Tree Top Necklace

Shh, don't tell anyone but this is really the last 12 Days of Christmas project.  I'm just a little late...

Anywho, I thought this was a fun project to share because it's a simple one that you can whip up in no time flat yet offers a nice visual impact with the large pendant.  I love having the clasp in the front and as such an integral part of the design.

Have some cabochons or pendants without holes?  Wrapping them in filigree is the easiest solution.  If you haven't done this before here is a tutorial on filigree wrapping from Vintaj.

Supply List
1.5" Ephemera pendant
2 12mm polymer clay disks
2 8mm Czech glass beads
2 8mm smoky quartz beads
2 6mm brass beads
2 2" headpins
1 15mm brass jump ring
16" brass chain
4 6mm gunmetal spacers
59mm clover petal filigree
2 9.5mm etched jump rings
2 6mm brass jump rings
25mm leaf toggle bar

Directions:
1. Wrap the corners of the filigree around the pendant.
2. Use two pairs of pliers to open and close the etched jump rings.  Attach the jump rings to the top loops of the filigree.  String the large jump ring through both of the etched jumped rings.
3. String the glass bead, spacer, disk bead, spacer, quartz and brass bead unto the eye pin.  Trim the wire the form a simple loop.  Repeat with the second headpin. 
4. String one beaded link onto the large jump ring and close the jump ring.  On the other beaded link attach the toggle clasp with two jump rings, doubled up for strength. 
5. Attach the chain to the top loops of both links.

Resources:
Pendant: More Skye Jewels. Disk beads: Humblebeads. Glass beads: Beads by C. Filigree and jump rings: Vintaj. Chain, brass beads, spacers and eyepins: Hobby Lobby.  Toggle clasp: Nunn Designs or Bello Modo. Smoky Quartz: Rings & Things.

Findings Worth Finding: Russian Goldplate Filigree

The awesome Brenda Sue from B'Sue Boutiques sent me a sample collection of Russian Goldplate filigree to experiment with while I'm exploring vintage jewelry and Miriam Haskell inspired designs.  I love the color and finish so much I wanted to share it with because it's something I would have overlooked shopping online.

The finish has a beautiful satin quality, a little on the matte side.  The color is rich and complex.  I could see it mixed and layered with darker brass findings to update the vintage look.  I also like the idea of using art beads that have a matte finish like the Humblebeads and Vintage Meadow pieces shown. Add some contrast with glass, crystals or stones.

About Russian Goldplating:

"Russian Goldplating is a *specialty finish* exclusive at B'Sue Boutiques that is the closest thing you will ever find to the rich look of Victorian rolled-gold plate, or the unique look of Miriam Haskell-style findings.

The finish that was applied to the Haskell-style findings was a secret. It is no longer used in the plating trade. We rejoiced to find that our muted 18K gold based plating bath with its honey-sepia-cinnamon antique is so near in appearance to the old vintage findings that it can only be told apart, side to side, nuance by nuance."

On the 12th Day of Christmas: Flaking Out

"Oh the weather outside is frightful

but the fire is so delightful

and since we've no place to go

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..."

 

I have to confess: I was inspired by this post on the Vintaj blog that shows a filigree snowflake necklace created with the six-petaled filigree they offer. I love working with Vintaj products but have a hard time with the filigrees because I always think that I have to wrap them around something. This picture tutorial slideshow will have you exploring the possibilities of filigree in ways that don't involve wrapping something. Grab a cup of cocoa {with extra marshmallows!} and enjoy!

Materials:

Filigree - 6 petaled flower

assorted beads, caps, head pins, jump rings, chain, clasps

Tools:

pliers, heat tool, oil pastels, screw hole punch, Renaissance Wax

{HINT: Maximize the Smilebox to full screen for best viewing. And turn on your speakers!}

This free slideshow design personalized with Smilebox Erin Prais-Hintz writes about all things that inspire her at Treasures Found::Inspiration Is Everywhere. Her jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind made one-at-a-time. She collects quotes and dust and invites you to send her your favorite (quote - not dust!) to enjoytheday@tesoritrovati.com. Check out her brand spankin' new website at Tesori Trovati.

Wikibeadia: Filigree

Art Bead Scene loves filigree but we've never defined it and done a Wikibeadia post on it. So we're going to rectify that today!

According to wiseGEEK

"Filigree refers to the process and type of design that uses twisted wire to create delicate, lacy, openwork jewelry. Usually made from finer metals like gold, silver and platinum, filigree has been used for centuries to craft jewelry such as pins, rings and pendants. To create filigree, an artisan rolls the malleable metal into thin filaments, then twists and bends them into intricate shapes that resemble spun sugar, paisley scrolls and evocative arabesques."

Last fall's ABS monthly challenge was filigree and here are a few of the submissions to show off and a free filigree project...

Empress by jewelsbydesign:

Autumn Cascade by ABS Editor, Heather Powers:



An Art Noveau-Inspired Pendant free project from ABS Editor, Cindy Gimbrone: