Monday, April 18, 2016

One more time...Pattern Wire


About a month ago, I started posting about different ways that I could incorporate pattern wire into my jewelry, specifically, the wire below (purchased from Rio Grande).


One of my customers saw this picture on Facebook and asked me if I could make a bangle bracelet from the flower wire (4th one from the top, in the picture above), and of course, I told her I would try.

Now, I have seen quite a few cuffs made from this wire, on various internet sites.  BUT, once, I got to designing, I was very uncomfortable using this wire in something that could get banged up pretty easily. Personally, I do not wear bangles anytime I have to type, as the constant banging of the metal on my desk drives me bonkers. In my opinion, this wire is way too "flimsy" for a bangle.  Even though I tried hardening the wire with both my rawhide and plastic hammers - I could still bend it  out of shape with my bare hands. Construct-ability and durability of any design is as important to me as the aesthetic.

But, I was determined to make some sort of bracelet with this wonderful texture. So, I riveted a slice of this wire to some 18 gauge sterling silver and made a cuff instead.


Yup - it's big and bold (1" wide), but I rather like the how the shiny silver works with the pattern wire.




The earrings below were a much simpler design solution - Pendulum Earrings. I had a blessed session with the liver of sulfur - I never get colors this rich!



Lastly, I made a pair of hoops - post style. 


This particular pattern wire is HEAVY - thank goodness - giving me plenty of room to solder on the post (not the case in all pattern wire).



I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey of using pattern wire throughout my designs and hope to find new ways to incorporate these wonderful textures in new ways! I have learned what works, what does not work, and how to find alternate solutions.


Thanks so much for stopping by today - I hope this has inspired you to try this wonderful material!


10 comments:

AntiquityTravelers said...

You know how I love your metal work Patti, and this is no exception! just gorgeous pieces!

Michelle said...

Love them all!! Great job.

stacilouise said...

i LOVE that bracelet! I enjoy watching you try something new almost weekly!

Carol Dekle said...

That floral pattern wire is my fav. You incorporate it into your 'style' perfectly! Beautiful work as usual Patti:)

fairiesmarket said...

I think this is a set that many woman would love to have! Very nice!!

Karin said...

You inspired me so much with the patterned wire, I ordered some for myself to play with! And now that the dreaded taxes are done, I get to do just that!

digitizing said...

great work and i am very impressed of your work.actually i am very happy to see that you are trying something new.best of luck for your blogging.

Ann Schroeder said...

I love seeing these experiments. They are beautiful. The pendulum earrings are so fabulous!

Unknown said...

They are beautiful. earrings are so fabulous! beads for sale

la mar de bonita said...

Beautiful work - love them all!

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