SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 15, 2009 23:01:54 GMT -5
Here's a few that I've made into my style for a few friends. First the question. For any beaders or more experienced jewelry makers than myself...what type of string/wire do you recomennd for necklaces. I have been using the wax string(whatever it's called) but want to order some better stuff from either Santa Fe or Fire Mtn. gems. I like simplicity as it shows with my stuff. I;d love to hear what you think as well as advice...good and bad. Thanks! My 1st Turritella Cab. Kind of neat stuff and I especially like the little shell that is agatized...almost amber-carnelian A gift to my Friends Wife. Willow Creek. I hope she likes it. A Green Dino Bone that is one of my personal favs, and a daily part of my wardrobe. Thanks...Steve
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Post by superioragates on Sept 15, 2009 23:09:00 GMT -5
I don't do any beading, but I sure think the willow is pretty! I like simple.....Marie
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Post by NatureNut on Sept 15, 2009 23:31:43 GMT -5
Really cool Steve. I like your usage of the anaraku bail in the middle one. They are super! Jo
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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 15, 2009 23:47:11 GMT -5
I like your treatment of those - the add-ons for each one just look like they belong with that stone. Good eye!
I have some stuff I bought on eBay as "porcelain jasper" that looks just like your Willow Creek - I'm guessing Willow Creek is what I have, and didn't know it. I'm still trying to learn the names of this stuff - there's so much to learn, and my old brain is so rusty ......
Tom
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Post by Bikerrandy on Sept 16, 2009 4:17:49 GMT -5
Too cool, awesome stuff!
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Post by sitnwrap on Sept 16, 2009 7:09:04 GMT -5
Steve, those are breathtaking and will make anyone who wears them feel beautiful.
If you want simplicity for the necklace, most suppliers have the premade wires in a variety of color. Someone sent one of these wires on their butterfly a ways back and it really looked pretty and I think all or most suppliers carry them. I'll try to look them up for you later today.
If you want to make a strand of beads, I would suggest Softflex and I think that they come in 30ft rolls. I have tried others but have had trouble with the wire misshaping if bent. You will also need the crimps, the crimper and clasps.
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Post by moondragon on Sept 16, 2009 8:14:42 GMT -5
When I make necklaces that are solid beads all around, I used a bead stringing wire made by Beadalon, small enough sizes to go through tiniest bead opening but still strong enough to last. These are such wonderful designs. They are perfect without anymore need of accents. But that wax cord will flay in a very short time and you dont want to lose the pendants. In the bead stores they sell a ton of necklace chains, you can buy by the foot or by the inch. And you can use your wrapping wire/self made jump rings to connect to the necklace chains. The other thing that is real popular now is rubber cords or leather cords. Will lend a more casual feel to the designs but casual chic:) Love seeing these, hope to see more:)
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Post by Bejewelme on Sept 16, 2009 8:48:20 GMT -5
Steve: Dang!!! THose look super. I am not usually a fan of holes in cabs, mainly because I would hate to see one get broken, but man those look super!!!!! Very nice design work and use of beads!!!! Amber
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 16, 2009 9:02:34 GMT -5
Great work. Yes on the Softflex recommendation. It is the only bead cable my wife will use. It won't kink up like the others. It has like a zillion strands and they have a new even more flexible one out now too. She uses silk cord on pearls and some other applications also.
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Post by rockmanken on Sept 16, 2009 9:06:29 GMT -5
I use Beadalon. It comes as stainless steel stranded. I also use some thst is sterling silver and some that is gold filled. You can get all kinds and colors now from Fire Mtn. I dont like holes in stones either, but the second one is neat. Need to learn to wirewrap(it's easy) and you won't have to drill them. My 2 cents worth. Ken
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Post by frane on Sept 16, 2009 18:54:32 GMT -5
That carnelian in the turritella really looks great! What a nice group here! Fran
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 16, 2009 19:09:43 GMT -5
Thank-You, Thank-You Thank-You!!!! For all the kind comments and the suggestions. I'll be buying some new string and probably some other goodies. Thanks goes out to Amber for the little glue on bail in the Willow Creek piece. I would love to learn how to wire wrap and hopefully down the road I'll be able to try it out. I know I should have been keeping notes on wire, gauges, tools, etc..... You guys are AWESOME! ;D Steve
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Sept 16, 2009 19:43:54 GMT -5
Very nice Steve and pretty unisex too. Simple and not to frilly for even guys to wear.......Mel
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Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
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Post by Wolfden on Sept 16, 2009 20:12:53 GMT -5
Real nice looking pendents Steve ..
Wolf
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karock
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 667
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Post by karock on Sept 16, 2009 21:45:04 GMT -5
Very nice cabs - accented well by the beads. I just started trying to drill - what a pain. My dentist gave me some used bits and they work fine for a while but hey, they were almost worn out when I got them. What do you use? Karock
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 17, 2009 6:38:31 GMT -5
Karock, I use diamond drill bits that I buy through Daniel Lopaki. I can usually drill between 8-10 stones depending on how patient I am which I have learned to go slow...very slow, minimal pressure and lots of up and down with my drill press. I think these holes are 75mm. I haven't tried any other drill bits because these seem to work very well and the price is right. I have a Covington Gem Drill that I bought several years ago and it makes it alot simpler for hole drilling. Steve
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nancyid
has rocks in the head
No stone goes unturned.
Member since January 2009
Posts: 563
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Post by nancyid on Sept 17, 2009 9:38:31 GMT -5
Yup, they are all super but that Willow Creek is really, really nice! :drool:
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Sept 17, 2009 12:39:07 GMT -5
These are great looking necklaces Steve. I've been wondering how a man could wear a cab without it looking too out of place. Thanks for the examples.
Nate
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