|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 12:34:05 GMT -5
OK, this is probably the fourth piece I have ever done so don't hold back! Tell me what you think & how I can improve it. I still have to clean it up cause there's nicks in it so I am going to try to smooth them out. What can I do to make it neater around the top? Would have been happier if the coils were neater. Practice, Practice, Practice!!! LOL Ha, answered my own question! Should I brighten the copper up or patina it? Kind of a neat piece of bloodstone, wasn't too sure if I should waste it with the copper!
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 12:35:16 GMT -5
another view
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 12:36:03 GMT -5
Top
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 12:36:57 GMT -5
Next one is the back
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 12:38:31 GMT -5
That's it!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2009 13:07:18 GMT -5
Hi Donnie!
From your pics, I can see you are going for more of a wire "sculpture". There are those that wrap with very calculated bends and turns and then those that "sculpt more around the shape of the stone. You might want to look up deedolce's wire sculptures here in the wire wrapping section to see what I mean. She does gorgeous sculpted pendants!!!
I like your use of beads and especially for a beginner, your binding wraps are pretty tight! You asked for constructive criticism though so the only thing I would suggest is to be careful of how much you add at the top where the bail is. Its easy to get carried away with the leftover wire and you can end up with a wrap that is overly heavy at the top and not balanced. Been there done that LOL. If you dont want to use all of the leftover wires, you can cut them and hide them/weave them into the design so that they dont show.
Good job!
Shan
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 13:40:39 GMT -5
Thanks, Shan. I had started out with some of the loose ends just kind of curled down on the stone at the top then decided it was too much so I did tuck those ends. Wasn't too sure how to handle the rest of all the wire after the beads, was kind of play it by ear. Until I actually have cabs to work on I will mostly just do what you called wired sculpture based on what stones I happen to have to work with. I will look up deedolce's sculpture. All my books instruct around cabachons. I have just been trying to adapt the recipes.
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 13:50:40 GMT -5
I just took a look at deedolce's sculptures. OMG! That is something else. Makes me look really crude, but ya gotta start somewhere!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by rockmanken on Nov 21, 2009 14:23:32 GMT -5
Here is my :2cents: Instead of 4 wires, use 3 and only bend one on top and one on bottom and the center one wraps the edge of the stone. Also, continue your wrap wires farther up toward the tips and then you will not have as much wire covering the very nice stone. What I see is a lot of wires bent and not the stone at first glance. Your eyes are attracted by the excess wire. Smooth out your wire bends to a gentle curve and it would not detract from the stone. This is just my opinion as I do not like a lot of wire. Some people weave wire all over the stones, but I con't care for it. Some people love it. Just whatever you like. You did an excellent job of keeping your wrap wires tight and the beads add to the top without being overbearing. Ken
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 15:00:04 GMT -5
Thank you, Ken! I am with you on not so much wire. For me the wire is to enhance the beauty of the stone. I will try what you said. I have plenty of different sizes & shapes of different kinds stones to work with. I am going to see if I can make some changes on this one to lighten it up a little bit.
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on Nov 21, 2009 16:49:22 GMT -5
Like Ken said, three wires. Also, looks like you used round wire for the binding wraps, you can get them much tighter with half-round/half hard 21 gauge wire. Honestly, for a fourth try it looks great!! Don't slack off, keep doing them. The more confident you get, the better your wraps will get. Keep posting pics! Another thing that you might want to try is square wire for your wrapping. I used round wire for a long time. I'll never go back!
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 17:12:04 GMT -5
Can you get copper wire in square & half round? I have some in silver & I think in gold filled but I want to get better before I start using it. Besides, I kind of like copper for some things!
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on Nov 21, 2009 17:42:09 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 17:56:17 GMT -5
Thank you! Checked it out, now decisions, decisions - what do I need? What gauge? Some of everything? etc, etc, etc. Any use for dead soft?
|
|
nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
|
Post by nancyf on Nov 21, 2009 18:55:17 GMT -5
Donnie...I would like to say that your bail is well done. Very uniform and just the right size too! Bails are really hard for a lot of people, so you are ahead there. Way to go. AS for the number of wires...it depends on the thickness of the stone. I've used 7 wires before. Mostly I use 4 or 5 tho. If it is a thin stone, I will use 3. I have some info for newbies on my site: www.keystonejewelry.com/make-jewelry.htm It should answer quite a few questions...even about wire.
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 21, 2009 19:59:09 GMT -5
Thank you, Nancy. I checked out your website. Wonderful place!! Very helpful and informative. Will definitely take advantage of it. One thing I forgot to mention was the stone I used was a little on the large side, maybe. It measured 2" x 1 3/4" approx. I wanted to make sure it was secure, which it definitely is.
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 22, 2009 9:51:04 GMT -5
I made some adjustments. I absolutely positively cannot mess with it anymore unless I totally disassemble it and start over! I will just live with it!
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 22, 2009 9:52:09 GMT -5
close up
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 22, 2009 9:53:48 GMT -5
Could somebody please tell me how to post more than one picture on one post without doing reply?!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Bejewelme on Nov 23, 2009 10:20:34 GMT -5
I cant wrap, so I am easily impressed!! LOL I really like the bail, I am not usually big on beads, but on this stone I really like the top, and maybe keep the wires on the front a little more hidden? That is my 2 cents!!! I would say youa re doing a great job and keep at, you are obviously very creative!!!!! Amber
|
|