July 7, 2009

It has been a busy few days. Each time I put up a newsletter (out later today or early tomorrow) it forces me to get all aspects of my web presences up to date. Making sure dates are right, pictures are current and all virtual environments are going. Having done all of that I will be announcing this new blog today.






As an added bonus I thought I would put up a small tutorial. Made the piece and took pictures as I went and hopefully you will find it a fun project. I'm calling this the "Leaf Bookends". They can go with or support any pendant. I have tried to coordinate the pendant with the leaves and planned the necklace knowing that the leaves would be an intrical part of the finished piece.

1. You could use any metal for the wire. I chose Sterling Silver for this one. The center stem is 22 gauge round wire. Cut a 3" piece of the 22 gauge and make a circle wire wrap on one end. Create a slight curve with that wire by holding it in one hand and smoothing a gentle curve along the wire with the thumb and fore finger of the other hand.
2. Cut another piece of 22 gauge wire 8" in length. Create a circle in the middle by positioning round nose pliers in the center and swinging first one end of the wire to the opposite side and then the other. Slip this 8" wire with the center circle onto the first wire with the circle wrap on the end, this we will call the center stem.
3. Cut a third piece of wire 3" in length and create a circle in the middle of this wire as well.
4. Slip six 3mm Czech firepolish beads onto one side of the 8" wire. Slip three of these same beads onto the center stem.
5. Slide the the 3" wire onto the center stem and add four firepolish beads onto the same side that the previously added beads already sit.
6. Using a round nose pliers snug the last beads added toward the center on the cross vein wire and make a 45 degree bend on the wire at the exit point. Continue this wire around the border wire to make a circle around the border wire. Continue to wrap one half turn round the border wire and snip the excess off with a wire cutter.
7. Continue to add beads in this manner first one side and then the other. Before the next cross vein add three firepolish beads to the border and center wires. Cut a 3" wire and make a center circle. Slip this wire onto the center stem and add three firepolish to the side the other beads are on. Snug those bead together, make a 45 degree bend to the wire and continue that wire around the border wire.
8. The next add; add three beads to the center vein, two beads to the border wire and three beads to the cross vein. Wrap the cross vein wire onto the border wire. Because there were only two beads added to the border wire on the second side of the cross vain the leaf shape will begin to curve.
9. The third group of bead adds are the same with the exception of the cross vein. Here add only two beads on the cross veins so the leaf tappers to its point. Secure both cross veins and snip the excess wire off.
10. Add two beads to the center vein and make a circle wire wrap at the end. Leave enough excess space between the wire wrap and last beads added for two more wire wraps to sit for the border wires.
11. Add three beads to the larger side border curve and wrap the wire end between the center stem beads and circle wire wrap. Snip off the excess wire.
12. Add two beads to the smaller side border curve and wrap the wire end between the center stem beads and circle wire wrap. Snip off the excess wire.

Connect the two "Leaf Bookends" with a jumpring. Add a pendant into the jumpring. A variety of options are available for the side of the necklace. I added a beaded bead (my fav, I put them everywhere) and then connected stringing wire (Softflex) and strung on coordinating beads staying very monochromatic this time.
I will make an effort to put up a petite tutorial once a month. No promises though. If you have any questions I will try to answer and we will make this project a success for you. 'Til next time always beading . . .