On Bench ... Present & Past
Buckle Up...a series of belt buckles
I recently have collaborated with a childhood friend who is an extremely gifted artist. He works with graphite pencil and creates these beautiful original works of art. I take his drawings and transfer them to copper and brass metal and etch the designs into the metal sheets. From there I can go wherever my imagination takes me. I have always worn a belt with my jeans and I bascially wear jeans every dang day. So I have become a little obsessed creating belt buckles. It just so happens here in Texas, elaborate belt buckles are pretty much a standard, especially around Rodeo time. So Buckle Up Everyone!!!
Leatherwork
A few years ago I taught myself how to work with leather and started incorporating leather into my metal work. I love the contrast between metal and the materials. I loved working with leather so much that I now design leather purses, bags, harnesses and leather accessories. 99% of my leatherwork is done by hand. Usually the only time I use a sewing machine is to install zippers. Otherwise I do all the cutting, gluing and stitching by hand usually with a saddle stitch technique, which entails using 2 needles simultaneously.​
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I plan to keep experimenting with leather in my designs and post new pieces on this site.
Hollow Glass Balls
I've recently started to play around with glass hollow balls. Fun right!!! I stumbled across the process of creating watercolor type effects using Alcohol Ink. I spray the ink into the hollow form and let fluidity work it's magic. Warning, if you try it, it is extremely addicting to do and can be a teeny bit messy, I highly recommend it!
​I plan to keep experimenting with different size forms and different layers of ink and paint. I'm also thinking up ways of incorporating sterling to form sculptural pieces of jewelry.
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Would love some feedback if you feel like sharing.
Magnetic Designs
The drusy stones in the photo have magnets that are set on the back. This allows you to achieve multiple looks with one piece of jewelry. You can wear it as a brooch or you can also attach it to a base 48" base metal chain that's included with purchase for multiple looks., You can wrap the chain around your neck, wrist, waist or as body jewelry and secure with the magnetic drusy clasp. The clasp can be used to hold a scarf in place without harming the fabric. Multiple looks but doesn't take up much space when traveling.
The center ring (pictured) features a hidden magnet which lets you switch out the setting (shown with magnetic hematite beads) This ring is in my personal collection. I will be posting more photos to show the versatility of these designs. . Please be aware that you must be very carfeul when handling any magnets, They are extremely strong and can pinch fingers. Pay attention when handling magnets in areas that children and animals have access to and keep out of their reach. Can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. I know you know this but I just had to say it out loud!
Crochet Wire
A while back I started to weave with very thin gauge wire. The only tool you need is a dowel, I prefer using a wood one. By continuously making loops around the dowel you begin to form a hollow tube. Once the tube is at the desired length you then draw the tube through a wooden drawplate (shown at right). This process of pulling the wire through the drawplate compresses the tube and forms the chain. You pull (draw) the chain through smaller and smaller holes until you have the diameter you want. It can be a time consuming process but I find it very calming.
It's been about 50 years since I picked up a Crochet needle but I decided to revisit this technique with wire instead of yarn. Working with the wire is a bit challenging but I am slowly getting the hang of it and picking up speed. I plan on posting designs as they are completed.
Brass Work
Recently I decided to create some earrings using brass. I went with brass because it gives the appearance of yellow gold metal. I was shooting for an over the top design when I created these earrings. I wanted something that looked a little dangerous and cutting edge (no pun intended). The earrings were created from sheets of jeweler’s brass. I drew the forms I wanted, then pierced them out with my jeweler’s saw and soldered the pieces together. I went with a tumbled matte finish on the brass because I think it highlights the shape and gives it a more refined finish than a shiny texture does.
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