SOCIAL MEDIA

7/2/08

Summer Jewelry Challenge - Project #4



I just finished the 4th project for Deryn Mentock's Summer Jewelry Challenge last night. It took me a long time to find just the right materials to use, but I am very happy with the result.

My goal with these projects has been to use what I've got on hand and not have to buy anything new (except maybe eventually wire). In doing this, it has forced me to dig around in all the corners and drawers of my workshop to find all the treasures I have hidden there.


Last year I started putting together assemblage jewelry pieces, and I bought a large lot of old sewing machine metal tags and parts on ebay (really, people will sell just about anything online - lucky for me!). I know this sounds odd, but the tags are really unique and colorful. OK - so I've had these tags for about 9 months and haven't used them in any of my projects up until now.

I was a little blocked as to what materials I was going to use for this particular piece, and after trying various sheet metal arrangements, I started digging. I pulled out some of the old machine plates and tags and the pendant just fell into place.

In the pictures you can see that I used a plate for the main part of the piece, and then used a tag folded over the top of the plate to make the bail. I turned the plate to the back side and filed off the grime and then stamped a design on it with an ink pad specifically made for stamping on metal (honestly, after using this ink pad, I still like Staz-On the best). I then added an old beat up watch face that I stamped on as well, copper wire and a key charm. The charm at the bottom is (yet again) made up of vintage jewelry parts.

I wasn't sure what to hang the pendant on, so last night I decided to make the chain myself using high-temp steel wire that comes with its own aged patina for the s-hooks. Generally I use this wire when I am fusing wire bails into my fused glass pieces, but the wire is really strong and I like working with it a lot. The jump rings are sterling wire that I fused closed, and, when torch fused, they took on the same aged patina.

So there you go...on to the next project!

Diane said...

Molly, this turned out great! What cool information you have shared with us on this project. I know you are pleased~

Anonymous said...

wow !! just love all your new jewelry creations !! they are gorgeous ! thanks so much for wishing me a happy bday - i have you entered !!
happy 4th of july !
xo,
beth
www.bethquinndesigns.com

Anonymous said...

This is so lovely Molly! Your chain is beautiful. great work!

Deborah Truesdell said...

Molly,

Great job! I like the pieces you found to put together and I like the way you put them together. Thanks for sharing on the informaion on the contruction. I, too, like Staz-On the best!

Fanciful Expressions said...

Molly,

WOW! Another beautiful piece.
Love that chain you made.

Carolyn

Chris said...

Molly I LOVE this !!! The addition of the key and the way you wrapped the copper wire around the top. And your chain is amazing~~~very cool.