Inspired Bead Maker: The Big Purple Barn

As one of humanity’s earliest inventions, the bead is one of those essential things that connect us all together. Creating beads is a skill that often flourishes in unexpected places. Some of the most talented lampwork artists got their start suddenly, leaving their day jobs to fire up a torch practically overnight. Other artists find their way to bead making and exploring the many possibilities of color and glass by way of another medium. Today’s guest, Harvey Haines of The Big Purple Barn, is an artist, sculptor, and flameworker with a flair for salvaged materials.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get started with bead making?

Harvey: It was five years ago, I first hit the torch a little while after stumbling on a lampworking demonstration. Steelwork has always been a passion of mine and playing with glass looked like some magic version of welding played back at one-tenth speed. Entrancing, beautiful. Seeing it gave me one of those ‘I should do that’ feelings, the variety that tend to get me into trouble. Two or three months later I had a make-shift glass studio taking over half of my little workshop.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first bead? Where is it today?

Harvey: Normally I am a leap-before-looking kind of guy, but lampworking can be a bit dangerous for the uninitiated. After some searching I found a hippy named Andrew who would let me into his studio and together we took an hour long scratch at the surface of lampworking. Those first few beads are still hanging around, I like to pull them out now and again to see how my work has changed.

Salvage Glass Spacer Beads

Inspirational Beading: Where do you look for inspiration? How does it translate in your designs?

Harvey: Antique tools and hardware; just about any old hunk of metal. Paintings by Dennis Hopper and Chien Fei Chiang, photographs by Stephen Wilkes, sculptures by Rodin. Cars like the 1950 and ’51 Studebakers or the ill-fated Tucker Torpedo. Movies made by Sergio Leone - ‘Duck, You Sucker!” is my current favorite. Rita Hayworth. The material itself is the greatest driving force behind anything that I do, whether I’m using glass or steel. I can take inspiration from any of my favorite places, but that ends up being reimagined through the lens of the medium. Glass is a seductive, sensual thing. It flows and curves in so many wonderfully confusing ways, you just can’t help falling for the stuff once you see the way it plays in the heat. I watch the glass, follow its flow, and make it into whatever it wants to be.

Salvage Glass Lentil Beads

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite bead style or shape to create?

Harvey: Lentil beads may be a bit simple, but I appreciate their powers of display. A lentil lets the glass stretch its legs and show off more than it could in a spacer, without being as weighty as one of my extra-large focal beads. Aside from that, I don’t use molds or presses which means it takes a lot of extra time and love to make a nice lentil. Maybe I ought not to say it, but I’m proud of every good lentil that makes its way out of my kiln.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite color or combination to work with?

Harvey: My Verdigris and Antique Arctic glasses are tied for favorite color. Verdigris isn’t showy, but it has a great coppery-green hue and the glass is sourced from broken 1940s telegraph pole insulators. Antique Arctic is a particularly icy oceanic blue, so vibrant and pure. That one is made out of glassware from the 1950s, the color just screams of mid-century Americana.

Antique Arctic Glass and Inclusion Glass Beads

Inspirational Beading: What is the most exciting design in your repertoire right now? What makes it special?

Harvey: Sticking to beads, I’d say my Inclusion Glass pieces are undoubtedly the most exciting. In addition to experimenting with recycled glass, I enjoy playing around with different additives, such as seashells. Many of the Inclusion bead ingredients are kept as trade secrets and the beads are always done in limited runs. Some of the ingredients are post-consumer recycled material, like the glass, and others are leftover antique odds and ends. You never know what’s coming!

Inspirational Beading: What is the most rewarding moment in your design process?

Harvey: I think this changes from project to project, but right now I’m going to say that the most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing that a person enjoys what I’ve made. One of the best parts of being a ‘maker’ is having the ability to give, or to help others give, unique, personal, and meaningful gifts. You can’t beat it, really.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any plans for new bead styles or themes in the works?

Harvey: Mixed-color recycled beads are sort of my white-whale. On account of various scientific mumbo jumbo, mixing different types of glasses will cause the finished piece to crack. Keep in mind that all of my recycled glasses were made by different manufacturers across the past eight or nine decades; they are rarely compatible. Still, I’ve had some promising successes, and I should be offering multi-color pieces quite soon!

Salvage Steel Desk Organizer

Inspirational Beading: What are some of your other creations?

