I just recently got my copy of Stampington's winter 2008 Belle Armoire Jewelry and was honored to have a few projects included in this issue. One of them is a collaboration I did with my dear friend DJ Pettitt. It's an off shoot of the collaborative workshop Mingled Elements that we teach. You must visit DJ's blog as she's posted some beautiful handmade Christmas cards.
"Springing Up"
When DJ and I first got together on the Mingled Elements project, she mailed me a package of fun stuff to play with. In the box were high quality prints of her original artwork, laminate chips and text scraps. These pieces were done with DJ's prints, collaged onto laminate chips with various paints and elements. The wire leaves, swirls and charms were then added around the edges.
"As A Bird"
The other project I was pleased to have published was a tutorial on how to create wire wrapped links to use in jewelry pieces.
The photos for the article included these three pair of earrings which are now available in my Etsy shop:
"Blush"
available on Etsy (sold)
For these earrings, I wound fine gauge steel wire around a wrap of larger gauge, adding glass seed beads for a little sparkle. The tiny leaves are steel wire and vintage Bible text. Blush colored, faceted chalcedony briolettes dangle from the bottom. They're about 2 1/4 inches from the top of the sterling ear wire to the bottom of the drop.
"Twining Vines" (sold)
This pair is another in my "twining vines" series. I wrapped fine gauge steel wire and glass beads around a heavier gauge steel wire. The leaves are more steel wire with vintage Bible text added. The ear wires are hand formed sterling. These measure about 2 1/4 inches form the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the leaf.
This style, with the leaves and vines, has been so much fun to work on. Each piece comes out uniquely beautiful.
"Pear tree"
I've threaded varying shades of glass seed beads onto fine gauge steel wire and wrapped vintage fabric to create the delicate fabric links for these earrings. The orange hued, faceted chalcedony briolettes are wrapped with steel wire and topped with tiny leaves made with wire and vintage Bible text. The little drops remind me of pears. The ear wires are hand formed sterling.
If you're interested in learning how to make wire wrapped fabric links for your projects, pick up a copy of the magazine for the how-2. It's easy-peasy...anyone can do it! Take a look here for a great example of beautiful wrapped beads.





Deryn,
I went to the book store everyday for a few days there waiting for this issue to come out on December 1st. I have read and reread my copy...as a matter of fact it's sitting prominently on my kitchen table now! I've always wondered how you made these beautiful wire links, and I appreciate you sharing them with us. I always look forward to your articles...absolutely gorgeous pieces without fail!
Posted by: Cindy | Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Oh! All of these pieces are wonderful. I love picking up a magazine and seeing your art in it. Thank you so much for sharing what you do with us.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Posted by: Tammie | Friday, December 26, 2008 at 09:39 AM
GAK! late again! is there any way i can get a cell phone notification everytime you post to your blog or etsy site? is this kind of service available or is that too much to ask for? i'm being serious here.
hee hee
maybe it's a sign that i need to go get the new Belle Amore and work on some of my own earrings. Congrats on the publicity. You and DJ ROCK the House!
XOX
Posted by: Mija | Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at 10:04 AM
beautiful!!!
Posted by: lk | Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Absolutely gorgeous! I took a class with DJ Pettit at Art and Soul and she was wonderful. Are you ever going to teach at Art and Soul?
Posted by: Diane Folks | Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Congrats on the pub - it all looks so gorgeous.
xo
Posted by: Judy Wilkenfeld | Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 06:52 PM
I tried my hand at the wrapped "beads". They turned out pretty good for a novice! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Posted by: Polly | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 09:30 PM
I love your work. Your earrings just rock.
I hope you make more soon and I can get them before they are gone.
Posted by: cindy | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 09:30 PM
I love the long narrow bead with the text. I hope to try that one =)
And, your blush earrings are such a beautiufl color~lovely!
Posted by: Diane Cook | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Deryn
I love what you and DJ are doing, it is so unusual. They are just lovely. Love the earrings of course.
wb
Posted by: WB | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Your collaborations with DJ are amazing!
Congrats on the publication.
Namasté,
Carmen
Posted by: Carmen Torbus | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Congratulations. I love all of it.
Posted by: Sharon @ norah'S | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Bummer, they all sold. :0(
Wish I had read your post earlier! I'll have to go check out the new issue! Congrats on the articles Deryn!!
Posted by: Lorraine | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Congrats Deryn,
I'm glad these earrings finally made in the magazine, I've been waiting! What a great article too. The earrings are just beautiful.
Beth
Posted by: Beth Bricker | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Congrats on all the publicity! You rock! I've been working on a project myself with similar leaves, will leave a comment or email you when it's finished, I think you will find it interesting. Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Kay Mallery | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Oh my, I love these vines!!!! Fantastic!!!
Posted by: Mary Beth Shaw | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I love these earring,Deryn. I picked up my copy of Belle Armoire Jewelry a couple of weeks ago. I have to carve out some time to try my hand at the wire wrapping. It's truly lovely.
Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Mallin | Monday, December 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM