Color Inspiration - Charming Chihuahua
by Kristal Wick
I have to honestly say my fave color combo is antique gold/copper and blue. Anything I see in those colors really resonate with me and it's super obvious if you see my wardrobe. I also have a collection of really beautiful images of cool color pallets to influence my jewelry design. Pinterest is the greatest invention for that very reason (although, the dark hole of time sucking is definitely the downside).
One of the most stunning images I saved in this color pallet is the the Roman Pool at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA. I was lucky to take a tour of the incredible abode William Randolph Hearst called home. He initially inherited 40,000 acres of ranchland from his mother, then expanded it to eventually total 250,000 acres. It was known as Camp Hill and he used it as a campsite for family and friends.

Eventually Hearst desired more comfortable accommodations and his simple instructions to architect, Julia Morgan, in 1919 were: "Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something." Well, his "little something" turned out to be the ultimate sumpin-sumpin' with 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces and pools including this beautiful Roman Pool.
Kristal Wick's Color Inspiration - Charming Chihuahua - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color inspiration charming chihuahua
Even though chihuahuas have nothing to do with Roman Pools, in factI knew the perfect pendant to use in this piece because of the color combo. A few years back on one of my Tucson trips, I got this darling copper chihuahua pendant from the fab Tucson based copper artist, Patricia Healey, and have been itching to create something wonderful with it! I am a proud chihuahua mommy of 3 (Sparkle, Bling and Twinkle Toes) so anytime I find an original chihuahua anything-it must go home with me!

I wanted to try making a new chain link design and used 2 different colors for the wire in this piece. I shaped the wire pieces then work hardened them with a hammer and block. I created some pretty blue Czech glass bead dangles with eye pins and attached everything together with matching jump rings. I think it turned out very whimsically funny and gets compliments every time I wear it! Thanks for the cutie-patootie inspirational pendant Patricia!

Creatively,
Kristal
Kristal Wick's Color Inspiration - Charming Chihuahua - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color inspiration charming chihuahua
Kristal Wick's Color Inspiration - Charming Chihuahua - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color inspiration charming chihuahua

Materials

20 Gauge Round Amber Enameled Craft Wire - 30 ft
H5-M20-30FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.80
  • Gold Club Price: $4.35
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20 Gauge Round Brown Enameled Craft Wire - 30 ft
H5-D20-30FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.80
  • Gold Club Price: $5.10
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Foil Lentil Aqua/White Gold, Size 14mm
A3-202
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.57
  • Gold Club Price: $2.68
Out of Stock
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
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Steel Bench Block 4x4 Inch - Pack of 1
G17-10
  • G17-10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.95
  • Gold Club Price: $16.46
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Flat Face Chasing Hammer with Wood Handle - Economy
G3-14
  • G3-14
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.57
  • Gold Club Price: $8.68
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Wubbers Small Bail Making Pliers
G2-1301
  • G2-1301
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Design