Branching Out Into Rings

I love rings.  I do make them occasionally, but I must be honest, it doesn't come easy.  I think part of the problem is that I struggle with how to impart my own style to them, as well as the actual mechanics of making them.  I've been trying for ages to come up with a way of making a tree of life ring, and just couldn't work out how to make the frame.  Eventually, I gave in and bought a tutorial for making dreamcatcher rings by the fabulous Gailavira on Etsy.  Thank goodness I did!  I used her very easy-to-follow instructions and adapted them to add my own little trees.  Here is the first (not very special) attempt, using my new bronze wire:

I made a couple more, including this oxidised copper one for me (named The One Tree in homage to a series of books by one of my favourite writers, Stephen Donaldson):

And now, I've started to add beads (naturally) - because a world without beads is a boring one!

So, this week's theme is 'Yay for rings!'  And maybe an additional one 'Yay for tutorials!'  While I make the vast majority of it up as I go along (I know, you can tell), sometimes access to another's knowledge is invaluable.  Not to mention that it helps other artists if you buy their tutorials. :)

Giveaway Prize

And here it is - the prize for entering my giveway:

Nic requested a traditional round tree of life in an Autumn colour scheme - so here it is, I hope she likes it!  Thanks again, all who entered - it's lovely to connect with other like-minded people, and it was also good for me to make something to a spec; I don't have a lot of time to spend on my jewellery, so I generally spend it playing with whatever takes my fancy.  I do take commissions, so it's good for me to keep my hand in at making things to order every now and again! :)

And the winner is ...

... Nic!  Congratulations, Nic - yours was the name hubby picked out of the hat.  And yes, it really was a hat, as you can see from the pic.  I made him close his eyes and rummage around a bit before he selected a slip of paper - all terribly technical!  He's now muttering that he ought to be paid for 'official business' ...

I'd like to thank all the lovely people who left such encouraging comments on my blog - it wasn't a condition of the competition that you say nice things about my work, but it's very nice to know it's appreciated!  I shall be checking in to see if all you creative people have blogs, and following them too if I don't already - time hasn't been on my side this week (as usual) but I will find some to sit and browse.  Nic - I'll be in touch to find out how you would like your pendant customised. :)

In other news this week, I've finally finished my entry for the Etsy Wire Goddess Team logo contest - I'm not expecting to win, as the other entries are stunning beyond belief, but I thought it was a good way to get into the habit of the challenges we're going to have every two months.

And I've also attempted rings again - I don't know why, but I always struggle with rings.  I've been trying to fathom a way of incorporating a tree of life into a ring (and failing miserably) - in the end I bought a fab dreamcatcher ring tutorial from Etsy seller Gailavira Tutorials and adapted it.  Here is attempt number two:

It needs work, but it has potential.  And that's pretty much it news-wise with regard to my adventures in wire this week (although I did have a nice little delivery of bronze wire which is sitting looking at me waiting to be played with - I'm a big fan of the colour of new bronze, it's just that little bit subtler than copper).  Thank you all again for looking at my blog, and if anyone has any suggestions about which way to go next, I'm always receptive! x

Giveway!

Yep, that's right.  To celebrate 50,000 views on my Flickr album - which is imminent - I'm organising my first giveaway.  The prize is a custom Tree of Life pendant, made with copper wire, with beads in the colour scheme of your choice.  All you have to do to win is comment on my Blog, and choose to follow it if you aren't already.

Here are some examples (all my trees are different):

You have a choice of the following colour schemes: Autumn, Seashore, Ocean Depths, Summer lilacs.  Please specify whether you would prefer round or oval, and a flower-style tree or a traditional tree of life.

All entrants will have their names put into a hat (or similar receptacle!) and chosen by an independent judge (this may be my hubby, but I can assure you he has no interest in who wins!).  I will post the winner on here, and you will then need to let me have your address.  Good luck all, and thank you for looking at my blog. :)