ECLIPSE - Lampwork and Forged Copper Necklace

Eclipse

Hi All,

Today's work is a combination of yesterday's work and my newly acquired metalsmithing skills.

I've always loved making my lampwork disks but just wasn't sure what to do with them other than make earrings and because I had no jewelry making skills, almost whatsoever, I didn't know how to be creative with them other than hanging them on ready made ear wires from Michaels.  Not that that is bad.  It just isn't where I want to be at this point.  I want handmade "sterling silver" metalsmithed by me ear wires now.  I'm so proud to have kicked it up a knotch.  BAMMMM!  ;o)

These disks are made with a special Double Helix glass that turns colors in the flame called "Raku" (beautiful - much more beautiful than in the picture).  I rolled the edges in another color changing frit and Viola!  these beauties emerged.

Now - out comes my 14 gauge, pure copper, wire which I hand antiqued.  I drew a bead on each end of the wire after threading on heshie beads to hold the wire in place in between the lampwork disks.  Then I began twisting and pounding the wire for a beautiful branchlike effect.  Bent the wire lop sided so the disks would hang uneven and the necklace immediately reminded me of the rare eclipse of the Sun and Venus recently.  I couldn't resist naming the necklace to commemorate this fantastic happening in our Universe.  I hope you all caught a glimpse of it.

I'm a happy camper today because I also took my California driver's license written test and PASSED the first time.....Now, I can continue with my life.  haha

Suzanne

HIDDEN IN THE BERRIES - Hand Forged Copper Enamel Earrings

SOLD

Hi All,

Seems like forever since I've posted.  But, I've been so busy collecting materials and gathering new metal smithing skills in order to bring you these new designs in Copper, Enamel and Sterling Silver.

No kidding, I've been working and so excited about this whole process I've met myself coming and going.  Finally, this morning, I birthed this pair of earrings.  I have to tell you, I feel very sexy and hip with them on.  I have many more in the making so keep posted and I will too.

The process is more, well I can't say more than forming molten glass around a mandrel, balancing by gravity, mixing colors and materials into the glass and coming out with a bead.  But is is certainly a welcome addition to my lampwork beads which will be incorporated into my new jewelry making skills.

First, I etch a copper sheet with a favorite design.  This includes Ferric Chloride an etching solution used in printmaking.  Once the design is etched in the copper, I begin cutting disks and various other shapes and sizes for use in the jewelry in this case earrings.   Then the disk goes to a dapping tool to make it a sort of spoon shape, for interest.  A hole is then drilled in the middle of the disk with my new Drill Press - I can't believe I have a drill press of my own.  Yay!

Second, I drill a hole in the smaller disk and take it to my torch where I dip in powdered glass called enamel and melt it onto the copper (3x) which gives a vibrant color to the disk laying against the copper shield shown in picture.  And the element I like most about the earrings, glass on metal.  Yay!

Now comes the Sterling Wire.  A bead is drawn on the wire at one end by holding it in the blue flame portion of the torch flame.  Then it is polished to remove oxidation from the flame (not too much - I like a little oxidation.  Makes it look forged - which it is!).  Two heshie beads (brass) are strung first on the Sterling Silver wire, then the enameled disk, the the copper disk and fashioned into a loop connected to a jump ring.

Another piece of Sterling Wire is then forged by chasing hammer and bent around a pencil to make the nice shape (simple huh).  Attaching now to the jump ring and Viola! a wonderful pair of hand forged earrings for sale on Etsy in about 20 minutes.

All for you to look beautiful and at the same time support "UpRising Yoga" bring healing to (CSEC) Commercially Sexually Exploited Children.  40% of my proceeds is donated for its continuance and growth.

UPRISING YOGA - for more information go to  -        http://www.uprisingyoga.org/

Love you all - won't stay away so long this time...

Suzanne

UpRising Yoga

UpRising Yoga...

