The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “Polka Dot Crazy”:“I wanted to also mention, that I like the fact that they help the African women--that's…” read »
on “Polka Dot Crazy”:“Thank you Brenda for the pitch to purchase these. I finally got some--got the violet…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“Jane, I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. These things can be very…” read »
on “Getting in the Groove Again”:“Jane, this necklace is gorgeous. I wish I could see a photo of it on someone.…” read »
- on “Amber River”:
“The rich colors make this an instant go-to piece when heading out the door. I…” read »
- on “The Raven”:
“Don't you know, I was outside early this morning 'shoo-ing' several of these off our rooftop!…” read »
on “Some More Nuggets”:“My favorite part of the bracelet is the copper flower. Crazy I know but that's me...…” read »
on “Amber River”:“I hope my comment posts. This is a fantastic necklace. I also like the fact that…” read »
on “The Raven”:“Great necklace to honor a post we will head from nevermore. The Raven was my favorite…” read »
on “Getting in the Groove Again”:“Thanks you all...for your kind comments and support!!…” read »
- on “Some More Nuggets”:
“Thanks you all!! I'm looking forward to ordering more beads and getting back to making more…” read »
- on “The Raven”:
“Great tribute to a great poem. Another work of art. I really like the colors you…” read »
on “Brush Strokes Earrings”:“These are great earrings, they will mix and match with so many outfits. What a…” read »
- on “Loyalty Bracelet”:
“I love this pet inspired design!…” read »
- on “The Raven”:
“So glad to see a post from you--and a poetic bird! This piece has it…” read »
on “Some More Nuggets”:“Love the Apatite beads. You did a great job with the copper and African beads.…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“So pretty. Love the rose gold pendant. It's a lovely necklace.…” read »
on “Gemstone Station Necklace”:“Wonderful. Unusual use of the beads. Very attractive.…” read »
- on “Netted Turquoise Bracelet”:
“A fun and beautiful bracelet.…” read »
- on “Stackable Czech Glass Nugget Bracelets”:
“Love your chunky bracelets - and the colors are fantastic.…” read »
on “Truck necklace”:“A truck with wings! So fun and a wonderful design. Your daughter will love it.…” read »
- on “Purple flower bracelet”:
“I agree with everyone. A gorgeous bracelet. I love the knots near the bellflowers. And so…” read »
- on “Dogwood flower”:
“It's been a long time since I've seen dogwood flowers. I love the 4 petals. Beautiful…” read »
- on “Line Agate Luster Necklaces”:
“Lovely necklaces. It really shows off the lustered beads.…” read »
- on “Woodland Trails Teadrop Necklace”:
“Nice tutorial and looks so pretty.…” read »
- on “Isle of Capri Earrings”:
“Lovely earrings with a great beachy vibe.…” read »
- on “Little Mushroom”:
“Love all the translucent stones you used. It really works with the little mushroom.…” read »
- on “Czech Gls Button Wirewrap Set”:
“Beautiful set Stingray. The colors look great together. I also love the tube beads.…” read »
- on “Some More Nuggets”:
“This is one fantastic bracelet! The apatite nuggets are gorgeous with the African beads and…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“Jane, my first thought was how beautiful and amazing this necklace truly is. I agree…” read »
on “Some More Nuggets”:“Awesome bracelet Jane. Those blue Apatite beads are gorgeous! Love the copper with it too.…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“Jane, I agree with Crystal and Melody- this is a beautiful necklace! I'm glad you decided…” read »
on “Getting in the Groove Again”:“Crystal, to be honest I was feeling a little sorry for myself and I got…” read »
on “Some More Nuggets”:“The colorful irregular African beads are great with the roughness of the nuggets.…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“Beautiful and delightfully feminine. This is a necklace that could go anywhere, but would be…” read »
- on “Some More Nuggets”:
“I love this chunky look.…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“Jane, this is beautiful! Such a feminine flair with the silk & filigree. I…” read »
- on “Truck necklace”:
“This is so much fun...I love it!! I know your daughter will get a kick out…” read »
- on “Purple flower bracelet”:
“Great bracelet Robin!! You really have done the Suzieq flower justice!!…” read »
- on “Dogwood flower”:
“Ditto!! The painted button is awesome...do you ever lend your painting skills to a canvas? You…” read »
Stolen idea!
About this design:
On my trip last summer, I had the joy of finding an art collection that had several pieces of one of my favorite jeweler's work! Honestly, his work was my favorite part of the collection. Anyway, I decided to pull out some heavy gauge wire and start working on a pair of earrings. Two pics of what I got to see then the bracelet I completed today.
Components:
Seriously heavy gauge bronze or brass or copper wire, good muscles in fingers and hands, seed beads, shell spacers, 18g red brass wire, hammers, anvil, more hammers, roller, blood, bruises, Alexander Calder's creations for inspiration. Added some amethyst beads, 6mm round and some copper beads, same size.Additional Images:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On May 19, 2022 at 4:24 pm #
dolllady aka Pam says:Your bracelet is wonderful! His wall hanging really caught my eye followed by your bracelet. I love your bracelet better than his earrings.
On May 19, 2022 at 5:42 pm #
Jogi says:Here are my two other sets of earrings. Yeah, Pam, my favorites of his were not at her place.
But, I still am fascinated by his forging and metal work. Of course, the big pieces he made are nice, too!
On May 19, 2022 at 5:54 pm #
Jogi says:I tried to fix the name, it is Alexander Calder. The edit seems to be correct now but not this. Oh well, my day, welcome to it!
On May 19, 2022 at 6:18 pm #
Robin nursechick says:What a great wall decor-I love that! Your earrings are beautiful- they remind me of water
On May 19, 2022 at 11:42 pm #
sweetjane says:Neat earrings…all of them. I believe I have heard of him and admired his work. I can’t imagine that bracelet was easy to make…but you did a great job!!
On May 20, 2022 at 9:33 am #
Beady Little Eyes says:Wow. Great bracelet, earrings and wall hanging. Just beautiful. Love the earrings with the bent wires. Great work!
On May 20, 2022 at 10:39 am #
Crystal Canary says:Wow, I love these! Every piece is super cool. There is something about the waves in the wire that is so soothing & relaxing–the mind just wanders. Very artistic designer, and his mobiles are so much fun. I like the balance you found in the one you created–not an easy task to do. Wonderful job with the smooth edges–did you tumble? I’m so wondering what gauge wire the earrings & bracelet are made of–’good muscles’ is an understatement!
On May 20, 2022 at 10:48 am #
Fresh Baked says:Love your homage to Calder’s work! The earrings are fabulous! I know how hard brass is to forge, but it is a beautiful finish.
On May 20, 2022 at 12:35 pm #
Jogi says:Thank you everyone! Yes, I love about all Calder. Mobiles have always been so interesting to me. Peggy Guggenheim’s collection had several mobiles along with the two pair of earrings and the wall piece. There were also photos of her wearing some of his pieces. For all of you modern art people, sorry, the rest of the collection had little to impress me! However, his stuff was enough for me but my sons were less than enthusiastic about her collection.
My bracelet is done with 6 gauge wire, the earrings are with 8 and 10 gauge. No tumbling, I like the texture as it is. I am still considering if I want to do something at the top of the earring drop to play down the transition. Not sure. Any thoughts?
On May 20, 2022 at 1:25 pm #
Crystal Canary says:Jogi, thanks for the wire gauge info–that is some large wire. The earrings are great the way they are; if you wanted to create a transition, maybe some wrapped wire around the top with some tiny 3mm gemstone might soften the transition?? But I kinda like the modern look with the stark change. If I understand your last comment, the mobile art wasn’t your creation? I think it would seriously be hard to make and get to hang right.
On May 20, 2022 at 2:55 pm #
Jogi says:Thanks CC. The two pictures with a white background are the photos I took of his work in Peggy Guggenheim’s collection at her place in Venice. All of the others are my own creations! She apparently once declared that she was the only one in the world who had worn his mobiles! I have actually tried to make small mobiles and some have been successful. But I have never tried to do them as earrings. That is not to say I haven’t studied those babies to try.
On May 22, 2022 at 6:05 am #
Melody F says:I too visited P.G.’s house in Venice, many years ago. I loved her dining table and chairs, each chair different. Art everywhere, even a lampshade was a collage. I love your bracelet! You must do the waves with the piece flat, then round the whole into bracelet shape. Yes?
On May 22, 2022 at 8:56 am #
kye says:Your work inspired by Alexander Calder is wonderful. You must have strong hands and fingers! I’m so impressed with your creations. I’ve been a fan of Alexander Calder’s work since I learned about him in college. My husband made a stained glass mobile we hung in our house for a while. I really like a gorgeous broach that Georgia O’Keeffe always wore that he made and gave her. Anyway thanks for posting!
On May 22, 2022 at 9:57 pm #
Jogi says:Thank you everyone! I made a couple of pendants to go with the earrings for a friend to choose from. I tumbled everything today and did a polish. The copper bracelet looks so sweet! I just wish I didn’t have fifteen injuries to my hands. Well, not that many but more than I like. I do love to work with the heavy wire but my hands do not appreciate it as much as my heart does.
Melody, yes, I did the bends then the bangs attempting to curve it around a bracelet mandrel. I made it harder than I should have because I had worked it before and this time I wanted to pull it out a bit and try for the clasp like closure. So a lot of bending with pliers and holding it in my hands to finish it.