Designs

Latest designs and additions to Etsy store along with the story behind some of my designs.

Copper Bracelet in Helm weave

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The Copper Helm Weave bracelet is a simple yet elegant design based on the helm chain maille pattern. It is made of 71 rings and measures 7 3/4 inches in total length, including the lobster claw clasp. Although the bracelet appears heavy, it is lightweight.

The copper used is natural and was antiqued using boiled eggs, which gives it a unique patina effect. If you want to learn how to create such effects on your jewelry pieces, check out the blog post “Getting a Natural Patina in Sterling Silver”. Antiquing also adds depth to the piece and especially with chainmaille, it brings out the interesting pattern.

The larger lobster claw clasp not only adds character but is also practical, making it easier to handle when putting the bracelet on without assistance. If you’re interested, you can purchase this beautiful bracelet for $18.50 from the Kaleido Etsy Store. Click this link to view it: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1710239721/helm-weave-chain-bracelet-in-copper.

The Story of the Cross Key

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I used to own a key chain that was a particular favorite. It was the shape of a Celtic Cross and stamped into the metal were the words of the first verse of psalm 23, otherwise known as The Shepherd’s prayer.

The Psalm is beautiful, and it was a continual reminder for me; however, this was a favorite keychain for practical reasons as well as spiritual ones. One, its shape. While feeling through my purse I could easily find my keys without ever having to look for them. I would feel for the cross and voila, there it was! Second, its size. The cross was just a little larger than my car key. One note here, this was back in 2005 so, I still had a car that had to be opened with a key! No automatic buttons to press, it was all manual. Because of the size of the cross I never had a problem pulling it from its burial at the bottom of my purse. Third, the key ring that was attached to the cross was a good, medium size that easily fit many keys.

All in all, there were a few characteristics of my Celtic Cross key chain to make it highly favored. I also had several incidents where I would accidentally try to put the cross in my car door’s lock. It had a similar feel as my car key. Times when I would be looking around or not looking directly at the lock, I would inadvertently try to stick the cross in the lock and not my car key. That is what eventually grabbed my attention and gave me an idea for a cross design. From those inadvertent mistakes, I drew a sketch and started making cross key designs in different mediums. I started with polymer clay.

As I learned more about soldering metals and wire wrapping, I started applying the design to metals. I even took antique keys and made a few cross keys from them. This design has been gradually growing since the initial idea came to my mind in 2005. Now I am creating pendants in copper and silver. My goal is to eventually make bracelets and earrings.

The Cross Key has another important facet to its design, its underlying symbolic significance. The cross was originally a pagan symbol; however, after the death of Christ, it became a highly significant symbol of Christianity as it recalled the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There are a few basic types of crosses that have evolved throughout the history of Christianity. The Crux immissa, or Latin cross, is the basis of my Cross Key design.

The cross is the key to the knowledge of the kingdom of heaven that Jesus Christ spoke of during his ministry on earth. To be a disciple of Christ is to take up one’s cross and follow him which he said in Matthew 16:24, “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (NRSV) This is a call to self-sacrifice. Dying to oneself is a complete surrender to God.

Bloodstone

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Bloodstone or Heliotrope is a variety of Chalcedony. Chalcedony is a microcrystalline quartz. From the Handbook of Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones by Walter Schumann, Bloodstone is an “Opaque, dark green variety of quartz with red spotty inclusions.” These stones are found predominately in India, Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia and some areas of the USA.

Legend has it that the red spots of the Bloodstone were thought to be Christ’s blood. This stems from the Middle Ages and many things became folklore from those days. According to some metaphysical references, the stone is thought to carry an energy of Christ consciousness.¹

In one of my latest designs, I use a tumble-polished freeform of Bloodstone as the centerpiece, along with Herkimer Quartz and Swarovski crystals. The long, twisted weaved bail is an exciting aspect to the design. It is representative of structure similar to DNA. The necklace is made with beading wire and assorted beads such as, Tiger Eye, Mook Jasper, Bloodstone and Garnet.

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Check out the listing in my Etsy store: https://etsy.me/2Bztrlo

1) Simmons, Robert and Ahsian, Naisha, The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach (Heaven & Earth Publishing LLC, 2005, 2007), 73-74.

The Roller Coaster Weave

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Just finished a design that I am very happy about. It is a pattern that I will repeat and I am calling it the Roller Coaster Weave. It is my new template for bead rings. I have been wearing this ring today and I am in love with it!

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The wire base is 16 gauge sterling silver, hammered and structured into a circle. The weave wire is argentium sterling silver. Argentium is marked by .935 instead of regular sterling silvers .925 mark. This alloy contains more silver mixed with germanium. Argentium resists tarnish more than the standard sterling silver.

Rainforest Jasper (Rhyolite) is a beautiful and fascinating stone to look at. It is volcanic material formed by the process of heating and cooling in the magma or lava. It contains quartz with a composition very similar to that of granite. It is mined in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Mexico, India, Venezuela, Uruguay, Madagascar, Egypt and other parts of the world. Every area has its own version and appearance that makes it unique to that particular place.

For those who follow the metaphysical practices, Rainforest Jasper connects one with the earth and is helpful in connecting with nature and emotional healing. Its energy is known to invigorate and add to one’s positive attitude in the enjoyment of life.

Check out the listing in my Etsy store: https://etsy.me/2RcFOu9