Wire Weaving – “Fall off a log” simplicity from a kit

From the center of your universe

For anyone who has yet to explore the creative area of wire weaving this post is for you! As I mentioned in another post the other day, I picked up a wire weaving kit from DeSerres. I write product reviews for a site and every so often I purchase products for no other reason than to review them, so that was one of my ulterior motives – the 2nd motive was to see if the kit was actually as “simplistic” to complete as the box indicated it was. Well, I think I can say that would be an emphatic “yes!”

In just under 10 minutes I had the wires set up, and several courses weaved without any problems at all. Although I work with wire, weaving isn’t something I’ve actually gotten into – until now.  I rather enjoyed this kit and it is an excellent primer for those who may have wanted to attempt this type of wire work but weren’t certain they wanted to go to the expense to discover whether they would enjoy it.  This kit allows you the best of both worlds – inexpensively and is so easy to do you may just fall in love.

Make mine one-of-a-kind

Make mine unique

For artists and jewelry designers alike, 2009 is going to continue to be a strong year for those whose creative endeavors have no boundaries in the area of  One-of-a-kind items – those items that are so unique and often hold mystery as to how they were actually made.  There are a lot of designers today who are really pushing the envelope and one area that has suddenly intrigued me is the area of Origami jewelry. Although it’s been part of the jewelry scene for awhile, miniature Origami work is starting to really come together in a number of mediums.

A beautiful book dedicated to the subject of Origami jewelry is written by Ayako Brodek: Origami Jewelry: More than 40 Exquisite Designs to Fold and Wear.  There are also a number of artists who are incorporating Origami designs into miniature beauties cast in Silver, bronze and gold metal clays.  One such designer, who works in silver clay is Nana Mizushima.  Also available  is a book written by her, related to Metal Clay Magic available directly from her site or from here.

Artists love Contests too

Just like writers and jewelry designers, Artists have access to a wide range of Contests as well, the difference is that most of them are considered “Competitions”.  By any name, one site, KaraArt.com lays claim to being one of the most “important pure artistic resources” on the Net for Artist Competitions.  They  have a good selection, only one is currently  indicated as a December deadline with all others going forward from Jan 2009 – so browse away!

1.  Graphics Competitions – you’ll find a nice selection to browse through with entry dates all going forward from Jan 2009.  Nicely presented in a clean, easy to view format.

2. Although not a true contest by most standards, this Canadian based design “on-line magazine” for Designers offers an inhouse contest – Name that Font, you could win a copy of  Adobe’s Photoshop Lightroom 2.  Design Edge Canada is an on-line resource for Graphic designers – offering news, job announcements and resources for the Canadian based designer, so you could find more than just contest value here.

**Note:  As with all Contests and Competitions, if you are searching out there on your own – always check your resources.  There’s nothing worse than working for hours/days/weeks only to have your work pilfered by someone who threw a contest that promises big prizes and tons of press – only to learn you just padded someone’s stock pile and got nothing in return.  If it sounds too good – check it out thoroughly – but then I didn’t have to tell you that did I

Akaiya

Creative Earning – Jewelry Design Contests

Some of my best ideas come when I’m least expecting them.  Usually, I work best “under pressure” and perhaps you are the same way.  Well, here are some contests for the Jewelry Designer in you that will have you doing just that.  Note that some of the Contest entry dates are drawing close quickly so perhaps not everything here will be of interest but you are certain to find at least a few Contests that you just might want to consider entering.

If you do, hope you will feel free to provide us with a link to your creation – particularly if they win!!

1.  This one is fast approaching, but Rings and Things have their annual Design contest running with entries being accepted from Feb 1 to Feb 29, 2009.  Winners are announced the first week of May.  So you still have some time.  Some of their free projects might help inspire you.

2. Metalcyberspace.com has a group of Design Contests available for you to browse through.

3. FireMountain Beads has their 2009 Contest announced, closing date is April 15, 2009 or just browse through their offering of tutorials.

4. Step-By-Step Beads has a contest in the works, the deadline is May 1, 2009 for anyone who might enjoy a little pressure – here’s the Entry info.  A selection of some of their tutorials from different magazines might entice you to create something uniquely yours.

5.  For the Gem Cutters and any Lapidary enthusiasts, the Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist Magazine has launched their 2009 Gemmy Awards contest.  Entry rules and Entry form is available on line – the contest closes August 1, 2009 so you still have a bit of time to mull this one over.  Entry fee is $25.  Not into contests?  Check out their Step-by-Step tutorials then for some great inspiration – you never know where they might lead you.

I’ll hunt for more of the same, until next time,

Akaiya

Love to Crochet? Why not expand to wire crochet jewelry?

I love the level of “unique” that some people take their creativity to.  While surfing today I ran across a gorgeous pendant (brooch?), I can’t really tell by the image but suspect it would be gorgeous either way – this very unique, delicate and beautiful piece is a Sea Horse, just scroll a short way down the page (right side of the screen) – and it was this piece that really piqued my interest.

One of the artists I found who works to crochet wire into gorgeous items is Johanne Brunet and she offers several tutorials based on her skills which can be purchased for relatively little money.  She also generously provides a couple of tutorials free of charge (for personal use only) that helps you design a very delicate finger ring and a nice pair of earrings.  This led me to investigate this particular technique a little further and as I use to be an avid crocheter – it more than interested me where jewelery design is concerned as I could see it melting in nicely with all of my other jewelry related interests.