debVdesigns

Paper Mache Displays work better when they are weighted down!   Let me show you how. I've never liked the velvet displays as they are hard to pack and show up lint, especially when photographing jewelry on them.  During my search for something better, I came across these macrame bust displays which are a heck of a lot better to pack for shows.  The nestle into each other tightly vs. being so bulky.  The only drawback was that they were light and could easily topple over.  My dear husband (DH) came up with a way to weight them down and I've been using them for over a year now and they work perfectly (for me anyway). Here's a quick video on weighing them down.

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Groovey Wavey textured Copper earrings wire wrapped with brass and hanging on sterling silver ear wires via Deb V Designs http://ift.tt/1IYIsHk

A new addition to my cuff bracelets is this amazing fold formed feather design Very pretty on the wrist with great textures. via Deb V Designs http://ift.tt/1D34nBq

I'm loving the new Feather design cuff bracelets. Come try one on at the Langley Arts Alive Festival on August 15th.  Deb V Designs http://ift.tt/1vf4iSm

Adventures in Silver Broom Casting I invited a few girlfriends for lunch today and one of them suggested we do broom casting.  Two of the ladies took a class recently and the other two (myself included) were intrigued by the concept and willing to give it a try.   With a new crucible, the first step is to flux it.   First lesson:  "do not add borax (flux) until the crucible is very hot" or else it will fly everywhere. Makes sense, right - LOL I retreated to my bench to do the deed.  Once I  heated the crucible, I added a little borax (flux) to coat it. My first casting was using brass (copper for my second).   It took forever to melt, even with the addition of an additional torch. There was more success with the brass casting vs. the copper (exact opposite  of what I expected).   Not sure if the type of fuel is important, but I used mapp gas which could have been part of the problem, along with a slight breeze. I ma...

Natural bronzite beads compliment the Agate focal gemstone. It can be worn on either sides to change the look. Copper and Turquoise & Howlite The links, clasp, and bail are all handmade using copper wire. Red Jasper with Picasso Beads with double coiled copper beads. I like it when the whole piece is handmade, including all the links. Another example of how you can create beautiful components and links using wire.

It was a fun day teaching the "Wire Wrapping 101" Bracelet class. We used handmade color coordinating orphan lamp work beads. Oh so much fun and color.

Pure Copper Pendant  Twisted, coiled & re-coiled This bead is made from pure copper wire which was twisted, coiled then coiled again. A light patina was added to give it a beautiful aged look.

Cold Connections This lovely bracelet is made from copper with sterling silver jump rings and clasp.  The method is called Cold Connection as there is no heat used to join any of the pieces.  There are several different techniques incorporated into this piece.  It starts with copper sheet metal which is cut into the desired shape than textured.  The embellishments are attached with rivets.  Once the piece is complete, it is antiqued to give it an antique look.  This is a very attractive piece that always get's a lot of attention.