Saturday, July 20, 2013

A Ribbon Runs Through It

The title of this post actually has a double meaning, which you'll discover as you look at the photos.    Each of these pendants has a ribbon of polymer running through the middle of the piece, and there is also a black silk ribbon passing through the top loop to serve as the "chain."  



This is another  idea that came to me in my sleep, and figuring out how to get the polymer ribbon and the 2 side pieces all integrated was a challenge. 








I particularly like the cut out open spaces within the polymer ribbon section.  I think they add another dimension to these pendants.


Monday, July 15, 2013

New Brass Bracelet Forms

I like bracelets, and have made several bangles in all polymer as well as bangles and cuffs using brass channel blanks.   One of the problems with a closed bangle is sizing, since peoples' wrists vary widely.
Recently, I've found some brass bracelet forms that have given me some fun options for design. Here are some of my new pieces.
The red and yellow flowers were formed a petal at a time and pressed through the brass filigree to secure the flower to the base.  I particularly like these bracelet forms because they have a well constructed hinge. This makes opening and closing the bracelet very simple, and helps ensure the piece stays on. The filigree is a nice touch.

These last three bracelets were made on a different bracelet form, one with 2 thin brass bands.  These bracelets are very easy to put on and take off, but I wanted to be sure they wouldn't come off too easily during wearing.  I found a magnet and clasp combo that works just perfectly in the opening on these bands, and makes a nice "safety" chain.  The polymer flowers and leaves are on both sides of the brass bands, securing the design to the base.

 I think these bases work perfectly with polymer, and I'm pleased to have found bases that support 3-dimensional work.