Chatter

Laud on “Violets”:
“Peggy, it's a flat herringbone. I think I worked on the base for three evenings, but…” read »
KatsAllThat on “Garnet Drape”:
“Loving all the garnets..with this length it definitely does not need pendant. Go with your…” read »
KatsAllThat on “Violets”:
“Stunning....nuf said.…” read »
KatsAllThat on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“A real statement piece..lovely.…” read »
KatsAllThat on “Antique Copper Rose”:
“Really has a vintage feel. Beautiful.…” read »
Peggy3 on “Relay For Life”:
“Thank you !…” read »
Peggy3 on “Violets”:
“Gorgeous Laud. What is the stitch for the bracelet? Also how long does it…” read »
doktordesigns on “a taste of honey”:
“Thank you so much for the encouragement. …” read »
Beadzilla aka Wanda on “Dancing Loops”:
“Love the chain maille look. Great colors!…” read »
Beadzilla aka Wanda on “Antique Copper Rose”:
“Beautiful colors and design! Looks vintage to me.…” read »
sweetjane on “Antique Copper Rose”:
“Very vintage and very lovely design!!…” read »
Deb Harding on “Amazon Blues”:
“They look good together...I would have never thought of that.…” read »
Deb Harding on “Dancing Loops”:
“These are all 3 very cool. Another thing I need.to try. Nancy...haha...your comment.…” read »
Deb Harding on “Ice Ice Druzy”:
“LOL Nancy. That druzy is very nice!! Beautiful piece.…” read »
Gail Layne on “Violets”:
“Gorgeous! I could see a design like this making a fabulous choker too! Love the color…” read »
Gail Layne on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Very striking and well put together. I absolutely love the pendent, I can see why it…” read »
Nancy Mc on “Ice Ice Druzy”:
“Oh my gosh,Rock Chick. This is a treasure! I'm glad you took a picture in the sun,so…” read »
Nancy Mc on “Dancing Loops”:
“Very nice work. Look how the colors give each set a totally different vibe. I have…” read »
Peggy3 on “Dancing Loops”:
“Very cool. I've got to try chain maille…” read »
Silvery Moon on “Boho Silken Tassel”:
“Gorgeous necklace Deb, I love the colour combination…” read »
Marti D on “Lovely Impression”:
“love it…” read »
Laud on “Violets”:
“Ah! I finally found the lavender/peridot beads. They're lovely, and I can see some interesting pieces…” read »
N Taylor on “Ice Ice Druzy”:
“This is great. The druzy always puts a piece over the top.…” read »
Beadzilla aka Wanda on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Thank you Peggy and Laud for the wonderful comments. Yes they are Laud, or peanut shaped.…” read »
Laud on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Stunning! To me the design looks more Indian (as in India) because it has such richness.…” read »
Laud on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Wonderful design. I'm very fond of the elements, too, especially carnelian. Great job!…” read »
Deb Harding on “Leftovers”:
“These colors are very rich. I love the matte finish on those black beads. That gives…” read »
Deb Harding on “ORANGE BRACELET”:
“You definitely have a way with the sari silk. I'm trying to figure out how that…” read »
N Taylor on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“I am so glad you started sharing your work. This is amazing.…” read »
Peggy3 on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Gorgeous. Welcome to the gallery…” read »
Peggy3 on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Great design Who doesn't love turquoise …” read »
Deb Harding on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“This is extremely cool! I love the look of asymetrical flower necklaces.and this one is a…” read »
Ann-a706 on “Violets”:
“Try create your style, it is a swarovski site.…” read »
Ann-a706 on “Violets”:
“Very feminine and nice combo.…” read »
Ann-a706 on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Spectacular! Wanda you out did your self. A choice peace of art.…” read »
Crazy Beader on “Plum Orchard”:
“Fabulous design - - and I loved the description of your inspiration and the details of…” read »
Crazy Beader on “Violets”:
“This is just so gorgeous, Laud ! And your photos are great (as always) -…” read »
Beadzilla aka Wanda on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Thank you all for the lovely comments. …” read »
Granny Chick aka Nancy on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Omigosh Wanda.... I do not have the words to adequately express just how awesome this peace…” read »
Granny Chick aka Nancy on “Violets”:
“Laud, here's a link I found from Artbeads - dunno if its what you want -…” read »

Mosaic Magic

by Starsparkle Spiral Chick on 09/06/09

Bigger Photo

About this design:

I love these Mosaic Magnesite beads, they aren't a real stone (manmade) but I think they're really pretty & the patterns are gorgeous. I combined them with the inevitable spirals!

