In My Studio At The Work Bench Wednesday

 

Good Morning,

The middle of week arrives, bright, shiny and hot!  It has been over 100 degrees here in the lovely City of Trees, and yesterday the high was a scorching 105!

 

I am so glad that there is air-conditioning in the office / work area.

 

I have been working on a number of things, including the fourth module or unit of my own class.  Excited about finishing up one or two of the graded assignments as well.

 

Currently we are designing a line of rugged, strong, handsome, durable and sustainable jewelry for men.  Gemstones, Chainmaille, and natural materials for bold, solid, statement pieces that work well for costume or casual attire.  We are also working on a line of finer jewelry accessories like tie-tacks and rings and are in hope of showcasing those items soon.

Primitive and  rustic is “Thane“, an Antiqued Bronze and genuine Pyrite necklace woven in the Full Persian Chainmaille weave.  Perhaps the Badge of Honor or Mark of Rank with in the Clan or Village.  The pendant is a genuine Pyrite “Doughnut” left in a natural state with pits and polish along the surface.  (I said PITS).  A natural Pyrite oval bead accents the center of the pendant.  The toggle clasp is manufactured and fits the style of the chain well.

 

*The word Thane usually means any person holding an aristocratic status somewhere between Baron and Freeman under an Anglo-Saxon Lord.

Antiqued Bronze jump rings are linked together in the Full Persian Chainmaile weave, formed by beginning on either side of the pendant and ending in a double-loop toggle clasp closure. 

Detail: The genuine Pyrite Doughnut has been strung on Jeweler‘s Bronze (Merlin’s Gold) wire, and a genuine Pyrite bead has been centered as an accent, creating a unique and interesting focal point.

The Full Persian Chainmaille weave is intricate and beautiful.  Strong and supple, it feels smooth when running a hand along the surface.  It has the  appearance of interlocking individual units, although the chain is created two jump rings at a time.

 

The Toggle clasp is a simple and sturdy closure.  A bar is attached to two lengths of chain in this style and it’s circular “lock” is attached to the opposite end of the chain, the bar is slipped through the circle and holds itself in place, as seen here.   This particular toggle clasp works exceptionally well with this chainmaille weave it allows for the double row of jump rings to remain consistent and even, ensuring a balanced and secure fit.

 

Also along the same rustic and primitive lines is a piece I haven’t decided what to title it yet.  Based on a Rohirric ideal of design is “Horse Lord”.  

 

Created using natural bone carved into to a horse head toggle clasp is just the start of my version of what is commonly called a “Torq” (also spelled Torc and Torque).  A Torq consists of long strands of metal that have been twisted or woven together to form a rope, the ends are capped with balls, squares, and sometimes the heads of animals worked or cast in metal.  Some torqs were meant to be worn for life and were very difficult to remove if made of metal bars bent in to shape and closed or secured with heavy metal end caps.  Many modern jewelers still use a method of twisting or weaving metal strands sometimes called “Viking Knitting”.  This piece is a twist on the traditional design idea, incorporating chainmaille instead of strands and a toggle clasp for easy on off, instead of a permanent adornment.  A work in progress there is only about 3-1/2″ total completed.  The two inches of chain is Antiqued Copper spun in a smaller diameter for a sleeker look.

 

Highly detailed carved natural bone Horse Head toggle clasp, its mate is a round piece of bone shaped to fit over and rest with the curve of the neck.  May be worn in front, back or on the side to show off this very handsome and well done equine portrait.

 

The other side of the toggle.  Mouth, nose (even nostrils), mane, eye, and ears are easily seen.  The eye has been painted with a tiny dot of black for definition.  The short length of chain beginning the Torq can also be seen.

 

Soon to be listed for sale.

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant rest of the workweek.

 

In My Studio – New Beads

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

I do like the middle of the week.

 

Sunday afternoon was spent with my friend, Sarah, we swapped beads, chatted and had a nice afternoon.

 

I thought I would share some of what I got in the swap.

Clockwise: Tiger Eye, Pyrite (donuts), Silver Findings (donuts), I think that is Serpentine (oval), Shell (donuts), Marble (triangles), Carnelian, Agate, and Turquoise (diamond shape).  

Why do I feel like I just described a bowl of cereal?

Many of the pieces above have already been used to craft and create earrings, among other things, and will be listed in the shop shortly.

 

Most of what the shop has to offer is One Of A Kind, and a good deal of time is spent in the design process.  Not necessarily just stringing beads or linking jump rings, but things like bead size, shape, color, texture and even drill-style (top, side, vertical, half) are taken into account when putting together a piece of jewelry.

I try not to mass produce items, there may be a style that will be repeated, and as much joy as I get from making the piece I would like the customer to experience the joy of wearing something unique and different.

 

Also, preparation for the August tutorial is going on.  Interested in learning the basics of Chainmaille?  The lesson will be on Dragon Chain (aka Double Chain) so get those pliers and jump rings ready!  Yes, that’s all you need.  If the piece I cast is returned there will be look at the process of cuttle bone casting.

 

Thank you for reading.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a warm and pleasant Wednesday.