Experimenting with New Earring, Pendant, and Ring Designs.

Working with Copper

Recently, I chose to broaden my design work further by experimenting with copper wire, crafting various designs for earrings and pendants, plus a new ring style. I have even started making my own components through hammering techniques.

It's been super awesome to see these new creations come to life! I love being able to explore a wider range of designs. I usually start by playing around with copper or gold-colored copper wire. This way, I can get the hang of things without worrying about making costly mistakes with the more expensive materials. I make a few attempts with the copper wire until I feel the design is ready to use sterling silver or gold. It's all part of the fun! Plus it gives people a wider range of options to choose from.

In the two galleries below are a few samplings of the new designs, components, and a new style ring I've been working on.

Here, I am exploring creating simple wee charms and different shapes that are intriguing, fun, and whimsical. This is just the start!

The images above are of a new style ring I created last week, and have been attempting to master the construction of.

This was my first attempt at this ring style, and I am super happy with the outcome! One or two more attempts and I will be ready to create something similar in sterling silver, and gold. These rings do take a lot of time and patience, especially with the addition of a smaller wire that wraps around the entire ring, and then the framework.

When working with such delicate wire, I need to make sure I take regular breaks for my eyes and wrists, as the work is detailed. Often, I'll look away from what I'm creating to glance at my son or my cats, and everything appears blurry! So, I take time to gaze at the landscape outside, go for walks, and give my eyes some exercise. For some reason, using a magnifying glass doesn't work well for me!

Moving on to Sterling Silver and Gold, and Visualising the Design.

As mentioned above, once I am more comfortable with a design, and it just "clicks" in my mind, I will move on to creating these designs in Sterling Silver and Gold.

Also, did you know that I never draw a design before I create it? Sometimes I see the designs in my mind. Other times a stone will call to me. I will touch the stone and look at it for a while, sometimes a week... sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. And then I will just start. And then it starts taking on a life of its own, guiding me. Like I can hear its song from deep within the earth.

And it reminds me of this quote by one of my favourite ancient artists, Michaelangelo: "I saw the angel in the marble, and I carved until I set him free."

That is how I feel when I create! It has been wonderful and exciting for me creating these new designs, components, and the new ring style.

I look forward to sharing more with you soon.

Much love,

Carolyn C.

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