Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Mixed Media Earrings: Tatting, Beads, and Wire Wrapped Dangle


Both of these pairs of tatted earrings are based on my own "Giddy" design (found in my book, "Tatted Jewelry"), but I embellished with added touches. I wire wrapped the beaded dangle at the bottom, and also made the earwires myself. 

The colorful pair is from my own hand dyed thread (colorway: "Summer Trail", size 20) and the brown solid is Lizbeth #691.

Tatting, of course, is something I've been doing for many years, but wire wrapping is new to me. I'm still in the "wasting lots of wire" stage, but making progress, I think. Classes on Craftsy that I enjoy include "Make Your Own Wirework Findings" and "Wire-Wrapped Stones, Crystals, and Clusters". (Disclosure: as a Craftsy associate, I earn a little bit of money when people sign up for Craftsy classes by following my links.)

The Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee has already started. The class that I'm teaching on June 2 is "Shuttle Tatting Basics" - sold out, but...

...another tatting class that I'll be teaching on August 1 at Shake Rag Alley has 3 seats remaining as of this morning. The formal classes at these prime venues can get pricey, but don't forget, the Greater Milwaukee Tatting Guild meetings are a fun way to learn in person for free! 

Here's a photo of a version of the Bead&Button Show class project using a metal filigree center, in progress from my own hand dyed "Stardate" batch. This thread is currently in stock in my Etsy shop, but going fast!

Bead&Button Show tatted earrings in various colors

11 comments:

Jen said...

How pretty!

God's Kid said...

All such beautiful earrings!! :)
I like your wire wrapping designs!! :)

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful! Stardate is one of my favorite color combinations.
StephanieW in NC

Madtatter80 said...

They are beautiful and love the color, for years I was so into wire bending it was a great work out for the hands too:)

Ladytats said...

Beautiful Earrings. You have a knack for combining beads, finding and the right colors of your hand dyed threads. Gorgeous.

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

I love the addition of wire wrapping! Is it time for me to shop for another Craftsy class? I'll have to watch you a little the next time we get together to see if it's something I think I can handle.

Jane McLellan said...

Splendid earrings. Good to be able to learn something new that is still relevant to your tatting.

Kathy Niklewicz said...

Exquisite earrings! Your work always showcases your talents, from the beautiful hand-dyed threads to your artistic designs and expert tatting! I know you will excel in wire wrapping also! I'm so impressed that you also generously share your skills by publishing books and teaching, both on the internet and in person! Total dedication!

zarina said...

Using HDTs and solids really make a difference to the final piece. It really gives me a hard time to choose for any project that I start. However, I have not been creating any because I overworked my arms when I was running a marathon to complete 20 quilts for my upcoming quilting book (God willing before the year end).

Marilee Rockley said...

Thank you all very much! It's good to keep learning and exploring.

Diane, remind me to bring wire and pliers to our next Tollway Tatters get-together :)
But, I won't be able to come until after June 26.

Kathy, your comments are always so beautifully worded and wonderfully encouraging!

Zarina, sounds like you have been working extremely hard! I hope your book turns out beautifully, and that you have many, many sales.

Unknown said...

Hi!
Beautiful earrings!

Regards,
Marta