Forged Heart Pendant

Following my original design of S-hook clasp, I went on to experiment with more complex versions.  One of the variations was the whimsical ducky clasp, which is a stylized ducky outline complete with a pointy tail, folded wing, and a long beak that easily catches and releases to function as a clasp.

Alternatively, when I bring the beak closer to touch the duck body, then turn the duck side way, it becomes a shapely heart!  Additional bending and forging of the wire creates the varying thickness in the final heart shape, reminiscent of calligraphy but with metal.

Since I can never stay with just one color, this newly re-purposed clasp got a rainbow dip in the anodizing pool, so to speak (hahaha, I crack myself up!)

OK, so it's pretty easy so far.  Finishing the heart clasp on a necklace is a different story.  Deciding where to add the crystals, how to hang the pendant, what kind of neck ware, and how does it clasp, etc etc...  The devil is always in the detail.

But I must say I'm pretty happy with the results.  Every little part fits together finally and nicely, making it a one of a kind necklace that's dainty in scale but bold in presence.  Icing on the cake?  This beauty went straight to a dear friend the second it's listed ;-)

To order your very own Forged Heart necklace, please visit the listing my online studio www.DaisyKreates.com.

Staggered Corduroy with Japanese Overlay Bracelet

Yep, that's a mouthful for a name!  "Staggered Corduroy" is the under structure, or backside, of the bracelet; "Japanese Overlay" refers to the large and small rings combination on the top side of the bracelet, which pale blue fresh water pearls are set in.  So it's really 2 weaves in one!

Don't let the terms backside, topside fool you; they're both beautiful on its own.  Even when done without the beads, the pattern is already mesmerizing!  But setting the pearls softens the chainmaille edginess, adds an undeniable flair.

For closure, I selected one of my original design of hand forged heart shaped S hooks in anodized niobium in blue-green color fade.

As a first go around on this intricate design, I'm pretty happy with the result!  Lots of potentials!!  Very exciting!!!

Complete views of this lovely experiment available in my Picasa web album.

Credits

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Thanks to Anne E. Mitchell for creating this beautiful design!

Tripoli Triangle Bracelet

Took me quite a while, but it's well worth it...........

Based on Scott David Plumlee's ingenious design of Tripoli Triangle, six of the Tripoli Triangle units are simply connected end to end.  I tried out a few other ways to link them up; in the end, I chose the easiest one; no muss, no fuss; nothing to distract attention from the intricate, lacy design of each little triangle.

The lovely bracelet shows off the unique combination of Byzantine and Mobius, the two ever popular chainmaille weaves.  With every movement of the wrist, each tiny jump ring of the Tripoli points reflects the light in all directions, giving a soft sparkle that's the trade mark of Byzantine weave.

Each of the six Tripoli Triangles is an equilateral triangle measuring 1 1/8 inches on each side.  The total length of the bracelet, including the handcrafted heart clasp in natural niobium, is 7 1/2 inches, with a thin profile at 3/16th of an inch.  All jump rings are bright aluminum for light weight and no maintenance required.

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