Harvey: My first big commission was from Red Wing Shoes in Minnesota. They hired me to make a shelf of some sort so they could display a few pairs of used workbooks in their headquarters. I ended up building the shelf out of around 100 antique wrenches, it weighed a ton! Another fun project was done as part of an Earth Day celebration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I gathered all sorts of discarded nonsense from across the campus and made a series of sculptures, one of which remains on permanent display at the school. The best piece was a working potter’s wheel made out of computers, some AV equipment, bicycle parts, and an antique mixer. Somehow I managed to make a handful of decent little pots, as well as an incredible mess.

Salvage Steel Valet Dish

In my Etsy shop you’ll find a variety of products aside from beads. Depending on when you look there will be glass items such as marbles, worry stones, and Honey Stones. Right now you’ll see a new addition - Fossilized shark’s teeth encased in glass from Coca-Cola bottles. There are also a few steel products peppered across the shop. I enjoy making nuclear-grade desk organizers and valet dishes. They’re heavy, nearly indestructible, and personalized with Braille lettering that is drilled into the surface of the steel.

Automotive Glass Worry Stones

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Harvey: Maybe it sounds a little corny, but I’ve got to say I’d like to inspire the youngest generation. What I’d like is for kids to have more access and encouragement to find a craft that means something to them. The world would be a better place if more people had a comfortable outlet to share what happens inside their heads. The heart and mind are stimulated by the work, whatever it may be, and it helps people to connect in beautiful ways. As with so many things, this all begins with the kids: that’s why I love doing live demonstrations and teaching young’uns how to make beads. If you’ve got a particular talent, pass it on to as many little humans as you can, that is the most enduring and important artwork that you’ll ever make.

You can see more of Harvey’s designs at The Big Purple Barn on Etsy, and check out The Big Purple Barn website for a gallery of awesome sculptures and designs.

Mortira

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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading and Harvey Haines

Book Spotlight: Decorative Wire Findings

Making custom components and findings is an invaluable skill for any jewelry maker. By learning just a few basic techniques, you gain the advantage of having exactly the right pieces to make your dream designs, every time. Whether you like to string, weave, or wrap, custom findings allow you to personalize all of your designs, make perfectly matched sets - and of course, save money for more of your favorite materials.

In her new book Decorative Wire Findings, jewelry artist and instructor Melody MacDuffee shares her favorite techniques for making one of a kind findings and components for amazing jewelry designs. The book includes instructions for more than 20 versatile essentials such as earring posts and backs, bezels for cabochons, and spacer bars for gorgeous multi-strand pieces. For inspiration and an in-depth look at how each component is used, there are 26 complete projects for earrings, bracelets and necklaces – plus ideas for unique rings and brooches.

Many of the projects feature gorgeous beads from around the world, including Krobo beads created by artists at Soul of Somanya – an amazing non-profit co-founded and directed by Melody in Ghana, West Africa. There are also projects for fans of crystals, pearls and druzy stones – all of them a delight to new and experienced wire-wrappers alike. My personal favorite is an eleven strand bracelet made with stunning teal Krobo beads and golden spirals.

With expert care, Melody guides readers through each of the projects; full color, step-by-step photos provide a look at how each design will progress. The materials lists include everything you need to complete a project, including page numbers for each of the components and findings that you’ll need to make ahead before completing a piece. Several projects offer instant gratification with just a few wraps and tweaks, while others provide an exciting challenge in gorgeous wire wrapping techniques. Never again find yourself without the right components for a project with the easy, professional-looking techniques in Decorative Wire Findings!

Want to check it out for yourself? Melody and the kind folks at Kalmbach Books are giving away one copy of Decorative Wire Findings to an Inspirational Beading reader. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post letting us know what your favorite jewelry components are! One lucky winner will be drawn on Tuesday, April 28th.

Good luck and happy beading!

Update: This giveaway draw has closed.

I would like to thank Meloday MacDuffee and Kalmbach Books for giving me the opportunity to enjoy Decorative Wire Findings. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for including products or publications in this post.

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Melody MacDuffee and Kalmbach Books
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Learn Creative Wire-Wrapping Techniques

Like the basic and versatile seed bead, jewelry and craft wire is a simple material with endless uses in jewelry design. With just a few essential tools, anyone can turn an ordinary length of wire into gorgeous and unique components for finished jewelry. The core techniques are simple and easily interchangeable, so once you’ve learned a few key elements, you’ll be on your way to a vast treasure trove of designs.

