Thursday, September 06, 2007

I've Got Skillz

I've taught myself a few new things in the past couple weeks, and I'm really happy with how they turned out. For one, I made a new style of ring and also post earrings (100% handmade except for the mother of pearl beads) for my uncle's fiance. I can't claim the idea; she came up with it, but I'm glad she did! I really like the look of the posts and I think I'll try them with a few different stones. The ring is similar to the others I've made, but there are more wraps around the bead, so it sits higher up.

All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.



Next, I worked on my soldering skillz and made this heart with sterling silver wire, leather cord, and swarovski crystals:



And finally, today I learned to work with discs. I did not cut them myself because I discovered I can buy them pre-cut cheaper than I can cut them from raw sheet metal. I did, however drill the holes by hand. Literally. My electric drill had a dead battery, so I used the bit sans drill. *grin* Then I hammered in an impression, slightly domed them, tumble polished, and gave the high notes a satin finish to bring out the design. I put them on handmade hoops. They're about 1 1/4" from top to bottom. I'm sooo happy with how these turned out!




I'm lovin' my new amateur metalsmith skills. What do you think?

9 comments:

heidi @ ggip said...

Those are pretty neat!

Anonymous said...

You've got some *mad* metallurgy skillz!! LOL I really do love your work - it's beautiful! Someday I'll buy something =)

Anonymous said...

I love the heart necklace!

Bethany said...

I LOVE the heart with the dangly crystals! So beautiful! You are mastering these skills so well.

Kristin said...

Crystal your skillZ continue to amaze me! Wow! Put that heart on a silver chain instead of black leather and I'll purchase it! (I'm just not a black leather necklace fan, personal preference).

Jessica Morris said...

gorgeous! I love those disk earrings! i have a disk necklace with a gecko on it.. random, I know, but it gets lots of compliments! anyways, those earrings would totally match! are they on your website?

Anonymous said...

do you think the necklace will make it up to your website?

Crystal said...

It should be there sometime soon, but for now, I'm taking custom orders for it. :)

Terri | Sugar Free Glow said...

Crystal, they are GORGEOUS! I would love the earrings---can you give me more info?