Exploration

So last month I saw conversations all over the place about folks who were choosing their word for 2015. This is something I too have done for the past number of years but this time I was really having difficulty coming up with a word I wanted to live with for a whole year. For a while I thought, well I guess I'll have to skip it this year. But it kind of  felt like I was letting myself down.

Then as I was doing some reading and watching some how to videos earlier this week it finally dawned on me like the proverbial lightbulb. My word is EXPLORE! And the reason is because I have finally succumbed to the jewelry making bug. I have dabbled here and there...

Montage

but never wholly made a commitment.

But now I have. Yikes!

It started with an online class and some tools. I took Christy Tomlinson's Belt Bracelet Workshop this past summer wanting to create some for the Shabby Cottage at the Corner Nest.  Things kind of exploded from there, catching me unaware. I found myself wanting to know more.

You see I have always avoided any commitment to jewelry because I knew the tool outlay and time involved would be huge if I wanted to do more than dabble and I simply wasn't sure I wanted the commitment.

I shared with you a few posts back my jewlery corner I created at Shabby Cottage.

Jewelrycorner2

One piece of knowledge has led to another until it has snowballed.

So 2015 will be my year to explore this whole new world deeper, be committed, see where it leads me, see if I can create jewelry I love, in more than just a dabbling way. If you don't mind I'll share my adventure with you guys, in whatever manner comes to me. I'm not giving up what I already do, I'm just adding to it.

That being said here are a few new projects started before I got sick, and have finally got wrapped up.

Etched copper pendant2

Here is what I like about this piece...I cut the sheet metal, folded and etched it myself. I created the clasp myself and did the coiling too. And I bit the bullet and did my own rosary links for the beads. I like it not just because I think it is pretty, I like it even more because I can say I did those things. Maybe not easily or quickly and certainly not with perfection, but definitely with a sense of accomplishment.

Etched copper pendant5

The back should be pretty too!

And then these bottles have been waiting FORevah to be finished!

Altered bottle 1

Beaded soldered bottle 5

Soldered blue bottle 1

Do you have a word or resolution for 2015 you want to share?

Happy Hump Day my friends!  xxoo Gail

 

 



8 Responses

Creative Workshops
Creative Workshops

May 07, 2018

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting Nancy! I really appreciate your kind words!
Gail

Nancy Rector
Nancy Rector

May 07, 2018

I happened upon your site from Pinterest will following an image of one your bottle creations. Oh my! Your work is breathtaking!

Melissa
Melissa

May 07, 2018

Gail, you are simply amazing and so talented. I love what you did with these pieces. You inspire me to get back to simple whimsy fun little pieces…I particularly like your chain pieces. You always present beautiful pictures. Are you a certified decorator as well? You have a beautiful nak of displaying things. Is why I love following your posts. Wish I had that gift.
Thanks for the inspiration.

Suzy
Suzy

May 07, 2018

I think the “explore” word for you Gail is just perfect if you keep going in this direction with your jewellery! Your piece is gorgeous and just my style too. I just wish there were 30 hours in the day and just think how much more I could learn. I’m learning about the word “patience”!!!
Sending hugs for a very exciting new year with jewellery!
x Suzy

Pat
Pat

May 07, 2018

Gail they are fabulous,you are so very talented. Thinking of what you said about a word for the new year and I realize my word is finish,as in finishing art I have started or do the classes I have signed up for but didn’t finish for one reason or another,time-not going to be be perfect,like the teachers,etc thank you,I really hadn’t thought about it until reading your comment.wonderful blessings and thoughts for you in the new year, pat

vickie
vickie

May 07, 2018

LOL, I was the same as you, I did heaps of other stuff then discovered jewellery which I’d been interested in making for years, but didn’t have anywhere to teach me. In the last couple of years I’ve used You Tube and the internet classes to learn how to do it and this year my big thing is to learn soldering and using a blow torch and metal stamping. I want to be able to make my own focal pieces rather than just using pre-made ones by someone else. I have spent a small fortune on getting the stuff, so I have to do it now, even though I’m so scared and nervous!

leslie
leslie

May 07, 2018

Awesome metal necklace peice-all your peices are great.

Tristan Robin Blakeman
Tristan Robin Blakeman

May 07, 2018

really, really lovely work, Gail. I’m not really a jewelry person, but from a sculpture/assemblage/collage point of view, they’re just stunning!

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Hey there! Welcome to my studio blog. My name is Gail and I'm always happy to welcome you in & share the small things of what goes on in a working studio.

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    How to Measure for a Bracelet or Necklace

    Measuring for a Bracelet

    Measure your wrist with a flexible tape measure or a strip of paper just above the wrist bone, where you would normally wear the bracelet. If you use a plain strip of paper, make a mark with a pen or pencil. You can then use a ruler to measure the marked length. That would be your wrist size.

    If you prefer a snug fit add 1/4" - 1/2" to your wrist size. For a little more of a comfort fit add approximately 3/4" - 1". If you like your bracelets really loose with lots of movement add about 1 1/4". It really is all about personal preference.

     Measuring for a Necklace

    Necklace length is truly a personal preference. Lengths pictured here are guidelines for illustrative purposes only...to offer you a visual idea of where a necklace might lie.

    Body build will make a difference in where a necklace will fall. The best way to determine where the length of a necklace will fall on you is to measure. It is very easy. Grab a soft tape measure (like used in dressmaking), and stand in front of a mirror. Wrap the tape measure around the back of your neck and find the lengths in front that you like best. No tape measure? No problem. Use something like a string or piece of ribbon, wrap it across the back of your neck and down your front where you want it to hang. Continue to hold on to one end for marking and use a ruler or tape measure and measure from your finger to the end.