Tales Of De Stash

Y'all KNOW I have an enormous stash of beads that I adore but have yet to find exactly the right design  to use( better known as DE Stash). O.K. so it's the Holiday season and I've really gotten in the mood to create with Green and Red and Gold, Blue and White. So there is this bead that has been with me for 6 years( no joke!) and every time I have tried to make something with it.....hasn't worked out. Until this morning.....it came to me that I wanted so much to showcase the bead since it is a faceted, deep emerald green glass almost a trapezoidal shape and they way to do that was to use the bare minimum of design and embellishment. So, I got out the solid copper wire, copper delicate chain and copper lobster claw findings and set to work. Finally! 

It's listed on my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesigningParrotJewel?ref=ss_profile

As you can see, I have done a fairly simple, decorative wire wrap, attached it to the delicate copper chain and it's complete. Ready to be worn to any holiday gathering or to work or shopping.

 Hope you like it!

It's The Key Necklace

Gunmetal Chain Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85808926/gunmetal-pendant-necklace

The Key Necklace is three strands of gunmetal chain in different types and textures with etched and engraved lead free metal disc charms, a center silver plate key pendant and an extension clasp to make the necklace adjustable.

I really like the simplicity and style of this piece and the neutral color  of the gunmetal. This would look great worn with a sweater top, layered top or simple round neckline blouse.

It's now listed on my Etsy shop (link above) and don't forget to look at the bracelet too!

Where Has Apprenticeship Gone?

I'm passionately interested in learning real metalwork jewelry fabrication and design. It's the next step to me in my design and fabrication journey.

I've been looking into it and what I have found is that there are hundreds of books available, a few classes available - on the internet or otherwise but learning "at the knee" of a real person doesn't seem to be around anymore.

O.K., let me say, I HAVE books on it, can take ANOTHER class on it. These only teach the very basic techniques- the Baby Steps! I've mastered the baby steps and need to move forward from there.  To really get it- perfect technique, expand creativity and marketing knowledge, you simply can't beat learning from a Pro!
For the Pro- well, they get ane eager set of hands, willing to work on those things they have gotten bored with, help completing custom orders or repairs. In other words, an extra set of bench hands.

So where has apprenticeship gone?