40% of the proceeds of my glasswork and jewelry is donated to a program in Los Angeles called "Uprising Yoga". UpRising Yoga is a organization bringing yoga to At-Risk Youth. They are currently teaching in Juvenile Hall and creating a program in Los Angeles County for CSEC (Commercially Sexually Exploited Children).

Their mission is to create an empowering program to heal at-risk youth, for a safe place to confidently conquer challenges.

These beautiful women are very special to me.  They are teachers and students (including me) at Bikram Yoga Manhattan Beach.  The beautiful blond on the far right side is Tiffany Friedman, owner of the studio where I practice Bikram Yoga and also have my lampwork glass jewelry "Yogi Wraps" etc. for sale.  In the middle is  Rajashree Choudhury, an international yoga champion and wife of the founder of Bikram Yoga, Bikram Choudhury and their daughter,  Laju.  We were all in attendance at a benfit gathering for "UpRising Yoga" described above, in downtown Los Angeles, Wednesday evening.  

I'm so proud to be part of this group who is so giving of themselves to benefit these children in our city.  Hopefully, this is a program that will spread to other cities worldwide.

"Horton Hears a Who?" Lampwork Heart Necklace by Suzanne

I posted this necklace in my Etsy Shop but failed to share in my blog!!!  How can this be?  A friend saw me wearing this necklace and instantly said it reminded her of the dreamy scene in "Dumbo" the Disney film.  When I took the necklace off and looked at it in that light - hahah - I saw "Horton" the elephant in the Dr. Suess movie, "Horton Hears a Who".  Now, I love this bead in a whole new way ;o)

What or who do you see???

 Can you look at this heart and not see "Horton"?

xoxox

Suzanne

TIGER EYE - Yogi Wrap 4x Bracelet with Lampwork Button Closure by Suzanne

TIGER EYE - Yogi Wrap 4x Bracelet with Lampwork Button Closure by Suzanne

*Yogi Wraps can be worn as wrap bracelets or necklaces. Depending on the number of wraps in the bracelet you will be able to wear it as a choker or as a vehicle to wear your favorite pendant when used as a "chain" to hang it from your neck.

Measurements:

Two Button Holes to accomodate several wrist sizes

30" from button to first button hole closure
31" from button to second button hole closure

4.5x Wrap for 7" Wrist

TIGER EYE GEMSTONE

Great to releive scattered energies, if you are feeling drained or uncertain. Keeps you grounded, encourages optimism and lifts the mood. Great for balancing on all levels and encourages us to open up to new experiences. Fosters confidence and ease in manifesting in the physical world. It is a stone of protection that is also very grounding. It enhances integrity, willpower, practicality and correct use of power. It is a stone that enhances good luck, and brings prosperity, often in the form of money. Tiger's eye is also a very protective stone which is especially protective during travel. It can also help one see clearly without illusion. Tiger's eye brings a special boost to the solar plexus chakra and to one's personal power. Tigers eye enhances our connection with our personal power and will. It helps to gain insight into our own imbalances and to perceive and think more clearly. Giving the blessing of clear sight and vision in its highest frequency. Grounding and centring, it assists in transmuting limitations and fear. Chakras: Causal, Solar Plexus, Third Eye, Throat Astrological sign: Taurus, Gemini, Libra, Capricorn, Ophiuchus

Getty Villa, Malibu, California

I had a wonderful opportunity to visit the J. Paul Getty Museum and Villa on Saturday with two very special friends.  We had a wonderful day visiting and touring the amazing grounds of the Villa.  Shared below are pics of the estate.

Enjoy!

Hugs
Suzanne

Yes, that is the Pacific Ocean you see between the trees.  Breath Taking to say the least.

Beautiful Lily Pads

More Lily Pads and Koi and I think gold fish

 Riding the wineskin...

                


Also toured an ongoing glass exhibit of Molten Glass Antiquities.

