Terri Brush Inspiration

Dear Friends,

Wowsers! Time is movin' on faster and faster!  However, "the hurrier I go, the behinder I get" as my Mother used to say. We're already headed for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

One of the aspects of making jewelry that I enjoy, is that there are so many different styles and mediums to work with, such as metal, textile, plastic, PMC, glass, ceramic, and upcycled pieces.  Too many to list, and I love to look at the inspiring work of others and see their wonderful creations.

Last summer I took an on-line class from the Terri Brush Academy. (http://terribrushacademy.com/) I worked on some soldered pendants using Plaster of Paris in the bezel.  I enjoyed using paint and picture copies to make a little artful pendant. I especially liked the brightness of the gold paint accents on the plaster and the picture.  I used copies of some family photos of ancestors for the bezels. 

Check out Terri's blog and enjoy the inspiring work of her students.

Here are some of mine...

 What do you think? 

Have a wonderful and inspiring day!!!

NEED WINGS?  You can make some!

Some days, it's nice to wear affirmation jewelry to help you keep your focus and spirits upbeat.
The following are some pictures and information to help you.
You'll need:
A pattern for your wings
A sharpie marker to trace the pattern onto the metal
22, or 24 gauge copper, nickel silver or brass etched metal
Tin Snips to cut the metal
files, sand paper, sand blocks to smooth the cut edges
1/16th inch hole punch
rivets optional
jump rings
chain, clasp
chain nose pliers
round nose pliers
wire cutter
alphabet stamp set
hammer

 Make a template/pattern from paper or cardstock.  Fold a piece of paper in half and cut it so that both sides are the same.  Trace the pattern onto the metal with a sharpie marker and cut out carefully.  The metal is VERY sharp. You will want to file and smooth the edges.

You can stamp words on the back of the wings.  Careful not to stamp too heavy with the hammer or the word(s) may show on the etched side.  I've done this a number of times.  Sheesh! This picture shows copper, brass and nickel silver metal colors.  I used a fine point sharpie marker in the actual stamped letters and then lightly sanded any stray black marks off the back of the metal.

 

This is an example of copper wings soldered onto brass for a bracelet.

You can rivet the holes for the jump rings but sometimes, I just like it plain.  Add jump rings, a wire wrapped component on one side, chain and a clasp and voila!  

You can fly now!!