Innovative Challenge!
September 30, 2006
One of the message boards I’m active on had a challenge this month that was really interesting. I didn’t get a chance to participate formally because it’s just too hectic right now, but I loved the idea.
The challenge was to take an Eni Oken tutorial, and “morph” the technique several times until you had a completely different, but inspired by Eni, piece. Some of the entries are just plain amazing.
I did a little bit of this type of challenge myself without even realizing it, but now that I’ve recognized what I’ve done, I think I’ll push myself just a little bit and go a little further around the bend.
Here’s what I’ve done so far:
Started with a simple S clasp, great for necklaces and lightweight bracelets. I love making these, they are so elegant and graceful, yet so functional. The one shown is from my own tutorial, and in copper.
Morph #2 was to take the S clasp, pinch it together so it was closed, and use for links. I used double jump rings with a tiny spring on them for interest and better security. I’ve made a few of these in various types of wire, gauges, and sizes of loops for slightly different looks. They are fun, look terrific, and are lightweight on the wrist. Plus, the design purposely allows the wearer to customize the size of the bracelet – hook on the end for a larger bracelet, or on any of the other links if that’s too loose.
Today I did morph #3. I needed an idea for a challenge piece on yet another forum. The rules were to use teardrops and pearls (along with other beads if desired) purchased from Michaels. I’d gotten these amber and red/amber beads because they made me think of fall…and the leaf spacers were just fun. After messing around with several ideas, I finally settled on making a “Gone Wild” style bracelet, then I hit on using the S clasp link bracelet as my base for the dangles. I really, really, really like the way it turned out…I’m not a red person, so I may remake another in different colors, but it’s so comfortable to wear and makes a fab jangle when it’s worn.
I already have an idea for morph #4. I can’t wait to try it out…I think this version will need to be a necklace or choker, but I’m not sure yet. More to come.
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