The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa in Malibu opened on January 28, 2006, after the completion of a major renovation project. As a museum and educational center dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria, the Getty Villa serves a varied audience through exhibitions, conservation, scholarship, research, and public programs. The Villa houses approximately 44,000 works of art from the Museum's extensive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, of which over 1,200 are on view.

All in all a wonderful day all around....I hope you enjoy the pictures.

SUMMER LOVIN - Lampwork Glass Heart Necklace by Suzanne

"SUMMER LOVIN" is the second heartfull creation from yesterday's adventure at the torch.  So colorful. This heart has a (Designed especially for this necklace) headpin twisted into the eye for the 4mm Napa Leather (softest of all leathers) cording.  I can only get this quality, wonderfully made leather cording from Germany.  I've searched high and low and this is the Best!

"Summer Lovin" is 20" long with a silver magnetic elongated closure.  The cording adds so much to this multi-colored necklace that shouts - "It's summer At Last".

I'm definitely in the mood for love.  I'm lovin' the planet, the birds, the animals, the sunshine, the people, the Universe.  So many changes taking place for us in the Universe.  ALL GOOD!

 ENJOY!!!

Hugs

Suzanne

"My Happy Heart" - Lampwork Glass Heart by Suzanne

The other day in my Yoga Class I was laying in Shivasana (short relaxing moment before the next posture) and I asked within myself "What shall we make today?".  I heard "Hearts".  After that I couldn't wait to get to the torch to see what I was going to create.  This is the first of two beautiful hearts.

This necklace is made with Effetre Glass, a glass headpin I made especially for this bead.  In the middle of the heart is one of my vibrant purple handmade murrini flowers.

It is on 20" red leather 2mm cording with a silver plated magnetic closure.

It is in my Etsy Shop today.

TEMPLE OF THE STARS - Labrodite/Pyrite/Silica "Yogi Double Wrap"

SOLD - ENJOY MY FRIEND SHEILA 

 "TEMPLE OF THE STARS"
In my Etsy Shop!

This "Yogi Wrap" has so many wonderful properties although unassuming in appearance.  It is amazing how the Handmade - (by me) - Lampwork  Glass Button Closure (Silica) glows with the same "moon like" translucency as the Labradorite gemstones.  A special "Double Helix" silvered glass causes this effect during the creation of the button at the torch.   It is such an interesting little "Pod". If you look inside the pod you'll see the stamen is my handmade ochre glass headpin with iris orange frit on top. It is made on 18 gauge copper wire then twisted into the button shank. A OOAK handmade button.

I love pairing these crystals in with my glass work because I receive all their benefits during the assembly.  Each time I research their properties I learn even more about them.  They are all becoming my friends.

The neutral tones of this Wrap are truly space age.  I believe it will bring so much joy to the wearer because that is what I felt as I assembled this Yogi Wrap...JOY and sense of BALANCE.

The Pyrite has a platinum appearance and looks just like I would imagine a moon rock looks.  The beads are faceted so they sparkle and catch the eye by surprise ever so often.

This is a daily wear one-of-a-kind piece.  The leather cording is taupe and blends so perfectly with the stones and glass.  They all work together to bring about a sense of wonder all the time working their miracles in your life.

The bracelet can also be worn as a necklace adorned with your favorite pendant, choker or ankle wrap also.   Either way, keep it close to your body for the warmth of a best friend knowing its vibrations are pulling good things to you like a magnet.

Below I've listed the metaphysical properties of the stones/crystals used in this "Yogi Wrap".  Remember to keep your mind and heart open for change and you will reap the benefits of the crystals acting as a tuning fork, so to speak, aligning your life up with the Universe for you to be all that you can be.

