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Monday, June 01, 2009

Sometimes I get stuck...

....but I always seem to pull out of the muck,
that sometimes tries to pull me under my work table.
Just in time, I remember who I really think I am.

My talented California friend, Diana Frey, has once again designed the most beautiful jewelry line for Robin Kaplan's Fall Collection. Diana has been both a wonderful friend, and an honest inspiration to me. This time her twisted wire and stone choker sang out to me.

"sari cross"

I decided to begin with one of the turquoise crosses bought at the Bead Market in Stafford this past weekend; along with recycled sari silk ribbon I found in an Etsy shop, Northcott Wilson Artisans. I attached the cross using a bail I hand-formed from my stash of brass etched in California. I bought the raw brass strips, yes! at Kit Kraft; but I'm also able to get them at my local hardware store in downtown Katy. Hobby stores will most likely sell them as well, perhaps even Hobby Lobby. They measure 12" x 1/2"; and I bought the 12" x 1/4" size. They are precut and ready to alter as you like.

I added copper chain, which I formed, soldered & oxidized; then gently stretched the loops using my long chain nosed pliers. I styled my chain using the method Stephanie Lee shared with us in class; but she also showed how to make this type of chain in her article called Totally Plastered, published in the January/February 2009 Belle Armoire Magazine. And, she shared it in her book, Semiprecious Salvage. My take has the loops linked together using torch shimmered spacers, bought from Silk Road Treasurers, at the Gem Show last year. They have the most beautiful shimmer & texture, and mirror the shimmer on my bail. I sprinkled a few in the wrapped part of my necklace.

Little did I know that Deryn mentioned in her latest post, Michelle Ward's Crusade No. 31~Make it Your Own. Deryn shared her wire nest charm as an example. (She sells the tutorial in her Etsy shop). Deryn said she was inspired by the wonderfully creative artist Susan Lenart Kazmer's resin-on-paper technique, which lead her to add wire and paper leaves and vines to her wire nest charm. She didn't use Susan's exact technique...but, was certainly inspired by it. She put her spin on it and re-spun her original design in the process.

I believe this is the highest form of flattery!

The ability for an artist to share what they know with others. Then, drawing from it, we add our spin on it....making it our own. Yes, Make it Your Own. I did.

16 comments:

michelle ward said...

Diane - thanks for coming to play on our team this month. I love your piece and appreciate that you shared how every element came to be, from inspiration and technique, to how you made it your own. That bale is fantastic! I agree with you, flattery is in the SPIN.

Fanciful Expressions said...

Diane, that is a most lovely piece. I love the cross that you used. It's just beautiful.

Carolyn

Deryn Mentock said...

Oh, Diane...this is absolutely gorgeous! I loved Diana's piece as well and thought about trying my hand at it. Love how you used the sari silk.

Cindy said...

Diane,
You've made another beautiful piece of jewelry and were so generous as always to share your techniques and resources. Your cross and bail turned out so amazing. You are not only talented, but super sweet!!! :-)

Dale said...

wow!!! this looks so great! i am totally inspired by your lovely, lovely work here. The sari fabric looks so great! It reminds me of the wrapped links Deryn posted tutorials for. I am so very pleased that you participated in the challenge. Still working on my own piece but it's on the way.

Beth Hikes said...

beautiful way to finding yourself!

Melisa said...

How beautiful this is! I love the little etched piece atop the cross, and the way you incorporated fabric.

Charlene said...

I Love your necklace. And you answered my question about the bird nest charm. Was that directed at me? :) Have a great day.

Seth said...

Quite an amazing piece. And I am loving the surface patina on the cross.

Riki Schumacher said...

Hi Tex, way to go. You certainly did make it your own, it is just beautiful. Nicely done. You are having some fun. Nice use of the silk! Hugs.

Daryl said...

Your designs are always unique, original and exquisite! xo

Stephani Gorman said...

Oh Diane it is just beautiful! The colors are georgous and copper bail is so cool! Hugs, Stephani

jgr said...

WOW! Diane, this is gorgeous! I love your use of fabric, too.

--Jane

fiberdance said...

The cross is especially beautiful-I really like the bail--all your work is great!

cathsheard said...

This is the first time I have found my way to your blog and I love it. The piece you have done is so lovely. And I realy liked reading about your process. Thanks for sharing.

Anita said...

Absolutely stunning...