Friday, October 17, 2014

We're All Ears :: October Reveal

Paper marbling is an art that hooked me instantly. That first swirl of paint was so beautifully intoxicating. I remember holding a marbling "workshop" in my parents' back yard, inviting friends and neighbors to stop by, and watching that same fascination root in each person. I even brought this experience to the middle school where I taught. Who wouldn't be entranced by colors pooling, swirling, and feathering magically on the surface of water? When I saw that this month's inspiration photos were of paper marbling, such fond memories surfaced and made me wonder why I ever stopped stopped dabbling in this art. I wanted to marble more than I wanted to create earrings! 


I wanted to use beads that had a marbled effect, but I didn't have any and wanted to stick to my bead spending freeze. I was inspired by colors, but it was the swirls that really tugged at me. I wanted to capture movement. The first pair of earrings that sprung from this inspiration were just a flirtation with some sheet metal and wire. I did a swirly herringbone wrap on recycled glass beads, textured some copper sheet, and added a swirl of forged wire. I oxidized everything but the wire swirl in order to highlight it. 


Next up, it was time to make use of the 50,000 copper washers I bought at Harbor Freight. (Though that number is hyperbolic, it seems like I oxidized that many in LOS. What was I thinking?) I textured the washers with a swirly design stamp, made a forged spiral, and added another herringbone-wrapped recycled glass bead. Love that blue color!


I was on a roll, and there were more copper washers to use. (I never photograph on black background, but it seemed to best bring out the color of this lavender glass.)  This time I experimented with doming the washers in my dapping block.


 The movement in the earrings I had made so far was only minimal, though. I wanted more. Playing with copper wire in curvy shapes and spirals, these earrings resulted. Indonesian glass, Czech glass, and Baltic amber dance and swing around on three copper dangles. These babies move like crazy!


Now that my earrings are finished, I am tempted to dig out my marbling supplies and play with paper. Now where is that box? Thank you, Erin, for this delightful inspiration, which resurrected the passion I once had for a fascinating art and prompted many hours of creative jewelry-making. 

Be sure to check out the pieces created by other talented artisits at Earrings Everday. http://earrings-everyday.blogspot.com

**During the week that I made these earrings, two serindipitous things happened. 

1) This video showed up in my FB feed. Fascinating paper marbling work!

http://www.littlethings.com/with-only-a-few-drops-of-ink-in-water-this-artist-creates-magic/

(Sorry I can't insert a clickable link on this Blogger app, so you'll have to copy and paste the address. I promise that it is worth the extra step!)

2.) A local artist exhibited these beautiful works. Visit her webpage for more of her marbled art. http://www.lizwalkerart.com/marbled-paintings.html


18 comments:

  1. Love your earrings and those paintings are amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Terri. I am addicted to her paintings. I want to marble some paper myself now. :)

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  2. The earrings are beautiful! I would never guessed the copper rings are from Harbor Freight. They look amazing with the added texture!

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    1. Thank you, Oksana. I had no control and bought 5 packs of 80 copper washers from HF. Too good a deal, but really, I will never use them all. I love how easy it is to make them look cool with texturing. I certainly have plenty to experiment with now! :)

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  3. Beautiful earrings! I love the movement you created with the copper elements. So cool!
    And those paintings are amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Karin. I am dreaming of those paintings. I want one!! :)

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  4. I love the Artsy, dangling swing earrings the best Love all the movement keeps the pep in my step when I am walking. Great job on all.

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    1. Thank you, Gloria. I like those the best, too. A friend already bought them, and I have to admit that I am going to miss them. I might just have to make another pair for myself; I need some pep in my step right about now. :)

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  5. Fabulous designs. I love that you took your inspiration from the movement. And I am impressed you avoided the temptation to buy more beads. You are a stronger-willed person than I. And now, I think I need to go find some of those copper washers to play with.

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    1. Thank you, Tammy. Believe me, my commitment to use only the million beads (and washers) I already have and resist new purchases will not last long. I probably need an intervention! :) Those copper washers make great toggle clasps, too.

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  6. I am going to the hardware store right now!!! I really like your metal work application to the jewelry!

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    1. Thanks, Katherine. Copper washers are so versatile. I love using them for toggle clasps, too. It's funny how excited I get shopping at the hardware store. Washers, nuts, wire, sheet metal . . . So much fun!

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  7. So artful. All of them. Satisfying. Beautiful, too.

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    1. Thank you, Susan. I really enjoyed this project. It's so nice to hear your kind words. Making jewelry is soul-satisfying, and being part of this community is so very validating.

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  8. Cindy,

    This is a lovely group of earrings. You put together great colors and shapes.

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    1. How great to hear from you, Linda. Thanks for checking out my post. I did have fun with these. Can't wait to see you again. When are you planning on returning to the coast? Let us know! Hope you are having a good year. Love to you both.

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  9. Wow! Great earrings! I love that you captured the movement of those swirls in the water. Thanks for sharing those links as well. That artwork in amazing! I haven't marbled in over 25 years but I would love to do that again! Thanks for playing with me in the We're All Ears challenge. Check back on Friday, November 7th for the next one! Enjoy the day. Erin

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    1. Thanks, Erin. It's been about 25 years since I have marbled, too. I wish we could get together and jump back into this cool artform. That would be a blast to rediscover the wonders of watching those swirling colors and capturing them on paper. I think I still have a container of caragheenn in my craft graveyard (along with so many other tools for abandoned crafts - so sad). I'm pretty sure it's shelf life has long past expired. May be worth a try! I'm looking forward to your next inspiration, Erin. You always have such ideas and make such innovative jewelry. I am so glad I discovered your challenges!

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