creatively dreaming

 

I woke up dreaming of wire today - is that weird? I actually think about wire all the time if i am honest, it's my most favorite medium to play with and today I was feeling a little bit of creativity bubbling up inside. My older boys both had school and my sweet Mom in law offered to watch the younger two (big kiss for you Paula!!) so I had a super long list of things to accomplished including grocery shopping, the post office, and some serious cleaning to do. But you want to know what I did instead…after grabbing a good workout I poured another cup of coffee, took a long hot bath, put on some makeup, did my hair and then sat down in my jewelry "nook" and played around with some wire and gemstones.

 I have been itching to make a pendant with four arrows (one for each of my babies) and although this one didn't turn out exactly how I wanted it to, it just didn't feel right in my hand, I still had so much fun sitting in the stillness focusing and listening to nothing but the sounds of the birds outside and the whirl of our washing machine (the nook is in the laundry room :)) and for about three hours I was lost in a slice of heaven. The errands and shopping will have to be done soon but for today I am  glad I took a little bit of time for myself to explore the creativity in me.

This weekend is packed to the brim with a basketball game for my oldest, a birthday party and a day trip to the islands for a little speaking to do for Chris. I am looking forward to it and daylight savings too that will mean much more light in the evenings come next week!!

So what about you, if you had a few hours to yourself how might you spend it indulging on something creative, I would love to know. Monday I will be getting out my camera for the monthly installment of Ten on Ten - will you join me? It's always another way to flex the creative muscles and find some beauty in everyday. Hope you have a wonderful weekend friends whatever shape it takes!

enamel button necklace diy

I also considered naming this post ten reasons why I will never be a fashion blogger - haha! Getting my photo taken is pretty high on the list of most awkward ways to spend my time...but you guys I really loved how this necklace turned out so I just went for it. Please enjoy my awkwardness :)

Truthfully this post is dedicated to J.Crew and all the brightly colored jewelry that they have been showing this season. I love it all and wanted to emulate it on a smaller more wearable scale for my day to day and this is what I came up with.

All you need is a rhinestone button or brooch, luckily I had this one in my craft stash. Some nail polish and a steady hand. I had to go for a little neon orange I am still in love with the neon trend!

Paint the desired jewels with the nail polish (hint: it helps to use a tiny brush) I did a few coats and then let it sit overnight.

Then I added a simple chain with some jump rings and that's it. I thought about making it a hair clip but didn't have one on hand. I think that would be a really fun and wearable way to do the pop on neon too!

A special thanks to my sister in law, Kristen for enduring my awkward face to take these photos..and my other sister in law Jenny for throwing out the dress I have on (total score)! Hope you guys have a great day today and that you find a little time to play! xo

jewelry box :: wire wrapped briolette earrings

Making jewelry is one of my most favorite guilty pleasures. In days which feel so long ago I use to sell my jewelry line to boutiques and taught advanced wire techniques at a little (OK not so little anymore) bead shop here in Seattle called FusionBeads. I made the jewelry for several high end designers as well and would dream about my own designs - it was one of the most fun times in my life I hope to get back to it too someday!

I love everything about the delicate process of wrapping wire and beautiful gemstones and although for the time being I have hung up my jewelry designer hat from time to time I like to get out my collection of stones and play. 

I put together these really simple wire capped briolette drops this past weekend after coming across an entire box of gorgeous chrysophrase beads and wondered if any of you guys might like to learn a few jewelry making skills too - I thought it would be fun to start sharing them here this summer a "jewelry box" feature if you will. And for my first installment these simple briolette drop earrings...nice and light and a perfect gift for yourself or a friend they take no time at all!

 

A few things before we get started though and first things first your tools. If you are someone looking to really invest and get started in the art of wire jewelry making and plan to use real gemstones and gold filled wire and such I totally suggest investing in a really good set of tools. I love Lindstrom round nose and chain nose pliers and can not live without my Tronex flush cutters. The lower end tools you find at craft stores are fine too but just know that you won't be able to get those tiny little loops you see on work like Dana Kellin's (one of my fav designers!).

Also when working with gold filled or sterling silver wire I suggest using dead soft for wire wrapping - it's a bit softer and has not been work hardened the same as the half hard wire which works best when you want to create a heavier hoop or teardrop. The wire I buy most often is 26 gauge dead soft for wire wrapping and 20 gauge half hard for creating wire frames...but really it's all up to you and what you might even have on hand.

To make the earrings you will need two matching briolette (a fancy term for top drilled) stones and two pieces of fine (26 or 28 gauge) wire about 9" each. I used 26/dead soft gold filled wire.

Slid one of the stones into the center of one of the pieces of wire and bring the "two legs" up and around the bead.

Using your fingers gently pinch down as close to the top of the stone and create a little triangle squeezing those legs of wire together.

Pinch the top of the wire just above the stone with the round nose pliers and bend the wire back the rotate your hand back by releasing your grip slightly and turning the pliers so that they are top to bottom on the wire instead of side to side.

Then push the wire up and around the pliers to create a question mark shape.

Next you will turn the stone over and pinch the question mark upside down continuing the circle through on the pliers.

Then wrap both legs of wire back down towards the top of the stone continuing over top of the stone creating an organic looking bead cap with the wire. Once you get to the desired spot simple trim the excess wire with your flush cutters and use the chain nose pliers to tuck the wire into the back of the bead.

Hang them on a pair of earring wires and repeat on the second bead. 

Let me know if you have any questions - and if there is a specific wire technique you have always wanted to learn let me know too I might be able to help!

Thanks for letting me share today I hope you have a wonderful week friends!!