Earlier this year, I had my first handmade jewelry components published in an issue of Beadwork. Now I'm excited to make more! This summer I'm challenging myself to make new jewelry components, one type each for the months of June, July, and August. I'll be using different shapes, motifs, and materials as a creative challenge.
Triangles for June
I've always loved the triangle shape (well, once I survived geometry and could just admire a shape in an artistic way). It's familiar, yet it doesn't get used as much in jewelry as circles and squares. These triangles measure about 1/2 inch or about the size of a U.S. dime. This makes them perfect for earrings or dainty pendants.
My designs were engraved on wood and then painted and sealed with a protective clear coat. I used a very tiny brush to get into those small spaces.
Using a bezel keeps the back of the pendant looking neat and will feel smooth against your skin if used for a necklace. The base metal of the bezel is pewter and it is coated in pure copper. It's made in the U.S.
Here are the finished jewelry pieces I've made so far with these mini triangle pendants:
- Superhero Pendant
This triangle shape makes this charm look like a tiny cape. I had two thoughts when creating this design: 1) I love that scene in The Incredibles when Edna Mode says "No capes!" when designing superhero costumes. 2) I also thought about the superhero pose that Amy Cuddy came up with. The basic idea is that before anything where you need extra courage (like asking your boss for a raise), you put your hands on your hips for 2 minutes to give yourself confidence. - Daisy Necklace
This simple daisy reminds me of hippies and the Summer of Love. I wanted to add a touch of color to the pendant, but leave some of the natural wood bare. It's that mix that gives it that earthy handmade look. - Rainbow Earrings
Placing the rainbow design in a triangle makes it look like bunting used to decorate for parties. The ear wires are niobium, which is a good metal choice for those with sensitive ears. - Pizza Necklace
Extra cheese, please! Instead of engraving, I made cut-outs to give the pepperoni its 3D look. - Watermelon Earrings
Nothing says summer like watermelon! - Pink and Purple Tie Dye Earrings
Yes, I was one of those kids who made tie dye shirts in the summer. - Ice Cream Cone Pendant
How fun is this? This pendant comes with several color choices for the acrylic scoops of ice cream so you can select your own delicious combination. There are also Ice Cream Cone Earrings.
See you in July!