Monday, March 24, 2008

More eyeballs!!! Mine!




















Lookie lookie, I found more eyeballs! I love eyeballs! These lovely green eyes demanded to hang in front of my squiggles earrings. They are sooooo cute together! Much swishing and swinging going on.
I Must go searching for more eyes!

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Tree Of Life Pendant - class

The tree of life - metaphor, symbolic, mystical - found in every ancient culture in one form or another. The roots reaching into the earth, into the underworld, the branches reaching high above, into the heavens.

Join me and design your own special tree. Use tiny stone bits for a green tree, or fill the branches with your family birthstones.


Intermediate class

May 7 - Wed
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

More versions of the tree, showing the bail you'll do in class. How will Your tree grow? The possibilities are endless.
The goddess will not be offered in class. She's from Magpie Gemstones, if you'd like to incorporate her into your own project. http://www.magpiegemstones.com
4/27 - update! The goddess tree sold today! Whoohoo!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Toodles tut is online! Thank you my friends!

I am in awe at the direction life has taken and the wonderfulness of friends. Such a short time ago, I was a moderately happy hermit, minding my own biz and twisting some wire.

Wire weaving with Princess Leia took over my wire, a tutorial was born and published. My wire work changed.

My sweetie had severe and ongoing health issues and "Live one day at a time for all it's worth" became so much more important.

A wonderful lady moved not far away, we've become dear friends, her socialite proclivities drew me into a circle of many more dear kindred spirits. I thank you all for drawing me out of hermitdom, though it is a slow process still...

Then, a local store owner came along, saw my work, I became a teacher in her store. I've had the honor and pleasure of passing my bits of knowledge to many wonderful ladies.

Now I carry a calendar, track dates and times and I'm loving it! Mostly.... ugg, schedules! *grin*
++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you, my dear friends, for changing the direction of my life! There are more good things in the near future, I'm sure...

Monday, February 04, 2008

Wire wrap classes with Sherry and Turquoise Magpie gemstone trunk show in Houston

Whoowhooo and yeehaw, Houston classes are falling into place! The whole shebang will be at Helen's store ---
The Toodles Weave with wire is coming to Houston! Well, actually to Pearland. Dear Helen at *Antiques, Beads & Crafty People* is hosting my classes.
2517 Broadway (FM518) Pearland, Texas 77581 -- 281/997-3600
http://abcraftypeople.com/
I will be teaching two wire working classes - *Variations of Herringbone* with wire, and *The Toodles Weave* adjustable ring. I will also show how to use the weave to make a bezel and trap a stone.
One class from 1-4 and the other from 6-9 on Monday, Feb 18, President's Day. Helen is taking notes to decide which class goes into which slot, so speak up and let her know which you are interested in taking. Special price for this session - $30 for 3 hours of instruction in each class. Plus your supplies - copper wire and beads.
Pictures of the projects are in previous posts. I will update the Herringbone entry with the actual project asap.
The herringbone project is still in the works, but it will involve 3 different gauges of wire, and two different styles of wrap.
Accompanying me will be Turquoise Magpie Gemstones trunk show, both Szarka and Danis presiding. Such lovely rocks you can't imagine! Such lovely ladies you must meet.
Come play with us! I'm excited to make some Houston wire addicts!
Toodles!
~ Sherry ~

Ms Sz says - "
If you want to see the Magpie beads just go to www.magpiegemstones.com"
Ya, go see!

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Class Schedule through May

Here's a compilation of my class schedule through May (subject to change of course). Pictures are scattered throughout prior posts. Scroll down or try the search window up in the left corner. Classes held at *And The Bead Goes On* in north San Antonio, TX. http://andthebeadgoesonline.com/

April 25 - Fri - Hammered Heart Pendant
Use birthstones for a Mother's Day gift or choose your fav swarkie pallet
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9


May 7 - Wed - Tree of Life Pendant
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

*** Bootcamp every Friday in May! ***

May 2 - Fri - #1 Intro to Wire - Serpentine Bracelet
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

May 9 - Fri - #2 Jellyroll Cuff
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

May 16 - Fri - #3 Toodles Adjustable Ring
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

May 23 - Fri - #4 Toodles Bezel
11 - 3 --- complete
6 - 8 --- Part 1

May 30 - Fri - #4 Toodles Bezel
11 - 3 --- complete
6 - 8 --- Part 2

Friday, December 28, 2007

Scallops bracelet class

A fun little project for class. Suitable for beginners, fun for pros. Lovely little scallops all around your wrist.

Your choice of sterling or copper. Choose your beads.

