Starry Necklace Inspiration or Maybe Next Time, Rob Lowe
I love the stars, so I couldn't wait to get started on this month's challenge. To prepare, I've read actor Rob Lowe's memoir Stories I Only Tell My Friends (that guy knows everyone - Kevin Bacon has nothing on him!) I've also been flipping through issues of People magazine in my doctor's waiting room and while waiting for my Chinese takeout. (I don't think those last two are related, but then, I don't have a medical degree.)
I almost skipped reading Erin Prais-Hintz's blog post on his month's challenge because really, how much research does a jewelry designer need?
Luckily, I decided to take a quick peek before I went shopping. Oh. Apparently, she's not talking about the red carpet; she's talking about those things in the sky! You know, those bright pinpricks of light that I'm guessing are visible to those who don't live near a baseball field or a used car lot.
While I can't see stars (much) from my own backyard, I can if I'm willing to travel a little. A few months ago, I went to a lakeside area to look at the moon and stars through a telescope. Or, more accurately, a long string of different telescopes owned mainly by proud fans of Star Trek and/or Star Wars. If you haven't done that before, I'd highly recommend it. Seriously. It's always fun to be around people who are enthusiastic about something they love. (I'd also recommend some kind of mosquito repellent if you're near a lake on a hot summer evening.) Often you'll find astronomy clubs or college classes that welcome the public during certain nights.
Bead Gallery Beads and Tools
With a little sigh, I put away my sketches for a Rob Lowe inspired piece (sorry, Rob!) and concentrated on creating a necklace inspired by meteor showers and falling stars.
Here's what I used to make my Falling Stars Necklace. All Bead Gallery beads and other materials are available at Michaels:
- Hematite 6mm stars
- Blue iris beaded chain
- 4-holed crystal round sliders
- Glass bottle locket by Bead Landing
- Silver tone double curb chain
- Jump rings (small and large)
- 20-gauge silver twisted wire
- 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Round-nose pliers
- Ball peen hammer
- Steel bench block
Design Tips
- Sometimes you can't get all the beads you'd like for a project because of a limited budget or limited availability. This happened to me with the beaded chain. There were only two packages available at my local store, which wasn't enough chain to make the long necklace I'd envisioned. This limitation can be good for your creativity. I ended up dividing the chain into smaller sections and using it as an accent with the jump rings and silver chain.
- You can make as many inserts as you'd like for the bottle (loose beads, notes written on torn paper, extra chain) and change them out whenever the mood strikes.
- The bottom wire on the crystal focal is essential. Without it, the focal will tip forward when worn.
- I know I've said this before, but always save your leftover chain. The silver curb chain was leftover from one of the choker necklace projects I made recently.
- Long necklaces don't require a clasp. If you add a clasp, it would give you more options for wearing this necklace as you could wrap the chain around your neck more than once.
- When hammering the large jump rings, make sure that the rings are firmly closed. You don't want the small beaded chain slipping off. As an extra precaution, you could wire wrap around the jump rings.
- The twisted wire can be a bit fiddly (it likes to come untwisted while you work). If you're new to wirework or don't feel like fussing, plain wire is fine. I chose to use twisted wire because it adds another layer or subtle sparkle to the design. Plus, I think using twisted wire for the bottom spiral in the bottle helps it stay in place better.
The Falling Stars Necklace
Despite my slow start to this challenge, I enjoyed making this necklace.
The blue beaded chain gives this necklace a lot of movement when worn. The few crystals make it a day-to-evening piece that isn't too over-the-top. The hammered jump rings make a pleasing contrast to the smooth chain. The glass bottle locket has endless options for customization.
In other words, it's fun.
And as Rob Lowe once said, "I loved fun. I spent my whole life in search of fun."
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/roblowe669859.html