Wire wrapped spiral lava stone pendant necklaces

For the past few weeks, I've been playing around with a different sort of wire wrapped lava stone pendant. I've made plenty of these necklaces in the past, but I've been using two different colors of wire and have been twisting them into more complex spiral designs:

For each one, I'm using the same basic pattern: two types of wire, which I twist into spirals and swirls. However, each design is unique, as you can see. Some look like ocean waves; others look more floral... it's amazing what can be made with a simple spiral! It reminds me a bit of this toy I had as a kid called Spirograph. Do you remember this? Basically, you'd use stencils and spin them to create circular patterns. The end result was always different from the last. I loved that toy!

So far, I'm finding that it's easier to work with regular metal wire (copper, silver, etc.). The color-plated wire is stiff and isn't as easy to bend. I've solved that problem by laying down the color wire first and then adding the silver or brass, or whatever. It's just much easier to do the top wrap with regular wire -- though I do like that stone with the two different blues. Maybe I just need more practice!

Check out my wire wrapped and enamel jewellery at Naomi's Designs or MayaGirl Creations. Check out my novel, REVENGE OF A BAND GEEK GONE BAD, on Amazon.

Wire wrapped lava pendant with brass and copper spirals

It's been a while since I've made one of my favorite types of wire wrapped jewelry: the classic wire wrapped lava pendant. This one was made with brass and copper wire, which I twisted into a series of spirals.

The challenge in making this was layering the wires. I usually use only one type of wire; I then loop the end to make the bail (the part where you thread a cord or chain so the pendant will hang) and create the rest of the design using that one piece. This makes it easy for everything to stay in place since the entire wire is attached.

In this case, I layered the brass wire over the copper. The hole was too small to make a double bail so I wrapped the wire around the loop at the top and then made the design. I was a bit worried that the wire would fall off or come loose, but I secured it tightly enough that it stayed in place. I even took it for a little "test drive" when I went to class the other day and my teacher noticed it.

Right now, I'm trying to make another lava stone necklace using blue and turquoise wire, but the color wire has a different texture from the plain metals. Because they are anodized, the color wire is a bit tougher and not as easy to maneuver. I tried to do a spiral design this morning but am not happy with the result. Oh well, time to try again!

Meantime, please check out the rest of my handmade wire wrapped and enamel jewellery at Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations.

More wire wrapped lava stone pendants with pink and blue wire and Swarovski crystals

Much as I like to experiment with new jewelry designs, there are some "classics" that I always return to -- such as my wire wrapped lava stone pendants with Swarovski crystals.

I've made dozens of these necklaces for friends and craft fairs and I never tire of putting them together. The wire has a life of its own and I never quite know what the end result is going to be. It's fun to bend and twist and swirl the wire; it reminds me a bit of that drawing game I had as a kid called Spirograph. You'd use stencils to swirl different colors together and though you had some idea of what your pattern would look like, you never knew for sure.

Lately I've been making these lava pendants with different colored wire. So far, I like the way blues and pinks look the best. Purple gets a bit drowned out by the black. I haven't yet used yellow, but I think that would look pretty good, too. I attempted to combine a bunch of different colors in one piece ... but it ended up looking as if a clown threw up on the lava. Sometimes it's better to keep things simple!

I've wire wrapped many different types of stones, but I like lava the best. The black works nicely with a lot of wires and I love the way the rough rock looks when it's gussied up. Plus, it's fun to wear something that's a little out there.

To purchase my jewellery, head to Naomi's Designs or MayaGirl Creations.

Wire Wrapped Lava Stone Pendant With Blue Swarovski Crystals And Filigree Design

I call this silver wire wrapped lava stone pendant Dark Side Of The Moon. The way that the wire wrap turned out looks a little like craters to me, which is why I gave it this name.

Lately, I've been experimenting with more complicated wire wraps. I'm trying to do tighter, more detailed designs that take more planning out, and this is an example of one.

I wanted to do some layers on the wire wrap to give it texture, so I had to go back over the initial wrap and add some loops -- but getting them to be in the exact right position took a lot of maneuvering and adjusting. Still, I'm happy with how this came out. I like the little blue Swarovski crystals; they add an extra sparkly touch!

Formore of my jewelry, head to Naomi's Studio or Naomi's Designs.

Black Lava Stone Pendant With Copper Wire Wrap

When I was in Hawaii, I was surprised to see how beautiful lava is. I assumed that it would just look like dirt, but it doesn't: there are shapes and curves and shades of the black rocks. It's actually pretty amazing.

I love working with lava stone because it's kind of a blank canvas. You can use any kind of wire or stone on it and it will work.

When I first started wire wrapping, I'd twist the wire into random curls and angles, but I've learned how to "fine tune" it. I can now bend the wire into very precise shapes and patterns, even when wrapping a stone. That's what I did with this copper wire. I made tiny curls so that they enhance the stone, but don't obscure it.

I love how it came out. It looks very organic. See, lava can be elegant.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

Wire wrapped lava stone

I first saw dried lava when I was in Hawaii about six years ago. I never knew that lava -- which is porous and black -- could be beautiful, but it really is, especially when there are large sheets of it.

When visiting Hawaii, however, you're not supposed to take pieces of lava home because it's bad luck. There are all sorts of stories about people getting cursed after bringing home lava. We didn't want to take a chance, so we left it alone!

Still, when I saw these round lava stones being sold, I was inspired to make something with them. Each one is like a blank canvas and I wanted to build pieces of jewelry that obviously looked like jewelry, but also brought out the beauty of the rock.

For this pendant, I went with a simple wire wrap design. I didn't want to completely cover the rock with wire, so I used it as a frame. I then added just two small crystals to finish it off. I feel like the black, silver and blue play well off of each other and work together in a finished product. I've been told that it looks like a Native American piece, which is a huge compliment.

I've been experimenting with other types of rocks, as well, but I still like lava the best. When "dressed up," it's especially eye-catching.

For more of my work, head to Naomi's Designs.