In her new Craftsy class, Creative Wire-Wrapping Techniques, jewelry designer Debora Mauser guides viewers through seven informative lessons. Each lesson builds on skills learned in previous ones, and combines new techniques to create some stunning pieces. Starting with basic components like handmade earwires, headpins, and - my personal favorite - paddled wire, Debora shows beaders how to work safely with wire and create professionally finished pieces. Then it’s on to more complex pieces that can be used to make handmade chain, pendants, beads, and earrings. Later lessons also cover coiling, riveting, adding patina and so much more.

New and experienced beaders alike will marvel at the extensive repertoire offered in the class. You'll learn about using different types of pliers, hammering, working with torches, and getting great results with tumblers. What I like most about the lessons is that Debora encourages viewers to try their own variations and offers design tips for transforming the techniques learned into new styles with simple tweaks. She also offers plenty of trouble-shooting tips and ideas for getting the best results from your tools and materials. Like all Crafty classes, you can review lessons as often as you like, replay steps with a single click, and ask questions or share your creations.

If you’re looking to add some new handmade components to your jewelry designs, or want to practice some fabulous wire-work techniques, the Creative Wire-Wrapping class will not disappoint! You can see a class overview and learn more at Craftsy.com.

Want to give it a try? Leave a comment on this post letting us know what you'll make with your favorite wire-wrapping techniques, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the complete class! Be sure to include a contact method with your comment if you do not have a profile with email enabled. One winner will be drawn on Saturday, March 28th.

I would like to thank Debora Mauser and Craftsy.com for giving me the opportunity to preview this class. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for featuring products or content in this post.

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading, Debora Mauser, and Craftsy.com
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Book Review: Make Wire Beads

Although the variety of beads available to us, and the ways that we can combine them is nearly limitless, there comes a time for every beader when inspiration expands beyond ready made beads. The desire to create our own unique materials and components is a large part of the creative process, and allows us to explore possibilities that make our designs completely unique.

The materials and products available to bead makers are nearly as abundant as those used by large bead manufacturers. We can melt glass, forge metals, pour resin and sculpt clays. Though every bead maker’s materials and techniques make their creations unique, some of the most interesting and exciting beads are created with objects that we already have in our studios.

It was this desire to do what the big bead factories weren’t that inspired Lisa Van Herik on a journey to create lightweight metal beads using wire and simple tools. In Beadifferent: Make Wire Beads, Lisa has shared recipes for a wide variety of beautiful wound and coiled wire beads that can make any jewelry design stand out.

Make Wire Beads gives readers an in depth look into crafting and creating with different types of wire, and provides plenty of information and encouragement to beginners. After a thorough explanation of the materials and tools used to make wire beads, the basic techniques are described in easy to follow steps. Diagrams can help beaders follow along and get started on their own beads right away.

There are over 40 bead designs to try, each worked on the basic principles of wrapping and coiling wire to create the desired shapes and textures. By changing the types of wire and tools used, and manipulating the finished piece, a wide variety of beads can be created. Lisa provides lots of inspiration and tips for shaping, texturing and hammering wire and wire beads to create unique freeform and structural designs.

If you already enjoy working with wire and want to try something new and creative, or you want to get started with gratifying wire projects, Make Wire Beadsis an excellent guide!

Beadifferent: Make Wire Beads is an independently published book. I would like to thank Lisa Van Herik for giving me the opportunity to enjoy it! Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for this feature. I have shared my sincere thoughts about this book.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Lisa Van Herik
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Book Review: Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry

Designing your own one of a kind jewelry is so much more than just choosing the right elements and materials to put together. With the right tools, and a little inspiration, we can create pieces that are as unique as they are gorgeous. Making or decorating your own beads and components can be a rewarding creative adventure.

One technique that really stands out is enameling. By combining metal with heat and glass, designers can create stunning beads, pendants and jewelry components in nearly any shape or color they desire. In Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry,enamel artist and expert Barbara Lewis explains everything you need to know about torch firing - a quick and relatively easy process that doesn’t require expensive kilns or lengthy firing processes.

