Magic Wire Spiders: How They Made Me a Jewelry Artist

My boyfriend and I went out for a drink in a local bar. We noticed behind the bar there were lots of wire spiders with glass beads as bodies and I loved them. We got chatting to the bar man and he showed us how to make them, with the promise that I wouldn't sell them in town. It fascinated me and when I got home I gave it a go. My first ever wire artwork was born. Well, from that moment on I was addicted. This is what sparked my interest in wire jewellery making.

How to: Make a Tree of Life Pendant

I have made a Tree of Life Pendant and taken step by step photos so you can make one too! As I mentioned in a previous post that there are lots of variations. This is one of many and it's fun to experiment with the different ideas and techniques.

Here's what you'll be making! I made an oval frame and attached seed beads. Its about and inch and a half long. You can make whatever shape or size you want in any colour.

You will need:

• Pliers - you will definitely need wire cutters, round nose pliers and flat nose pliers, bent nose or chain nose pliers are handy too.

• A mandrel - this is to make your frame. You can use anything around the house of the desired shape and size. I sometimes use a shot glass for the shape for a large pendant.
• Wire - for the frame I recommend 0.8 (20 gauge), 0.9 (19) or 1.0mm (18) wire for bigger frames I'd even use 1.2mm (16). I'm using 0.9mm.
• Wire - for the tree I used 0.6mm or 22 gauge. I wouldn't recommend any thicker wire because it gets a bit tough to wrap. If you would like a more intricate tree use 0.4mm (26).
• Optional - Beads, you can add beads for interest or leave the branches bare.
• Optional but recommended - If you can, a jewellers hammer and steel block to hammer and strengthen the frame. I know a lot of people don't have this so you just need to be a bit more careful not to distort the frame, you can always use a stronger or thicker wire as a precaution.

Tree of Life Necklace

A while ago I saw these Tree of Life pendants and I think they are lovely. There are plenty of variations of it and I just had to have a go at making one. I will be posting a tutorial of how I make it soon so keep an eye out.
I think they are stunning and would suit near enough anyone. I gave one I made to my Mum for Christmas because it was right up her street. She loves it. This one is similar to the one I gave her. This one is also for sale in my Etsy shop. I love the different variations go on Etsy and type in the search bar - Tree of Life Pendant. Do you see what I mean about something for everyone?
If you want to see a tutorial on how I make one similar to the picture please comment.

Follow this link to this item on my Etsy shop!  - http://www.etsy.com/listing/92816877/tree-of-life-pendant-necklace-w-moon

Take care - Chloe Louise

I am not a Factory - I LOVE Making Jewellery

Factories don't have that personal touch, which I love in items of craft. The handmade aspect is beautiful and an attractive quality to me.
A jewellery maker has paid attention to every single detail and personally chosen and attached each bead and bent each piece of wire. A little bit of the maker's personality shows in every creation. You know what she finds beautiful and if you find it beautiful too then you have something in common with her. You connect with that item and the maker.
Why choose to buy a special item that has been mass produced and pumped out of factories when there is a whole world of artists out there who truly love what they make and this shows in every single piece they lovingly create?

I do not just make jewellery to make money. I started making jewellery for me, because I love it. I never thought I could actually love it so much. I want to do this forever. I want to share it with you. I smile at the thought of someone wearing something I have made because they like it. I want to grow and develop and become a well known jewellery artist. That is my goal and my passion.

Are you an artist? do you feel the same?
Do you love to own handmade items? What makes you choose a hand-crafted item over a mass produced one?

Take care - Chloe Louise