Things I learned from sex... basic loops vs. wrapped

Got your attention, didn't it?  LOL, so I made the Labradorite Love necklace last night and forgot to take it off before bed.  Being that my love and I are separating for the holidays to see our families in different regions of the globe, there is some extra love in the air.

So... bada bing!  Ba da boom!  The necklace needs redone, as it was literally in pieces.  Whoops!

Things I've learned:

1. When using the thinnest wire with heavy beads, you want to use the wrapped loop for sturdiness.
2. Use thicker wire when at all possible, because it is easier
3. Making wrapped loops takes longer, but looks great!
4. Be careful with your jewelry if you take the easy way out and use basic loops.

What is the difference between a basic loop and a wrapped loop, you ask?

• A basic loop is formed when you put wire through the hole in a bead, and use the round nose pliers to form a loop at each end.
• A wrapped loop is where you do the same thing, but leave extra wire at the end of the loop.  That extra part gets wrapped around the straight wire coming out of the hole in the bead at the base of the loop.  (Much sturdier, but you can't just connect them together as you please at any moment after making the loops.  They must be connected as you loop the beads, because the wrapping makes it final.)

No pics today, folks!  Really, the necklace looks the same.  The difference?  I can pull on this one at both ends, and it won't come apart.  3rd time IS a charm!

Amethyst wire pendant

This necklace is one I made for a dear friend of mine.  She let it slip that she likes amethyst, so it was easier to come up with stones to suit her.

The shape of the black obsidian stone in my first corkscrew necklace was what inspired this pendant.  In the center is amethyst, and Swarovski crystal beads a friend dropped off to recycle in my jewelry making extravaganza.


Properties of amethyst:

Very protective stone, converting energy into love.  Encourages emotional centering, selflessness and spiritual wisdom.  An excellent stone for mediation.  Enhances memory and improves motivation.   Basically, amethyst rocks!

My son saw this necklace tonight and said it was really cool, and I really like it so I'd say it's a winner.

Labradorite Love

No, I'm not talking about dogs!  They are cute and fuzzy, though.  This labradorite necklace is another re-do.  It was originally "beads on a string" and the string got yucky (kinda rusty).

Originally, it had small black and silver seed beads between each stone.

This time, now that I've learned how to wire wrap (more techniques to come in the future) the necklace has some added stones.  I'll mention some of the properties of each stone, according to "The Crystal Bible" by Judy Hall:

Rose Quartz (pink) - stone of unconditional love and infinite peace.  The most important crystal for the heart.  Self-love, encouraging self-forgiveness and acceptance, and invokes self-trust and self-worth.

Onyx (black) - strength-giving, provides support in difficult or confusing circumstances.  Balances yin and yang energies in the body.

Labradorite (grayish/black/blue/yellow) - Prevents energy leakage and protects against negative energies.  Strengthens faith in self and trust in the universe.  Removes other people's projections.  Useful through change, imparting strength and perserverance.

I have been drawn to labradorite so much I could feel it was the reason I went into the store, even though it was completely obscured from view.  I had to ask them to move several things so I could see in the case - and there it was!!!  The most beautiful stone I'd seen.  No matter how many times I go into the bead shop, I am ALWAYS drawn to the labradorite, and am so happy to have it back.  I call it my "innate" necklace.

Amazonite remake

Amazonite Necklace


Sometime earlier this year, I made an ammonite necklace very similar to this one.  While visiting my sister, I mentioned I'd been drawn to wearing it a lot lately, and felt so much better in it.  She asked if she could wear it in a tough situation, and I lent it to her.  When I went home, I'd left the necklace behind.

Rather than ask for it back, when I was at my favorite bead shop I got two more strands of ammonite rectangle beads!

This came of it... and earrings!!!

For those who are interested in the properties of amazonite:
 Per the Crystal Bible by Judy Hall,

"Amazonite soothes emotional trauma, alleviating worry and fear.  It dispels negative energy and aggravation."

It also helps protect against EMFs and microwaves, etc.

It is still one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE necklaces!

 

For my older sister

Kyanite Corkscrew Necklace

This one features a silver-wrapped kyanite stone, which is my favorite lately, along with green malachite beads, blue dumortierite quartz, and orange carnelian.

I didn't really like it at first, but it looks amazing on!  It was difficult to give away, but I know it is just right for the person getting it.

The earrings are the same (durmortierite, malachite, and carnelian).  If you are considering the properties of the stones, this is one kick-ass necklace!!!

Circular Frame with randomness

This one is difficult to see due to me forgetting to take a photo before giving it away as a Christmas gift, but here goes!

I made the circular wire frame, and wrap-filled it with various gemstones.  They are all real gemstones except the pearls.

Included:
white teardrop moonstone
emerald
kyanite
blue apatite
carnelian
citrine
garnet
tourmaline
aquamarine
amethyst

That about sums it up.  I also used the corkscrew wire "bead" method I've really liked lately.

Wire Wrapping - Take 1

I got a book off Amazon a few weeks ago, and used some of the techniques to make my first wire wrapped jewelry.  The book is called Beautiful wire jewelry for beaders:  Creative wirework projects for all levels by Irina Miech.

My first project is something I decided to make for my boyfriend's mother.  She is such a wonderful woman, and we wanted something special just for her.  I am told it has a Cuban flare, but he could have ben telling me that to make me feel good.  I just hope she likes it!

About the necklace:
I did all the wire work, except the clasp, which I bought.  The big yellow bead is citrine, with malachite (green) above it.  The small beads are fluorite.  It took a while to get them all wired and hooked together, but I got the hang of it and it is finished!  I hadn't decided what to make for earrings, so left those out.  Who knows, maybe I'll be inspired to make something to complete the set.