I'm back

Hi all!
thanks for keep reading my blog after all this time without any updates.
Just to let you know that i am back. I'll post new designs in a couple of days!
Have a great holiday!

Great news!

Dear friends,

Since i found out that i am pregnant (yeah !!!) and having already an 11 months baby girl i don't know if i can update the blog as often as i used to. Hopefully in the second trimester (after Xmas) of the pregnancy things will calm down a bit and keep up with the blog.
I am really happy with the news, and I wish you all inspiration and great holidays!

Necklace "Olive Tree Leaves"

These are 3 views of the necklace i just made. I have to say that i'm really pleased of the result !
It is called "Olive Tree Leaves"... from the leaves shape obviously.
It is made of sterling silver wire and the leaves are made using the solder technique i have explained in my "organic style" tutorial

Stained Glass Rings

These are a couple of rings i've made using the stained glass technique. I had lots of messages about this technique and since there is so much interest i am planning to make a tutorial by the end of the week.

Stained glass pendants

This is a collection of pendants i've made using the stained glass technique. I also added wire and gems in some cases.
You can actually cut any shape of glass and make tons of wire decorations... just get inspired!

Rain necklace

This is a sterling silver necklace with solder balls in the end of each wire. Too many variations can be made of this necklace if you add beads...

Carnelian Flower

This flower's petals and stamens are made of wire and solder!
Just add some gems (carnelian in this case) and there you have it! Pretty isn't it?

Lariat

Simple lariat, using sterling silver wire, white aventurine and rose quartz.

Pendant

Sterling silver wire and solder to make all those small balls and petals.

Brooches

A couple of brooches. These were my first projects ever!
Not bad for the first time, dont you think?

All are glass or metal beads. In the second brooch the leaves and the small silver balls are actually made by me using solder

Circles

Sterling silver pendant, with swarovski crystals and onyx.

Heart pendant

Sterling silver, swarovski crystal and czech glass bead.
One of my first attempts to make a wire wrapped pendant.
I like the general idea but I have to learn to be more patient when it comes to wrapping!

Rose Quartz Necklace

Sterling silver wire necklace, with rose quartz gemstones.
The leafs and balls are all made of solder (2% silver)

"how to"

I'll start posting photos of my projects.

Keep in mind that i have been making jewellery only for the past two months... so i am just learning.
I am taking classes and this is a way to share with all of you what i've learned. I hope i'll be able to update the blog frequently and that i'll be of some help to some of you that dont know where and how to start.
If you like one of my pieces and you want to find out how i did it please let me know by leaving a comment! I'd love to write a tutorial about it, and post it ASAP.

Supplies

The supplies you need are:
-wire 0.4mm 0.6mm 0.8mm 1mm diameter


- beads, in different shapes and sizes

You can start using glass beads and silver plated wire that are cheap.
When you feel more confident start using more expensive beads like gemstones or swarovski crystal. In addition you can use sterling silver (925) wire for best results.


Also you will need earring wires, clasps, spacers, chain, leather... and the list is endless.
If you go to a shop that sells beads and findings you'll be amazed by the variety.

Tools

The tools you are gonna need to make these projects are the following:


-3 pliers (cutters, round nose and flat nose)

- reverse action tweezer (it really helps to hold the piece while soldering)



- soldering gun (45Watt)

- solder
there are many types of solder, the most common is 60% tin - 40% lead, which is very shiny but can cause health problems if you dont take precautions. There are solders in the market that are lead free and 100% safe, they just dont shine so much. Also there is a solder with 2% silver, and you can find it with or without lead.... So the choice is up to you. I use the one with no lead, cause i work at home.

- flux solder paste

The tools are quite cheap because you buy them once and if you take good care of your soldering gun it will last for years.