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The new Year of Jewelry has begun!!!
My journal for the 2006-2007 YOJ will be at this LINK

Week 52 - The END!

Unbelieveable that it has been 52 weeks since this started. The FSOJ is one of the most unique and inspiring events I have ever had the fortune to be involved in. Personally, I have grown tremendously as an artist, and have seen others do the same...many of you blow me away, every week with your creativity. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing it continue!
I hate to say it (again), but this is another little pendant thats been floating around on my table for a couple of months...if I finished even HALF of what I started, I'd have a huge inventory. But alas, my self diagnosed adult onset ADD must be to blame, right? Or is it all the pretty shiny things I never put away or organize that distract me from one project to the next? We may never know! Next time I have the camera out, I will take a picture of said table to give you an idea of just what is going on in my basement disaster area! So, this is a nice, LARGE faceted Labradorite rondell with Garnet and Bali beads. The pendant hangar is also the clasp, with just the finished ends and a couple of large jump rings being the only part to the leather strap.

Week 51 - The Clever Copycat

Here are more pictures:
THE CENTER DETAIL, the THE DRUZY STONE and another angle of the DRUZY STONE

I went completely the other way than the theme - not meaning to - there are TONS of styles I'd like to "copy", but where's the time?
I bought 5 of these Chalcedony Druzy stones, and this is the first necklace from them. It is not oxidized due to the way it is wrapped onto the leather, but I think it's one of the rare pieces that doesn't need it.
The other stones are faceted Labradorite and Iolite, along with sterling silver. I really like this style...

Week 50 - Misty Morning

Here are more pictures:
THE SILVER, and THE STONES

I was pretty "misty" the morning after finishing and wearing this to a show (which was at a local bar where my friends' band plays). This is another "Mission Clean Table" piece and I'm not thrilled with it, but I hope someone will be. It'll be perfect for the gallery that carries some of my work.

Week 49 - Of the Cows Back

Here are more pictures:
PENDANT CLOSE UP, and HANGING

It has leather, so it kind of works for this weeks theme...
A traditional type of wrap for this turquoise cab...I tried to be freeform/organic'ish when I started, but it didn't finish that way. Oh well - it's found a home, so I guess thats what really matters, right?

Week 48 - Out of Africa

Here are more pictures:
PENDANT CLOSE UP, THE SET, LAYING, the BRACELET and the EARRINGS

Well, not technically on theme, it would go great with khakis while on safari in Africa...Khakis make me think about Steve Irwin, how sad that is.
I made the pendant while at a show in March, and then it sat around, waiting for me to decide what to do with it. I guess it could be considered a "Mission Clean Table" piece... It combines Rhodonite, FWP in white and Mauve, Garnet, Moonstone and sterling silver.

Week 47 - Bollywood

Here are more pictures:
THE OTHER SIDE, THE DANGLE STONE THE SET and the EARRINGS

Lake Superior or Montana Moss Agate - it really doesn't matter - it's a beautiful stone! My friend and fellow jewelry artist gave me this in a bead swap we did. It was her Dad's (who is a Lapidary fellow) and he gave it to her. I looked at it constantly, and tried a couple of different times to wrap it (it's undrilled, and has some surface damage to the backside, limiting the options of the way it hangs). I FINALLY got it the other night, and am giving it back to her as a birthday gift. She's thrilled, which make me very happy, but I wouldn't have felt right letting anyone buy it since it's been in her family for so long... The dangle stone was on a strand labeled Montana Moss Agate, and perfectly matches the stone above. Hand twisted copper was used to wrap this - it was Silver Black'd then tumbled.

Week 46 - Twists and Turns

I know, I know, another ring. Instant gratification is what thats all about! This is basic, but I LOVE it! Based on the rose type wrap, I just added coiled wire to the two ends before twisting them around each other. Perfect for this weeks theme.
Here are a couple more angles:
the BACK and the FRONT.

