Steel Wire Findings

One of my favorite parts of a piece of jewelry can be the clasp.  

I am not sure why this is, but it has always been true for me. 

 It is especially true if the clasp is handmade or unusual.

So I love to make my own.

My very favorites to make and use lately with my handmade polymer clay beads are heavy black steel wire findings.

My wire of choice: black rebar wire from the hardware store.

Sometimes you can find it in the fencing section.

That is where I originally found mine about 15 years ago or so.

I buy several rolls at a time and use it for all sorts of things.

I like the body and heft of the wire and the way it holds the shape I create with my pliers, mandrel or a dowel.

Once the pieces are formed, I have seat on the floor and give them each a few whacks with a hammer.

I like to play with shapes and even what I use for connectors.

I little hardware piece offers a different look than a wire loop.

How much fun is that for a little touch of Steampunk or Industrial?

I make a whole pile of them and then hammer them in batches. 

 Sitting on concrete is not as much fun for my back as it used to be.

I keep them in a little compartment of my bead tray for when inspiration hits.

 Maybe today will be the day they become something special.

Thanks for stopping by....

A Favorite Creation.... Etched Bullet Casing Necklace

Have you ever made a piece that just makes you so stinkin' happy every time you look at it?

There are a few pieces that I created that always bring me joy.

This necklace is one.....

I started with an old spoon....

Cut off the handle and bent what was left to make a bail.

Both sides were stamped with StazOn ink and then etched.

Another spoon handle was stamped with LOVE....

And wrapped with lots of balled wires.

I made the chain with rebar wire... 

Each link was formed, soldered and hammered.

I added each link as I was soldering them.

I love the rich rustic patina...

Old silk blouses from the thrift store were torn into strips and tied on....

Have you priced silk by the yard?

Ouch!

Thrift stores are my favorite source of silk...

It used to make my daughter crazy that I could run my hand along the rack and pull them out so easily.

We spent an afternoon practicing.

She is a pro now.

She gets sad when I say I don't need any more silk right now....

Then there is the etched bullet casing....

Soooo gorgeous....

I have been totally inspired by Lynne Spurlock and her work with bullet casings.

She is an ingenious artist!

Following her lead, I have been playing with etching bullet casings and using them in jewelry designs.

Here is one side of the etched spoon...

Great text and prose...

The other side is a faint baby face...

You can see it if you look close.

Sweet little mixed chains become a fun tassel from the bullet casing....

Ahhhhh...

It just makes me happy.

Every

Time

I

See

It!

I hope creating brings you endless joy like that.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these amazing blogs.