The finished product. I fumbled, stumbled, and fouled during the fabrication of this piece. On a scale from 1-100, I'm giving this a 64. When making the bezels, I stretched a few so they were a bit too large and a few were a bit too tall for their buttons. The result: poorly fitting bezels with too much metal to move onto the button. These are all things I know... I could have remade and file these down, but I was racing towards the finish line. Silly, silly woman.
I considered leaving the whole piece in brushed silver. However, the bright silver bezels (read: bumpy, uneven, warped) distracted from the symphony of the buttons. To match the, lets say, "rustic" look, I gave the necklace a nice antiqued patina. Whatcha think?
I think using thin gauge fine silver bezel wire creates a rustic, handcrafted look. When using 26 gauge sterling silver, the bezels retain their clean cylindrical shape. I just may use sterling bezel wire on another neckpiece like this to compare the two looks.
I lost one cluster of 18k loops while setting the buttons. I really didn't notice until I found the cluster in my drawer. I'll save that cluster for the next piece.
My willing model! However, she had on a fushia top, so we pull it off just for a moment to take the photograph.
Perhaps I'm too critical of this piece...we all do that, right? If we didn't, we would never grow as people and artists. Creating this piece was a great lesson, but also got the old creative juices following. I have more ideas, 2 similiar pieces in production, and thousands of buttons waiting for a good home.One last thing.... this neckpiece needs a name. Any suggestion?
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Name suggestion: "Button Bouquet" It is the first thing to come into my mind. I am sure I can come up with more if I keep thinking.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the bezels give it a rustic look, something old.... It is a beautiful piece and setting all of those sterling bezels is a crazy feat. I use fine silver to make life easier.
I think the important part of all this is that you know there are imperfections and you will work on them with future projects. It shows that you want to grow as an artist, and you will.
Can't wait to see the next ones!!!!!!!!!!!!! If this is the trial run, the next ones will be beyond stunning.
Amazing! I know nothing about making jewelry so I don't see the "imperfections" just a beautiful necklace.
ReplyDeleteThank you both... the imperfections are there (magnified in my eyes, of course), but overall the piece works for me!
ReplyDeleteButton Bouquet...that does have a nice ring to it!
Stunning. Simply stunning. I need you to make some pieces for my sister/mom for Xmas. Can we set up a payment program????
ReplyDeleteYou are being too critical--it's a wonderful piece! If you're selling this necklace I'll bet it gets snatched up right away.
ReplyDeleteLove the model! How about "Annabelle's Antique Bouquet?" Or, "Antique Bouquet a la Annabelle?" It's a lovely piece!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very challenging piece - congratulations, it is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI think it's PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful and the model is a beauty too. Although I can not see the imperfections, they are what make it unique. Hmmm, a name...let me think about this and I'll get back to you.
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer the over-tall bezel for the antiquated look. I also like how unmatched bezel height give the them the handmade artistic feel. I guess one person's (perceived) mistakes can be another's delight!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is beautiful! I wish I were half as creative as you. :)
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