Week 45 - Mixed Media

I REALLY wanted to do something with mixed media, but it didn't pan out that way. I made this for a friend that wanted a ring, but something "different". It isn't the most practical, but I LOVE it (and she did too), and have tried to replicate it without success...yet. It is 20G sterling, tiny faceted Garnet and the ever present Labradorite. I didn't get the chance to LOS it, but this is a rare piece that I don't think needs it. I hope it holds up...
More pictures:
HERE, HERE and HERE.

Week 44 - Simmering Summer

This is an appropriate theme as it is HOT here, and has been for a couple of weeks...just like almost everywhere else.
One of the necklaces made as a commission "choice". A Dichroic glass cabachon held in place using a couple of techniques from Eni Oken and Sherilyn Miller. The 2 starnd necklace (that fastens in front on the bail) is a combination of gemstones to compliment the colors in the pendant.

MORE PICTURES:
CLOSE UP OF BAIL, DETAIL OF PENDANT, ANOTHER VIEW OF THE PENDANT, and the NECKSTRAP

Week 43 - Mixed Metals

This is part of a group of green, yellow and orange jewelry that I made as a commission. He only wanted one set, but once I started with the color combination, I couldn't stop! Plus, it was nice to offer a selection of items to choose from.
Here are the other pictures of this Teeth necklace:
FULL VIEW, SIDE DETAIL, OTHER SIDE DETAIL

Week 42 - Ring of Fire

Here's a CLOSE UP.

Not on theme, but if it helps, DH watched "Walk the Line" last night while I worked in the basement! (Seems I NEVER see current movies anymore 'cause I'd rather spend the time working-although, I WILL see the new Pirates 2!) A friend I do shows with gave me these large, beautiful gray Shell beads for a swap. Took me forever to figure out what I wanted to do with them, because they deserve something special. Deciding to keep it simple was the best option, IMO - although the design is far from unique. These were LOS'd, then tumbled. I don't expect them to last long once they're put out for sale.

Week 41 - Medival Nights

More pictures:
HANGING
CENTER DETAIL
SIDE DETAIL

Nope, not on theme. That one stumped me before I decided to ditch it and stick with a currently made piece. One of my goals with FSOJ was to make a REAL effort to use up and finish some of the millions of started/almost finished projects laying around my work area. This is a "Mission Clean Table" piece.
The large twisted coil had been taunting me for weeks! It was too loose to use alone, so I was stuck trying to figure how I wanted to incorporate beads or more wire with it. I'm really happy with this (and wearing it right now!). The green beads are some kind of Jasper, and didn't take to tumbling very well - kind of got dried out looking-so I rubbed a little but of Olive Oil on them and it seemed to help. The other beads are ceramic, and the rest is copper. I'm torn as to if I should LOS this - mainly because the thought of cleaning/polishing the center part...I'm lazy!

Week 40 - Colors of Jasper

Colors of Jasper, and many of them! Sadly, not much wire to go along with it, but that happens I guess. I used 4mm Fancy Jasper and spiral stitched them together for the sides, did a TON of re-enforcement before adding the Moss Agate flower in the center and finishing it off. This is really different than most of my stuff, but I do like it, and will probably try the spiral stitch in a couple of other things, but include more wire.

Here are more detailed views of the necklace: FLOWER Close up of side 1 Close up of side 2 Necklace Hanging

Week 39 - ??????

Not sure what the theme was for week 39, and really, I'm not to concerned.
I'll only got 2 of thse smooth little chalcedony brio's, so they became earrings. I never wore them, and they've sold already, so I'm going to try this style again.
I still need to master the little spiral at the top because they aren't even...here's a closer shot here.

Week 38 - Frames

This type of pendant is hard for me to make (and be happy with, more specifically). The combination of copper and Moss Agate is a favorite, and this has been LOS'd and tumbled. FYI - leather doesn't do well with tumbling. Next time I'll know to tumble the pendant first, then string...SUPER happy with the earrings and the "all in one" ear wire thing.
Here are the earrings at different angles:
Angle 2 Angle 3

Week 37 - Silver Screen

I was hesitant to buy these yellow chalcedony stones, and of course now I wish I had bought more because they're all gone. The other beads are dyed Ruby Red Jade and sterling silver. I made this to go with a dress in a fashion show I was doing. It's definitely a necklace (there are earrings too) that has to be with a specific outfit and not neutral.

