About this site

Where to begin? I started with art school, then made the common progression into the corporate world, spent a few years flailing about, only to run, kicking and screaming, back to a more creative space. I enjoy painting, drawing, sculpting, woodworking and photography. Having experience in programming and graphics, I also like working with computers and do a lot of my own web work. I became interested in making jewelry for the same reason I think many do: I couldn’t find what I wanted for myself.

A few years ago, I started shopping for beads and haven’t stopped since. I love the luscious, good-enough-to-eat quality of vibrantly colored, natural gemstone beads and the soft, richness of freshwater pearls. Some of my favorite gemstone beads include amazonite, carnelian, amethyst, labradorite, and various from the quartz, serpentine and topaz families.

One day, browsing for beads in a local store, I glanced down at a book on making chainmail. From the instructions in that book and electrical wire I bought at the hardware store, I started making chains. I’m still learning – experimenting with different materials, weaves and techniques. My favorite chainmail weaves are Jens Pind Linkage and the Helm Chain.

There is something indescribably satisfying about working with metal, I can only keep going. I work toward acquiring the tools and knowledge to create my chains and findings directly from raw materials.
Oh, my name is Michelle…

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Pearls & My New Favorite Instructional Book

When it comes to making jewelry, I am primarily self-taught. I like to use books as references when I’m learning new techniques. Usually the books are broken down into two main sections: the authors lead in with tools, supplies, & techniques, then include several projects. I typically enjoy and learn more from the first section, and find the project section filled with items that look like a five year-old made them at summer camp.

I recently bought Candie Cooper’s Metalworking 101 for Beaders: Create Custom Findings, Pendants & Projects. I love this book. I wish all of my instructional books were this informative, relevant, and contained such pretty pictures. I’m determined to complete all of the projects, which is a first for me.

My first attempt was the Graceful “S” Clasp multi-strand necklace. I like idea of arranging the strands as you wish; wearing one, two or all three at time, or twisting them together. 

I got into it, spent time filing and grinding away until the clasp and catch rings were, indeed, graceful and smooth. My silver soldering improved as I applied the advice from the book’s techniques section. I fed my pearl addiction, using white rice-shaped freshwater pearls and champagne zircon faceted rondelles. The metal is rich, dark, blackened sterling silver. Here it is:

Also, I arranged the beads so you can wear the clasp in back or on the side:

I would like to thank Candie Cooper for helping me grow. I’ll keep going and post new projects as I finish them.

Notes