Rejuvenate Your Starter Pieces
We all start somewhere, right? Rarely is someone absolutely perfect at something the very first time they try
it. That is not to say it doesn't happen. However, when a person is honing their skills, their first drafts and early
pieces are likely to be a little bit lower in quality than if they've got several years or an educational course under
their belts.
it. That is not to say it doesn't happen. However, when a person is honing their skills, their first drafts and early
pieces are likely to be a little bit lower in quality than if they've got several years or an educational course under
their belts.
Instructions
Just the other day, a painter friend shared something about his process that resonates with my own crafting journey: be willing to let go.
He wasn't saying to throw things away, but that an artist should be open to starting over.
He often steps back from his paintings or even paints over them completely if they aren't working or if he's unhappy with the direction they're taking.
He wasn't saying to throw things away, but that an artist should be open to starting over.
He often steps back from his paintings or even paints over them completely if they aren't working or if he's unhappy with the direction they're taking.
A great example for me is this early Tree of Life wrap I made about two years into my wire wrapping journey.
If I'm honest, it wasn't terrible, but it was less stable than my current standards require for longevity. It sat in my inventory for a long time before I realized it needed a makeover.
I didn't want to take it apart or scrap it; it just needed more... oomph.
I kept the original tree and flimsy frame but added a sturdier frame, coiled coils, an accent piece woven onto the front, and a shiny faceted peridot to catch the eye.
To finish, I added a clean, wide bail.
I'm happy to say this starter piece evolved into something that reflects my current skills and it sold!
If I'm honest, it wasn't terrible, but it was less stable than my current standards require for longevity. It sat in my inventory for a long time before I realized it needed a makeover.
I didn't want to take it apart or scrap it; it just needed more... oomph.
I kept the original tree and flimsy frame but added a sturdier frame, coiled coils, an accent piece woven onto the front, and a shiny faceted peridot to catch the eye.
To finish, I added a clean, wide bail.
I'm happy to say this starter piece evolved into something that reflects my current skills and it sold!
If you have a couple of older pieces lingering in your stash, bring them back to the table and give them a little extra polish.
Use your current skills to add more of your present flair and see if the refreshed look helps them find new homes.
If it doesn't work out, you can always start over knowing you gave it your best effort.
Happy crafting!
Use your current skills to add more of your present flair and see if the refreshed look helps them find new homes.
If it doesn't work out, you can always start over knowing you gave it your best effort.
Happy crafting!
Materials
Wire - Wide variety of gauges, tempers and materials
Cabochons
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
20 X 15 Inch Padded Work Mat
MAT-620.00
- MAT-620.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.21
Supply Detail
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): General Education
Jennifer Brooks
Magical Painter's Tape
Quick Measuring Tip for Classic Wire Wrap
Alternative to a Rolling Mill
How to Snug Up Your Stones in Classic Wire Wrap
Make a Rough Draft
Measuring the Circumference of Cabochons
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