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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

NEST necklace

I am a huge fan of beautiful handmade jewelry. I would rather wear a handmade piece than a mass produced store bought piece any day. There are so many incredibly talented jewelry designers out there. Diana Frey, Diane Cook, Riki Schumaker, and Deryn Mentock are just a few that I cannot help but be inspired by and they make me want to create some of my own.

Some day I will be able to afford to take one of their classes and really do things right. Until then, I will have to just continue winging it, and hope each piece turns out okay!!

I made the focal piece by covering a mini Altoids tin with copper foil and soldering it. I put music paper on the inside, added the word "nest" and used Golden's  gold mica flake medium around the inside edge. I also made the birdnest with silver wire, 3 jasper beads and some fibers. I think I watched a Youtube video to learn how to make the birds nest. I used diamond glaze to attach the bird. So far it has held very well, but I imagine there is a much better way to attach it. :)

I used an ordinary thimble to make the top for the tassel. Because it wasnt one of the good old ones, it was very easy to put a hole in the top to attach the fibers and chain.

I wire wrapped the chain using silver wire and beads from Joanne and Hobby Lobby. They have really improved their choices for beads and I found some really great ones there. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and I wear it all the time!! 

To see some GORGEOUS (and much more professional) jewelry pieces, check out my 


15 comments:

lynn cockrell said...

Your necklace is gorgeous, Karen! I love vintage jewelry, but I love handmade jewelry, especially those with combined elements and findings. I try my hand at it as well and I really do intend to take a good class or two in the future. For now, I wing it, too, but your wings are much better than mine! Happy Tuesday!

bobbie said...

Lovely! I especially like the way you used the thimble ~

The Old Parsonage said...

Oh it's darling! I love the theme of the birds nest and it screams spring!!

I think it looks fab!

I'm off to check out the board!

Leann

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Hi Karen, Your necklace is just gorgeous and I love everything about it.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It's beautiful, Karen! You did a great job! I love the nest and eggs you made.

ImagiMeri said...

Gorgeous! How are you doing? Isn't this weather to die for? I just went to the new "Old Brick House" sale in downtown Mesa. It's every second weekend of the month. I found a lot of neat creamware pieces for my daughter. Maybe we can plan a play day soon where you come to my side of the world!

Hugs,
Meri

Rhonda said...

Oh, you are "too" talented!! It's perfect for spring!

Let's get together soon. xo Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Your nest necklace is super cute and very creative!

Gigi @ Old World Patina

Heartwideopen said...

Be still my heart!!!!! THis turned out gorgeous!!! You definitely made this look doable for those of us who dream of taking a class by one of these lovely jewelry artists but can't afford it! I think I could actually make this!!
HuGGs!
Debi

Unknown said...

absolutely gorgeous Karen.. love it!!

Deborah Montgomery said...

this is beautiful Karen! i think you're very talented. Hope you can take your classes, but doesn't look like you need any!

This N That said...

Your "winging it" is way better than some "experts..You're very talented and creative..Love your necklace..

Diane said...

Thank you for being so generous with your tutorials, Karen. This is a very creative and imaginative necklace. I agree with you. I love handmade - truly hand made. Diane

Pendra said...

You are just sooooo creative! This is adorable and makes me want Spring all the more! Today is the first day of Spring and I was shoveling about 5" of snow yesterday... I am so over it!
Happy Spring!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Love the necklace - so pretty!!!
I have not worked on jewelry in some time now, and looking forward to getting the supplies out again.

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