Studio Time: Byzantine Chain Maille Watch

Chain Maille! I’ve been making some of my own jump rings, which naturally leads to reading more about how to make better rings and what you can do with jump rings. Chain maille! Hundreds of tiny jump rings woven into various patterns. I did not make these rings, although I did assemble the watch band from a fantastic kit that teaches the chain maille weaves from Urban Maille Chainworks. Talk about an easy way to learn the Chain Maille weave! Aislyn has done all this work to create a kit with all the right-sized jump rings cut by her husband. She includes a tutorial that teaches this specific weave based on the Byzantine pattern.
This particular watch is Argentium Silver which is highly tarnish resistant…a definite plus!
So, in addition to lampwork, beading, and wire-wrapping, I now offer chain maille potential in my jewelry.

Studio Time: Esmeralda

Esmeralda…beautiful green gems that seem like they belong to an Arabian princess. This lovely set is courtesy of an online tutoring session from Laura of Beads by Laura. (Thank you, Laura!)

Studio Time: Giddyup! Western Necklace and Earrings Set with Twisted Wire

I thought I’d try some twisted wirework. I want to expand my repertoire of jewelry skills beyond simple beading, so I’m trying to expand in the wire work. I really like the look of the twisted wire. I messed up the first couple of tries, but if you twist slow enough, it turns out great. The earrings are my favorite. I love the necklace, too, because it’s nice and jangly.

Studio Time: New Earrings and Bracelet - Lady Olivia

Thought I’d take a break from my funky jewelry and do something more neutral and basic. It looks antique-y and old, but it’s brand new with my lampwork beads and antiqued brass. I don’t know what to name it though? Help? You can win some earrings or beads for helping me name them. ;-D
Updated: Rachel E won the earrings…these are now named Lady Olivia. Thank you!

Studio Time: New Styles and stuff

In spite of the silence, I've been busy. I'm working on my first wedding commission...

A custom order for earrings:

I did my first hollow beads tonight
And I'm working on a design for connector lampwork beads. The connector beads are still pretty rough. My very first one was actually good...and true to my usual form, the next 10 have been bad. However, I still think they will work in jewelry when you put in silver spacers or Swarovkis - kind of hide the rough edges.
Oh, and here is an alternate design, inspired by the wedding commission.