'Our War'

Hi,

I watched a programme last night called 'Our War'.  Wow. Normally whenever I watch something on TV I tend to multi-task and do something creative at the same time.  However, you know when you watch something that draws you in to the point that you can't do anything else, well this was that something.

It was such an emotionally charged programme and it really got me thinking.

I, like many of us, have my off days where the slightest little thing can and often will annoy me.  However, watching what those brave young soldiers went through helped me put things in perspective.  I can't promise that I won't ever have those moments again, but for now I am more grounded.

Not being able to find the exact beads I want, not knowing what to do with the beads I have and not making a sale are nothing compared to not being able to find your friends during a series of explosions, not knowing which of your injured friends to attend to first, or not making it out alive.

My thoughts are with those young men that have served, are still serving or are unable to serve again...

Peace,
Annaliese
(JBA)

Chaimaille

Hi,

Last night I decided to try something new, always a good thing for a designer to do.  So I decided to try out some chainmaille jewellery.

There are so many different chainmaille weaves just waiting for me to indulge in but as I had a limited number of jumprings in only two colours I chose to make a bracelet and earrings set using the Byzantine weave.

'A Byzantine chain is a metal link chain design used in jewellery that incorporates a rope-like texture and intriguing textural design. The chains are supple and flexible, draping gracefully about the neck. 

The chain is a 4 in 1 chain meaning that each link passes through four others. It is a variation on the Box chain whose links point in a constant direction, unlike Byzantine whose links alternate in direction.' (Wikipedia)

This was my first attempt at this weave. In fact it was my first proper attempt at chainmaille.  Sooo, did I make it easy for myself?  The answer would be 'no'.  I chose to use small jumprings, id (inner diameter) 4mm.  I also chose to use two different colours.  In this case I used turquoise and mat silver.  This may not have been so bad if I had practised the weave first so I could see where all the jumprings went.  But oh no, I decided to go straight into it.  Needless to say it took me a little longer to make the bracelet as first I had to learn the weave at the same time as trying to figure out which coloured jumpring I needed to use at which point.  So to say it took me a little time is an understatement.

There is a quick way of creating this particular weave which uses open and closed rings, due to me complicating things for myself I ended up opening all of my jumprings and adding them one at a time.

I was watching 'Criminal Minds' and I'm not sure whether it was my viewing choice, my adapted method or perhaps a mix of the two but I actually found this project to be strangely therapeutic.

I hope you like it.  Please feel free to leave me a comment.

Thanks,

Annaliese (JBA)

Wire Coiling Gizmo

Oooh it's been a while since I've been on here - apologies :o)

I posted a while back that I was getting a new toy - a wire coiling gizmo.

Well, it arrived and I've been playing.  Here's some photos of a few pieces that I've made with it.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Annaliese (JBA)

Sparkly Pendants

Hi,

I've been trying my hand at something new recently, bead stitching.  I've made these lovely sparkly seed bead and crystal 'wheels'.  The crystals are 4mm.  These wheels can be used as links and/or pendants.  I am going to make some smaller ones to use for earrings.  I have also made a bigger one using 6mm beads.

I hope you like them.

Thanks,
Annaliese
(JBA)

Fimo Owl Pendants

Hi,

I've been busy making something that was not only fun to make but fun to look at.   I'd like to introduce you to Colin, Eddie and Jeff.

They are all attached to cord (which comes in different lengths) and fasten with a hand made silver plated s-shaped clasp.

I can make them to order, in various colours and styles.  I can also alter the background shape.

If you are interested and would like to order one, please contact me for more details.

Thanks,
Annaliese
(JBA)

In celebration of the Golden Sun

Hi all,

The last couple of days have been so lovely and sunny and have put a smile on my face.

So in celebration of the big golden ball of goodness I am using this post to give you some information about gold.  (Courtesy of the book 'Mixed Metals by M. Barta and D. Fox)

With it's physical characteristics resembling those of the sun, warm, yellow and shiny, gold has long been considered the King of all metals.  Although, platinum is more valuable.

One of the main advantages gold has over other metals is that it can last forever.  It doesn't corrode when exposed to air, water or common acids.  It doesn't tarnish or rust either.

Another comparison to other metals proves gold to be the most malleable and ductile.  However, in it's purest form it is too soft to be useable.

In order to obtain additional strength, gold is often alloyed with other metals such as, silver, copper, nickel, palladium and/or iron.

Gold is associated with the Carat (Karat) system, which was developed to ascertain the amount of pure gold existing in gold alloy.  By today's standards pure/fine gold is designated as 24k gold.  14k gold (58.5% pure) indicates 14 parts gold by weight and 10 parts of another metal or metals.

Gold is found in many countries, the top producers including (but not limited to) the United States, South Africa and China.

About two-thirds of all gold produced is used in jewellery.

The most exciting 'gold fact' I've read so far is...

"It is estimated that about 15 percent of the gold in circulation is recycled.  That means it is possible your gold-filled earrings were made with gold that was once part of an Egyptian Pharaoh's ensemble"

The picture below is of a bracelet I made a month or so ago.  Whilst not exactly gold, the bead caps and clasp are gold plated.  I think that you'll agree that the colour gold really compliments the fuchsia pink and black Swarovski crystals.  Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing a similar item.

Thanks,
Annaliese (JBA)

Neglected Blog

Sorry,  I've been so busy with my bridal items that I have neglected 'Jewellery by Annaliese'.

Rest assured that there are a lot of ideas and designs in my head all of which will be bought to fruition sooner rather than later :o)

I have a fairly big project lined up that I need to get working on.  Pics will be on here as soon as I can sort them.

I often wonder where my day goes, and the term 'running' pops up a lot - 'aaaargh, I'm running out of time', 'my imagination is running wild', 'I am constantly running around trying to sort out 101 different things'.  I found this quote and suddenly all this running doesn't seem so bad.

Keep on dreaming...

Annaliese
(JBA)