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!