Wire Addict

Applebuds

2008-05-26T22:36:47+02:00

This has been long overdue (Sorry Tan) Made in sterling silver and as many of Tan Grey's frittets looking as cute as weeny apple budlets as I could cram. This is my 'Spring has Sprung' creation

Modelled by Datin K (my Mum!) As usual my work looks better on someone than draped on a flat surface.

Wiredreamerx

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Copper Rocks!

2008-05-03T14:52:25+02:00

This is made with EJR's Rockingham beads from her website http://www.ejrbeads.co.uk/ where she sells lots of other scrummy things. I regularly prowl her website for such goodies. And I still have 4 Rockingham beadies left to play with...tee hee. They kept whispering in my ear, 'Copper copper copper not silver ya numpty' and yet somehow I managed to NOT FIND my copper shadow swaros..dunno where these are hiding but they'll get a good hiding whenever and if ever I locate them.

Supporting beads pick out the accent colours and I used opposing colours in pale blue. I'm more of a swirls 'n' curls rather than a linear artist, but using gentle curves of copper was my way of reflecting the linear stringer work seen on the lampwork. I just wish I could taken decent photos though but there's very little sunshine this morning. When I take this on holiday to Malaysia, I may try for better photos.

Model courtesy Miz Rowie

Alone

I'll be posting more this weekend, so keep your eyes peeled.

Wiredreamerx

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Gooseberry Fool

2008-04-12T21:16:56+02:00

Beads, beads and yet more beads.....this is what grew out of my pliers one rainy weekend, sometimes I even amaze myself. Made for a challenge which went to another worthy winner...ah maybe one day

Wiredreamerx

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Twisted Sister

2008-04-12T04:27:27+02:00

I'm the coiling queen here, these were incredibly fun and meditative to make, silver plated copper wire is far softer than sterling silver, so this coiled up like a dream

And the CLOSE UP....

They drape beautifully and yep everyone over the age of 40 wants one

Wiredreamer

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Giantess

2008-04-12T04:22:35+02:00

Version 1

Version 2

Each of these chandelier beads are a whopping 5cm, necklace not for the faint hearted aka Giantess jewellery

Wiredreamer

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Sai Ling's Necklace

2008-04-12T04:21:29+02:00

I wanted to make something delicate but multi purpose.....
There were only a few of these beads to, so colour scheme is never to be repeated but the design is based on S components and linear colied links with no less than 3 pairs of earrings to wear depending on your mood.

Made for a dear friend..Sai Ling, very apt indeed

Wiredreamer

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Blue catkins

2008-04-12T02:40:14+02:00

I made these fat bunches of blue/green/purple/aqua beads ages ago, but I kept them for just playing with as they do feel rather yummy in my hands, especially as I could not think of a way to use them. Last weekend I had an eureka moment after seeing a plain torque and 'Blue Catkins' was born!

I know, helloo......reality check, catkins are meant to be YELLOW, but I do love the the way they feel, all bushy like a catkin! It's a test piece, so excuse my scrolls aswell!!

Hope you like this, its a cinch to wear too, really comfy

Wiredreamer

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Black and White Hearts Bracelet

2008-03-03T23:44:57+01:00

OK, Chinese lampwork..... some people love 'em and others think eewww
My views on cheapo asian lampwork are somewhat similar how I feel when I dine out at one of those 'Eat all you want buffets' BUT 'I like Asian lampwork' she shouts at the top of her voice but acknowledge that these beadies relatively short lifespan, I use cheaper silver plated/copper wire, not the blooming expensive sterling silver stuff!

Now for pics the black and white heart lampie bracelet, I loved these beads 'cause they look so delectable IMO - my happy creation from last weekend's TV addiction. It's a design that I am certainly going to enjoy transplanting with other beads!

Modelled by Rowie: The front with rosette links

Clasp closure

Another weekend highlight was that I managed to get my cooks blow torch to melt fine silver, going to try making shapes and firing PMC next I think.

Wiredreamerx

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Pixie Magic

2008-02-24T13:38:45+01:00

I made this for a challenge, I think the lampwork by Lorna aka Pixiewillow's own, they are delish. My photoskills do not do justice to the beauty of Pixie's lampwork. having finished this, I have been modelling for the better part of the weekend, well I do need to ensure its sturdy.....LOL
As you can tell, I so wanted to keep, but since the challenge was 'Take my beads and fulfil their potential for me', this piece is going back to Pixie. BUT I could always reproduce something similar syle piece for me in the future

See more of Pixiewillow's amazing lampwork and beaded jewellery on her website ! http://www.pixiewillowdesigns.co.uk/

Hope you enjoy!!

Wire Dreamerxx

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Garden Party

2008-02-24T13:07:35+01:00

This happened around about January time. Pearl who is a old friend of my sister Rowie; she has an allotment and has been chasing after the two of us to get into this too. She organised an 'allotment' party with a compettition for the best garden masks. What a great bunch of people they were, really down to earth. Inaddition to the lovely food..yum yum and mulled wine, everyone came having made these great masks, the winner was easily Mr Leek! How cool is that creation, and big thank you to everyone who let a total stranger take pictures....well now we aren't strangers anymore!

Mr Leek..the winner for the most wacky creation!

Aubergine anyone?

Garden of Herbs

Brussel sprouts, carrots and parsnips seen in a new light!

Vegetable Medley!

