Wire wrapped jewelry designs: brass wire wrapped snake rings

What an exciting weekend! Our dear friends Scott and Chris FINALLY became engaged after being together for about four years. The surprise proposal/engagement party was wonderful and Scott did a great job in picking out Chris' ring.

This put me in the mood to make a couple of new rings for my collection. Not engagement rings, but coil rings made from 14 gauge brass wire. I had a customer who'd asked me to use this thick, chunky wire and I have a lot left over -- and so I designed these funky snake-shaped wire wrapped rings:

I call them my "wild snake ring" and "dancing snake ring." I haven't used much of this 14 gauge wire, mainly because it's a little difficult to work with. Yes, it's wire, but it's VERY thick -- and it takes a lot of effort to twist it around the ring mandrel and manipulate it into shapes. I'm getting the hang of it, though -- even if I do have a couple of blisters on my fingers. I'm wondering if I should bring the metal to my jewelry class and anneal it with a torch. Then it will be easier to work with. I'm just worried that heating it will destroy the shine. I guess I can play around with it and see what happens.

Speaking of which, tomorrow is enameling! Hooray! I'm so excited to see my teacher and classmates. There are a few of us who return each semester so I'm assuming that the rest of the "regulars" will be there. I'll finally be able to get to work on my Christmas ornaments and am looking forward to doing that.

As soon as I get some ornaments enameled, I'll post, but you can see the rest of my jewelry at Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations.

Copper wire wrapped bangle bracelet with gold yellow crystals

First up, a little bit a good news: I went ahead and signed up for a beginner painting class! This one features painting with acrylics and is a mini-class (only six sessions) which begins in November. I figure it'll be a good way to try it out. I'm really looking forward to it.

I have plenty of time to work on my jewelry until then, though. I've been trying to make a few different pieces each week. People often ask how long it takes me to make something and it really depends. Some of the more complex necklaces can take a couple of weeks to complete, especially if the pendant is enamel. A bracelet, on the other hand, generally takes me only an hour or two.

Earlier this week I made this copper wire wrapped bracelet with gold yellow crystals:

I usually use silver wire for my bracelets, but the copper is warm and rich-looking. I'll have to use it more often! I also like the way the copper with the golden beads. I wasn't so sure about using yellow crystals because I thought they might blend together a little too well with the copper, but I think the color combo works.

Though I've been making these bangle bracelets for a long time, I've been trying to improve the clasp. Whenever I take out my older bracelets, I cringe because the clasps are so flimsy. I now double wrap the ends so the clasps are firmly in place and don't pop out when you wear the bracelet. I want to give my customers the highest quality products I can, and so I'm always refining my techniques.

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but I've also been working on my photography. I am NOT a good photographer. I don't pretend to be. But taking pictures is part of my business. I've been trying to take photos with better backgrounds, lighting, etc. -- and I think I'm seeing some results. I've gotten some good tips from my dad who actually is a really talented photographer. Perhaps I should take a photography class in the future?

Meantime, please check out my handmade jewelry at Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations.