Wire wrapping requires supremely precise, yet hugely creative handwork. What a great combination! It appeals to my technical background and artistic endeavors. I aspire toward wire wrapping and admire those who do it well.
Marie Julie is one of these crafters, and someone who has the confidence and experience to work exclusively with 14K gold and sterling silver wire. (NO mistakes here!) Come have a peek at her meticulous, beautiful designs.
CARMEL CANDY PENDANT 14K ROLLED GOLD WIRE
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9858045
PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY: Many of the large stone nuggets (and cabachons) in your work have an 'organic' feeling. What quality do you look for in stone for your jewelry making?
MARIE JULIE: I am fascinated with what mother nature does and look for different rare stones and odd shapes that will make the final result interesting.
MALACHITE PEAR PENDANT
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8030505
BLACK ONYX BEAUTY
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing...
PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY: How did you get started wire wrapping and is it a craft better self taught or learned with assistance?
MARIE JULIE: I have tried all types of crafts! Starting with beads and wire, I taught myself basic jewelry crafting. But realized that if I was going to create jewelry then I wanted to get away from costume work and concentrate on 14K gold and sterling silver wire to create pieces that could be used for years and handed down for generations.
In order to elevate to a fine craft level, I had to take courses. The more involved and difficult techniques are best not self taught and I am in the process of taking two classes to learn different methods.
PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY: You're a grandma! Give my older readers your best tips about having a home business during retirement.
MARIE JULIE: After working for many years and being very busy, retirement was not what I thought it would be. There is only so much housework you can do and I needed to be creative for my own self esteem. Having a home business allows me to be creative and interact with others.
BLUE JEAN DAYS WITH DENIM LAPIS LAZULI
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12575672
NATIVE AMERICAN COUPLE WITH STALLION PORCELAIN CABACHON
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8016334
PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY: Sales are tough and jewelry is competitive, especially on the internet (I know too!). Who is your target customer, what is your market, speaking as a non-professional salesperson.
MARIE JULIE: There are many crafters making similar types of jewelry. I have confidence in my work and try to be original. Also what sets me apart is the use of best quality materials and each resulting piece is a very fine item. People notice the difference!
I also wear my jewelry all the time. When someone remarks, I offer it for sale or give them a business card for future contact.
I know that not everyone can afford the price of high end jewelry so I have targeted upscale stores. And by making a variety I am able to offer pieces that are affordable to everyone.
PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY: Leave us with something to remember you by, a quip/quote/tip/puzzle.
MARIE JULIE: So many times I hear someone say that they don’t know what to do. My motto is: ”Do Something! Even if it is wrong, don’t procrastinate.”
WINDS ON THE DESERT SAND PENDANT 14K ROLLED GOLD WIRE
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9844979
July 11th, 2008 at 11:25 pm 1215818725
thanks ladies!
xoxo
jul
July 11th, 2008 at 11:42 pm 1215819731
July 12th, 2008 at 03:51 am 1215834668
July 12th, 2008 at 05:08 am 1215839284