Post Cyclone Post

Hello again,

Well it's been 3 weeks or so since Cyclone Yasi blew into town and in a huge way. Heartfelt thoughts go out to all those people who bore the brunt of Yasi. The devastation was enormous and I count myself very lucky that in my area we only received the tail end of the cyclone, experiencing winds of 125kph. The rainforest was damaged and roads were closed for a couple of days and we now need to purchase 2 new water tanks because they were damaged by branches that were shorn off in the high winds. Since then we have experienced wild lightning storms, heaps of rain and, thankfully, a few days of sunshine so we could get down and clean up.

 The rain is back now with a vengeance and the silver order I have been waiting for has arrived, so naturally I sat at my workbench and made a few new items of jewellery.  Yesterday I made a few wire wrap rings. My mother gave me a heaps of tumbled gemstones, Rose Quarts, Smoky Quartz and Carnelian (Red Agate) that she brought back from Brazil on her last trip over and I just started wrapping. While the method is the same, each ring is different because you have to form the wire to suit each individual stone. I have used mainly sterling silver wire to wrap the gemstones but I was not happy with the contrast between silver and rose quarts, so I made a second ring out of Rose Quarts using rolled gold and I am much happier with the result.    



 A Close up up a Rose Quartz and sterling Silver Ring I made using 12 gauge Wire for the ring and supports and 22 gauge half round wire for the wrap.












I have also been busy making a few bits and pieces with the gemstone beads, lamp work beads and recycled glass beads that I bought a few weeks ago and those beautiful seeds featured in my last post.

 I used 6mm round amethyst gemstone beads and gold plated spacers and clasps to make this simple but effective necklace. I love amethyst.

Still on Amethyst, this necklace uses Amethyst Roundel Gemstone Beads and Tibetan Silver spacers and bead caps and is finished with a plain silver tone toggle clasp. It looks fabulous and feels great to wear.

The unusualness of the featured gemstone caught my eye so I just had to buy a couple of strands. It is called Dragon Vein Agate. It comes in a variety of colours but for some reason I always go for green. (Must be because I live in the middle of the rainforest - lol). I used 6mm dyed Jade beads with the Dragon Vein Agate and Tibetan silver spacers and bead caps. The piece is finished with a silver plated lobster clasp. A simple but very unusual piece.

 Most people shy away from yellow but these handmade lamp work beads are stunning and together with the white jade and black onyx beads I have used to make this piece, makes a very attractive, eye-catching necklace. I have used Tibetan Silver spacers and bead caps and finished the piece with a silver toned toggle clasp.

 The large seeds are locally known as Hamburger seeds. They are big and puffy and look delicious, but they are not be eaten. I have coupled these with acacia seeds and finished the piece with a silver toned toggle. It is a piece that stands out, being big and bold but still surprisingly light to wear.

 Still using those amazing hamburger beads I made this choker. I used waxed cotton string to macramé and weave the seeds into the choker with stunning effect.

 These amazing seeds are the Giant Ilpil. I have used them as the feature on this necklace and used recycled mother of pearl beads and Tibetan Silver Spacers on the extension. Black agate separates each of the seeds and the necklace is finished with a silver toned toggle clasp.

 Last but not least is this lovely necklace made with recycled glass beads, Poinciana seeds and rosewood beads. The piece is finished with a silver tone toggle. This is very comfortable to wear and very eye catching.