A Few Fun Things

 

 

 

You may have noticed, I have a new blog banner.  In it, I included photos of a few fun, new things I've been working on.  I've been using fabric in my work for quite some time now.  It's not something I really planned to do but, it doesn't seem like I'm finished exploring the possibilities.

 

I don't consider myself a seamstress but I've done a lot of sewing in my time.  I used to sew my own clothes...for fun.  Can you imagine?!  I think that's why I'm enjoying working with fabric and fibers now.  Now, I'm not following any rules.  I'm doing what I want!  No measurements, no seams...I don't even trim my threads sometimes.  What a rebel.  I'm getting the biggest kick out of using whatever I lay my hands on.  A few weeks ago, I ordered a gorgeous pair of earrings from an etsy seller, Annilys.  They came wrapped in a beautiful, wide satin ribbon and scrap of vintage crochet which I promptly used for this collar.  The satin is mostly hidden but, I know it's there.  You can see the crochet in the above shot.

 

As a young girl, my great-grandma, who was an expert at crochet, tried to teach me to crochet...bless her heart.  I think I finished about five inches and never got any further which gave me a deep appreciation for all things crochet.  Just look at these darling crochet bows.  Someone spent hours making a whole string of these!

 

"Signs of Life and Death" charm bracelet

available on Etsy (sold)

I have several pieces, in addition to this charm bracelet, to list in my etsy store.  For now, I'll tell you about this piece.  It's all sterling and copper with a myriad of stones, charms and talismans that symbolize life and death.  The main links are held together with copper and sterling twisted wire rings.

 

At the center is a carved skull surrounded by various trinkets: vintage religious medals, Ethiopian charms and beads, a tiny Tibetan carved bone skull, a blue ceramic scarab, African turquoise beads, and other stones and ornaments.

 

The "woven" copper bead and the brass charm are from Ethiopia.  The tiny skull is bone and the scarab is fired ceramic with a deep blue glaze.

 

One of my favorite things on this bracelet is this chunk of rough prehnite.  I love the rough texture and matte finish.  It has a sort of glowing translucence and even has a tiny stone embedded in one side...very organic.

 

This faceted chunk of apatite is surrounded by African turquoise charms, a vintage religious medal, Ethiopian copper bead, oriental coin, and a pair of copper rings specially made by Wife Whisperer (super secret formula!).

 

Another of my favorite elements is this sterling wrapped, vintage vaseline glass bead.  Here, you can see the African turquoise charms and toggle clasp, as well as a little bone faux mahjong token.  I'll be listing some other pieces to my etsy store so, check back...

Comments

[Nelda Ream]

This piece is spectacular. It is fun to see your skill progressing into something so wonderful.

[Dale]

I agree, the new banner is lovely! I love how the photos are in a 'paintbrush swath' type of shape. Beautiful!

Is that an Egyptian Scarab beetle bead that i see there?.... Yes... yes it is! I saw those all over the place when i was in Egypt. Beautiful job on that bracelet, and especially beautiful job on the choker! I just love that amulet-type piece of it. Fabulous!!

[Jen crossley]

WOW more stunning pieces
Jen

[Robin Gasser]

Yes, I noticed your new banner. Each time you change your banner, I think it is the best and then you come up with another winner!!
This bracelet is wonderful. I love your style!
I will be at the Birmingham workshop--can't wait to meet you.
Robin G

[Christine Damm]

I love the way you combined the vintage Victorian centerpiece with the dangling amber stones. The dangles are so tribal and modern but it all works together-- you are a genius! Love the bracelet too, great combination of greens and blues but not expected and therefore exciting.

[Kay Mallery]

Fabulous collar! You continue to inspire!

[Michelle]

Just gorgeous!!! love all the different beads in the bracelet - but that collar is stunning - love the center piece! Where on earth do you find these treasures and on do you find the time????!!!! If you are still interested in tatting let me know and I can send you some - but I'd need an address.

[jenn desjardins]

Sorry Deryn..I just can't stay away from your blog! You make the coolest creations! That bracelet is just gorgeous.

[Carolyn Mallin]

I love,love the bracelet. Deryn, you do such beautiful things.

Carolyn

[Sharon @ norah'S]

Oh my favorite element is absolutely the sterling wrapped vintage vaseline glass bead. It is beautiful.

[azirca]

Gorgeous jewellery Deryn, I absolutely love the amber collar, stunning piece!

Your new banner is lovely.