September 20, 2009

Copper Cuffs and Bracelets

These something mystical about horses - their grace, elegance, and power seem to enchant us. I often rode when I was younger, even riding in our annual parades in the small town where I grew up. But, my driver's license, High School sports (I played volleyball and ran track), my first job and boys put an end to my riding days. Why didn't I date a cowboy instead of that football player?


I have often felt like an ODD DUCK in my life. Living in the city after growing up on a farm can be difficult at times when it comes to relating to my girlfriends that grew up in the city. They haven't worked cattle, rode a horse, swam in a creek, hauled hay in the Summer, or gone on hayrides in the Fall. Being somewhat of a tomboy doesn't help either, they certainly didn't spend an entire day pretending to be on an archeological dig. I don't think digging a large hole in the lawn would have been tolerated, but when you live in the country there's plenty of room to dig outside of the yard around the house. They think my country upbringing sounds pretty awful - like a lot of hard work. It was hard work, but I can't imagine growing up any other way...

One of my favorite things about the Midwest is the wheat on the prairie, miles and miles of it swishing back and forth in the breeze always takes my breath away. I am always sad when I hear that wheat prices are down because that means farmers will be planting more soy beans and corn. No swishing wheat.....sigh.

One of the leather cuff bracelets with a little bird on a branch that is riveted in place that I really loved making with etched copper. I think it has a tuff feminine quality to it that I love. Women aren't all lace and pearls, you know....


Nickel silver buckle gives the bracelet a cowgirl feel that I like and is functional allowing for adjustment to smaller or larger wrist sizes.
I love to hammer and shape metal. Why is that? Is it the physical effort, the sound of the hammer hitting metal or the end result? Whenever you bend metal to your will, you put a bit of yourself into the cuff - forcing the metal into the shape you desire. You take an ordinary copper rod and create a fun piece of jewelry - I love that!

Gears are fun to work with representing the industrial age when gears were used in factories, cars, clocks, tools, and endless other ways. Refining of the wheel into a working gear...human ingenuity. Add the brass micro bolts and nuts and the brass gears are connected to the copper cuff.

This bracelet has good heft to it and feels substantial on the wrist without being too heavy. My love of solid jewelry with a little heft says something about me and my nature. The gears actually turn together on this piece making it a mechanical art piece. My resourceful husband is a CPA by trade, but can handle any project around the farm from roof repairs, to plumbing, repairing the lawn mower, or building a piece of furniture. The kids are always included in the projects around the house and farm. It's a Midwestern thing. Ryan is different from his friends in the city, he uses power tools, builds small furniture pieces, and makes his own skateboard ramps. A chip off the ole block...

Another cuff this time in tooled leather with pink rhinestones to add that little touch of feminity to soften the stamped metal plate and rivets. "There's more here than meets the eye." is stamped onto the copper plate on the front. The woman's mantra...

Here's sweet Molly and Angus, my terriers riding with me in the country with the windows down and noses in the breeze as we crunch along the gravel road to the farm. My little buddies that I can't imagine life without.

It's beginning to feel like Fall with cooler temperatures and the leaves are just beginning to fall to the ground and make a wonderful crunch under my feet....xo Julie

6 comments:

Lori said...

your photographs are amazing...you have such an eye for taking a lovely shot...how amazingly wonderful that the gears turn on that bracelet...very cool...what sweet little companions you have for your road trips:)

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Oh Julie, I love your cuffs!!! ALL of them! You are so inspiring and so talented girl!!! You always have something beautiful to show...and I love your photos!!!!
everything vintage

Lee Weber said...

Lovely post. I can relate. I grew up on a farm too. Man, I hate doing hay, don't you? That, and picking rocks... My family still has pnies now- got rid of the horses long ago- although my sister bought 2, huge Section D cobs. If we get the place we want to in maine, I may bring a couple of the old retirees with me for company. xoxo

The Other Side of Me said...

Hi Julie,

I got my bracelet and I LOVE IT!!! I have been wearing it ever since and it so fun and so comfortable to wear. It fits me perfectly! Thank you, thank you! You are a fantastic artist. I love the new post. The leather bracelets rock!

Speak to you soon.
Tammy

Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...

You are one talented girl.

I love your description of the prarie. I can almost hear and see the wheat, swishing in the breeze.

LOVED the photo of the doggies.

cinnibonbon said...

Oh my goodness--I have been eyeballing your blog all week from work--shhh. You are a major talent and I love how you capture it in your photos! I'm not much of a country girl--but live in it now. I can't say I lived it like you, but I know how to get down and dirty and still live in high heels!!! LOL. I'm such a city slicker at heart...can't take it out of me- like we can't take the country out of you--but that's what makes us special right?
No need for a change...