As a designer, it is always a bit scary to try something new that you haven't seen done before. At least it is for me. I have seen several different designers connect two strands of chain with beads and simple loops. Okay, I wasn't crazy about it, but it seemed to be well received by the jewelry buying public.
Months ago I saw a piece of Raku on Karen Totten's Starry Road Studio in a triangle shape. I believe it was a pendant with one hole if memory serves me correctly. I was just gaining interest in the curved bracelet focal pieces that I use so much and asked her if she could do the same piece with three holes and a slight curve for a bracelet. She did and here it is.
I am always aware when I begin to design jewelry with a piece such as this its strengths and weaknesses and how it may or may not handle different construction techniques. In this case, the hole on the point was too far to connect with a jump ring small enough that would do the job and not be too large. So I went for metallic rust leather. I don't want to bore you with every thought process that I had last night sitting and staring at this piece listening to it tell me what to do next, but I decided to try connecting the two strands of leather with beads and simple loops like I had seen done with two strands of chain. The lampwork beads are Rustic Copper by Outwest with faceted labradorite. I want to like it, I think I like it, but I'm not sure. It fits well, I can't find a thing wrong with the way it fits, wears or performs as a bracelet.
So, I want to know what you think. Not just "Oh its pretty." I know you will all say that. It would mean a lot to me if each of you that look at this took a moment to tell me what you think of the strap - even if its just a yes or no, but it would also mean a lot to me if you took the time to tell me why you think its a yes or no. In the meantime, I'm going to go ahead and list it in the shop. Its another piece that because of the focal and lampwork beads will be on the pricey side and I don't want to waste such beautiful components on a stupid construction if that is what it is in fact.
The beads do have the ability to slide up and down the leather, but they don't move too much from where you place them.
In keeping with the "Arrowhead" theme, I also made some copper "arrowhead" charms to hand here and there.
Showing posts with label Raku. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raku. Show all posts
Monday, February 13, 2012
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Raku - What is It?
Encarta World English Dictionary defines Raku as
a pottery technique in which pots are raw-glazed at a low temperature then taken red-hot from the kiln and plunged in water or sawdust for reduction or carbonizing. The process is quite interesting. I had planned to do an instructional post on the process, but LMAJ has a guest artist today, Marianne Kasparian, that does Raku and her description is very good.
I have been on a real "horse" streak lately and have been acquiring some really cool "horse" components. This bracelet focal is by Star Spirit Studio finished with leather and copper with a turquoise charm and pistol charm. The small round on the bracelet is also by Star Spirit Studio bt I have had the larger rounds for a couple of years and their creator is unknown to me. Diane Long, published jewelry designer, made the copper bead caps used on the round raku beads. I hope you enjoy.
Hop on over to the LMAJ blog to read more about the process of Raku. You will find a link to the LMAJ blog in my blog list on the right.
Also, just a last reminder that this is the last day to comment for a chance to win the very first NECKLACE GIVEAWAY. Scroll down to the post and leave your comment. I will draw the winner after Midnight tonight.
Also, just a last reminder that this is the last day to comment for a chance to win the very first NECKLACE GIVEAWAY. Scroll down to the post and leave your comment. I will draw the winner after Midnight tonight.
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