I’ve been busily knitting on that stealth project that I can’t blog about, but I did take some time off to play with some wire. I probably shouldn’t have, but I stumbled upon a site with some awesome tutorials and I couldn’t resist trying my hand at one of them.
copper hoops w/ black drops
The instructions for these were clear and simple so I had no problems whipping these up. Not only do I see many more of these in my future, I can see this technique applied to other designs that are floating around in my noggin.
Once the earrings were done, I needed to get another wire project out of the way. There’s a bead show that’s coming to town this coming weekend. If I wear a Green Girl Studios bead to the show, then I get a free bead from their booth!
So I decided it was about time I actually made something with the beads that I’ve been buying from her for the past umpteen years. Seriously, I have over ten of her beads that I just fondle. Her beads are like the finest cashmere in my book.
ganesh necklace
Although the links in this piece aren’t original, this is one of the first pieces of jewelry that’s of my own design. Most of my other work has been taught to me by other designers. So this necklace feels intensely personal. Be gentle. ;-)
I chose the elephant bead because I thought it went nicely with the Bali silver beads. I think the necklace has a nice ethnic feel to it. I might still tweak the design a bit before I wear it out though.
Here are a couple of gratuitous close-up shot.
ganesh necklace close-up
ganesh necklace close-up
I hope everyone’s holidays are going nicely. It’s back to the grind for me. I might be able to wring out one more post before the new year. If not, happy new year everyone! See you in 2009!
December 30th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Ganesh is so cool.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Oh my Word! I am in love – the Elephant bead did me in. I love love love it.
Did I mention I like the necklace?
The earrings are so simple and perfect. Keep up the great work!
December 30th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Your Ganesh Necklace is beautiful and I love, love, love the elephant bead.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Love!
December 30th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I think the necklace is fabulous!
December 30th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Cool jewelry! And a very Happy New Year to you. : )
December 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Those are stunning, Opal! I wish I had the patience for making jewelry. Guess I will just have to admire yours!
December 30th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Those are beautiful! The elephant bead is too cute.
December 30th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
You’re so talented! I love love love the necklace!
December 30th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Fabulous necklace! I love the elephant bead! Keep up the good work!
December 30th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Love the necklace and the new look of your blog. Extremely nice! Hope you have a Happy New Year and 2009 brings you all the best!
December 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I do like the Ganesha a lot. Did you do the link bending and all that yourself? Or did that come as part of a chain? Enquiring minds and all that :)
December 30th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
That elephant is so cute! Very beautiful creations from you again. :)
Wish you and your family have a wonderful New Year.
December 30th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
The simple truth … that necklace is absolutely gorgeous. Love the little elephant. You did beautiful work.
December 30th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
love ganesh – love silver wire! have a happy new year opal!
December 30th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I always love looking at your jewelry. It is so beautiful!
December 30th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I have to join in with the general elephant bead love vibe! It’s gorgeous.
And I love the hoops with the drop beads. Stunning.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
New! Template!
I like your new pieces too. :)
December 31st, 2008 at 3:02 am
Very cool! I especially like Ganesh.
Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2008 at 3:50 am
Lovely stuff! Happy New Year, Opal!
December 31st, 2008 at 3:59 am
I actually think I like the necklace best out of everything you’ve shown us. Good work!
Happy new year!
December 31st, 2008 at 5:41 am
Love Ganesh! Your work is progressing wonderfully!
Happy New Year! Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
December 31st, 2008 at 10:32 am
You amaze me with your inspired jewelry. I look forward to reading all about what you create in 2009. Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2008 at 11:58 am
Wow! Those are amazing! I can’t believe you can make all this stuff, I wish I could!
December 31st, 2008 at 12:52 pm
The earrings are amazing! And I love the necklace – great job! Happy New Year – I hope 2009 is a wonderful year for you!
December 31st, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Wow, Opal, that necklace is amazing.
Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Happy New Year!
January 1st, 2009 at 6:21 am
“Be gentle”! Like all the jewelry you make isn’t gorgeous! =P
I’ve always loved antiqued beads, and they go wonderfully with the elephant. Who is adorable.
Also I’m really digging your new layout! =)
January 1st, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Happy New Year! And omg. Those earrings are to die for. They’re gorgeous…
Red bean soup, huh? Sounds intriguing, would you share your recipe?
(((hugs)))
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:03 am
I love those earrings! You do such beautiful work. I’m also all for a calm New Years! Happy 2009!
January 5th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Those copper earings are very pretty.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Ganesh is, among other things, the overcomer of obstacles. I love the necklace and what it symbolizes. Ganesh will likely be my next tattoo.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Very lovely work!