Cinnamon Jewellery

Noticing my supply of Liver of Sulphur chunks was running low recently I thought I'd better order some more. I've found getting hold of the chunks quite hard recently so I was interested to see my usual supplier Joy Funnel of ArtClayUK  on eBay was now stocking Liver Of Sulphur XL Gel. It's a stable gel form with an extended life hence "XL" which is ideal as the chunks tend to lose their effect after a couple of months and must be kept away from moisture. I've used the liquid form of Liver Of Sulphur once before which is available from Kernowcraft  in the UK, £2.95 for 10ml but found it wasn't very economical and the results could be a bit patchy, so I was interested to see how I would get on with the XL Gel. The XL Gel from ArtClayUK costs £6.95 for 30ml and comes in a plastic bottle with a nozzle top. I tend to oxidise maybe five or six pieces of jewellery at a time (I can't face polishing up more than that at once!) and the tiniest amount wil...

♥ Galaxy Pendulums ♥ I love playing around with wire and yesterday had a go at some wirewrapping. I used some blue goldstone beads I've had for a while, got out the copper wire and played! I didn't really plan this design it just kind of evolved.  The earrings were a bit fiddly in parts but that's all good practise for the future. I think next time I'll lose the spiral and maybe curl the end of the wire for a different look. I did think about bending the straight piece of wire over into a loop but then thought I'd probably ruin them so left them as they are! Next time I probably won't have the long straight piece of wire, I'll just make a loop at the top ~ in fact, next time they will be a completely different pair of earrings!    I oxidised them and cleaned them up with steel wool then gave them a quick polish but I didn't want them to be too shiny as I like the darker look with copper. I've called them Galaxy Pendulums as the blue goldsto...

I love working with copper wire and the look of oxidised copper so decided to do this week's Folksy Finds featuring, you've guessed it, copper! 1. Clutch - Handprinted Copper Silk ~ Sabine Cornic 2. Copper And Sapphire Galaxies Buttons ~ ButtonsbyMcAnaraks 3. Copper Moon Earrings ~ Silver Storm Jewellery 4. Copper Sea ~ Stutt Art  5. Mackintosh Style Copper Mirror ~ The Owl And The Pussycat  ( I want this!) 6. Copper Pheasant Fascinator ~ KissCurl

I spent most of Friday making them, Saturday morning oxidising and polishing them and this morning, as it was a lovely bright day, photographing and editing them. And here they are ........................... MelonHeart Twist Pacific Drops PassionFlower My Blue Heart WaterMelon Heart Frosted Copper And they'll all be listed on Folksy in the next couple of weeks

The second in a short series of useful tips, this time ~ Oxidising Sterling Silver & Copper jewellery Whether you oxidise your jewellery or not is a personal choice. I prefer the look of oxidised or "antiqued" Sterling Silver and copper wirework as it adds depth and highlights detail. What you will need ~ Liver of Sulphur You can buy Liver of Sulphur in liquid or solid form. I say "solid" but it's really powdery chucks. I prefer the solid form as it is more economical. I buy mine on eBay and it can also be found on jewellery supply sites. Steel/Wire Wool 0000 or 00000 Grade which can be found in DIY stores Oxidising your jewellery Before you start, close the kitchen door and open the back door (wide!) Yes the clue is in the name Sulphur and it stinks like rotten eggs! Dissolve a small piece of Liver of Sulphur in hot but not boiling water in a small bowl. I keep a bowl especially for oxidising. Avoid touching the Liver of Sulphu...