Pixie Garden aka Rowie wearing my creation!

Springtime Daffs

Mr Vegetable aka Pearl, our ringleader!!

Wiredreamerx

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Post Christmas

2008-02-24T13:01:36+01:00

I have neglected the blog, but that means I have loads to share with you. I have to share these fabulous purple crackle focals, found these at The Bead Shop at Tower Street. Usually this place is waaaay too pricey but at £3 per string , these were a mere snip and had to have..LOL I have sketched out some ideas, but as usually need to find time to translate idea into reality!

Wiredreamer

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Christmas!!

2007-12-24T01:21:54+01:00

How I love the promise of Christmas, I've just done decorating the tree tonight. It looks mighty fine to me. These baubles were brought back from San Franscisco 2 years ago, and I was feeling very pleased with them until I noticed I could have bought exactly the same items here but these were half the price in US so some saving grace

Merry Christmas to Everyone !!!

Wire Dreamer xoxox

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Forest Glade

2007-11-17T10:12:25+01:00

I'm well chuffed because this week I finished my bracelet for the local bead group challenge set by Bead magazine. I'm calling it Woodland Glade. Its going to be published sometime next year. Seed beading with me usually involves a lot of unpicking and artistic resting (unfinished pieces get to hibernate until I get my second wind).

I remembered someone saying that a seed bead piece with netting base with surface embellishements was easy and quick. Well since I am seed bead challenged individual, this seemed to be the perfect answer to making up something completely new with the green & teal seeds and minty drops we all got handed out last month.I still have no absolutely idea what size seed beads they were, but they all seemed to fit with some leftover beads from an earring kit, so that went into the netting base which just made made it look even more gorgeously green, then embellished the edge with the minty drops. I created my carpet of grass using 4mm green firepolish beads stitched to stand proud.

It looked quite nice but still not quite enough. So when is enough embellishment enough? Until you can't stitch anymore beads on!! I really wanted lots of butterflies but since I didn't have any, several scattered green leaf and glass oddment beads and yet more mint drops PLUS one large plain button seemed like the perfect contrast to my encrusted bracelet. The closure is a peyote stitch made up with mint drops and green seeds. Fab effort for a non seedbeader I think, I am very proud of this!!

Wiredreamer

04/04/08 Update
Check this out, published in Bead April 2008..whoo hoo am famous now!!

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Boston Bead Party

2007-11-17T10:01:57+01:00

Oh dear, I was in Boston 2 weeks ago for work meeting but managed to 'squueze' some bead time by visiting the famous Beadoworks shop in Newberry Street. WOW, fabulous beads (plus fabulous price tags..those of you have been shopping at Newbury St, its like shopping in Knightbridge) I managed to come home with strings of small lampwork and a bead selection not available in the UK

Its official, have bust the bead budget too!! I stayed in Beacon Hill, gorgeous district stuffed to the gills with trendy distressed coffee shops..and oh ya managed to do a bit of work too.

Wiredreamer

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Twisted and Knotted

2007-10-29T00:17:57+01:00

This is the fruit of my tortured muse last week. I had entered the monthly challenge but this one was to make Man Jewellery. Me being me ofcourse wanted to make something completely new and different. I must have made and remade something at least a dozen times but finally into this.......Ta daa

I doubt its new idea/design but I think the colour scheme might be. Come on you fellas out there, I'd value your comments. Do you think you could wear my bracelet? Matt enamelled copper wire in blue and green twisted tight to make a lovely bi-coloured twisted wire, then coiled into a thick rope around large gauge copper wire. The fun part was coaxing my final twisted rope into a central knot, finished with a simple copper chain. The pics aren't my best but there's been precious little sun these past few days!

All comments welcome

Wire Dreamer

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Lace

2007-10-28T00:33:26+02:00

I had an intro today to the wonderful world of lace, (thank you Anne!) to be more specific bobbin lace and a potted history of lacemaking industry around Salisbury city. What's more amazing about lace was that great cities and cultures were built on the stuff, just like beads were the currency of the ancients!! My main reason for going along was take a look see to find out if I too could learn how to make lace....all part of the Great Quest to expand my adventures in wireart

So...here's to a new project in lace that could potentially translate into a new direction in wire obsessions!!

But changing the subject, here's another creation of mine made earlier this week.

I'd been having a serious bead block from trying too hard with competition projects. So it was with great relief when I decided to make something for fun. Its based on one of my very earliest designs made in pearls and opal crystals, the original version was very bridal but golly did I make it over and over because I loved it so much!

This time I've resurrected the design for a more sober sparkle using sterling silver wire, gleamingly black onyx topped with a sprinkle of black and crystal sahara swarovski frosting. I've decided to call this necklace 'Black Crystal'. It was made for someone in mind, so fingers crossed, I'm hoping she'll like it!

Wire Dreamer

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Aloha

2007-10-27T20:51:03+02:00

A big helloooo to all you peps out there in Googleland. I'm dedicating this blog to my passions which include beads, wire, chocolate, family jinks and pretty much whatever takes my fancy. So if you stumble across this blog, why not take a look at my musings, scribblings and designs. I've now been wire working for exactly one year...whoopee doo! Happy anniversaire to moi!

Here's a recent piece, 10 bead bracelet for a challenge
(which makes a lovely jangle too!)

Hope you enjoy looking!

Wire Dreamer

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