ENJOY!

xoxo
Suzanne

Labradorite

Labradorite said to represent the "Temple of the Stars", It brings the light of other planetary beings to soul of the user. The labradoresence is a luminescence, derived from extra-terrestrial origin, which is enclosed in the mineral to bring the galactic evolved energies from other worlds to the Earth Plane. It assists one to traverse changes, attracting strength and perseverance. It can help to provide clarity to the inner sight it also enhances patience and an inner knowing of the right time. Labradorite is a stone of transformation. It clears, balances and protects the aura. It helps provide clarity and insight into your destiny, as well as attract success. Used for dream recall and finding ways to use dreams in daily life. Reduces stress. Labradorite increases intuition, psychic development, esoteric wisdom, helps with subconscious issues and provides mental illumination.

Chakras: Cosmic Gateway, Crown, Frontal, Soul Star, Stellar Gateway, Third Eye, Universal Gateway

Astrological sign: Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces

Pyrite

Brings a positive outlook and releases ancient murk that has been held in the emotional body at the solar plexus. It strengthens the will and brings harmony with self and others. It is also a useful protector from radiation from computers. Pyrite is a stone of intellect and protection. It enhances intelligence, mental stability, logic, analysis, creativity, memory, and psychic development. It can help you tap your own latent mental talents and abilities. Pyrite is a powerful protection stone, and is very grounding.


Chakras: Crown, Earth Star, Frontal, Link, Solar Plexus, Third Eye, Thymus
Astrological sign: Gemini, Virgo


Silica - Glass - Handmade Lampwork Glass Button Closure by Suzanne Hansen


Metaphysically glass represents and carries the energies of transformation, merging of elements, rebirth, focus and communication.

Light shining through a glass prism brings in the vibrations of those specific colour energies.  Glass has its own metaphysical properties and has energy like everything else in the Universe.  Glass brings together the traditional four elements; through fire and air the silica earth element is made molten and transformed into a liquid to then return to its earth state as a solid when cool.

Manmade glass has been found as early as 4,500 BC in Mesopotamia and 3,000 BC in ancient Egypt, before that the first glass to be used was natural obsidian and volcanic glass which was used to make arrowheads, knives, jewelry, etc.

INTUITION - Red Coral/Copper/Lampwork Button "Yogi Triple Wrap" Bracelet/Necklace

 "INTUITION"

While I am stringing the gemstones and metals on these Yogi Wrap Bracelet/Necklaces*, my own "INTUITION", tells me that it is being designed, with it's special properties, for someone who needs these qualities to enhance their life. *

In my Etsy Shop today !

The button closure, colors, stones, metals seem to call themselves to me "Me next", "Choose me now".  Their energy resonates with the energy that makes up our own bodies.

We know coral to be an actual animal that lives in the ocean and it is alive as it grows and forms coral reefs over the ages.

The healing properties of these living creatures (not just the coral but all crystals, etc.) have the ability to align our vibrations like a tuning fork, so to speak.

 

I love the way they look in addition to the benefits of the metaphysical properties in the materials themselves.

They become a part of you as you wear them.  They become a "best friend" helping to guide you in areas you know yourself need a little extra push.  The natural leather weathers and takes on it's own unique organic look that blends itself precisely to you.

It's obvious that I believe they are "magic".  I hope you do too experience these notes as you wear them.

*Yogi Wraps can be worn in a number of ways.

Bracelet wrapped around your wrist

Necklace/Choker/Chain to hang your                       favorite pendant from

Ankle Bracelet

Most of all have fun with them and have faith in their special properties.  

xoxo

Suzanne

Interesting factoids of this unique piece

Red Coral

Cooper Ethiopian Trade Beads

Handmade Lampwork Glass Button Closure by Suzanne Hansen

Red Coral

Moonga, red and sindoori (vermilion) in color. The use of the coral in jewellery dates back to the Romans who considered it auspicious worn in amulets.

Used to bring peace within oneself and settle emotions. Facilitates intuition and visualization. Protects from depression and despondency.  Opens and activates the base chakra, stimulating the energetic pursuit of predetermined goals.  Use to strengthen the circulatory system and nervous system.

Handmade Lampwork glass button closure - Handmade by Suzanne Hansen

Metaphysically glass represents and carries the energies of transformation, merging of elements, rebirth, focus and communication.

Glass has its own metaphysical properties and has energy like everything else in the Universe. Glass brings together the traditional four elements; through fire and air the silica earth element is made molten and transformed into a liquid to then return to its earth state as a solid when cool.

Light shining through a glass prism brings in the vibrations of those specific colour energies.

Copper Ethiopian Trade Beads 

Used by Ethiopian's in trade for food, services, etc.  

Did you know that Moses was married to an Ethiopian woman who played the tambourine?

In the Garden - 18" "Yogi Wrap" Lampwork Bead Necklace

This "Yogi Wrap" Necklace is 18" long and has a matching lampwork, handmade, fine stringer work, button closure.  It fits comfortably in your throat chokra with it's unique, irresistible, double ringed eye in the middle of the bead on both sides.

The glass reaction on both the button closure and the Lentil Shaped Focal Bead (1.25") is beautiful.  The green/yellow glass reacts with the deep navy in the glass stringer work and forms a tiny silver outer line within the navy colored space.  Mega WOW factor.

The necklace is strung on natural leather cording which gives it a very bohemian flavor.  I love it!

The purple flower murrini on both sides is handmade cane murrini made by me as well.  It is a simple yet elegant necklace that can be worn easily daily.

I hope you enjoy.  This necklace is a "killer" signature piece.  A must have one-of-a-kind.



xoxo
Suzanne

Deeper than the Ocean - "Yogi" Wrap Necklace

Something I'd like to share that I am very excited about.  I'm in the process of Trademarking the Name "Yogi Wrap" for this new line of jewelry.  It is the perfect name for it.  I've named it after my dog "Yogi".  Nevermind that I'm in the Yoga Studio every day.  haha  Loving it and thought you would too.

This pleated effect is something I'm going to really be practicing on.  I love the possibilities.  This necklace makes the most of the focal bead with it's handmade flower murrini (by me) and hair fine stringer work and dots.  It's simplicity is remarkable.  The two colors light and darker periwinkle combine perfectly with the leather 2mm strands.

The closure is a heavier metal magnetic closure and will hold tight under almost any circumstances.  However, when trying on clothes at my favorite department store, I pulled something over my head and it did come loose.  So I suggest taking it off lest it should fall on a tile or concrete floor and break.  (It is still glass no matter how long it has annealed in the kiln for durability).  Just a word of caution.  

It is beautiful and I hope you enjoy it.  It is one of my favorites.

"Yogi Wrap" Amazonite with Handmade Lampwork Glass Button Closure

 Amazonite Meaning – Magical Amazonite Properties

• Amazonite is excellent for balancing feminine and masculine energy
• If you are an artist, this is the must have stone for you
• Use it to increase kindness and become a more practical thinker
• Develop your sixth sense and increase psychic powers
• Build self-esteem and realize your hopes and desires

Amazonite Meaning – Amazonite Healing Powers

• Amazonite is said to have preventative energy that is good for maintaining general health
• Treat heart problems and metabolic disorders
• Increase stamina and ease cramp and stress
• Use its calming effect to correct mood swings and come to terms with grief
• Relieve tension by placing it on the back and neck

Below you’ll find more on amazonite meaning including amazonite gemstone color, amazonite chakra information, amazonite birthstone and zodiac…

Amazonite Gemstone Color

Green, Blue-Green

Amazonite Metaphysical Chakra Classification

Throat and Heart Chakra

Amazonite Gemstone Zodiac Star Sign

Aquarius

Where is Amazonite Found?