Components:

Mosaic Magnesite, 18g, 20g Copper wire

Read the comments (or add your own)

On Sep 06, 2009 at 9:12 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:

These are beautiful, Spiral Chick! Your wirework is terrific and the color combo of the gems and copper is great!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 9:24 am #
Wemai Coffee Chick says:

Wow, another wonderful creation! Your wirework IS great, no doubt! I wish I could do it like you do!! I plan to try, but haven’t started yet.;-)
On Sep 06, 2009 at 9:26 am #
K H says:

Great earrings! I love the flat wire – I tried to flatten some wire by pounding it, but only ended up with a sore finger.
On Sep 06, 2009 at 10:17 am #
ChickyD aka Debra says:

Those are great, sparkle! Love the way you did the headpins! really COOL earrings! I think I need some like these….
On Sep 06, 2009 at 10:24 am #
Classy Chick JbyJill says:

This pair of earrings are just adorable!! I love them!! Love the headpins too!!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 10:25 am #
Deb D Grammy Chick says:

Another stunning pair of earrings! I love those stones, manmade or not! And, of course, those gorgeous spirals!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 10:27 am #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:

Thank you everyone
Wenche you must have a go at wirework, but try to avoid hammering your finger like KH!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 10:37 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:

The “secret” is — never put your fingers under the hammer. LOL
On Sep 06, 2009 at 10:40 am #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:

Funny Lynn
On Sep 06, 2009 at 11:23 am #
Sally T says:

Wow, absolutely stunning. My first thought is to always put turquoise with silver, but the copper is so rich looking.
On Sep 06, 2009 at 1:02 pm #
AllureofGemsGlamJulia says:

Beautifu! But , of cause!…
On Sep 06, 2009 at 1:12 pm #
Anita QoG Funny Chick says:

GORGEOUS!!!! another stunning pair of earrings!!!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 2:19 pm #
Shannon aka Silly Chick says:

Beautiful! Big question – how do you get the smooth, even effect when you flatten the wire – do you use a chasing hammer or is any hammer acceptable? Also, is the metal bench block critical – I haven’t gotten one yet and I’m using a “wire whacker” block to hammer on…maybe it’s just not hard enough?
On Sep 06, 2009 at 2:33 pm #
FaeryGoth Chick says:

Simply stunning…
On Sep 06, 2009 at 3:03 pm #
Cotopaxi Chickie Sue says:

Another fab pair of earrings from the Grand Master of Spirals! Love the copper with turquoise!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 3:53 pm #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:

Thank you
Silly Chick ~ You’re best to use a chasing hammer & a bench block or anvil. I first tried using a normal hammer but any marks on it will transfer to the metal. I don’t know what a wire whacker block is (!) but to get an even finish I just hammer a few times & keep checking & try not to get carried away!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 5:38 pm #
Healing mom says:

I love your wire work! Truly beautiful! I do have one question…I know you said you used 18g and 20g copper wire but was it half-hard or dead soft wire? I am just starting to work with wire and I am trying to teach my self. Any pointers would help! Thanks!!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 6:37 pm #
Shannon aka Silly Chick says:

Thanks Spiral Chick! The ‘wire whacker’ is a nylon (acrylic?) block that comes in a pair and is used to harden a design (works quite well for that purpose)- I got mine from the Wig-Jig site but have seen them in a few other places as well. I’ve been using one to hammer my pieces with a ball pein hammer with some success, but again it’s not particularly even and I can’t get the wire flat enough. Guess I’ll have to break down and get the items you mentioned. One more question, please? Are you using any dapping tools – pegs, blocks, etc)?
On Sep 06, 2009 at 7:32 pm #
Fashion Chick aka SC says:

