Friday, September 26, 2008

Newest Creation



This handcrafted butterfly necklace is my newest creation. I am very proud of it. It is truely a one of a kind piece. The butterfly itself started out as 2 individual earrings. I removed the posts & altered the design to look like wings. Each "wing" has been soldered together on the backside. I then created the antennas & tail of the butterfly from tinned copper wire. The "body" of the butterfly is strictly solder that has been formed to look like a body. The solder from the body also connects the front together.

I added a hook to the back to attach a chain. From that hook hangs a 3" chain, which is constructed of tinned copper rings. I formed, cut, & soldered each ring together to create the funky chain. The same construction method was used for the chain that goes around the neck. A fine sterling silver chain was also added to go around the neck. 6mm unakite gemstone beads were added to the sterling silver chain, along with soldered 9mm tinned copper rings. The S clasp is formed from sterling silver wire & has been lightly hammered for strength. Lastly, I added a 6mm round jasper gemstone bead to the clasp completing the design.I love how funky & "handmade" this necklace looks.

The solder on the tinned copper chain is visible, but it only adds to the funkiness. I also love how the tinned copper has begun to show its copper, due to the heating of the wire while soldering. In addition, none of the tinned copper rings are perfect circles. Each of these elements comes together to create a fun & unique necklace that is sure to turn some heads

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is gorgeous!! What a beautiful piece!!

Also, I wanted to let you know that you've been tagged!! Come by my blog for all the details :D

YAY!!
Rhonda

Fashionably Adorned said...

very nice!! I love butterfly's

Designs by Melissa said...

Thanks for the wonderful comments!