FLOWER VASE PENDANT

This floral vase design was inspired and triggered after
I had just run a workshop teaching the very popular motif of:
 "Tree of Life" pendants. And you'll see why ... as it's a very
similar technique!

To get started, you first need to choose your 'VASE' bead and that can
then dictate the colour inspiration for your choice of 'flower', or 'bloom'
beads.

Flat shaped beads work well for vases, but as always, anything goes!

STEP 1

Look in your bead stash to select a focal 'vase' bead. Check that
the hole of the bead isn't too narrow. (As it has to be threaded
with a bundle of fine wires - in Step 8).

STEP 2

The size of the 'vase' bead will determine the overall size of
the outer frame. I have chosen to create a circular frame,
however, oval, square or rectangular will also work!

STEP 3

Create the circular frame by wrapping 1mm wire around
a round mandrel. Create a hook at one end and bend
at least 1" (2.5cm) of wire upwards to form the stem.

STEP 4

Link the the hook around the stem wire and squeeze to secure.
*Optional: If desired, the circular frame can be hammered and flattened
to work harden on a steel block.

STEP 5

Cut 5 or 6 x lengths of 0.4mm wire which in length, should be more
than double the overall diameter of the circle. Secure the centre of each
wire by wrapping once completely around the base of the frame
(opposite the stem wire).

STEP 6

Bring all the wires together into a tight bundle, up the centre
of your circular frame.

STEP 7

Tightly grip the bundle of wires together at the base and TWIST,
keeping all the wires straight.

STEP 8

Thread the entire twisted bundle of fine wires through the
central hole of the bead. Gently twist the bead down to the
base of the frame.
(If your bead hole is too narrow, you could always remove one 
of the wires!).

STEP 9

Separate the wires initially into 3 groups and twist together
Repeat to separate further, so that you have a nice spray
of wires fanning out from the top of the 'vase' bead.

STEP 10

Thread one of the centre wires with your chosen 'bloom' beads
and secure at the top of the frame. Cutting off any excess wire.

(Once you have the centre wire threaded, you'll have more control
of balance and proportion to your design, when threading the rest 
of the 'bloom' beads out on each side of it.)

STEP 11

If you don't want to thread all of the wires, you can cut
some shorter and spiral them. Otherwise, thread with
your chosen 'bloom' beads and secure to the sides of the
frame. Cut off any excess wire and neaten all the ends.

STEP 12

You can thread the stem wire, at the top of the pendant with
a bead, OR as above, create a small, even coil of wire with
a tail end ...

STEP 13

This tail end can be created into a small, tight spiral ...

STEP 14

The coil can be threaded onto the stem wire, projecting from
the top of your frame. Finally, using your round nosed pliers
(or bail maker pliers) form a single/or/double link, that sits
snuggly on top of the coil at the top of your pendant frame.

STEP 15

And now ... all that's left to do, is to attach it to a chain, ribbon
or cord and it's ready to wear!

The variations, as always, are endless! Create a bunch of
blooming marvellous vase pendants as key ring decorations,
necklaces or earrings. Alternatively, attach to the front of a Birthday,
Get Well Soon, or Special Occasion greetings card!

Here's one I made with those little lucite flower beads.

Have a Bloomin' Marvellous

time making your own!

RUSTIC RIPPLE PENDANT

Since my last scribblings, Spring has sprung in all
it's glory! I have been busy running lots of workshops
and designing new pieces and the highlight of this
month so far, has to be, taking part in The Big Bead Show.
(If you missed it and want to make a note of the
next calendar date for this event, it's Saturday 19th October!)

At the show, I did a talk on Aluminium Wire Jewellery,
demonstrating a range of chunky chain links:

I also ran 2,  'Rustic Ripple' Pendant workshops at the show, based
on the popular herringbone weave, which I am now going to share
with you ...


STEP 1

Cut about 6" (15cm) of 1.5mm or 1.6mm aluminium wire.
Start by straightening and strengthening the wire.
Place it on a steel block and flatten and spread the central area.

STEP 2

Cut approximately 6" (15cm) of 0.4mm silver plated wire, and
secure just above the flattened, hammered area.

STEP 3

Thread the fine wire with a bead of your choice. (An oval, or
round FLATTISH bead is preferable, as it will sit more securely
against the flattened stem wire).

STEP 4

Secure the bead in place with the fine wire by binding it at the
opposite end, so that it sits central on the aluminium length.

STEP 5

Cut an arm's length of 1.5mm or 1.6mm aluminium wire. Using
the tips of your round nosed pliers, form a small circle at one end.

STEP 6

Thread the small circle (from Step 5) onto the beaded stem wire,
so that the circle sits perpendicular and snug to one side of the
bead.

STEP 7

Bring the aluminium wire, tightly around one side of the bead and
wrap it at the opposite end around the stem wire.

STEP 8

Repeat, by continuing to frame the entire bead with wire and once
again, secure above the bead on the opposite side, wrapping it
once around the stem wire.

STEP 9

Using your fingers to curve and create spaces between the wires,
continue to wrap the wire around each side of the bead, securing
it at the top and bottom on the main stem wire.

STEP 10

Create as many 'ripples' as you wish, to make the pendant the
size that you desire. If you have any left over wire, secure it
once around the main central stem, leaving about 1" (2.5cm)
projecting. (This will be just enough to create a decorative spiral).

STEP 11

To work harden the 'ripples', place the side of the pendant
against the EDGE or side of your steel block and flatten the wires
with the steel end of your Whammer, or planishing hammer,
being careful not to smash the bead!

STEP 12

To add some texture to the flattened wire, use the Dapping Head
of the Whammer hammer. It will provide some extra sparkle
to the ripples!

STEP 13

The projecting wire (from Step 10) can be spiralled and flattened
against the base (or top) of your pendant.

STEP 14

If you wish to dangle something off the base of your pendant,
shorten the end of the stem wire and using your round nosed
pliers, curl this into a small link.

STEP 15

The opposite side can be formed into a bail link. You can hammer
and flatten the wire first before making the link with some bail
maker pliers (or a pencil!).

STEP 16

I created a 3 beaded tassel on mine. However, a textile tassel, a
wire spiral, or any doodled dangle of your choice, can be connected
and suspended from the end link!

STEP 17

I used 0.8mm silver plated jump rings to connect into the end
link of my pendant, to suspend my dangles, so that it didn't
get to bulky. But, as ever, anything goes! There are never any
tight rules when creating one off pieces!

Here are a few more variations to show you what I mean:

You could also suspend the pendant horizontally as a necklace
or on a bracelet:

For a completely different look ... You could also choose
to create it, with the 'ripples' wrapped in 0.4mm wire,
threaded with seed beads:

Let your creativity flow like the rustic ripples of this pendant!