a class with mary hetts

I had the privilege of taking a class with Mary Hettmansperger about a week ago at Wired Designs Studio in San Antonio.

It could not have been more convenient, or more FUN!

It was one very full day, learning her method of working with 
metal & wire.  
I decided I did not have to finish the project, 
but instead focus on the process of:

:enameling:
and

:wire weaving:

and

 :embossing:

When I signed up for class, I also asked my great friend Charlene to join me, knowing she would love be exposed to the torch!  Right Charlene??  LOL.

Mary was so patient, and really took so much time with each and everyone of us.
That's the beauty of a small class, as we had less than ten that particular day.

After it was all said and done, Charlene left class as a master with fire!

"two peas in a pod"

Lookie what Charlene designed with us in mind, 

using the techniques Mary taught in class.

While in San Antonio, Mary taught four days of classes~two mixed metal (which we took) and two mixed metal and clay~all were FULL.

She has a great new book, which was released earlier this year.

Charlene and I had a great time together, staying with my daughter while in San Antonio.

The next day we traveled to a restaurant that Charlene loves and had suggested.

If you ever have the opportunity, you really should try it, as it is just gorgeous and full of San Antonio history, great food and MORE!

The Guenther House

This was the home of C.H.Guenther, the founder of 
Pioneer Flour Mills, built in 1860.
And, where you can find goodies such as these!

Pecan Nut Rolls
Which sold out way before we even ate breakfast that morning. 

What fun we had!

I was go glad Melanie came along with us.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend =)

 BTW....just in case you didn't know, this is how snowmen look in Texas!  

♥LOL♥

Wrapped Beads Necklace-Project 5

This afternoon I worked on the next project in Mary Hettmansperger's~Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet, which is part of Deryn's Summer Jewelry Challenge.

I decided to use the remaining piece of etched brass metal, made last weekend, as the base. Mine differs from Mary's examples, as I wanted to leave the bottom of the pendant open. It is not fully wrapped; but rather folded only on top.

Starting with a piece of copper wire, I made a ball at the end with my torch; then strung several chosen beads to be hung inside the folded piece of metal. I began with a small carnelian nugget, faceted tiger iron, and then a golden czech crystal. The large bead peeking out from under the fold is an etched carnelain bead I found while shopping at Originals, in San Antonio. I used another small carnelain nugget, then a few copper spacers on top; just below the wrapped loop. I made sure the metal hugs the beads tightly at top, then gently rolled the edges of the folded base with my round and flat nose pliers. I used 0000 steel wool to burnish and highlight the brass. Lastly, I added the completed pendant to a simple rubber cord, ending it with a hand-wrapped oxidized copper coil clasp.

This was another fun and challenging project. Chapter 2 ~ Commercial Cold Connections ~ will be next.

Layers Necklace-Project 4

"Etched No.1"

I had decided to etch the metal for my next project in Deryn's Summer Jewelry Challenge , where we are using Mary Hettmansperger's book, Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet. My first attempt with etching about a month ago, was not successful. I tried once more today, and I am so satisfied with how the metal pieces turned out. I etched on copper, nickel and brass, using some of my favorite stamps.

The brass piece on the bottom is the one I like most. I didn't want to cover up too much of it, as the patina I applied (by torch) turned out very nice. I lightly sanded it with steel wool to emphasize the beautiful pattern of the etching.

The next piece is nickel. The etching is slightly lighter, but just as nice. I used the same technique as on the brass.

The hammered swirl charm was one I had done a couple of weeks ago, and has been sitting on my desk. I had also added patina with my torch, after it was hammered. The fun thing about the swirl in this piece, is that it can swing freely. I like the slight movement. On page 29 of Mary's book, she gave a detailed explaination on how to make a wrapped loop swirl charm. This one, though not wrapped, had been done for practice, just waiting for the right project.

I took 24 gauge sterling silver wire, drew a ball on the end with my torch; then wrapped it as Mary had done in her example piece. I strung a short piece of oxidized sterling silver chain thru the fold. Added a couple of twisted copper jump rings, a hand forged hammered sterling silver s-clasp, and an oxidized brass chain to finish the piece.

I cut out two additional pieces of the etched and patined brass. I must make a pair of matching earrings, but they will have to wait till tomorrow.

Bead Shelf Necklace

Project #3 in Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet, by Mary Hettmansperger, has proved to be alot of fun, just as I thought. Moving thru this book, with Deryn Mentock, has been both challenging and stimulating. I have tried techniques I might not or would not have tried; as I go thru this summer challenge with several other jewelry artists. Other participants who have submitted their projects are listed on the left margin of Deryn's blog. Just look under Deryn's Summer Jewelry Challenge.

I love the side view of the shelf, as you can see the different colors and sizes of Czech crystals that I used. The part I enjoyed most was the patina I applied with my propane torch and Novocan Super Brite Copper Patina-on both the shelf and twisted metal beeds. I torched, then dipped the pieces in ice water. Next I applied the Novocan in different places, then re-torched and back into the ice water. I did this several times, until I was satisfied with the colors. The copper turned into brilliant shades of gold, blue, green, turquoise, brown and burgandy.

Project #4 probably won't come as soon as I'd like; as projects, jewelry shows and a much needed vacation trip are quickly approaching.

I can hardly wait, as the Layers Necklace is what's next.