A couple of weeks ago saw me and my lovely mum attending another jewellery class at The Bead Shop Nottingham. It was basic silver-smithing, focusing on soldering using wire. We were given some copper wire and shown how to make links. Then we were left to it... immediately an idea formed...
Oh what a surprise, I made a bunny! I am over the moon with this necklace. Usually in the technique classes I don't go home with a finished piece, but I knew exactly where I was going with this one.
First I made the circular links. Form a link from 1mm copper wire, cut and file the edges, solder, pickle, rinse, sand, hammer flat, hammer to add texture. I REALLY enjoyed this technique.
I made 4 links in total, then I tackled the bunny. I formed the shape I wanted and then filed the points that were to be soldered. It's the bit between his ears. Of course, I formed the shape, it all fit perfectly, I then fiddled with the neck and the ears moved. It took me ages to get them aligned again!
We also learnt how to make ball-end head pins. These are bits of wire with a ball or a flat circle on the end so that you can thread on beads. I made 6 and then went downstairs to raid the shop for crystals. These were 15p each, but they are Swarovski and they are stunningly beautiful in the flesh. Or in the crystal.
I also picked up a large white Swarovski opal for the bunny tale. It's simply wired in place. You can see the join where I soldered him in the photo below, but I don't mind that. He's also hammered to add texture.
I also bought a trace chain and cut it up to form links between the components. I made the jump rings too and was planning on making the clasp, but the trace chain came with one so I just used that. Apart from the chain and clasp, it's entirely hand made.
What do you think? I love it, it's one of the best things I've ever made. There's only one problem with it...
Bunny tends to fall sideways when I'm wearing him... I wonder if I need to wire the chain to his ears tightly instead of having him on jump rings?
I'm joining in with Something Old, Something New, this will be my "new". I'm also linking up with Fiona's Something New for 2014 as although I've soldered lead before, I've never soldered silver or such delicate items.
Oh what a surprise, I made a bunny! I am over the moon with this necklace. Usually in the technique classes I don't go home with a finished piece, but I knew exactly where I was going with this one.
First I made the circular links. Form a link from 1mm copper wire, cut and file the edges, solder, pickle, rinse, sand, hammer flat, hammer to add texture. I REALLY enjoyed this technique.
I made 4 links in total, then I tackled the bunny. I formed the shape I wanted and then filed the points that were to be soldered. It's the bit between his ears. Of course, I formed the shape, it all fit perfectly, I then fiddled with the neck and the ears moved. It took me ages to get them aligned again!
We also learnt how to make ball-end head pins. These are bits of wire with a ball or a flat circle on the end so that you can thread on beads. I made 6 and then went downstairs to raid the shop for crystals. These were 15p each, but they are Swarovski and they are stunningly beautiful in the flesh. Or in the crystal.
I also picked up a large white Swarovski opal for the bunny tale. It's simply wired in place. You can see the join where I soldered him in the photo below, but I don't mind that. He's also hammered to add texture.
I also bought a trace chain and cut it up to form links between the components. I made the jump rings too and was planning on making the clasp, but the trace chain came with one so I just used that. Apart from the chain and clasp, it's entirely hand made.
What do you think? I love it, it's one of the best things I've ever made. There's only one problem with it...
Bunny tends to fall sideways when I'm wearing him... I wonder if I need to wire the chain to his ears tightly instead of having him on jump rings?
I'm joining in with Something Old, Something New, this will be my "new". I'm also linking up with Fiona's Something New for 2014 as although I've soldered lead before, I've never soldered silver or such delicate items.
such a cute little bunny and lobe his beaded tail. Not tried my hand at jewellery making, you have obviously done quite a bit judging from your latest peice
ReplyDeleteVery original, very satisfying attending a class and completing an item. Sounds like your bead shop is a real gem
ReplyDeleteFantastic job! It looks professionally made, like you could buy it in a shop. And so perfect for you! :D
ReplyDeleteSuper job!! he just looks a little more modern when he's tipsy!!
ReplyDeletePS LOVE his tail!!!
ReplyDeleteWell done! You go to the best classes!
ReplyDeleteYour bunny necklace it adorable... even when he's hanging by one ear. He just looks like he's getting ready to hop away.
ReplyDeletePerfect bunny necklace !
ReplyDeleteHug
Anna
Brilliant bunny necklace! So original.
ReplyDeleteukcitycrafter@live.co.uk
Delightful! Maybe if his tail were heavier, that would keep him in place?
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic job you did with this, Wendy; well done, it's gorgeous! Hugs, Joy xo
ReplyDeleteI love it when things come out as you want them too. Great fun, and I love the hammered texture
ReplyDeleteIt's brill x
ReplyDeleteI'm wordless........it's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing! With the join can't you just pickle it or something (I don't know what I am talking about)....?
ReplyDeletewow, that is fab wendy, love the blue beads, they work so well with the copper.
ReplyDeleteFabulous necklace and so you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to New to Me too.