Feb 29 - Friday -- two classes from which to choose-
1 - 3 -- OR -- 6 - 8 pm

Friday, December 21, 2007

Hammered Heart - Be My Valetine! Mother's Heart - Class

Hearts and sparkles, won't you be mine? Hammer some copper, wrap some sterling for detail, make a few jumprings, dangle a whole assortment of sparklies, then turn a bit of wire and some cord into a necklace to show off your lovely new creation. Come join me and play with wire. You deserve a day out with the girls.

The large heart as shown is about 2" tall, made of heavy gauge copper wire, hammered flat in strategic places and textured, then oxidized to bring out the depth. Sterling wire may be available.

Choose family birthstones instead of Valentine colors to make a family heirloom Mother's Heart. What a perfect gift for mom or grandmom!
Or, choose Your favorite color pallet instead.

Class instruction $45, plus supplies

April 25 - Fri -
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

June 20 - Fri -
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

Another version, this one is for sale at the store -

Friday, December 14, 2007

Dreams of Herringbone - Class


Learn the variations of herringbone weaving. Feel the difference, a large chunky bead and heavy wire, a small bead and delicate wire. Let the muse speak!

March 14 - Fri - Dreams of Herringbone
12 - 3 -- OR -- 6 - 9


April 18 - Fri -
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

June 27 - Fri -
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Clever Ear Wires and Findings! - Class


This is a tiny sampling of the types of ear wires we'll learn. I have many more styles cooking in the recesses of my little head. Come and see. We'll also learn toggles and clasps, cones to end your necklace, headpins, and other treasures for your Findings arsenal.

Make your treasures stand out in the crowd. Don't settle for off the shelf!

Instruction fee plus kit -- practice in copper, with sterling wire available

June 13 - Fri --
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

Butterfly Kisses and Fairie Wings - Class

To me, this bracelet looks like butterfly wings or maybe fairies...

Change the beads, change the look entirely. Learn to bind wire, spiral, and fashion a clasp that is an integral part of the bracelet.

What a delicious little bangle! You choose your favorite beads and we'll play together.

June 6 - Fri -
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9

instruction fee plus kit, your choice of sterling or copper

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Bootcamp for Toodles Weaving with Wire -- Schedule for 2008 classes

I am teaching wire classes at the lovely bead shop in Bracken Village -
-- And the Bead Goes On! -- in Garden Ridge, TX, next to the Bawdsy ManorTea Room
http://andthebeadgoesonline.com/ Calendar and mapquest available online.


Bootcamp - a series of classes leading up to The Toodles Weave -
Classes ARE available during the day - OR at night - 6 - 9 pm. Whatcha think? Wanna come? Bring a friend! Sign up online at the store website above or Call the store - (210) 651-3363

Class #1 -- Intro to Wire - - Serpentine Bracelet
Learn the basics of wire work and how to handle the tools by making various components to assemble a unique bracelet.
Learn the straight up noose, serpent link, jump rings, dangle charms, S-hook, hammering and oxidizing. There are at least 6 earring combinations resulting from the skills gleaned in these techniques.
Classroom tools are available for your use and for purchase. Or bring your own and I'll show a little tip to avoid tool marks on your wire.

Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!
$45 plus materials

May2 - Fri --
12 - 3 --- OR --- 6 - 9 pm


**************************************************************
Class #2 The Jelly Roll Cuff -- Coiled and Beaded Cuff Bracelet - 8mm beads and a bit of wire, viola! Your very own wearable art! Change the beads, change the look entirely! Positively stunning with Swarovski crystals!

$45 plus materials

April 4 - Fri -
12 - 3 -- OR -- 6 - 9

May 9 - Fri -
12 - 3 -- OR -- 6 - 9


Earrings using the same techniques. If you're fast in class, we'll do these, too.
**************************************************************
Class #3 -- Toodles Ring - Learn the Toodles Weave by creating an adjustable ring with charming dangly beads.
$45 plus materials

Feb 27, Wed --
12 - 3 -- OR -- 6 - 9

May 16, Fri --
12 - 3 -- OR -- 6 - 9
**************************************************************

Class #4 -- Toodles Pendant - Expand the Toodles Weave to capture a cabochon or cameo. This is the tutorial featured in the Summer *Preview* edition of Step By Step Wire Jewelry magazine, which is out of print. Now available direct from the author - moi!
$45 plus materials

Starting in March, this class is going to 4 hours, which means the night classes will be split into 2 consecutive weeks, 2 hours each.

March 5 - Wed -
11 - 3 - Complete class
6 - 8 - Part 1

March 12 - Wed -
11 - 3
- Complete class
6 - 8 - Part 2


May 23, Fri --
11 - 3
6 - 8 Part 1

May 30, Fri --
11 - 3
6 - 8 Part 2

Come on down, y'all! Join the fun! 10% discount if you sign up for all four Bootcamp classes!!!

