicting.. and I now have a loads of beads and stuff and still need more :O))

melsanford said...

Oh these are beautiful! They look fab :-) Love 'n' hugs, Mel xx

Angelnorth said...

Beautiful projects and I love the idea of putting beads near the clasp on the necklace to make it easier to find - inspired!

Ginger said...

That board looks a great idea. What inspirational projects Lottie. x

Anonymous said...

Wow Lottie, absolutely gorgeous creations. I would have definitely messed it up so BRAVO !!
hugs June x

Alison said...

Those boards are great for designing pieces Lottie, & the recesses are brilliant for tipping your beads into. Do you have a felt mat? They're brilliant for stopping your beads from rolling all over the place. Love your latest pieces, the beads on your bracelet are gorgeous! x

gardenpinks said...

Beautiful work Lottie. I love beadwork but find making loops in the ends of headpins so difficult..mine never look neat. So glad you are enjoying it and there are so many gorgeous beads to try and choose from:)

Lynn (rusticus on UK Stampers)

Christine B. said...

Wow Lottie you are doing fantastic and have made some lovely pieces again. I love the colour of you beads on the bracelet your making. Kath would be realy proud of you.Love and Hugs x ChrisB

Anonymous said...

These are fabulous, and such a brilliant idea putting beads each side of the clasp! I don't have one of those boards but I do have a felt mat to lay my beads out so I can see what my design is supposed to look like. Have a look here http://www.creativebeadcraft.co.uk/wind.asp You can download their patterns for free and they always give me great ideas.
xx