Using the torch firing technique - or painting with fire - developed by Joseph Spencer, Barbara shows readers how to enhance ready-made metal beads with stunning color, design and shape new pieces from copper, silver, gold or iron, and even create colorful headpins to accent jewelry designs.

A detailed introduction on the basics of metals, enamels and torch use will help beginners get started in this exciting technique. Barbara also gives a list of some common torch enamel mishaps, and how to fix them. Though the book does cover some essential jewelry making basics like wrapped loops, readers with some knowledge or experience will have an easier time with some of the project techniques, like using collapsible wire needles and dapping blocks.

I wish that I could show you all of the gorgeous projects featured in Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry. There are twenty two projects in all, including necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings. Some projects simply feature enameled beads, while others require cutting, etching and firing metals to make entirely unique designs. Readers will learn how to combine their torch fired creations with glass or gemstone beads, fabric, ribbon and chain to create colorful jewelry full of texture.

Each of the projects includes step by step photographs, tips for getting the best results the first time, and lots of guidance and encouragement. If you’ve always wanted to try making your own beads, but are nervous about the heavy-duty process and all that hardware, this book could give you the confidence to buy your first torch!

I would like to thank North Light Books and F+W Media for giving me the opportunity to preview Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation or merchandise in exchange for this review. I have shared my sincere impressions of this book.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Barbara Lewis and F+W Media
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Book Review: Tales of Adornment

One of the most wonderful things about creating jewelry, is having the ability to compose designs that are truly unique. Mixed media designers are especially lucky, for their palettes don’t just include bead shapes and colors, but the whole world and its history.

If you enjoy making one of a kind jewelry, crafting your own beads and components, and mixing unique elements into your work, Tales of Adornment will help you discover new ways to build your own distinct pieces. By combining a variety of materials and techniques with versatile resin, Kristen Robinson creates antique inspired designs that are intriguing and elegant. Creative beaders can use her lessons and projects to make their own memory jewelry, vintage inspired baubles, contemporary designs, and even steampunk pieces.

Tales of Adornmentbegins with a very detailed introduction on the techniques used in the book’s 18 jewelry projects. Kristen covers the basics, like crimping and wrapped loops, and even two methods for making your own jump rings. She also gives step by step directions for mixing resin, making molds, etching metal, and hand dying ribbon to match your designs.

The projects are divided into three chapters: Using and Making Bezels, Using and Making Molds, and Being Creative with Resin and Resin Clay. Each chapter offers a variety of different approaches to designing with resin and found objects, and will give even new jewelry makers plenty of instruction and inspiration to get started. Kristen combines jewelry essentials like beads and chain with a wide variety of materials such as vintage paper, tulle and ribbon, Faux Bone, and even spices! My favorite project combines vintage fashion plates with handmade roses, ribbon, and pearls for a very feminine and delicate bracelet.

Readers will learn how to make attractive bezel pendants, cast favorite objects in resin replicas, and make faux sea glass, as well as design classy jewelry with a hint of mystery. Some projects are beginner friendly, using products that you can buy at any bead or craft store, while others require investing in some heavier duty jewelry tools. Each project is introduced by delightful prose that sets the mood for the featured design, and can inspire future projects with an antique flair.

Tales of Adornment concludes with a detailed list of key materials and tools with tips on how to use them, plus a handy resource guide and alphabetical index. The only thing that’s missing is an inspiration gallery, but the projects will have you wanting to make your own!

I would like to thank North Light Books and F+W Media for giving me the opportunity to preview Tales of Adornment. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation or merchandise in exchange for this review. I have shared my sincere impressions of this book.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Kristen Robinson and F+W Media
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Book Review: Creative Wire Jewelry

Although wire often falls under the same category as beading threads like Nymo, the variety of wire types, and the variety of ways in which in can be used for jewelry design, really make it more akin to the beads themselves. From stringing on nylon coated wire, to elaborate bezel techniques, wire is so much more than a simple component.

With Creative Wire Jewelry, Israeli designer Ariella Nachshon explores a variety of techniques and styles that incorporate the many different forms of wire available. The projects are chic and stylish, and give plenty of inspiration for jewelry makers of every skill level.

Creative Wire Jewelrybegins with one of the best beginner sections I have ever seen in a project style beading book. Ariella covers all of the basics, from types of wire, beads and tools, to a full 15 pages on basic techniques, with clear pictures to guide you through the steps. This book presents jewelry making not as a craft, but as a valuable and enjoyable art form that anyone can try.

