Monday, September 28, 2009

Lapis Lazuli, the Healing Stone

Lapis Lazuli alleviates pain, especially that of migraine headaches.
This is the statement that got me attracted to this gemstone recently. As some of you may know, I frequently have migraine headaches. I've tried lots of things to help me cope with the pain - panadol, paracetamol (same thing), pain killer (can't remember their names), even 100 Plus, Chinese medicines/herbs, massage, etc. etc but non of them helps. When I got them, I'd be completely "useless" for one or two days. I'd be locked inside the bedroom and try to sleep the pain away. Of course I can't as the boys will come knocking on the door from time to time...mommy! mommy!
Yeah! I am very very desperate. Thank you to friends who suggested other methods to get rid of the pain. Haven't tried some of them out yet but will do.
Wire wrapped Lapiz Lazuli necklace
For now, I have made myself a Lapis Lazuli necklace. They are 8mm beads and we shall see how it works out. I hope it really works :)
For believers, here are other attributes of Lapis Lazuli:
  • Friendship, universal truth, harmony, peace of mind, tranquility, honesty, creative expression, expand awareness, intellectual capacity and communication, mental clarity, self confidence.
  • Mental clarity & emotional healing, and enhances judgment and wisdom.
  • Enhances psychic abilities and awareness & communication with higher self and spirit guardians.
  • Helps to openly state his or her opinion.
  • Energizes the throat chakra. Helps in recovery from surgery. Aids healing in the areas of the neck, larynx, and vocal chords. 
  • Protect wearer from physical danger and psychic attacks.
  • Cleanses the mind body and spirit of toxins and negativity.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Braiding with wire

It's been a while since I last braided with wire and I've never wire braid a ring until today. This is a "training ring" before getting into serious business :) ....Ehm! actually I was not sure if I can make a braided ring or not therefore this "test ring" :)

braided ring
Why so many spirals? Actually, I don't know what to do with the wire ends. There are six of them. Naturally, I'd go for spirals as they are the easiest and cute too.
Overall, the ring looks fine and surprisingly very comfortable on the finger.
I will do better job next time around :)

If you would like to make your own wire braided bracelet, check out my FREE tutorials - 3-Wire Braiding.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Wire Wrapped Earrings Day

Editted 4th Oct 09.
Not sure what happened to the pictures uploaded previously. Thanks Heather for informing me.
Here they are again.
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Here are couple of wire wrapped earrings completed yesterday and today.
Been playing with jump rings and here are the result.
Very simple and quick projects.
wire wrapped earrings - rose quartz
 wire wrapped earrings - turquoise
 wire wrapped earrings - jump rings

Friday, September 25, 2009

Finally Oxidized

wire wrapped sparkly rings, oxidized vs unoxidised* Click on image to enlarge
What do you think? Is it better to oxidized or non-oxidized? Check un-oxidized pix here.
As mentioned in my previous post, I finally got these two sparkly rings oxidized last night and polished with steel wool size 000.
Yeah! Did I mention that I found the steel wool? With steel wool, I don't need to use strength to polish them as compared to the green pads (for scouring dishes) that I used previously, before I found the steel wool :).
The funny thing is when you are not looking for it, they are all over the place :)

It will be weekend tomorrow, so I wish you all a happy weekend and happy wire wrapping. 

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Planning to Oxidize

wire wrapped sparkly swarovski crystal ringThis sparkly ring is really tiny - Size 8. The new owner would like it to be oxidized but I have not done so yet.  I seldom get customer who'd like their pieces oxidize but I am not complaining :)

My First Oxidized Ring
If you would like to know how to oxidize sterling silver, check out my step by step instructions with pictures - 1st Oxidized Ring. Its very easy to do and you will not fail. All you need is an egg ;)
Meantime, I will oxidize this one later and share with you the result here.

If you would like to learn to make this Sparkly Crystal Ring, check it out at my Etsy Shop - Sparkly Ring Tutorial

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Wire Wrapped Clasps with Pearl

wire wrapped clasp with pearlBeen a while since I made pipa clasps. The last time were in May 2008 (Kissing Pipas) and April 2008 (Four-in-One). More than a year ago. Wow! How time flies...
Made these two yesterday..commission piece.
Got problem starting making them though as its been a while, but turned out ok :)

Love this clasp very much!