Friday, May 04, 2007

I got to go into the city by myself on Monday evening to take a wire wrapping class with Emily Start, one of my favorite jewelry artists. She works primarily with heavy gauge wire and large-ish stones and I think her work is almost alive, it exudes so much energy. Now that I have tried some of her techniques, I know why. Ittakes a LOT of energy to make thick wire do your bidding, even if it is labled "dead soft".

Here are 2 views of the piece I made in class. I started with an amethyst crystal point about 2" long that I got on eBay, (you won't find THESE at Wal-Mart, LOL!) which I wrapped with 16 g wire, then accented with more silver beads on 22 g wire. I absolutely love it, but think I still want to add a dangle from the little curlicue at the bottom. I just need to get a chain for it and it's ready to wear.














Then I have these 3 pieces waiting to be wrapped, now that I have a clue as to what I'm doing. The brown one is smoky quartz, the purple is amethyst (of course), and the green one is zoisite. The red spots are ruby crystals embedded in the matrix. Isn't that one cool??














The photo on the right shows the neck ring that started it all. The ring itself is of 12 g wire (my mind boggles trying to imagine how much strength she has in her hands to shape such heavy stuff) and the stone is kyanite embellished with aqua aura and more silver. A very dramatic piece.

I wish I had a link to include so that I could share more of her wonderful work, but she doesn't have an internet presence. If you want to see Emily's jewelry you have to come to Oregon and tour the galleries and bead shops where her work is displayed. Let me know if you do... I'd love to go shopping with you.

11 comments:

Yvette said...

Judi that piece is really pretty!
That green stone is really cool. It sounds like you had a really fun time in the class.

I like the piece that you have featured in your Etsy shop too!!

Judi W. said...

I think your jewelry will soon be in the galleries and YOU will be the favorite artist of others! This is lovely and you certainly have the eye for this type of art!

Anonymous said...

they are gorgeous as all your work is!

Kai said...

I agree 100% that you are going to have pieces displayed in a gallery in no time! Judi, this new wrapped piece is exquisite! I hope everyone who takes a peek clicks on to enlarge it because the detail is not as visible in the smaller size. WOW! Same goes for Emily's neck ring - LOTS of detail in that! I wish I could have taken that class WITH you! So cool! And while I love topaz AND amethyst, that ruby in the other one sets off the green so beautifully! CRAZY ABOUT THAT ONE! I started to say you could BE a jewelry designer, but DUH! You ARE a jewelry designer! I can't wait to see your next piece and the next and ...

Linda Fleming said...

Good grief, woman! Is there anything you creative you can't do? That jewelry is gorgeous! Your work in any medium just blows me away.
Linda F from FL

MaryO said...

Those are beautiful stones, Judi, and your wire work is marvelous. I'll look forward to ssing more!!!

MaryO said...

I'll look forward to SEEING more, that is!!!!!!! That'll teach me to proof-read............

Courtney Short said...

Judi all your pieces are beautiful.. I looked at your etsy store.. I bet all your pieces will be snatched up before you know it!!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Oh how beautiful your beadwork is! I adore that bracelet.

Ok now I am going to tag you. Nothing complicated just write 7 random facts/habits of yourself. You need to tag 7 others in return. Read the rules in my blog.

Linda said...

I love all your work...the jewelry is awesome. And you have been tagged. go to my blog to see what you need to do

dingy said...

BEautiful jewery work Judia, love it.
I just tagged you, read it on my blog.