Knitting With Wire

Here's a picture of a copper cuff bracelet I made a while ago.

I used 28 gauge copper wire, and tiny steel knitting needles...a little at a time because my fingers got so sore from pulling on the wire to get the tension even. This cuff took me a long time to make!

Because the edges were a little uneven, and to give the cuff more strength, I made copper sheet edging, folded over, and hand-riveted, then formed on my bracelet mandrel.

I then embellished the copper knitting with turquoise seedbeads...overall a pleasing effect I think.

Would I do it again? Hmmmm.....I'll have to consult my fingers, LOL.

Stoma Covers for Throat Cancer Survivors

As a jewellery designer and dentist who's primary focus is Head & Neck Cancer patients, I recognize that there is a need for people who have had a laryngectomy, or who have a tracheostomy stoma, to be able to have a decorative covering for their stoma.

These vintage filligree silver-plated stampings are available in a variety of shapes and styles, all measuring between 1 1/4" and 2" in diameter.

As these are custom made necklaces, I can use wire, beading, or organza ribbons to accent the filligree focal piece.

Sizing and colour choices are also custom chosen.

Please contact me for more information. There is a section in the left hand column for Stoma Covers.

Happy Labour Day!

Well, it's September 1st and although it's shaping up to be a nice weather day here, fall is definitely in the air, and thoughts turn to children returning to school. We have 3 of 4 returning to school this fall: 1 starting Dental Hygiene, 1 starting Gr. 12, and our youngest starting Gr. 9.

Do you remember your anxiety and excitement starting Secondary School? I sure do...a whole new chapter of life starts, everything is possible!

Fall also brings thoughts of the Harvest and the bounty that comes from local gardens. I'm trying to buy much more produce that's grown locally, to reduce our ecological "foodprint"...also reusable bags for groceries, get rid of the plastic!

Now that I'm bringing my own bags for groceries, I'm looking for more ways to reduce the packaging that comes home with me.

There are lots of Etsy sellers making reusable, lightweight bags for carrying produce...great idea to eliminate those little plastic bags that hang in the produce section.

Here's a Canadian seller, ficklefaerie, who has great mesh bags with drawstrings. Mesh so the cashier can see what's inside, and lightweight so it doesn't add to the cost.

Are there other ways you can come up with to reduce the non-recyclable packaging that plagues us? I'd be happy to post these good ideas, with a link to your shop, here on my blog!

Spreading the Blog Love...

Well, as I slowly get a "handle" on this whole blogging thing, it's time to add some links to other bloggers who have done a wonderful job! My Etsy friends are a natural place for me to start!! Watch for it on the right side of my blog page!

I finished a bracelet last night that I'm so happy with. It was one of those pieces that I just couldn't get to come together in my head for the longest time...I kept going back to the beads lying on my table, stringing them, tearing it apart, trying a different combination.

Then finally, I hit upon a combination that just seemed to work for me, and here it is!

It's listed in my RubyLane store.

The moss jade rounds I bought from LilMouse on Etsy...they're beautiful.

I used a very special sterling silver clasp that I bought from BeadFX in Toronto, and accented it with beads and little sterling silver bee charms for a little bit of whimsy.

I was asked by a woman at work if I could make her some chainmaille earrings, and she liked them so much she then asked for a necklace! Wow, that's a whole lot of little rings....I made them all myself, from about 36' of 20 gauge wire. Brother, were my fingers sore! LOL.

I'm pleased how they turned out...what do you think?

As you can tell, my New Year's resolution has been a bit of a bust! Wow, is it ever hard for me to keep up blogging...my colleagues would be astounded to hear that I'm at a loss for words when it comes to my blog, LOL.

I'd like to announce my newest venture, my Ruby Lane shop.

Pop by and have a look at the jewellery I have listed there:

www.rubylane.com/shops/brilliantbeads

Pictured above are my favourite earrings right now, and the matching bracelet.

Thanks for dropping by!