Viking Knit

Viking Knit is a centuries-old tradition of hand weaving wire around a mandrel (or form such as a dowel). The series of loops and swags creates a rough looking tube of wire. Once the tube is yanked through a draw plate (a board with multiple hole sizes drilled out), the tube compresses and turns into a most delightful work of wearable art! Voila!

Antique bronze colored copper wire and amazonite beads make a lovely contrast.

These green rings are embellished with freshwater pearls.

The Viking Knit is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. Pairing the wire with different materials really can change the piece from casual to formal and any where in between!

Spring 2010 Designs

There's still quite a bit of snow here in CT, but the robins are already showing up in my backyard. A sure sign that spring really will come...sometime!

If you find yourself in Guilford, CT, I have a whole new line of spring designs at Bijoux Accessories Boutique, 2311 Boston Post Rd Guilford, 203-453-6500. Stop in and say "Hi" to Gloria. She is so wonderful and willing to help you find just what you are looking for.

New Year's Resolution(s)

Yes, it's almost the end of February already, but it's still early enough in the year to make a positive change. Really, it's never too late to make a positive change.

With that said, I am committed to posting more photos of my work on a regular basis. If you'd like to be added to my occasional e-blast, please email me with your address and I'll let you know the happenings of String It On! Honest, I only email out a few times a year, so no deluge of inbox junk from me.

Back to School!

Yup, it's the first day of school here. Older child's bus was 5 minutes early and barely slowed down. Had to run her over to a friend's house to catch it. I presume she made it to school ok. The next bus was 10 minutes late. That created a bit of concern for the younger one. "What if they forgot me?" The bus arrived and I didn't see any tears, although there was a deer in the headlights expression.
I didn't cry. today. I cried last night. Back to the school routine. Ah, the passage of time!

Bead Fest Philadelphia

My first time attending a national bead show. 'Sensory overload' puts it mildly. My dear friend and I went to Philly last week to Bead Fest. Last year I talked her into entering a bead contest called "The Beaded Book". Anything to do with a book ~ bead a book, bead a character from a book, make up your own beaded book. She beaded a marvelous Moby Dick, "Whale Rising" and won an honorable mention! I am so proud of her. He will eventually be on display at the Chester Library. I'll let you know when that happens. He has to travel to Portland, OR for the next Bead Fest show and then, hopefully, return to CT.

I wish I had taken a photo of the convention floors. Yes, there were 2 full floors of bead vendors in every size, shape, color and configuration. We took a class while there and I can't wait to play with this (new to me) technique. I'm going to leave you in suspense until I post a photo...

My next task to clean up my beading area so I'll have room for projects and be able to put all the lovely beads I purchased at the show into some beautiful pieces. Stay tuned~

Nautilus and Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Mother-of-Pearl pendant laser etched with a nautilus shell is right at home surrounded by top drilled freshwater pearls and turquoise heishi beads. Lobster clasp.

Pink Opal and Pearl Necklace

Pink suede cord dangles a single irregular pink opal, anchored with a line of freshwater pearls and tarnish resistant sterling wire.