Friday, November 02, 2007

Guitar Pick and Tiger Eye earrings


Whoowhoo, second in the series! Luscious tiger eye rectangles matched with two unlabeled picks. Tiny bali style spacers, 20 gauge sterling silver wire, handmade and hammered ear wires.
3" top to tip.
$20

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Guitar Pick with Tiger Eye


Ta-da! The first in a series of jewelry showcasing guitar picks, inspired by my Nashville trip.

Lovely, chatoyant, shimmering tiger eye from Turquoise Magpie, each rectangle is over 1" long, with tiny bali style spacers and 20 gauge sterling silver wire, carefully twisted into place, suspended from 3mm brown leather cord.

18" long

Do YOU have a favorite pick that needs hanging?
sherrys.jewels at gmail.com

My sister and the Nashvegas wedding!


A lovely sunny day for a beautiful couple! Welcome to the family, dear Bryan!!! Good friends and lovely scenery, ahhhh fall in Tennesee, it couldn't have been better. Oh wait, just a bit better if key people had arrived on time. LOL
Bo, Mary and Russ, headed down the aisle. Who's holding up who? Thanks for taking care of her, guys! (YES, it's Him! The crazy pirate! And I Touched Him!)
Crazy Train, baby! Pass the Cabo!

Viking Knit in Sterling Silver

While visiting my sister in Nashville for her wedding, I managed to finish 3 viking knit necklaces with 28 gauge sterling silver. Lovely, much needed rain kept us away from the tourist haunts, so hand me the wire and I'm happy.

The inner necklace is 15" long, made with 5 loops, which is a bit more open than I like. A grand experiment, and always a learning experience. It makes a lovely double wrapped bracelet on my 6 1/2" wrist, but I must resist keeping it, must'n I? hhhhmmmm...

The others are 17 1/2" and 19 1/2" with 7 loops, which gives a more substantial feeling.

Each currently has 4 jumprings, for slight adjustment to length. I can add a bit of chain as an extender, if they need to be a bit longer.

Each necklace is 1/8" wide which is 3.18mm.

All are quite supple and feel wonderful on the skin.

$10 per inch

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Bloodstone - Toodles series



Ah, bloodstone! Treasured friends wanted a piece for a sister, who collects bloodstone. The muse delivered...

Birthstone giftie for my baby sister


Headed for my sister in Nashville! Gorgeous faceted opalite beads, a few bali silver beads and caps, wrapped in miles of sterling silver wire, add a hammered heart for the clasp, providing a place for the lovely opal to hang.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

whoowhoo, I'm on ebay! - Toodles series

Here's your chance to pick up a piece (or 3) of my art from the comfort of your own home. Dear friends have listed 3 of my pieces on ebay.
Search ebay for seller tuttomurano (Note - the ebay listings have expired, so sorry you missed them)

Be sure to check out their other offerings, oooo such deliciously gorgeous glass!

First, Rutile Splendor, more pictures in my entry for Oct 3, and on ebay -


Toodles series - Green agate woven bezel, more pictures in my entry for September 21, 2006, shot before oxidizing, and on ebay, but those don't seem to show the lovely apple green, or is it my monitor that's wrong?
Toodles series - A vintage turquoise cabochon, raw copper wire, which I can oxidize if desired, with a triple strand leather and non-tarnish copper necklace. More pictures on ebay.


The Toodles Weave tutorial in PDF form -
http://www.magpiegemstones.com/tutorials.html

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Turquoise curlies - Toodles series - Sold

One more vintage turquoise cab, lovingly captured in copper wire. Copper is such a natural mate for turquoise given that they come from the same bit of earth.
The turquoise piece is 30x40mm, the entire piece is 1 5/8" wide and 2 1/4" tall. Carefully oxidized to control the tarnish. A simple wipe with any soft cloth will make it shine in moments.
The bail is, again, a large hook, making it a simple matter to switch between heavy chain or a leather cord necklace, short today and long tomorrow. Ahhhh, versatility!
Sold


Own the Toodles Weave tutorial in PDF form -
Here - http://sherrysjewels.ecrater.com/
Or Here -
http://www.magpiegemstones.com/tutorials.html

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Rutile Splendor

The muse has spoken. This rectangular quartz cabochon is loaded with delicate rutile hairs. I've been holding it in my special stash for a very long time, waiting for the perfect companions. Finally, it has all come together.

Lovely 8mm faceted quartz beads, many of which are loaded with rutile, or green moss, or red/orange ??? Bali silver spacers and bead caps, with 20 gauge sterling silver inside the beads to make the links, 22g SS for the herringbone wrap on the single beads, meticulously wrapped into place. 18 gauge for the wave links, hammered for strength and interest. The bail on the focal rectangle is a hook, for easy removal to wear it alone on a chain or leather.

Jewelry for generations, pass it down to your children's children's children. No worries! No solder, no glue, just skill with wire and pliers.