Here are Close up pics:
CENTER
BACK

Week 36 - Fantastic Fantasies

These have nothing to do with the suggested theme. Whatcha ya gonna do - life happens.
These fun blue glass beads were purchased while visiting my sis in MI a couple of years back. I only had a few left, and the rest of the pieces I made with these beads sold, so this is MINE!!!
Unless you name the right price. Of course, everythings for sale at some point...

Here are close ups of:
THE CLASP
SIDE DETAIL
SIDE DETAIL
SIDE DETAIL

Week 35 - Enchanted Evening

A simple pair of earrings this week. Nothing too fancy - sterling silver, black onyx and some liver of sulfur.

Week 34 - Ice Breaker

Here's another CLOSE UP and the FULL VIEW

Another contribution from "Project Clean Table".
It's been awhile since I posted a PCT piece. The center wire is 14G, nothing too special about it. The wire coiled around it was already oxidized and coiled, but the two pieces were laying seperate of each other (sadly for months) until the other day when I had to pack up for an event...and I picked up the coiled piece, thinking, too bad I'm out of heavy wire to put this on...then, seriously, my light bulb burned out! So, I replaced it and the first thing I saw in my scrap pile was this piece of left over thick wire, already looped on one end! A few minutes later, I had a necklace I haven't taken off yet!

Week 33 - In Celebration of Life

In celebration of life? Not quite, but in celebration of a graduation. Here's the story:
Ding dong! "I NEED A PAIR OF EARRINGS - STAT!!! The colors are scarlet and cream - can you do it?" I said, "Will pearl and garnet work?" That was the mission I chose to accept from my neighbor (not the first time either) yesterday morning. She was throwing a graduation dinner that night for her son's girlfriend and out of state family, and wanted to give her something more than a gift certificate envelope to open. I made two pair - she chose the Coin pearl flower pair for the gift.
After company had left, we shared a glass of wine and talked about how the celebration earlier was like a new chapter in their life - this was the woman that her son would marry, she has a great family that talked about future celebrations with his family involved - and that really solidified the notion that this was also her future family. A wonderful day indeed.

Week 32 - Jewelry for Wee Ones

Jewelry for Wee Ones? No, but made to represent wee ones.
I made this for my SIL, who just had her third child. She wanted some sort of pendant to represent them, and this is what I came up with. Can you tell that it's a bouquet of hearts? The crystals are Swarovski(their birthstones), and the little heart at the bottom is hematite. I will probably LOS this.
CLOSE UP OF HEARTS
BOTTOM DETAIL
ANOTHER PICTURE

Week 31 - Monograms

Now this is a theme I can do!
I wasn't able to get the whole alphabet done as hoped (not even half!), however, I will keep at it.
Letters that have a straight side (or parallel lines) cause me problems when doing the basket weave (see A and J - MESSY!), so I need to work on that...not too happy with K either.

Click on each letter for a closer view of each one.
A B C D E J K

Week 30 - All in the Details

CENTER DETAIL
CLASP
STERLING SILVER VERSION

All in the details... Coil, wrap, twist, wrap...in that order.
This bracelet I made after losing my favorite book, "Wire in Design" by by Barbara A. McGuire to my flooded basement. That book was NEVER far from me when working, was one of the first I ever bought, and it continually would inspire me. Sadly, the night before, I had put it down on the floor (no room on the table) and I paid the price. (The table is clean now, BTW)
Lynn Merchant's work is fascinating to me, and I wanted to make something similar to remember the book by...I also made this in SS, but with smaller gauge wire - I like this one the best. I will be LOS'ing these soon.
What surprised me about these bracelets is how comfortable they are to wear!

Week 29 - Afternoon Delight

Here are more Pics:
PENDANT
MESSY WRAPPED LOOPS

You know how you get a really cool stone, and when you bought it, you were full of ideas for it....the first attempt was lame and really wasted the stone. Then, after having this strand of tiny, beautiful round Carnilean, it hit me like a big DUH!!! And there it is.
I'm not sure if I'll be selling this on...

