Sunday, February 03, 2013

Earring challenge 3 & 4

AJE Earring challenge Week 3


Time for the second reveal of the AJE earring challenge. The first 2 weeks of this challenge made me realise how I had become stuck in a bit of a rut earring wise so I wanted to work on that a bit. Also I wanted to work on finishing my metal components. I have always use bought findings but this challenge has really made me want to play with all of the elements of my jewellery so I needed to learn how to file, sand and polish properly.

The first pair uses some of my own lampwork beads. These are lentil shape with lots of silver glass which has a mother of pearl effect where it is cased with clear glass and shiny metallic effect where it is not encased. I love this colour aqua with copper but I also wanted some silver to complement the metallic finish on the bead so I combined the two. I made the silver ear wires and the headpins so I can honestly say that all the elements are handmade by me which is a lovely feeling. My wrapping of the copper wire improved dramatically on the second earring and my finish on the ear wires has also improved, I still have a way to go but I am definitely getting better.

Aqua bead earrings wire wrapped with copper and silver
Lampwork Earrings AJE Week 3

AJE Challenge Week 4


This week I wanted to continue working on my metal finishing and also to create a dangle earring with a stud wire instead of a hook wire. For some reason I detest wearing hook wires in my ears, don't know why I just always have. I am actually going to wear these earrings to test their comfort factor, I want to see if the beads are too heavy for this kind of finding.

Again these are my lampwork glass beads in a juicy red with a flash of gold sparkle and some of my hand pulled murrini. I used bought stud ear wires on these but I am edging closer to soldering, better alert the fire brigade!

red lampwork dangle earrings with stud fitting
Lampwork Earrings AJE Week 4

I have to say I am absolutely loving this challenge so far. It is really pushing me outside of my comfort zone and making me address areas of jewellery design and making that I hadn't considered before and that is always a good thing.


Aqua lampwork earrings with silver and copper
AJE challenge week 3

red lampwork dangle earrings stud fitting
AJE Challenge week4
If you want to see lots more fabulous earrings hop along to the next link in line on the Art Jewelry Elements blog hop below and follow our Pinterest board - AJE Earring Challenge

8 comments:

  1. I'm such a big fan of wire wrapping and I love the creative way you used it in your first pair. Both beautiful earrings, thanks for joining our Earring Challenge.

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  2. That first pair is one of my favorites pinned this week on the board. Gorgeous work! It is a lovely feeling knowing you made every bit of a piece. I've really gotten away from using any prefab clasps, ear wires (except Vintaj ear wires because I love those), etc. Thanks for joining our earring challenge!

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    1. Thank you so much Jennifer, I am finding this challenge um.. very challenging but I have learnt so much already and all the lovely comments are really helping to spur me on :)
      I did enjoy making it all myself but I can see I will be checking out Vintaj for the rest of the evening!

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  3. I love how you showcased the beautiful lamp work beads!

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  4. I love both of these earrings. And your lampwork, oh my! I especially adore the lampies in the second pair! Awesome all around!

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  5. Very creative! I liked how you used the wire in your earrings!

    Gina H

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  6. Great job! I also agree that this challenge is great in that it helps push our boundaries! That first pair is stunning!

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  7. Gorgeous earrings but your beads would look beautiful in any setting.

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