The focus of my spirit instruction lately has been jewelry. There are a couple of reasons. The first is that I just experimented with different ways to create stylish pieces out of everything from puddles of solder and fabric to acrylic and cans, for a video project. (You certainly didn't expect me to work with "traditional" jewelry materials, did you?) The other is that I just love jewelry.
It doesn't have to be expensive and it doesn't have to consist of fine metals or gems. However, it has to be unique and celebrate my style and personality.
That's where the beauty of your jewelry creation comes into play. You are in control of capturing that look every time; Whether it's the materials you use, the method, the design, or how you use it.
It's something anyone can do and it's the perfect outlet to exercise your creative side in a small, manageable way. You don't need a lot of space to make jewelry and it doesn't have to require a lot of tools or supplies.
And, as with any creative endeavor, anything goes. No matter what material is placed in front of me, I can always imagine it being used in some interesting form of jewelry.
Found objects are especially fun to work with. Those odds and ends that fill our junk drawers, the broken shards of this and that, the little things we find too interesting to just throw in the dumpster. Those hidden gems can be used in a snap, in a few easy to assemble ways. Everything starts with a blank space. A blank belt, blank bracelet, blank ring, blank belt or blank necklace chain. Jewelry blanks give you an easy starting point to build, and are a fun way to put those bin-drying gems to fashion use.
Ask yourself, where do you want to use it? Would it look better around your neck or on your finger? Select your blank and then choose the appropriate connection method. Connection methods can include welding, riveting, wiring, adhesives, even nuts and bolts can come into play. Do not be afraid. The following are some ideas:
These are the perfect background for some of your larger, flatter items. My favorite connection method is with the double cap rivets. It just involves drilling a few holes and placing your rivets. It's a fun way to use things like miniature license plates from 1950's cereal boxes, front and center.
This is a new collection of rings that can be yours in just a few minutes by simply leaving a ring blank and pasting your treasure on top. Use the appropriate adhesive for the materials you are connecting.
Bottle caps and metal labels look fabulous against these blanks. The best way to secure is with double cap rivets or screw posts.
All you need is a variety of jump rings and you can hang your treasures from the chain. They work like a charm.
Never hesitate to mix things up. Combine different metals or old jewelry pieces with new ones. Experiment with non-traditional materials..
The only guidelines I offer are safety and comfort. Asegúrese de que sus piezas se junten de manera segura, para que nada se caiga o se separe y asegúrese de que sean cómodas para usar.
Aparte de eso, no dude en tomar un espacio en blanco y vaya.
(Michele Beschen es creadora de la B original Series para la red de bricolaje. Póngase en contacto con ella en www.couragetocreate.com. Distribuido por Scripps Howard News Service.)