Week 28 - Golden

Another ANGLE
As a SUN CATCHER

Not on theme - I don't do much with gold - TOO EXPENSIVE!!!
So this is a second attempt of a copper pendant, and it is nothing like the original - however - I still like it. It needs to find a necklace or something to hang on still. I may break down and try my hand at crocheting or something like that...
This is Amethyst, peridot, pearls and crystal quartz.

Week 27 - April Showers

Yes, I'm cheating a bit, but I really want to get caught up, and, well, I was SO proud of my plants & yard that year.
All of the flowers are made from Aluminum wire. I really like this wire, except that it's VERY dirty to work with, and hardens extremely fast. However, it doesn't rust, or oxidize...

Go to Weeks 27 to ?

Week 26 - Culture

Here are more Pics:
PENDANT
BAIL
BOTTOM OF PENDANT
SIDE DETAIL

Another piece from "Operation Clean Table".
You'd think I'd be running out of semi-finished pieces from "Operation Clean Table", but sadly, the pile just grows and grows.
I call this my "Tribal Necklace", and it's a compilation of several different parts and pieces.
The wire is LOS'd Copper, with black wood beads, Carnelian, and a Carnelian dZi bead.

Week 25 - Garden Party

I'm playing catch up, and since this has leaves, it's now my week 25 entry. I screwed up on my last post, and hope I got it worked out...
This necklace is composed of Moss Agate leaves and beads, Light blue Chalcedony beads, Ocean Jasper beads, glass Topaz rondelles and seed beads.
It's simple, doesn't contain wire, but is really versatile.

Week 24 - Atlantis Sunrise

Here are more Pics:
BACK
CLOSE UP
BEFORE LOS
BACK BEFORE LOS
CLOSE UP BEFORE LOS

Another piece from "Operation Clean Table".
The "top" part of this is my first attempt at Eni's Ring Tutorial. As I was making it I was having problems with support, so I looked across my table and saw this circle of 12G SS I had started wrapping with 26G wire, and never finished. I wired the ring part to the circle frame, and then kept adding more and more...it contains a Labradorite cab and beads, Citrine, Peridot, Sunstone, Pearls and Chalcedony.
I wasn't happy with it until I LOS'd it.
I still haven't decided what to hang it from....

Week 23 - Paradise

Paradise is a different place for everyone. Coming for the background of living in low income housing - in my case, a CESSPOOL of dysfunction - owning, or even living in your own home is truly paradise. This piece was commissioned by the Director of the local Habitat for Humanity. That's what they do - they create paradise for families that would otherwise probably NEVER have that opportunity.
I'm living in my own home - and it really is paradise.

Please visit Habit for Humanity to see what you can do!

Week 22 - A Home for Jewelry

Now, this wasn't exactly what was meant by the theme, but it is my interpretation. The biggest problems I've had with these are that people think they spin - they don't - and as time has worn on them, I find that you can only flatten a tomato cages so many times before the arms want to fall off. Once folded flat, I would cover them each with a blanket or large piece of fabric, and then stack them. Back to the drawing board...which is fine as I have even GRANDER ideas!!!

For a larger image, click on the pictures.

Week 21 - Star Wars?

Here are more Pics:
PENDANT, TOGGLE
SUNSTONE, PENDANT BACK
KYANITE

Yeah, I'm not really a Star Wars fan, so this theme wasn't to easy to follow.
Here we have what I call "Sun & Sky".

Large, beautiful barrel shaped Kyanite, Sunstone, Labradorite, Fresh Water Pearls, Light blue Chalcedony, one lonely faceted Moonstone bead and Sterling Silver are used to create this wonderful necklace

Week 20 - Have a Heart

Heres a :
Close UP

Another "Mission Clean Table" piece.
The Heart pendant is composed of wonderful faceted Garnet Brio's, tiny faceted Sunstone, the obvious Labradorite and sterling silver.
I entered this into a Heart Pendant contest, and as part of the rules, you have to describe how you made your piece. The problem is, is that I can't remember, and looking at the back doesn't help either. I'll have to start from scratch...

