AUTUMN is definitely in the air! As John Keats the poet
famously wrote: "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness ... "
The nights are closing in and my cardigans, woolly tights and
jumpers are coming out of my wardrobe again!
I've been working hard on Xmas designs (I know, it
seems far too early!!) but
CREATE and CRAFT TV wanted a
Xmas themed programme so that makers can start their
preparations...
So ... together with some stunning materials from my
favourite supplier,
BEADS DIRECT, I put together
3 colour co-ordinated kits with ideas for a table setting,
gifts, cards and decorations ...
I really enjoyed working with Nigel May the presenter!
If you didn't get to see the programme, I will give
you a taster of some of the projects later on in my
December blog...
I was also so pleased to be able to launch my
latest
DVD (which is the first part in a series).
It's beautifully and very clearly filmed by the
for complete beginners as well as those at an intermediate
skill level.
on Saturday (18th) I will be promoting it there and
demonstrating various projects using my
WHAMMER!
But, back to Autumn and as Halloween is at the end
of this month, I felt this Spider Web Tutorial was very
much in keeping with the season ...
1) Begin by cutting 4 equal lengths of 0.8mm wire - for the
size of the pendant I created, my lengths are just over 2".
Alternatively, you can use ready made headpins and just snip the
'heads' off with your wirecutters!
2) Cut an arm's length of 0.4mm wire and secure one
end around the centre of one of your straightened
wires. Once secured, attach the wire to the second length
to form a cross shape.
3) Continue securing the further 0.8mm lengths, in
turn, weaving the 0.4mm wire in and out of the
star shape (like a basked weave).
4) Once the structure feels secure, leave a gap between
the next bit of weaving. This time, you don't need to
weave in and out (like a basket), instead you can wrap the
0.4mm wire over each of the 0.8mm star shaped stems.
5) If you wish, you can add a bead, somewhere between
your open weave - just to add colour and interest
(it's the 'spider' decoration!). Also, don't worry that
the weave is a little wobbly ... it all adds to the
spidery charm!
6) Now for the FRAME:
Find a circular mandrel that is the correct diameter size to
fit your web. Wrap the mandrel with 0.8mm wire to create a
round frame. Once you've made the circular frame, cut the
wire from the spool, leaving an overlap of wire of at least 10mm
on each side of the circle.
7) Using your round nosed pliers, create top links with
the overlapping ends of the wire. Grip each link in your
flat nosed pliers and twist, 90 degrees to the frame, so that
the top links face in towards each other.
8) Secure the links together, by binding them with a
short length of 0.4mm wire.
9) Place your 'web' at the centre of the circular frame and
bend the tip of one of the projecting stems around the outer
frame to attach and secure it to the side.
10) Repeat with all the other stems. You will most probably
have to trim and neaten them as you go around the frame ...
11) Now all that's left to do is to connect the pendant to
a 'S' link and suspend from a cord, ribbon, chain or key ring!
Alternatively, hang them from black thread as
Halloween decorations! (BOO!)
Have fun experimenting with different coloured wires
for more variations!
Or, create a DEW DROP version, using
clear crystals and seed beads ...
Well, I must dash off again as I have more preparation
and planning to do for my next show on
If you want to catch it - it's on 23rd October at 1pm
and it's brimming with beautiful semi-precious stones!
Can't wait to show you my latest designs!
HAPPY WIREWORKING!
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| Earrings & Pendant in Silver |
