Free Mixed Media Jewelry Project: Crocheted Wire and Crystal Necklace for Beadalon

Crocheted Wire and Crystal Necklace Copyright 2009 Margot Potter for Beadalon

I taught a class at CHA on basic bead embellished wire crochet, with a twist. I figured out how to add beads without having to have them loaded on the wire and slide them up for every stitch, because that is far too tedious for this impatient crafter.  I've taken this idea in a lot of directions since I proposed this class and I'm really excited to finally share this simple technique with you. This project is posted in the Beadalon Blog today with full instructions, so I'm sharing the pics of the project here.  Just follow this link to get the instructions!

Until next time...craft on with your bad selves.

Cheers,
Madge

Mixed Media Jewelry Project Fire and Water for Rings n Things

Fire and Water Mixed Media Necklace Copyright Margot Potter
Fire and Water Mixed Media Necklace Detail
Fire and Water Mixed Media Necklace Copyright Margot Potter

Rings n Things Stash and Crocheted and Beaded Core Strand

This is a design created from items I selected from the delightful folks at Rings n Things for their Blog Partner challenge. I've named it Fire and Water. I absolutely love this 26 gauge gun metal wire! I did a basic crochet chain stitch with just the wire. Provocraft has THE BEST crochet hook set with fabulous ergonomic handles I highly recommend, working with hard wire isn't easy!

When I finished the crocheted core chain off, I used a separate wire to thread crystals and pyrite beads into the chain. In true 'impatient crafter' fashion, I knew I could figure a way around crocheting beads into the core wire, which is futzy and frustrating. I've also done this technique with nylon coated cabled steel wire and I found it a little easier to get fluid stitches, but I love the organic feel of this piece.

I had to create wire wrapped bails for these magma CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements coral pendants and I wanted to add more texture so I used some aged brass chain segments. The focal piece is a twist pendant again in this luscious magma color.

I've been playing with wire crochet for a while and I really love the way it looks. It's tough on the fingers, so be prepared, but it's really worth the effort.

I'll be back in the blog saddle on Monday. Until next time...craft on with your bad selves!

xoxo
Madge