Hummingbirds

I watch hummingbirds every morning that are flying around. It's hard for mе with my small camera to take a picture while they are flying. 

Photo by Yana.

 Do you know Aztecs wore hummingbird talismans? Hummingbird talismans were prized as drawing sexual potency, energy, vigor, and skill at arms and warfare to the wearer.

Of course, I couldn't resist to make a jewelry with this bird using hummingbird charms.

Like this Copper Moon Pendant that is available at my store:

Or this cute ring made with sterling silver wire:

Combining metals

Last night I wanted to make something not complicated, but  fun and cute :) And I wanted to use two different metals together. I chose copper and sterling silver. Combining with copper is more affordable and looks so good :)Perfect for summer outfit!

  Hammered copper loops and  faced carnelian beads supplement each other.

Necklace-Transformer

When people hear the name of this necklace, Necklace-Transformer, they always smile :) Maybe they think about movie 'Transformers' or about a device that transfers electrical energy. But non of them above:)

You can wear this jewelry in two different ways: as a long necklace on a single chain, or like a choker on a double chain.

 The fun part when I make this necklace is to make a tassel. It is like to put puzzle together. I play with gems, beads, chains, and findings (bead cups, charms,spacers, etc).

Spring Drops Earrings

Hurrah! 

Today I have received my copy of the Ukrainian magazine Модный (Fashion magazine) where my step-by-step instruction was published. This magazine is in Russian language with a lot of beautiful beaded and knitted works.

I have whole double page with instructions, photos, and a little about me :)

The main beautiful shot of my earrings was made by IrinaN . Thank you, Irina!

This pair of earrings is made with sterling silver wire, fresh water pearls, and Swarovski crystals. If you love this earrings, you can buy them now for only $35

When trees were big

Did I tell you that first I was "floral" wire-worker making beaded flowers and trees? My first bead work was money tree. 

I do not know exactly how many trees I made :) I made them for my friends, for my customers, and even for contests. My work Bonsai Shakkan has been used by Fire Mountain Gems both as a back cover advertisement and inside their catalog.

Photo from FMG catalog

People were asking mу about pattern for this bonsai. Fortunately, I had step-by-step photos and sketches and it was easy to put all together. Plus, I added instruction for Savanna Tree as a variation for this technique.

 BUY TUTORIAL HERE

Mixed Media Jewelry Techniques- Book

This is an excellent book! Written for jewelry makers of all media and skill levels, this book encourages the mixing of techniques with the skills of others to create unique designs.

The book features 9 exciting projects combining various materials into new jewelry designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. Each project brings together two or three jewelry making techniques, each of which could also be used for independent projects.

The techniques include: wire work, beading, chain mail, lampwork, beading, macrame, bead stitching, metal & polymer clay, PMC.

Size:8 1/2" x 11". 80 pp. Soft cover

Look inside:

Only $10.50! 

Lovely Labradorite, or Upgraded Pendants

 Did  I tell you that I love labradorite? Labradorite is truly a fascinatingly beautiful mineral. Its a mineral whose charm is not fully noticed and may be overlooked if not viewed from the proper position.  The usually intense colors range from the typical blues and violets through greens, yellows and oranges.

Labradorite is a tremendously spiritual stone.  It helps us regain our energy and aids our bodies and spirits in healing themselves. Like the sound and glistening beauty of a gentle rain, this gemstone quiets us physically, emotionally and spiritually...

I had a pretty labradorite cabochons.

One  was classic an oval cab, and I made a netted bezel for it :

I liked it, but something bothered me.

 It was kinda small pendant.

I have never thought that it is possible to upgrade jewelry :)

Tutorial: Easy Earrings

Today I want to show you how to make a pair of earrings using flat beads. Well... you can use any large beads as well :)

You will need:

- Two flat beads

- 2 Ball pins 20ga, 2.5" long

- Round nose pliers

- Chain nose pliers

- Wire cutters
- Chasing hammer and bench block (optional)

Are you ready to begin?

Video Tutorial - Swan Clasp

I would like to invite everyone to view  my  Swan Clasp Video Tutorial  (click on the photo, then "start" video)

Story about Viking Knit Coiled Copper Bracelet

First, it was not an idea to make a bracelet. 

I had a link of copper viking knit chain that was "leftover" example from my classes that I taught in Tuscon. This and other pieces were resting in my box for months waiting for their 'lucky' moment. Last weekend I pulled them from the box: "Let's start a new life!". My first idea was to make just something like this pretty Viking Knit Purple Bracelt with Lampwork beads.

But copper chain was not long enough. Just then a piece of another leftover, coiled copper bead, was screaming, "Pick me! Pick me!"

Well, you wish is my command :)

Playing and folding accidentally viking knit chain in half, I came to idea to use this fold as a part of a clasp. I made a toggle with 16ga copper wire and wrapped it with 26ga, just for fun :) ... Added pretty copper bead cups that match to coiled link, green lamp-work beads and a couple of agate beads... and truly one-of-a-kind bracelet was done!

Chain Mail Bezel for Coins and More

Not long ago, I found 5 ruble coin at home (I guess, I brought it from my last visit of Russia). Turning it in my hands, I decided to make something with it since I cannot spend it  here anyway:) Besides, coin jewelry has been popular since coinage began. 

5 ruble coin with a double eagle on reverse is 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter, so it could be a good pendant. I  did not want to make any holes in it, so the chain mail bezel should work. 

 Silver plated jump rings are woven so that they hold the coin firmly in place.
Diameter of the pendant is 1 3/8" (35mm).
You will not believe, just  after making this "Russian" pendant, my daughter found a genuine Canadian Elizabeth Head Penny 1966 coin. I wanted to make a bezel for it too!