Before and After -part 2

This is part 2 of my post about working with liver of sulphur- the ugly part. My first post demonstrated how my finished bracelet would look without antiquing it in liver of sulphur. This photo show the very same piece after a quick dip in the smelly sulphur solution. Kind of scary I think. It almost looks like the entire piece has been destroyed. Stay tuned for part 3 when I will unveil my now antiqued bracelet.

Before and After

I have previously blogged about the amazing results you can get with a piece of jewelry using liver of sulphur. I thought it would be interesting to show my latest piece of jewelry before during and after antiquing the piece with liver of sulphur. For all of you out there who are a bit anxious about working with liver of sulphur, it can literally transform your artisan jewelry. Although this particular bracelet is lovely as is, it becomes even more beautiful after treating it to a bath of liver of sulphur and then giving it a whirl in the tumbler. I would love to hear what you think! Step 2 or the ugly part of this process will be posted in the next few days.

Sterling Silver Wirework

My extensive hours of reading blogs and looking at artisan's etsy shops have really paid off! I was fortunate enough to find the amazing blog of Contrariwise Ramblings at http://akacontrariwise.blogspot.com/ and subscribed to it immediately. First of all this blog makes me smile. The author has a great sense of humor and writes with a very personal tone that makes you feel like you have known her for years. Secondly, she has some great tips and tutorials on her blog. In other words, in my humble opinion, it is everything a blog should be !

Besides having a wonderful blog, this artistic lady does some amazing things with wire work sterling silver jewelry as you can clearly see. Take a look at her wonderful work at http://contrariwise.etsy.com/.

To Antique or not to Antique- That is the Question?

I am having a really hard time deciding whether or not to antique my latest piece of jewelry. I love the way the copper and silver look right now, but with time the copper will tarnish and will not have the same vintage look as some of my other pieces unless I decide to "antique" the necklace in liver of sulpher. I would love some feedback before I do anything. So please give me your opinions.

Proud to Present my Latest Creations!

These are two of my latest creations with wire wrapping. I learned wire working techniques and methods from Master Artisan, Sharilyn Miller, at her Wild Wire Women Retreat, at her home in Idyllwild, California (see my previous posts). Her wonderful books and DVDs are available on her website. Add these to your collection and perhaps you will be inspired to take one of Sharilyn's wonderful workshops. I did and couldn't be happier with the results.

Wild Wire Women Retreats

I have just returned to New York from a two week trip to California. The first part of this adventure was the most interesting and challenging. Not long before my departure, I purchased a wonderful wire working book Bead on a Wire by Sharilyn Miller. As a jewelry designer, I am always looking for new techniques and classes. New to wire work, I found Sharilyn's book well written and easy to follow. I decided to take a look at her website. When I looked at the photos of her picturesque home in Idyllwild, California I was intrigued by the monthly retreats she offers in her home. I signed up and started to email the other women who had joined as well.

Sharilyn is an excellent hostess and a master artisan, making this an outstanding experience. She provided 3 full days of lessons and wonderful breakfasts,lunches and snacks each day. The delicious first evening's dinner at a wonderful local restaurant was provided by Sharilyn as well. Each afternoon the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air as we were hard at work on our creations. The scenery and wildlife surrounding us in this beautiful mountain home could not have been more welcoming and relaxing. The other three women Jill, Grayce and Teresa who joined this retreat were just wonderful and we all had an amazing time together in Sharilyn's home. We are hoping to have a reunion next year. If you are looking for fullfilling, relaxing and reasonable wire working classes in an atmosphere that is truly breathtaking, then don't miss this experience.