Linda's Magic Workshop - Linda Britt Design

Remember the post I shared with you about 'Choices'  ?   https://lindabrittdesign.blogspot.com/2018/03/choices-epic-fail-or-ive-learned-lot.html I had some requests wanting to see what I did with the two silver bands that started out to be symmetrical silver cuffs. And then I actually melted part of the design because the torch was too hot.  Well I finally finished the cuff and here it is!  The I've Learned a Lot part of the last blog!  I like the fact that it is not symmetrical and that it has a story.  I had to really think about how I wanted to put the pieces together and how to finish it (I used Liver of Sulphur for the color).  Hammering the bracelet with the two thicknesses of silver was also a challenge.  But I persevered and and happy with the results!   It pays to be patient with creativity. ps. Take a look at my new website and sign up to take advantage of  the discount!  www.lindabrittdesign.com

See this in my Etsy Shop!   https://www.etsy.com/listing/587427778/choker-necklace-set-beaded-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_1 When cleaning my work space I'm finding beads I've made but never put together.  One of this months goals is to actually put together unfinished parts into necklaces and earrings.   It is so easy to focus on parts instead of designing a piece, making what needs to be made and putting everything together.  Often I'll finish making beads, change my mind about what I want to do with them and put them in a container for future inspiration.  There isn't anything really wrong with that as long as there is space and patience!   This is one of the necklaces and matching earrings that I finished this week!  I made the petal from steel clay many months ago.  They are now polished and finished with Klear Cote to prevent rusting.  As I was looking through my stash these freshwater pearls called to me and I love the way they look with the steel

  The Finished Funky Chunky Necklace https://www.etsy.com/listing/599601461/colorful-chunky-bead-necklace-boho?ref=shop_home_active_1 These polymer beads have been on my work table for months!  They are hollow, light weight and colorful.  I love them but did not have any inspiration on how to finish them.   One evening I happened to pick up my box of steel wire (baling wire from the hardware store) and some leather strips.  Maybe I could use the leather and weave it through the beads.  Nope!  The central bead was curved and too long for the leather to go through.  Next I tried the steel wire and I liked the look with the chunky beads.  I have found that if I am patient and keep parts (like the beads I love but have no idea what to do with) a solution will surface.  It makes cleaning up and cleaning the studio harder to do! It has been a while since I used steel wire and I remembered how black my hands got.  I also needed heavier pliers than I usually use.  Got my too

Choices The choice is mine.  When I decide to go a new direction in my jewelry making (or life in general) I try to do my research.  What will I need to know and what tools will I need to have?  Two very important questions to be successful.  I may need to read, listen, take classes and review the tools in my toolbox.  I decide what to add and then start the project. This time I'm learning about sheet metal, solder, and torches.   Several months ago I purchased a DVD  "'Fold Forming' by Eva Sherman.   It was fun to make her copper cuffs and I followed her instructions perfectly.   That was undoubtedly the key to success - follow the instructions! see another cuff at https://www.etsy.com/listing/561289671/copper-cuff-fold-formed-copper-copper?ref=shop_home_active_4 Then I took a class on making a cuff given by Jeff Fulkerson.  The class was a stretch for my skill set but eventually I completed the silver cuff.    So far so good.   And then life