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.
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.
Patina is what is revealed during an oxidation process. It can occur on many elements such as metal, stone, wood, and even leather. In many instances, it is an aesthetic effect that gives a sense of character to an object. For example, in antique and vintage objects the patina can accentuate the age that is appreciative of its history.
Patina is it a type of tarnish that occurs on copper based metals. Brass tarnishes because of its copper-alloy element. Tarnish occurs during exposure to oxygen and sulfides. Patina and tarnish are both examples of corrosion on metals.
The patina effect on this copper ring was created using ammonia and salt. Another way of achieving a patina effect is using liver of sulfur. Based on the metal, every oxidation process produces a unique effect. In jewelry, this effect is appreciated in multiple ways. The bracelet, pictured below, was oxidized using boiled eggs. Because of the red tones of the copper, the tarnish has a warmer effect than it does with silver.
Most oxidation processes, especially when used on ornate items, give depth to any design. The artistic effect pulls out the detail in some of the most intricate patterns. For the wire and stone designs in the Kaleido store, the oxidation is the best final touch because it embellishes, with natural shadows, the beauty of lines and shapes that would otherwise not be as noticeable.
A few years ago I did some doodle drawings using one continuous line to create patterns. A doodle, by definition, is to scribble aimlessly. There was something about the flow of the lines that an idea began to evolve. The doodle is a lot like life. It curves, turns, overlaps, seemingly goes in reverse, and spirals. A doodle can seem out of control but, something special happens once the doodle is done, you see a magnificent pattern.
I created a design from the concept of my doodle drawings and called it, the doodle cross. The first design was commissioned for a priest who was getting ready to leave for Alaska. I am a bit of a collector of minerals and gems and I happened to have a nice slab of blue jade from Alaska.
Natural Blue Jade from Alaska
The meaning behind the design: The doodle cross has significant meaning in the continuing walk with Christ. The cross is eclectic. There is silver and there is gold. There is a little sparkle of brightness here and there. Sometimes, it is bound because of the things that hold us back in life: fear, anger, pain, unforgiveness, jealousy, hate.
Red Swarovski crystals and other crystal beads. Aluminum wire.
There are various red Swarovski crystals spread throughout. These crystals represent the blood of Christ. The Cross is a symbol used to meditate upon as a reminder of a sacrifice. It is not just about a sacrifice but, for those who believe, there is an ultimate success. In the midst of the unfolding of a plan, things seemed out of control. Complete chaos and struggle pursued and then, eventually, a death. Through the madness, sense of loss and despair, there was a light and the light meant hope. The doodle represents all the struggle and chaos but, also, a light of hope that all, in the end, is not lost. No, it is actually saved.
Completed Doodle Cross
Doodle Cross, Wall Sculpture
The Doodle represents a journey. It is sometimes smooth and happy. Sometimes extremely painful and lonely. Through it all, God is ever present. The Doodle Cross is a personal reminder that through the sunlight and clouds of our lives there is a Refiner and Purifier of silver at work; a Potter molding the clay.
Kaleido Wire And Stone 