Wooden beads

This is another fingerweaving bracelet. I was taken with the patterns on the palmwood beads, and wanted to showcase them. I think I actually made this bracelet too full - not something I realized was possible - so in the end it reminds me constantly of a caterpillar with wheels.

The wooden beads are marvellously lightweight, and blend nicely with the assorted seed beads. I especially like that this technique allows for no metal, which makes it perfect for people whith metal sensitivities. I am enjoying the process, even if this one doesn't please me. Had to happen sometime!

Another linocut

These are three colour variations I did for this print. It is a reduction linocut, which means the block was destoyed in the process of printing the various layers. It is a detail of an altar from the Mayan ruins of Copan in Honduras. This is the smallest print I've done so far at 2-1/2" x 3-1/2". (edited for spelling)

YOJ week eleven

This week's YOJ entry is a caged iolite bangle. I've been working for a while to try to make this in a claspless style without an obvious join. This one hides the join using a thai silver bead in a size and shape that echos the stones. I am quite pleased with it, although I do want to try a variation using memory wire that should be stronger.

The other photo is a pair of earrings made for an informal contest on WetCanvas. African turquoise, amethyst, and sterling. Simple little earrings but with a compelling colour combination. I have been hoarding the amethyst, but I really have to start using some of my stash.

YOJ week ten

This is another of my custom made "dog tag" necklaces". Etched copper, sterling rivets, stamped brass. I made and patinaed the clasp to match.

Jellyfish

Last week we went to the Vancouver Aquarium. I took too many photos, most of which didn't turn out. This is a jellyfish - there was an awesome jellyfish display. The dog trainer in me also enjoyed watching the beluga training session very much.

I'm struggling with motivation to work on jewellery these days. My YOJ piece is overdue, and only requires about two minutes to finish, plus the time to photograph and publish it. Instead I use my free time to work on my latest print - I'm tackling a reduction linocut. Today I am going to force myself to pull out the jewellery first, and only allow myself to work on the linocut after a reasonable effort.

YOJ weeks eight and nine

These were done early, honest, but I didn't get them posted.

The week eight entry is a multistranded bracelet using Robin Atkins' instructions. I seem to be typing her name a lot, and getting it wrong a lot, so I've added her as a link (see the column on the left) to save myself the typing. I encourage everyone to have a look at her blog as I find her very inspiring!

The rich range of pinks in these seed beads seemed to want to be combined with the plain cream and brown in this bracelet. The closure bead is one of my own lampwork.

The week nine entry is a simple little pair of earrings. They are a gift for a woman whose dogs are mostly black and white. I've had the charms for a while, waiting for inspiration to strike, and this happened. I think I'll have to make a pair for myself, in brown, to match my own dogs. Or maybe in blue or green - I don't tend to match well.

No photos, just an update

I am away from my normal computer right now, unable to post photos. I'll have several catch-up posts next week, so please check back then.

I'm messing around with my template, trying to get things the way I want them, so don't be surprised if this page looks different from time to time.