"Leftovers" Necklace

This necklace is one of those happy accidents. I was struggling a bit in my workroom, trying to find some inspiration and determined not to give up until I finished *something*. I was also stressed at the amount of "stuff" I had made that hadn't come together in a finished piece. Some of my jewelry mentors made me realize that I should be looking at these pieces as components that are ready to use instead of leftover pieces not used in an original project.

This shift made me look at the resin flowers I made last year in a different light. I started gathering all the pieces that I hadn't used and made a happy and whimsical necklace that screams summertime.

A riot of colorful brass flowers secured to necklace blank.

The final piece came together beautifully with rose brass accents and chain. The Czech glass beads are the perfect addition. I think my "leftovers" make my original pieces look "meh". I may have to rework them into something more like this piece!

Flotsam and Jetsam Necklace

Hi all,

I've been terrible about updating my blog, but I've been busy making all kinds of jewelry! I plan to blitz this blog on my latest creations of the summer.

First up, is a fun necklace using a patina product called, Swellegant. I used it on several brass components to make a fun sea-themed statement necklace.

Brass necklace blank, starfish, shells, octopus, crab, seahorse, mermaid and other interesting bits that all needed to be together. The blank, seashells, starfish and bezel had a fresh coat of Swellegant brushed on the surface.

After about an hour or two, you can really see the transformation!

Once the pieces were dry, I started playing with placement. I had originally intended to use the mermaid cameo, but she was too "muddy" and blended too much with all the other elements in the collage. I needed something with more pop. I was also pulling pearl and stone beads that would make a nice compliment to the metal pieces.

Some more elements added including some fabulous round cabochons from Blu Mudd. The honey-rich amber color was just the right combination to go with all the murky green patinas. I added a resined seashell that added to the warmth. 

Mermaid was replaced with brass shell and all major pieces were secured to brass necklace blank

Cabochons and pearls are added

Final piece. I added bookchain and decided against using any other bead other than the bronze pearls dotted around and attached at the ends. Festooned rolo chain completes the look. I'm really proud of this one.

If I Were A Bride

Hi y'all!

B'Sue's Creative Challenge for June is "If I Were A Bride". I've never made a piece of bridal jewelry, but wanted to work with tone-on-tone neutral brass flowers, so this was the perfect opportunity for a project. I think this piece would be great with a simple matte halter topped wedding dress.

Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of my very early process, but I picked out raw brass flowers, leaves and a crescent blank for a base for the collage. Next came my favorite go-to colorant for brass flowers: good old-fashioned hardware store spray paint! Love the stuff! :D Texture and depth were added with a light brushing of gilder's paste on several layers. Here's the result:

My original thought was to use Czech glass bell flowers and pearl cabochons. I edited a bit once my final design came together.

Next came placement and cold connecting the larger flowers via micro screws - my new favorite thing. Those flowers aren't going anywhere!

Micro screws rule.

With the foundation securely in place, I added leaves and smaller flowers to fill out the necklace.

I love the texture that the leaves add to the composition.

Voila! Finished necklace! The finishing touches of pearls, rhinestones and a multi-pearl necklace chain complete the look and add just a touch of sparkle.

I did this necklace in a day and it all came together perfectly. After struggling for several weeks to get anything to come together at all, this one clicked. I'm proud of this creation!