Christe Jewelry ~ Designer handmade jewelry: Christe Jewelry Returns... Wire Jewelry Tips and Inspirations from year 2012

Hello all friends...
Yay it's already year 2015 now, and I thank God for the chance to blog again after few years behind now.
I am so grateful and thrilled!

Since my Multiply blog (and all Multiply blogs) was deactivated in 2012, I still keep on communicating with existing customers offline, however I knew that I have to come back to the online world to share more and keep on inspiring. So many changes have happened now in my jewelry making direction and so many inspirations to share later on, but I will start the story in this post with the latest wire jewelry creations I made up to year 2013.

Flashback to year 2012 - 2013, below are several types of wire jewelry creations I made during busy times when I went back to work full time in another field.

Combining Wire Filigree with Organza & Glitter

Materials: brass wire, freshwater pearls, organza fabric, UHU glue, glitter glue

Technique: filigree, coiling

This gorgeous butterfly is made by request for a bride who wanted to place a special butterfly on her flower bouquet. That is why I combined the wire filigree with red organza and glitter as per request, an unusual combination but thank God it worked! If you wonder how to put them (wire, organza, glitter) together, the secret answer is so simple, use glue and glitter glue! Although it sounds so simple, you need to be extra careful and patient to be able to get a neat result. More about the butterfly will be coming in the next blog...

Working with Argentium Silver

Studs and Simple Earrings

Materials: druzy stone, mabe pearls, Swarovski crystal beads, cubic zirconia, 930 Argentium Silver wire
Technique: netting, weaving, prong

Adjustable Prong Ring

Material: genuine amethyst gemstone (point back), 930 Argentium Silver wire and round beads

I found that working with argentium silver is pretty much similar to working with sterling silver, which is a bit harder and more fragile compared to copper based craft wires, but still quite easily formed to get desired results. I got my argentium wires from Rio Grande, an American based supplier that provides premium quality jewelry making materials. However, I found that apparently the argentium still tarnish overtime, unlike the advertisement. So even though the tarnish is a bit easier to clean compared to sterling silver, I prefer to put patina on them to get vintage finish.

Watch Bangles

Wood Fossil Watch Bangle

Materials: wood fossil square cabochon, copper coated wire (black), Swarovski crystal beads, metal beads
Techniques: netting, coiling

Woven Turqouise Watch Bangle

Materials: brass wire, turquoise and howlite beads, red garnet beads, Swarovski crystal beads
Techniques: weaving, coiling

One crucial thing I learned about watch bangle is that the clasp needs to be sturdy, which means that:

the clasp wire need to be thick enough to hold the watch securely,
it does not break easily even though it is being worn daily, but
still flexible enough to be opened and closed without too much strength needed.

The above criterias are not very easy to meet with pure wirework techniques, and for that reason I suggest my customer to try a watch bangle design without clasp. I used 18g brass wire to give the bangle enough strength and flexibility. The result turned out well and the customer is happy.

Cute Hello Kitty Designs

Materials: stainless steel wire, silver coated copper wire, Swarovski crystal beads

These Hello Kitty designs are inspired by Inge Liana's Kitty design

Inge is excellent in wire character and name sculpture, she made beautiful items that you can check out HERE

Simple Swarovski Crystal Pendants

Very easy ways to make a decorated bail for bold Swarovski pendant beads is to use manually twisted wire and twisted wrapped briolette techniques. You can find my Manually Twisted Wire tutorial for FREE HERE and if you are interested in learning twisted wrapped briolette techniques, you can purchase the tutorial HERE

Others (Necklaces, Pendants & Rings)