Fabulous earrings! They are in my favorites.
On Sep 06, 2009 at 8:33 pm #
Carole S says:

These are beautiful earrings, love the copper with the green. I too am just starting with the wire wrapping, having trouble just making a spiral, lol. But what is dead soft wire and half hard? I’ve got different gauges of wire but nothing says dead soft or half hard. Also got some wiring books and nothing in those instruction books talk about different types of wire. Just says to use 20 gauge wire. Help??!!!
On Sep 06, 2009 at 8:41 pm #
K H says:

Sterling wire comes in 3 forms, dead soft, half hard and full hard. Dead soft is very soft, great for sculpting by hand, but not hard enough for working parts. Half hard and full hard have been hardened and can be made into working parts (claps, rings, ear-wires, etc. As far as I know, craft wire (brass and copper) only come by gague – the lower the number the thicker the wire.
On Sep 07, 2009 at 1:31 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:

KH — That’s an excelllent explanation! Thanks for posting that for those who asked!
On Sep 07, 2009 at 1:34 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:

If you want your wire to be flat, use the flat end of the hammer, not the peen (rounded) part. The peen part will leave tiny indentations, which are very cool for a design, but you only want to add those AFTER you have flattened the wire or metal first. Spiral Chick is right — start with a few whacks (I do 3), then check your results. It’s always easier to add more than to subtract.
On Sep 07, 2009 at 1:36 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:

Did anyone else notice that I put 3 “ls” in excellent in my comment to KH? ROTFLOL I knew something didn’t look quite right…..
On Sep 07, 2009 at 1:51 am #
Cotopaxi Chickie Sue says:

Lynn, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have noticed! But now that you did……:D
On Sep 07, 2009 at 1:52 am #
Cotopaxi Chickie Sue says:

I meant of course!
On Sep 07, 2009 at 4:02 am #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:

Thank you Chicks for answering the questions! Time difference being in the UK, in bed fast asleep, etc!
Silly Chick ~ I don’t think the nylon block will be hard enough so you are better with a steel one. I haven’t used any dapping tools or pegs so far!
The sterling wire I use is usually half~hard but some of it is dead soft which is ok when it’s been hammered
On Sep 07, 2009 at 9:20 am #
Claire F says:

Beautiful earrings
On Sep 07, 2009 at 11:31 am #
Valentine Chick says:

Love ‘em!
On Sep 07, 2009 at 8:19 pm #
Carole S says:

Thanks everyone for your feedback. It’s really great help. While at Michaels today saw the yellow Beading for Dummies; paging through that it had a section of wirework. Next trip will have to get the Dummy Book! I’m pretty patient so I’ll just keep trying. Everyone’s wire work that has shown up here is beautiful. Plus you gals (and John too) come up with great ideas for color combinations I hadn’t thought of.
On Sep 07, 2009 at 8:22 pm #
Carole S says:

Lynn Eileen Chicky LE, when you said the flat part of the hammer, do you mean the part that has the two prongs (like a barbeque fork)? I tried using the round part, didn’t leave marks but didn’t make a nice spiral. Thanks
On Sep 07, 2009 at 9:20 pm #
martham says:

Since people are asking questions, I have wondered about using copper or brass ear wires. Do they bother people’s ears? Would the copper turn your ears green?
On Sep 07, 2009 at 9:58 pm #
Lynn g says:

These are awesome,the colors are great together.
On Sep 08, 2009 at 10:44 am #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:

Another favorite!! Love the copper with these stones..just the right look!

Martham, I found pure copper ear wires at Michaels. I am making some earrings for sale, and hoping that the pure copper will wear well…if not, then people can get in touch because I guarantee my work for 2 years.
On Sep 16, 2009 at 1:06 pm #
shimmer chick says:

so beautiful. love them!
On Sep 17, 2009 at 11:29 am #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:

Thank you Harriet & shimmer chick
On Oct 07, 2009 at 10:07 am #
Sali Jo GemsChica Chick says:

Congrats on the Number 1 Favorite Design!!!!!!!!! You deserve it!!
On Oct 08, 2009 at 1:16 pm #
wendy says:

I love these too. You inspire me to get the wire, hammer, and bench block back out.

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