Week 19 - Something French

Here are more Pics:
The BAIL
BACK
SIDE

Floral is what I got for the Something French.

This is Crazy or Mad Lace Jasper, I'm not really sure, faceted Labradorite, blue Chalcedony and Carnelian. Since week 18 was a pin, this is a pendant! I found the neck wire on my table (well, the stairs next to the table in a pile of gotta go farther with these things) and am keeping with the theme of using/cleaning things from the mess that is my work space. The neck wire is a looooong piece of 26G SS that I folded in half and twisted. Then, I folded it in half again and twisted...I still need to add the last part to make it whole - I have no idea what I'll be using for that...

Week 18 - Oriental Express

Here are more Pics:
CLOSE UP
BACK

Not on theme.
This has been a work in progress for about 3 weeks, and its finally done. I really like using top drilled stones for flowers, have you noticed?
So, here you have large Paua shell beads, a nice coral center thats surrounded by glass beads, gold pearls, Iolite and Chalcedony.
I did oxidize it to help with hiding the wire between the beads, and it really helped IMHO.

Week 17 - Leaves

Here are more Pics:
BACK
CENTER
LEFT VIEW
FROM TOP
TOP LEFT

Like Dianne, I have commited to myself to use some of the crap all over my table. I must have 3 million different things at different stages of creation.
This pendant is truly inspired and created by/for FSOJ. A little coil of 20G pushed pulled and played with became the frame - then I just started adding the stones. They are Labradorite, Iolite, Sunstone, Garnet and Peridot - all faceted. The thought behind it was of fall, and how one leaf often holds many different colors.
I can't decide what type of neckpiece to put it on yet...
I started this at 3PM yesterday, and tried getting decent pics, but it wasn't to be. I had to wait for the sun to come up.
DH didn't care for it which usually means it's pretty cool! :o)

Week 16 - Asymmetrical Symmetry

Asymmetrical is hard for me.
The was a piece of copper that had been on my table for awhile...I just stared at it, not knowing where, or how, to start.
I am happy with the way it turned out, and am going to LOS treat it. I'll post that pic when it's ready.

Week 15 - Art Nouveau

Here is the FULL NECKLACE
SIDE DETAIL

Well, I'm certainly not on theme this week - just trying to catch up after the holidays!
Man am I glad thats over...
This is a sterling silver chain, broken up by magnetic hematite beads and s.s. spacers. This sold 5 minutes after I put it out at the bar I was at. Great friends of mine TAXI DRIVER have a fun party cover band, and Michelle and I decided to experiment with me having a table there. I made some money, and had a great time watching them play.
I made earrings to match on site.
I do believe I should make more like this...

Week 14 - Hint of Winter

Here is the DANGLE SIDE OF BRACELET
TOGGLE SIDE OF BRACELET

This was made (and then remade) for my MIL for Christmas.
I really like the effect from the LOS, as compared to the "before" look. So does she!
She says she likes it, and I believe her.

Week 13 - Second Thoughts

Here is a CLOSE UP
EARRINGS

There are no second thoughts about this one. Silver, pearls and Hematite are a fantastic combination!

Week 12 - Simple, yet Elegant

"Winter Blossom"

I don't name many of my pieces, but I thought this one deserved a name. I'm thrilled with this, and can see MANY new and exciting directions to take this.
The back pin attachment is a bit sloppy, but I'll get over it. Great reactions from the few that have seen this in person. It is 20G sterling, 26G sterling and a I think 12mm Sterling ball in the center - it may be bigger, I can't remember.

Here is a pic of the BACK

Week 11 - Native Spirit

Native Spirit made me thing of Turquoise, and I needed to make some rings for an upcoming show. This lays quite close to the finger, and is really comfortable to wear. I have since LOS'd this. Here are more pics:
BACK
SIDE

Week 10 - Critters

LOOK OUT - HE'S VISCOUS!!!!

This last weeks project really helped break me out of a funk. I made a couple of more of these, and they're all pins, and super cute!