Then it’s on to the projects. There are 22 gorgeous necklace and bracelet designs, plus earrings, brooches, rings and even a beautiful beaded hair comb. Many different types of wire, chain and mesh are combined with everything from beads and gemstones to fabric. The projects are very straightforward, and even beginners will feel encouraged to try them out.

My favorite projects are the Fluttering Dragonfly Earrings, with realistic looking wing shapes made from wire, and the Sanctuary at Sea Necklace, with hand-shaped sea creatures and lovely silver chain. They almost make me want to design with metals again!

Want a closer look? With thanks to Sixth & Spring books, I’m giving away a free copy of Creative Wire Jewelry to one lucky reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post, and answer the following question:

What is your favorite type of jewelry or beading wire?

One entry will be chosen at random on Monday, June 27th. If you do not have a Blogger profile with email contact enabled, be sure to leave a contact link (website, shop, Facebook, etc.) or email address (beadlover AT yourmail.com), so I can get in touch with you if you win.

Good luck, and happy beading!

I would like to thank Sixth & Spring Books and SOHO Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review and enjoy this book. Inspirational Beading has not received paid compensation for featuring products in this post. I have shared my sincere opinions of this book.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Book Spotlight: Rejuvenated Jewels

Some trends come and go, but it would seem that upcycled and repurposed jewelry is here to stay. This is good news, and not only because of the way this craft keeps things out of the landfill. Preserving objects from the past, and making something new out of something old, is a rewarding practice with beautiful results.

Although I stay away from wire and chain work, I long to take apart old jewelry and make it my own. It’s probably lucky for me and my wallet that there are no flea markets within shopping distance. I could spend a lot of hours looking through cigar boxes and trays of forgotten jewels.

When I picked up a copy of Rejuvenated Jewelsby Amy Hanna, I expected typical craft book projects that would provide a little inspiration. I did not expect to be glued to the pages, and practically drooling over the designs within. This book ought to come with a warning label: Caution, May Incite Uncontrollable Bargain Shopping and Attic Rummaging.

After an in depth look at some of vintage jewelry’s most precious components and qualities, basic materials and found objects, Amy gives readers an introduction to preparing both new and old jewelry components for designing. Step by step tutorials with clear diagrams also explain some jewelry basics like wrapped loops and crimping.

The following five chapters are filled with gorgeous and intriguing jewelry designs, made with everything from vintage photographs to military ribbons. There are 36 necklace, bracelet and earring projects in total, each with a complete materials list and instructions for making your own variations.

Most of the designs are simple and straightforward, and provide an excellent guide to designing jewelry from found objects. There are no step-by-step photographs for the individual projects. Absolute beginners to the world of jewelry making may want to practice on newer, more replaceable materials and objects before attempting to drill, file and rejuvenate rare finds.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Quarry Books
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Inspired Beader: Catinalife Creations

One of the best ways to find inspiration and encouragement is to admire the work of our fellow artists. When we can see what others have learned to do, it can give us motivation to keep learning and trying new things.

It’s interesting to admire work that is so different from our own. Whenever I see the wire jewelry designs of Catinalife Creations, I am in awe of the quality and beauty in each piece. I can’t even imagine the skill and time it must take to mold metals into such delicate shapes.

Today, the artist behind these beauties, Joy, shares some of her inspirations.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into jewelry making?

Joy: I've been making jewelry of some type since I was about 8 years old, I received a Creepy Crawler set for Christmas that year, was making bug pins and selling them at school when I went back. Then went on to macramé jewelry as a teen. It has definitely evolved and improved over the years.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material or color to work with?

Joy: Gemstones and wire, and usually anything with blue, green or pink. I notice a definite preference to blue jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you find the most inspiration?

Joy: Mother Nature always inspires me, gemstone hold such beauty to me, I've always enjoyed collecting rocks, shells, fossils, and love being able to turn them into wearable art.

Inspirational Beading: If you could master any new technique, what would it be?

Joy: Polymer clay. I have dabbled in it a bit, and would love to make my own beads.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first jewelry project? Where is it today?

