Waxing poetic

May 26, 2008 Memorial Day

Thanks to all our Troops, past and present, for giving of their time to keep America safe and free.

I am grateful and thankful everyday for my life; where I live; who I live with; friends and family;having a roof over my head. I could go on and on. We can take so much for granted, we end up overlooking all that is truly important. We create our own happiness. Nobody can do it for you. This is one of the most important things I have learned in my lifetime. I know, I'm waxing a bit poetic but I just had a birthday and it has been a time of reflection.

But enough of that, let's talk a bit more about jewelry design. The pendant shown above is part of the evolution of the designs shown on the previous pages. I started out so simple and kept adding different techniques I've learned. It is made with sterling silver wire, violet Swarovski crystals, lavender faceted amethyst, and a barrel-shaped purple Amethyst in the center. Of course, I have my signature coils at the top.

I just recently learned the meaning of these coils. (Who knew there was some deep meaning behind them) Okay. Ready? Here it is: The double spiral symbolizes the polarity and balance of the two reverse streams of a unique cosmic force. Wow! The double spiral can hardly be better represented than the outline limiting black and white parts of the yin-yang symbol, expressing the alternating rhythm of yin and yang. It is nothing but the two streams of the unique cosmic force taking various forms in different traditions. Ahh, let's cut to the chase, it represents the yin and yang. It has to do with balance and energy.

Hmmm, makes sense in my designs.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope your week is filled with joy and patience.

Pair of Cubic Zirconia earrings.

Inspiration

May 21, 2008

It's funny, the places, things or people that help to inspire us. You just never know what might make something click in your brain and get you thinking. This is what happened to me last week. It started with a friend of mine buying some Grape Turquoise earrings on my Etsy site. I wanted to make her a pendant to match as a gift. I'd had an idea in the back of my mind that I'd been thinking about off and on but had not put hand to wire. As I sat looking at that Grape Turquoise Briolette, I thought this was the perfect stone for my new idea.

This is what I came up with. I love this design and now the ideas are coming fast and furious. I think, well, I bet it would look good to add some beads into the woven part. So that was my next assignment. Here's what I came up with:

Now I was really excited. I could see all sorts of designs that could spin off from this. So I continued to go over the new designs in my head and figure out how I could accomplish my goal. Here's the next step:

I have another one that I made that goes beyond this one but have not taken a picture of it yet. It's the most exciting. I just love these inspirational moments; that's when I get the most work done. It's something that can't be forced....just have to wait for those magical moments. I think I've found one of those moments and it's going to last for some time.

One thing leads to another ........yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day!! It's an absolutely gorgeous day here. This springtime weather is the best.

The 2 pieces of jewelry pictured are both made with Carnelian gemstone and 14k goldfilled wire. I recently learned how to do the design pictured in the upper right. It's a technique I learned through one of Eni Oken's tutorials. She is such an inspiration. I love the way the stone is emphasized with the delicate woven net of gold wire to hold it in. It amazes me how tight the fit is in these pieces.

The pendant on the left is called Wire sculpting. There is no soldering involved in this technique. Just straight wire, hands, pliers and wire cutters. That's it! That's what first drew me to it. I wanted to make something that really stood out, but I didn't want to have to solder. The end product is an extremely durable piece of wearable artwork -- each one unique.

Last night I was checking out some of the forums on Etsy. I stumbled on one discussing marketing your jewelry to boutiques and stores where the pieces will fit in. I learned so much and am now looking forward to searching out places that sell local artists' jewelry. I've been thinking about it quite a bit but hated the thought of actually doing it. Now I'm ready to make the plunge! Wish me luck!

Have a great day.

Jules

May 8, 2008

I feel like an old dog learning new tricks! I guess it can be done. Blogging is a first for me and even if I'm the only one who reads this, I'm going to give it the ol' college try.My name is Julie and I'm just on the other side of 50. Hard to admit but since you can't see me......

Last year I sent off for some dvds in the hopes of learning the ancient art of Wire Sculpting; some call it wire wrapping. I discovered that not only did I fall in love with it, but I could make some really cool things. An example is shown in the upper left corner; Blue Lapis gemstone sculpted with 20 gauge Sterling Silver wire. Check out my shop for more: http://twistedjules.etsy.com/

I guess I went kind of crazy making jewelry. I made so many items, I decided to start a business. No way I could wear it all; and even giving it away to friends and family -- I still had too much. I opened Twisted Jules, Original Jewelry Designs in 2008.

I found Etsy, the site for selling all items handmade, and opened a shop. I have a mad desire to learn everything there is about wire and what can be made. Oh, there is so much out there! My latest design, pictured upper right) is a Net Bezel design. I learned this technique from the fabulous Eni Oken, who has a wonderful website and fantastic tutorials.

The pendant shown is a big faceted piece of Green Aventurine Gemstone. I used approximately 10 feet of 14k/20 goldfilled wire. I really love this design and it's a great test of patience to make it, but the result is well worth it.

Some people believe that gemstones have healing powers. I go with this and consider it when designing and making each piece of jewelry. I hope you will take a look at my shop and let me know what you think! Please check back!

jules