Crazy for Druzy

I spent most of last night and a lot of today trying to read as many articles and watch as many videos on soldering. My late night study session reminded me that I have a book on the matter and that kept me up even later. I'm so very excited to start the process and am hoping for more sales to help fund my new adventure.

My late night readings and video watching led me to dream up rings. I LOVE rings. In high school, I wore one on almost every finger. I don't wear many now because I got into the habit of not wearing them in art school because of clay and paint. But I can't wait to start making my own.

I already know I want to try using druzy cabochons. I've been window shopping on Etsy.

Purple Designer Cabochons from saxdsign

Huge Peach-Orange Oval Druzy Agate Cabochon from LaveoBeads

Quartz Gem from beadsaddict

I'm so in love with how they sparkle and shimmer. I love the raw look they have and the different colors they can come in. I'm so crazy for druzy.

And of course, I looked up some rings on Etsy too.

Water Lily Ring by BellaBijouJewellery

Green Druzy Ring by StaceyLeunesDesigns

This next ring isn't a druzy but it's still so beautiful. I've been following Marcie Abney's blog probably since I started making jewelry. When I first started, I tried my hand at beadweaving and failed miserably but just love Marcie's work. Sometime last year, she started posting her adventures with metal working and I gobbled up her posts eagerly. This is her first ring and I love it.

For now, I'm gathering up a list of materials I need for my first foray into soldering. And I'm a happy sponge reading up all the material I can. I'm pretty sure I will be working a lot with copper as I love it so much but haven't really read too much about soldering copper so my research adventure continues. I watched one video where the lady just painted the silver solder with copper leaf and left it at that. I don't want to do that. I don't feel that would be permanent... but I will probably try it.

I'm rambling. Lol.

I'm off to do more window shopping and sketching! Happy Tuesday, all!

Monday Muses: Happiness in Inspriation

Woo. The last three days have been intense with my store closing. Been a roller coaster of emotions. And absolutely no time for jewelry making. I feel drained and am searching for inspiration. So, I've decided that every Monday, I'll post pieces from artists who inspire me. My muses.

 

Turquoise spinner ring from Balanced. These days, I find myself spinning my bracelets on my wrists. I've never had a spinner ring before, but I imagine it would calm my nerves as much as spinning my bracelets would. I love the color. And I have a ton of these filigree pieces. I'm itching to try weaving on them.

Mohala Woven Flower Ring from smittenforyou. I've seen roses made from fabric but not leaves before! Love this idea. And it's such a beautiful story behind the plant.

Enter the Serpent from gailavira. I can see myself wearing this as a thumb ring. I love that it's adjustable! And this design would probably work as a bracelet as well! Love it.

I think I'm going to start making rings soon. I want to try my hand at woven rings. I've amassed a lovely collection of seed beads because of my wrap bracelets. I should use them to make beautiful rings! 

Now... just to find the time... :P

Quick Rings

At 630am, I threw started a load of laundry and started putting away one I'd done... Monday? I think it was Monday. Hey, I'm 22 and just putting them away is a miracle in itself.

ANYHOO, work is at 1pm-10pm today and before going back to bed for a nap, I thought I'd make some rings I saw in a book I was flipping through at work. I can't remember the name of it now, but when I find it again, I will post it.

The other day, I went to Michaels and saw these dyed lavender (they call it lavender...) shell disks in the sale bin. I picked them up and thought they'd be fun to use for the rings I saw and finally had time to make today!

Using beading wire, the seed beads I love, and crimping beads, I made three rings that maybe took an hour because I'm still fresh when it comes to crimping... that and getting the 11º seeds onto the wire took a while.

I love the fresh look of the icy blue. I'm not sure how the shell works with the set but it does make me smile and I think that's the important thing.