Joy: I made a beautiful cotton bib macramé necklace with wood beads, perfect fashion for then "back in the day", as my grown daughter would say. Lost over the years, I still have a fond memory of that accomplishment. I was surprised by my own result.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Joy: First bringing a bit more beauty into this world through jewelry, I would hope my work would inspire any one who wants to make jewelry to follow that desire.

More about Joy:

I am a BA/RFH, beadaholic, rock, fossil hound. I love the beauty that can be found in Mother Nature, always inspiring. Loving the ancient jewelry arts and techniques I'm finding and scratching my little niche in this big world of silver, gold, glass and stone. I've made this my full time occupation, coming out of the busy corporate world and finding my own passion for making beautiful jewelry and being able to let my creative self act out. I've found my inner child and she loves to play with anything sparkly and shiny.

I really do want to keep the ancient arts alive of Viking knit, chain maille and Egyptian coil techniques, used for thousands of years since the first simple stone or shell necklace was worn. I am always striving to incorporate these techniques with a modern day twist.

You can see more gorgeous jewelry designs like these at Catinalife Creations on ArtFire, and stay up to date with Joy’s newest works on Twitter.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
and Catinalife Creations
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Book Spotlight: Colorful Aluminum Jewelry

What do soft drinks and scrapbooking tools have in common? They are both essential tools for making sensational upcycled jewelry. Just imagine taking the colorful labels of your favorite pop cans, and transforming them into unique designs with flair.

Helen Harle’s instruction guide to making aluminum jewelry is full of inspiring designs with themes from nature. It might be hard to see flowers when you look at your recycling bin, but Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry will change the way you think about metal work.

This book begins with an in-depth look at the jewelry materials and findings used in the projects, plus tips for cutting and shaping pop cans with an assortment of simple tools that you can find at most craft and hobby stores.

There’s also a brief look at jewelry making techniques, like wrapped loops, with clear photographs to guide the absolute beginner.

There are 20 different jewelry projects to try, including earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces and brooches. Each design is a little more complex than the last, so there’s something for beaders of every skill level. You can work your way up from simple dangle earrings, to the elaborate and stunning wisteria necklace. At first glance, it would be hard to tell that this piece started out in a grocery store cooler.

Equally intriguing is the rose bracelet project. Using basic flower punches and careful shaping techniques, you can create realistic looking roses for all types of jewelry and even home décor designs. This project is definitely one to strive for.

Although the projects in Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelryare very feminine, the techniques used could easily be adapted to all kinds of tastes. I can see plenty of opportunities to make beer can jewelry for those guys manly enough to wear it.

And, just in case beaders didn’t have enough to obsess over, hunting down cans with unique colors and patterns could become a hobby all on its own. The import section of your grocery store would be a great place to start!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Helen Harle and Kalmbach Books
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Favorite Techniques: Metalwork Repoussé

Today my guest, Kirsten of The Leafylady, shares the inspiration and skills behind her beautiful sculptural jewelry designs.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite beading or jewelry technique?

Kirsten: It's hard to decide. I like the techniques of chasing and repoussé the best. I can create life-like relief images from sheet metal, without casting or clay.

Inspirational Beading: How do you first learn to use this technique?

Kirsten: I taught myself when I needed to make some bas-relief faces for a sculptural piece. Later I had the opportunity to watch a Japanese artisan work. I couldn't ask questions because of the language barrier, but I watched attentively and learned enough to progress in the technique.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with this technique, which one is your favorite?

Kirsten: There are so many favorites. If I had to pick a favorite, I would choose this bronze dragonfly on a leaf. There is a gallery or set of my chasing and repoussé work on Flickr.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with this method?

Kirsten: I like the book Chasing & Repoussé by Nancy Megan Corwin. To get started, I'd suggest taking a class. An advanced metalsmith could probably teach his/her self with some tips from a book. A beginner or intermediate metalsmith would benefit from some hands-on instruction.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material to use it with?

Kirsten: 18k gold is my favorite, but it’s not so affordable. Right now, I enjoy working with sterling silver.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Kirsten: No, I wouldn't recommend this as the primary technique. It's an advanced technique with specific applications - making images or textures. For a primary technique, I'd recommend that an artist choose to learn forging.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best place for beginners to learn this technique?

Kirsten: At a week long intensive workshop hosted by a craft or jewelry school.

You can see more of Kirsten’s design and get the latest news on The Leafylady’s Facebook page.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and The Leafylady