Jewelry Challenge-Project 19

"Flutterby"

by Deryn Mentock

Project 19-Stitched Segments Pin

I'm finally approaching the end of my longer-than-intended Mary Hettmasperger jewelry challenge!  Project 19 in Mary's book, Wrap Stitch Fold and Rivet,  is her "Stitched Segments Pin" which she created from two pieces of metal, textured, patinated and "stitched" together by coiling with fine wire.  My interpretation of the project is to use real butterfly wings, encased under mica, layered on two pieces of bronze that were treated with heat for patina.  I wrapped the antennae with copper wire that had been treated with liver of sulphur.

Techniques for Project 19:

• applying liver of sulphur or silver black patina
• forging wire to create paddles
• stitching with wire

Although it's quite delicate, I'm not sure that I'll use this butterfly to create a piece of jewelry.  I didn't attach a pin back to it.  I'm having visions of it possibly adorning a book cover.  Here is Tami Roth's version of this project.  Tami's lovely piece looks more like the original project in Mary's book:

 

Tami Roth-Stitched Segments Pin

With only one project left, I'd love to have you join me in this challenge!  I can't believe we're almost through.  Don't forget, If you've completed any of the projects, make sure  you leave me a link and I'll post it on the left sidebar of my challenge blog.  Also, if you've done one of the projects and you don't see your name listed in the links, please, let me know.  This is important because I'm giving away two pieces of my jewelry, from the challenge, to two randomly drawn names.  You'll get your name in the hat for each time you've done a project.  Here's what I'm giving:

 

"Pod Prince"

 

"It's Your Favorite"

I've noticed that I don't yet have any takers for project 14 "Twined Cone Necklace" and project 17 "Copper and Silver Bangle Bracelet."  It's not too late to join in!  You can see all of the projects I've done for the challenge and all the participant's links on the blog I've set up for the challenge...here.  Click here to see the guidelines for the challenge.

Comments

[Molly Alexander]

Hi Deryn -

I finally finished my next piece: Project #16 (I decided to skip to the ones I could actually finish in the next week or so!). Here is the link to my blog post:

http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com/2009/08/deryn-mentocks-jewelry-challenge.html

I can honestly say that this experience as a whole has pushed me as an artist to try projects I never would have otherwise.

As always, I appreciate all you have done to make this challenge happen!

:-) Molly

[Tami Roth]

What a beautiful butterfly piece, Deryn!!!
Hugs to you,
Tami

[alicia]

your "flutterby" is gorgeous! when i was a little girl, we lived in the middle of nowhere and had monarchs all over the place. i always called them flutterbys too. :) reading your post reminded me of that for some reason -- thank you!

[Crystal Neubauer]

I wish I had time to put something together just to get my name in the drawing! I love the butterfly wings and the way you've put this lovely piece together. As soon as I saw it my mind immediately went to a hinged locket - might be worth playing around with that concept~

I stopped by to pass along this link for a website that made me immediately think of you. Enjoy!
http://www.fluminalis.com/index.cfm?page=home&name=Home

[Jen Crossley]

Oh Wow this is just so awesome Deryn wow !!!!!
Jen

[jenn desjardins]

ok..inspired to do that project now! I love your version!

[Gabriela]

Hello,

Love the butterfly. Fabulous!

~ Gabriela ~

[Jen Cushman]

This is an incredible piece. I love the real butterfly wings. Where did you find them? Will the mica preserve them over time? I think this would be an amazing class for you to develop. You Go girl!

[Diane Cook]

Ah yes....I do see it on a piece of your art! Love how you encased the butterfly wings in the mica.
And, Tammy's piece is very nice =)
Oh, I have to try designing another piece or two out of Mary's book....so much to do, and so little time!

[Cindy]

Deryn, I was wondering when your next challenge project would pop up! What a beautiful piece. How do you come by the butterfly wings? It's amazing how you have recreated a butterfly out of wire and metal. I would love to add another piece or two to your challenge...crossing my fingers I will find the time.

[Lori Roberts]

I can't do jewelry so the next best thing is to drool on your blog! Your pieces are just stunning!!!

[Shelby]

All of your projects are so beautifully unique! Love the butterfly very original! I recently stumbled upon your blog and have gotten Mary's book. Amazing, I can't wait to dive into a project and possible participate in the challenge. Now to find the time!

[Zorana]

I can't possibly join any of the challenges because I don't know anything about making jewelry. The only thing I know is what I like - and I love the butterfly! Such creativity in that one piece.... amazing. xo

[Molly Alexander]

Just beautiful, Deryn! The project lends itself to the wings, and your interpretation is gorgeous.

I've got a couple more I want to do - do you have a deadline date in mind?

:-) Molly

[sharon]

Hi Deryn!! I thought I had this out of my system, BUT, you got me itching again!!!

[Judy Keefe]

I love how your Flutterby came out! So cool!
Uggg..still haven't started.. Too many projects going at once! Also, all I can find locally is 16ga annealed steel.

[Sam Marshall]

Wow, I love the Flutterby! The weaving on `It's your Favourite,' is very cool!

[Marie-Aimée]

so so beautiful !! I love flutterby and Pod Prince

[mar]

all 3 of these pieces are beautiful
the butterfly is adorable though!

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

I bought the book at the Bead & Button show (after meeting Mary by literally bumping into her at the display of the Bead Dreams competition!) She is so genuine and warm. I love the book. But truthfully I am a bit intimidated by the projects. I am not set up for torches and all that jazz. I will have to face my fears one day, but taking a class with someone who has mastered that sort of art would be a step in the right direction! Thanks for sharing your project! I love how you make it your own!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

You. are. amazing Deryn!!! This is spectacular.....I love seeing what amazing ideas you come up with....your mind must but constantly spinning ~ beautiful!!! xxoo, Dawn