These new earrings have been a long time coming, and I have them ready for Three Rivers in Pittsburgh. They’ll be available from Wednesday til Sunday this week.
My creative process for these earrings began by cutting copper sheet metal with a flower punch and die.
Now that most of my new pattern rollers fit my Cavallin mill, I have spent a few days on wrap rings. It’s a good thing, too, since I was almost out of them. I am very happy with the results!
After hand-cranking plain wire through the rollers, I cut and formed the rings into shape. Here, you see a pile of spirals on my anvil… These are so much fun to make.
After forming, I add the dark, antique patina. It adds a nice depth to the embossed designs.
These rings are adjustable and pretty. Right now, I’m making them in sterling silver and copper. I’m pleased to be able to finish these rings in time for Art on the Green in Hudson, Ohio coming up tomorrow! If you come by and see them at the show, I can size them for you on the spot.
In a normal March, I’d be preparing for another summer of art fairs. That seems like a different world already. I’m wrapping my head around this new reality of Covid-19 while I make earrings in my studio. I have my dog for company. I get that feeling of accomplishment as I finish pieces. And I think about how to reinvent myself in response to these new times. I’ll be posting what I come up with as time goes on!
In the mean time, here is a new pair of sterling silver earrings. They are asymmetrical. I’m having so much fun making earrings that are unique yet harmonious with each other. Satisfaction in the face of uncertainty. I hammered the silver shapes and polished them. I’ve chosen baroque lapis lazuli gemstone beads to compliment the silver, securing them with decorative wire knots. I made the ear wires myself. I hope to make the most of this time of solitude and push new creative boundaries. For now, I’m liking these new earrings.
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