Monday, March 16, 2009

A Pictorial Tutorial - Floral Pendant

The 30 day self challenge is over.  Actually, it went by quickly for me.  I couldn't believe I finished and posted so many items.  Now, as I promised, I am presenting something a little different.  While on vacation I was able to pick up some beautiful cabochons and rough rocks that I am going to wire wrap soon.  Some of those might show up here.  I think I will keep it open to any idea that hits my poor old brain, or any you might suggest.  

Today's item is a pictorial walk through of how I made one of my floral pendants. 





Here are the components of the pendant.  I used one large acrylic floral trumpet bead (yellow)and  one smaller 5 petal bead(pink), two 6mm Swarovski round crystals in yellow, a silver plated  2" T pin, and 4 graduated sized silver plated bead caps.






Oh-oh....  This cap won't do what I want it to!  It needs to fit down over the end of the trumpet bead.  Never fear!  I have POWER TOOLS!   Out comes the Dremmel.






I used the tip shown and bored out the center to fit the bead as shown above.
Tadah!




Perfect fit!




Next the second filigree cap had to be adjusted to fit inside the trumpet bead to hold the smaller flower in place.





Now it was a simple matter of putting the components on the T pin in order.










Okay - all are in place.  Now for the part I really do not like, forming the top loop.  If you don't know how to do this there are a ton of tutorials available online.  I'm still trying to perfect it myself.  Here's how I did it in pictures.










I did forget one component in the first picture.   I added a medium sized silver plated jump ring to hang the pendant from a chain with.



Once the jump ring is in place the pendant is finished and ready to hang on your favorite chain.  I usually make a simple leather necklace to hang my pendants from.   






All Done!    

I hope you enjoyed my simple walk through of this process.  Let me know if you did and I will try to do it again.

6 comments:

Stef H said...

Sandy! Glad you're home safe & sound. (1) your grandson is gorgeous. Such a cutie-patootie!! (2) that tutorial is fantastic. Boy, I have no patience for what you do - which is why I admire it so. The result is beautiful! and (3) If it's OK with you, I'd like to post a link to your blog on my blog because I'm sure there are some jewelry makers & admirers out there who would enjoy this as much as I do. Heck, they may even make a purchase!

Angela said...

I loved watching your piece come to life, and would love to see more of these on your blog!!!!!

Thanks for all of that info, and the photos.

Unknown said...

Your designs are just great. Question: have you ever thought of using sterling instead of plate?

Sandy said...

To answer Gaston Studio's question about using Sterling. 1.) Most of the components I use I have not found in Sterling. 2.) If I could find them, the cost would be prohibitive to the majority of my customers.

Unknown said...

Sandy, didn't know that; thanks for responding.

Kndla's said...

Wow! It's fantastic! Thank you, very much!