On Saturday I took a class called Wire Play Day at The Bead Gallery. It’s a really neat class as you get to choose the project you want to work on. I chose to make the Doodlebug Bracelet.
The frame of the bracelet is made up of 16 gauge wire. I textured the wire with 3 or 4 different hammers. I really love me some texturing hammers. Too bad they’re so spendy.
I then chose to embellish it with Kyanite beads, sterling silver beads, and coils. Kyanite is one of my favorite semi-precious gemstones.
I think the bracelet looks a lot better on then just sitting there. It kind of looks like a train wreck on its own.
As far as spinning goes, I did manage to produce some yarn. It’s fuglier then shit and it was hellish to spin, but I was determined to use up the fiber.
I bought the batts when I was a new spinner and I had the misguided belief that I could spin this stuff into laceweight yarn. Ha! The silk was basically layered with the wool, which was four types of Corriedale X’s. Ick.
As for my knee? It’s still giving me problems. I spun the yarn without treadling with both of my legs. Instead, I just treadled with just my right leg. Not fun! Only I was that desperate for spinning time.
The plan is to rest my knee for another week. If it’s not better by then, I’ll head back to the doctor. Keep your fingers crossed!
Finally, look what’s blooming out on my lanai! I have no idea what kind of plant this is. It looks like a rose, but I don’t think it is. I’m an idiot about things like this.
Have a good one.
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
That’s not a train wreak! I’d buy that..
You get a gold star as well today – I know that fiber gave you fits!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed on your knee!!
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Fingers crossed! Lovely bracelet.
That’s a Lisianthus blue rose. I love them, but they don’t always love my climate. Story of my life. *L*
xo
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
What a darling bracelet! I had no idea that hammers are involved. The beads are very pretty. I know people would pay $$$ for your newest handspun yarn. See what happens to it in your Etsy shop. I hope your knee improves very soon.
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I agree! THe bracelet is wonderful. Will you be adding it to Opalescence stock? Does Cookie know everything? Maybe I should ask her to plan my gardens.
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Gorgeous bracelet! The yarn is pretty–I am sure you can sell it.
Hope your knee is better soon, too!
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Dude, gonna either have to sell my house or stop reading your blog. You’re killing me with the pretties. Oh yeah, and I love lisianthus too, but I think it’s already too late in the year to plant them here.
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Ooo oo, I know what that is, it’s – oh drat, the name just escaped me. I’ll think of it when I’m lying in bed later. Drat.
GORGEOUS bracelet, btw!
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Those stones are gorgeous and work really well with the coils. The flower is pretty too and nice to see since the flowers haven’t really bloomed where I live yet.
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
That bracelet is BEAUTIFUL!!!
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
seriously, how do you have time for all of this crafting? beading, knitting, spinning, is there something you DON’T do?
love the bracelet, btw. what do you mean trainwreck? :)
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Love the bracelet! I have no idea what that flower is either, but it sure it pretty.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I bet showing all your jewelry creation would tempt a lot of people to start wearing more accessories! They are all so beautiful!
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Beautiful bracelet! I wish I had your talent for making jewelry. :o) Love the handspun and, as always, Cookie is right. ;o)
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Your work keeps getting better and better!
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I better get that catnip plant to you…it is in dire need of nurturing and looks like you have the mauve thumb!
February 24th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Wow – flowers! No flowers here yet…….
I love the bracelet. You have such a great eye for jewellery.
February 24th, 2009 at 4:45 am
That bracelet is awesome! : )
February 24th, 2009 at 5:26 am
I LOVE (1000) the bracelet! I actually love the yarn, too. I am still struggling with a difficult spinning project simply because the resultant yarn is so great. Ugly MUST be in the eye of the beholder, because I think your “fugly” yarn is beautiful.
I hope Rachel thinks of the name of that flower soon. I know it’s not a rose…foliage all wrong, but I can’t remember the name either. Something with a first letter “c”??????
hugsssssssss
mer
February 24th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Beautiful bracelet. Agnes said that showing off your stuff would make people want to accessorize; I know your earrings are what made me decide to wear earrings again. I hadn’t worn any in years.
And very pretty flower! It’s getting near daffodil time here. Well, really it’s like 2 more months, but I’m sick of winter and ready for flowers. Thanks for sharing!
February 24th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Opal, you have truly fashioned a beautiful bracelet!
February 24th, 2009 at 5:40 am
It’s beautiful! Everything! and I don’t know what the flower is either, but it’s gorgeous!
Take care of that knee.
(((Hugs)))
February 24th, 2009 at 6:14 am
That fugly yarn looks like Noro. Go easy on yourself, and on that knee, too!
February 24th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
i love the bracelet! love wire -i wish i could take some classes – the visiting teachers are really great-are you thinking about doing some of iris’ workshops? hope the knee gets some good rest….
February 24th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
That bracelet is gorgeous. I so admire your jewelry skills.
I hope you have swift healing. I know how the fiber and wheels call, especially when one must take a break.
February 24th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
pretty bracelet!
crossing fingers for your knee to get better!
February 25th, 2009 at 4:20 am
Well isn’t that the cool bracelet. As an old gem/mineral collector, I have a kyanite sample and have seen some incredible pieces of the stuff. I’ve only ever seen in in its natural crystal shape though – never cut and polished like this. It’s really beautiful! I thought, at fist, that it was lapis.
I think you yarn is gorgeous (as always) and it goes well with the bracelet :) But I’m sorry to hear about the knee. Doesn’t it just figure?
February 25th, 2009 at 5:40 am
The fiber looks good! It just didn’t show you a good time – blasted thing!
I want a lanai!!! :)
February 26th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I love the blue stones. The design really sets them off well.
And the handspun? It looks great, even if it was a pain to spin.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
The bracelette/cuff is really gorgeous. Very nice choice of embellishments.
And pretty yarn even if you believe it to be fugly. :D Nice to have it spun up though, I’m sure. Be nice to your knee.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Stunning bracelet – you are really an artist with the metal! And I think that flower is a Lisiantus, I’ve photographed them before and they do resemble roses. Very pretty!