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| Cherry Blossom Festival, Necklace in Shell, Glass, Sari Silk, and Oxidized Copper, Jan. 2011 |
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| Cherry Blossom Festival Bracelet |
I spent some time contemplating the
necklace I made the other day and decided the copper needed to be oxidized after all, both for a more uniform look and because the darker copper contrasts better with the pink and white. First I bathed the copper in a solution of vinegar and baking soda (1/4 cup and 1 teaspoon, respectively), then soaked it for a minute in hot water, having just read that heating the copper helps it oxidize more quickly and uniformly. I then dipped it in a liver of sulfur solution for a few moments, till it was a dark greyish brown, then rinsed it thoroughly. After it was dry I rubbed all the copper components with a polishing cloth, being sure to hit the highlights a bit harder to bring out more texture. I love how it came out, especially the toggle, which I made myself (I probably mentioned that already because I am SO proud that I can make at least a few of my own components). And I added silk and flowers to the focal, just to fill it in a bit. I also oxidized some copper wire and components for a bracelet, which came out nicely; I should probably also do earrings, because of course everyone likes a set. I shot these on a silk shirt that a friend gave me, which I haven't worn yet (it's part of a summer suit, and it is hardly summer, nor am I needing to wear anything suit-like yet), and although I'm reminded yet again why I stopped shooting jewelry on fabric (the details become distracting and difficult during post-processing), I like the color contrast. More jewelry tomorrow; making this set made me want more flowers in my life, and since I can't grow them for a few more months, I seem intent on putting them in my jewelry...
8 comments:
Anna - I agree, the darker copper works much better with this necklace. I love your toggle and the focal with the silk and flowers balances the necklace now - the whole piece is absolutely gorgeous now! The bracelet goes with it wonderfully.
I also like the lighter background - as opposed to the brown background in the first version - it brings out the colours so beautifully.
Oh this is gorgeous - and it's 4 degrees here so I am totally in the midst of Spring Fever - it can't come fast enough this year!!!
So pretty, I rarely use pink, I'm always afraid it will look...too pink you know, this is perfect!!! Just that little touch of Sari thread is a great touch!
So unique, and really lovely. I need to learn how to work fiber into my jewelry -- I just don't think I have that skill! You, however, have a TON of it!
Thanks for the comments and props, ladies!! Lori, I have NO doubt that you do have the skills to work fiber into your amazing creations! It took me a while to figure it out; for me the key is to use the fiber as one of two or more strands in the section I'm using it for, so I don't have to worry about it unraveling or tearing. I usually use it with at least an equal length of chain, but it would also work with seed beads or beaded links or whatever, just as long as it's supported along its length.
love it..and another way to use Sari Silk!
Stunning pieces. Fabulous color and fiber usage :) Pink is one of my favorites and I really need to start experimenting with fibers. This piece is great inspiration for me!
I love it! I was feeling that I needed some spring today so I put a pic of flowers of just those color on my blog today.
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