Madagascar, South-West Africa, Brazil, former Soviet Union, USA

Happy Family of Button Closures

Button Closures for "Yogi Wrap Wrist/Ankle/Necklace Wear"

Yesterday I created glass disks of various colors and shapes and headpins in order to have what I needed to make more Yogi Wrap Bracelets.  These are what happened !  I'm excited to get started making "Yogi Wrap Ankle/Wrist bracelets.   I will have the bracelets in my Etsy Shop as well as at Bikram Yoga Manhattan Beach Studio.  Tomorrow I'm headed out to the LA Bead Bazaar to purchase silver, copper, and other metal and gemstone beads.

I hope these make you happy as you share in the whimsical mood they created for me.

Hugs
Suzanne

Blue Lace Agate Ladder Bracelet

This Blue Lace Agate Bracelet is very simple, elegant and something you can wear everyday.  Just don't ever take it off.  With time, the leather becomes very supple and will form to your arm.  The glass button I made for it is two parts.  The little flower pod and the stamen are two separate pieces.  The stamen is made in the flame on the actual copper wire that is through the flower bead and bent into the wire that attaches to the bracelet making the button closure.  Amazing how the glass perfectly matches the  gemstones in the bracelet.  It is so feminine.

I like wearing the button on the front of my hand instead of to the back of my wrist.  For one thing, as glass it is safer (it will break if knocked on something hard, dropped on tile or crushed in some way or another.)  Although, it has been annealed in the kiln overnight which greatly increases durability.

Blue Lace Agate - What are the benefits of wearing this bracelet on a daily basis?

Blue-Lace Agate

This agate sings the song of the ocean, and so is associated with emotions, and shifting tides. Blue-Lace effects the throat chakra and helps you to speak calmly and effectively. It would greatly benefit writers, speakers, and singers.  Blue-lace agate can help you experience extremely high spiritual spaces, and attain inner-attunement.  Meditate with blue-lace agate to experience the qualities of flight, air, and grace.  Blue-lace agate can stimulate high frequency awareness.

Physically, blue-lace agate helps arthritis, the skeletal structure, and it benefits nervous system and capillary blocks.  The pancreas, and digestive glands are aided, as are the brain and eyes.

Blue-lace agate is associated with the throat chakra and the crown chakra.  

Bracelet/Necklace Time - Good News

Hi All,  my computer crashed earlier this week and I've been, stopped in my tracks, offline until today.  There is still something wrong with it so it will go in again and I'll be away for another little while.  The goods news is I'm staying very busy while I'm computer-less...

Also, this is so great news, my Bikram Yoga Studio in Manhattan Beach, CA, thanks to owner Tiffany Amelia Rhodes-Friedman, will be carrying my necklaces and bracelets for purchase.  She is such a cool Yogi!  I love her and this is wonderful opportunity to bring my art into a "Very Classy" spa-like space.  Thank you Tiffany !   Tiffany has definitely placed her badge of excellence on the purchase and rennovation of the Bikram Yoga Manhattan Beach Studio.  Check it out  bikramyogamb.com/  and if you live in the area - you cannot find a more superior studio to practice your Bikram Yoga than right here.  So come by and let them know you found them here on my blog. :o)

With that said, the first of the BYMB bracelet/necklaces is featured here.  I am having so much fun creating these wrap bracelets.  Each has it's own OOAK lampwork glass button closure created, of course, by me.  This bracelet is 28" long and wraps four times around your wrist.  It can also be worn as a necklace with the button closure in the front - or in the back.  Your choice.  I love them !!!  What do you think.


SOLD

This beauty is black leather cording, Silver African Trade Beads, Real Turquoise and one of a kind, handmade by me, glass, lampwork button closure.  The closure has been specifically created for this bracelet/necklace. 

The cost will vary depending on the type and number of gemstones used as well as the length of the bracelet/necklace.  

I will be creating single and double wraps too.

The gemstones are of the highest quality and specifically chosen because of their size and shape for use in the bracelets.

I hope you like them.  I wear mine everyday and it makes me feel connected to the energy and vibration of the natural stones, earthy metals and glass.  My day just seems to go better when I'm reminded of the beauty of nature and the Power of the Universe.

Hugs
Suzanne