One of my dear friends, Bev will bring me bits and pieces of jewelry that she has had tucked away for years. Sometimes it's a necklace, or a vintage silver charm she received in elementary school and sometimes it's broken bits and pieces of necklaces and bracelets. I have gotten a feel for Bev's taste in jewelry so it becomes a really fun project to put something together for her that I know she will love. In custom work, it's all about getting a good understanding of the person's tastes and style before you begin the design process.
Bev brought a broken necklace made of very old jet glass beads and a sterling silver beaded bracelet. I took those two great foundation pieces and designed an asymetrical necklace with a silver wirework clasp and charm holder. The clasp becomes part of the focal point of the necklace. From the charm holder I her first charm a vintage carved tulip bead in ivory that I found in an antique shop.
I made the copper bead cap adding spirals around the edge and added an amethyst bead for just a bit of subtle color.
It's simple, elegant and interesting - also a great description for my friend, Bev. I can't wait to see her smile when I return her jet and silver beads to her transformed into a necklace that I know she will enjoy wearing.
A have another friend that brings me lovely polished stones that she has gathered here and there to wire wrap into pendants so that she can wear them as a necklaces. Little treasures gathered along her journey, now transformed into jewelry. How wonderful is that?
My friends continue to offer me the opportunity to design jewelry for them - something I love doing. It really gets the creative juices flowing... Do you have bits and pieces of jewelry tucked away? I encourage you to get them out and make something new to wear for Spring. It feels great!
What have you created modern jewelry from cast off pieces? If so, I would love to hear about them and see photos if you would like to share.
Blessings, Julie
11 comments:
This is so beautiful, she will love it! The carved tulip is fabulous - what a find:D
This is my absolute favorite thing to create! I love the idea of transformation...that something that was once one thing can become a new, better, brighter thing. I have scores of pictures of this, and you will want to stay tuned to my Inspired by challenge for April...it will be right up your alley!
I have a client who brings me bags and bags of amber and vintage swarovski crystals (that are no longer produced, I have researched and the shapes are like $1-3 per bead on market!). I have made scores of jewelry and there is so much more to work with. I love to combine the old with the new, the found with the created. Two halves of a whole.
I can't view all the pictures (I am at work) but what I see looks lovely. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the day! Erin
That little tulip is just so dainty and lovely!
Great work - that carved tulip bead is fantastic!
Love the tulip, it graces your necklace beautifully!
Love the little carved Tulip. So sweet!
Patricia :o)
Preciosa transformación, hay que tener mucho gusto y ideas, vaya que es bonito.
Sweet Julie,
You made a very beautifull necklace, with the beauties from your friend.
She will love this jewel made with love,to her.
Hugs, Dorthe
Love your new rings nad everything you do. You are an amazing woman.
Julie, I really love what you did with those bits and pieces. I also receive bits and pieces from friends, but most sit in boxes awaiting just the right moment or year! You do lovely work!
Sherry
Oh, it's exquisite!
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