Once a year Janice Berkebile travels to Hawaii to teach a class or two at The Bead Gallery . Last year I took two classes from her. This year I took one class from her and it was called the “Steampunk Bracelet”.
Even though it was a 6 hour class, I wasn’t able to finish my bracelet. But I finished it last night!
As you can see, I didn’t work with my usual sterling silver. Instead I experimented with oxidized copper, bronze, and regular copper wire.
That bracelet took a lot of hard work. Each disc was textured with different hammers. Then they were hammered again to give it a slight domed look.
You can see the texture and the slight poof in this disc the best.
Each disc has a different decorative technique used. I think this one is my favorite.
Of all the things we learned in the class, the hardest part of it was the invisible clasp. I think the clasp took about 4 hours to make. Mostly because this was where we were taught the rudiments of how the bracelet was made and this was when we hammered all of our discs.
The wire manipulation was no treat either. Even though copper is much softer then sterling silver, at the gauge we were using it was still hard on my hands. Having said that, I’m hoping to make another bracelet in silver anyway.
You can see the clasp here and here.
I think these techniques would also be great in simpler bracelets and as pendants. The only problem is that I don’t have all the equipment to make them. Hopefully everything will be back in stock at the shop soon. I’m just itching to experiment on my own.
Not that I need more projects to do. After all, I still have a shawl to knit.
Sammy says, “Oh no! Not that evil camera again!”
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:51 am
How cool!
I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking classes and learning new skills, but I do wish they didn’t hurt you so much.
Kitty!
xo
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Fabulous! Jewelry making techniques are clearly endless!
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:50 am
awesome. I LURVES the copper.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Very cool! I love the texture.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Yes! A shawl! Don’t forget… it’s a race and you’re falling behind! :D
Or you can totally be a KAL slacker like Angie and I.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Oh wow, that’s gorgeous, Opal!! I love the wiring.
That shawl – it doesn’t look like Lyra….
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Very cool. Nice work!
September 24th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Very cool bracelet and the class sounds like it was very good.
I’m not so sure I like the artist’s pain report tho’! Be careful, you!
Sweet boy!
September 24th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Wow, I love the steampunk theme and all the hammered detail. Course, I’m a sucker for good detailing. It’s the architect in me.
At least he isn’t giving you the evil eye. :)
September 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
That is amazing! The details are incredible!
I can see you are inspired by the new stuff you learned in the class. I hope your hands heal by the time you can get your own equipment.
xo
September 25th, 2009 at 3:25 am
That clasp is so very clever. I adore copper and just love your bracelet. Wonderful work. Lots of good luck.
Lois
September 25th, 2009 at 4:29 am
I love the bronze,copper look. Very nice.
September 26th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
That’s just lovely! I like the little marks in the discs…but please do be careful of your hands, okay?
Sammy does look as if he’s about to bolt!
(((hugs)))
September 26th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I seem to be a bit behind in my blog reading. I love the necklace from you last post! Very nice. And the bracelet is also very beautiful. I don’t know how you do it! Always something new and wonderful when I go to your blog. And speaking of wonderful…. Sammy is adorable! As always. And Quincy is too!
September 27th, 2009 at 8:51 am
It’s so cool the see the new creations that you make. :)
September 28th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Your steampunk bracelet is amazing, O.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Opal you are awesome! My bracelet is not done yet and yes, I agree that clasp really did a number on my hands. I was pooped after that! Great, awesome, fabulous work as always. You inspire me with all of your talents :)