Monday, February 1, 2010

Metallic Goodness...

As part of the Bead Soup Party that I'm in the midst of, I've been experimenting with metal. Nothing too crazy, but I got some fantastic etched copper rings from my party partner, Julie Nordine that got me motivated. She's usually into the glasswork (and you can see some fantastic bits that she just added to her Credit River Art Glass etsy shop), but is trying out some different things with metal...so, why shouldn't I?

I hammered away on some copper washers. Then, I decided I needed some new hammers to add texture and I hammered away some more! I'm not going to show off these hammered bits yet, though, because I don't want to give away the secrets of my bead soup finale piece!

But, because I've been thinking outside the sterling silver box and trying some mixes of metal, including copper and some regular "bargain" craft wire, I focused on the metal beads on my last trip out shopping...

I picked up these vintage base metal beads right here in Montgomery, Alabama at the High Strung Bead Shoppe. They have a gorgeous patina plus they're all hollow so they're super light! Sherry has a huge selection of them, so I had to restrain myself, but I love this little bunch. And, the price was definitely right! Sterling silver will still be one of my fave materials, but I love having the different tones and textures these little pretties can bring to a design.

I really have to get busy making stuff instead of just taking pictures of raw materials. :) But, alas, I'm off to read about Desert Storm to prep for class tomorrow. Enjoy!

4 comments:

  1. oooh, aaah, those beads are gorgeous. I love aged brass and copper. And I love silver. Hey I'm in the west now. People out here love silver. But one of the things I did for my last show was combine copper and silver and people seemed to really like it. So, yeah, thinking outside the silver box is a good thing. You may surprise yourself.

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  2. Those are beautiful...I too love the mix of metal look! Have a good day!

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  3. Ooooooh. I really love those pleated beads. Mmmmmmmm. I'm amazed how different my beads look w/ copper or bronze, etc... really warms them up. I thought customers would be put off by it, though... it's base metal... but when given a choice, alot of times they'll go for the warmer tones. Have to be sure to seal them, though, to keep their finish...which is a drag. (I didn't BTW, LOL, seal your copper soup pieces. Eeeek!)

    Can't wait for you to reveal your fabulous soup piece, Jen... your jewelry style is fabulous. I'm trying not to just put your fabulous focal on a ribbon. LOL. Stretch, Julie.....

    xoo...

    BTW....THANK YOU for the mention... time for me to do a little soup tease, I think. :o)

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  4. I love those fluted beads! I have some round ones, but am envious of the rondelles!!!!

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Bedford, PA, United States
I'm a retiree/artist/student who makes things. It's a nice kind of lifestyle!

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