Grey, faceted fiber optic feet, red bumpy beads, a labradorite head & antenna's with sterling silver spacers and wire. After he was made, I LOS'd him.
I attached the pin finding a bit too low, so he kind of wants to fall backwards unless you make his feet look like he's crawling up your shirt. Guess I'll have to keep him as a prototype!

Week 9 - Celtic Drops

FULL BRACELET
EARRINGS

Celtic? Kinda sort of but not really! This is really...springy...my seasons seem to be switched, so look for fall items this spring!

Beautiful beads of peridot, sunstone, iolite and stick pearls wired onto 18G pounded spirals.

Week 8 - Autumn Wings

MORE PICS HERE:
CLASP
SET

I'm late & not on theme. Life happens!
I love this set...got to wear it once for about 2 hours before I sold it. It has a nice solid weight to it, and is surprisingly comfortable to wear.

12G wrapped with 26G - stones are carnelian, peridot, sunstone, Iolite, labradorite, amethyst, pearls, green aventurine, moonstone, citrine, hessonite and sterling silver balls I think is it....the clasp is 10G and a wiggle that had been sitting on my messy table for sometime (not yet in clasp form).

Week 7 - No Theme Suggested

I LOVE Ocean Jasper. I got some of these wavy beads in and had to find a way to make something NOW! Also this week, I am working on learn to cut my own jumprings. I have a new respect for chain mailler's, and now know I need a Koil Kutter. Allbeads excepts the Hill Tribe Heart and dangle bead are Ocean Jasper. The dangle bead is Moss Agate. This has been sold.

Week 6 - Pizzazz

A LOT of new things learned with this weeks project. This is made with Coral beads, a Bone bead (center), Faceted Hessonite, and a really uniquely cut Garnet. I'm not sure if the Garnet belongs, but I was itching to use it in something. I damaged the Coral when I oxidized it. I used a chemical agent rather than LOS, and I will not be using that again since I have finally received some LOS. Somewhat suprising to me is the fact that I never finished this piece as far as putting it on leather or chain...maybe it's time to do that!

Week 5 - Everything Old is New

A pic from the other side...
Here's the clasp & chain...
Full front pic...
Chalcedony Necklace

Whats old? The bone pendant pictured here.
I'm so in love with these chalcedony "teeth" I bought on eBay!
They worked perfectly with the Mongolian Jasper round beads and the bone pendant. I'm going to re-work to middle so there isn't such a large space between the parts of the necklace.

Week 4 - Autumn Colors

Full Bracelet Picture

Pearls, pearls, and then some more pearls! I love this time of year & these colors. This weeks theme wasn't even CLOSE to a challenge!
This bracelet is on 1mm stretch cord, and the base beads are colored glass. I alternated the top color of the dangles, and the greenish pearls were/are supposed to be leaves.

Week 3 - Eastern Spice

Full shot of Necklace
another view
and another...
and the clasp!

Amethyst Labradorite Moonstone Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Ring

Reds & Golds were the first thing that came to mind when thinking about Eastern Spice. Hence, a Garnet and gold necklace. The tornado bail was a "design choice" that I used again several times with good success. Other than Garnet, there are also glass gold seed beads, and gold filled wire for the bail and hand made clasp.

Week 2 - Complimentary Colors

Amethyst Labradorite Moonstone Sterling Silver Ring

Well, I didn't stick with the theme like I had hoped to do, but that's OK! I ran out of 18G wire, which is what I normally make my shanks with, so I basket weaved two pieces of 20G together. That opened up a whole new world of possibilities when I saw the shank without any stones yet!!!!
(I didn't know where I was going when I started, just that it would be a ring.)
I would expect to see more of these in the future!

Week 1 - Counting Our Blessings

This is a "Mother's Keychain" that was commissioned by a friend for her sisters.

Here is a close up of the dangle.

Here's the breakdown:
The 6mm Swarovoski crystals on the main part are the receiving Mother's children's birthstones, in order, with first born being at the top.
The dangle represent (top crystal) the month of the receiving Mother's wedding anniversary and the other crystal (bottom) represents their own birthstone.
The swirl dangle represents the (hopefully!) never ending love!

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