Netted or Needle Lace Pendant
It’s funny, I’m looking back at my only other two post and both of them are featuring copper pieces, honest I do work in silver. :-) Just check out my website www.heathermorales.com
This pendant is my next upcoming class; I know it will be fun and challenging at the same time. (for me at least) Once you know the techniques it is an easy concept. But knowing how to work the wire is what takes a little more time and practice. There are two parts to this particular piece the first technique is called a netted pendant or needle lace or I’ve use the term buttonhole stitch (it’s the same concept). The netted weave uses 28 or 30 gauge wire, I'm not sure if I would go any larger in gauge but I'm sure it can be done with the proper tools. You attach your wire you’re stitching/weaving with to a base or frame wire which needs to be strong enough not to bend under a little bit of pressure. I like using 18 gauge wire.
This pendant is my next upcoming class; I know it will be fun and challenging at the same time. (for me at least) Once you know the techniques it is an easy concept. But knowing how to work the wire is what takes a little more time and practice. There are two parts to this particular piece the first technique is called a netted pendant or needle lace or I’ve use the term buttonhole stitch (it’s the same concept). The netted weave uses 28 or 30 gauge wire, I'm not sure if I would go any larger in gauge but I'm sure it can be done with the proper tools. You attach your wire you’re stitching/weaving with to a base or frame wire which needs to be strong enough not to bend under a little bit of pressure. I like using 18 gauge wire.
NOTE: If you are using sterling silver as your base wire, after shaping it to fit your stone or bead, you can put it on a steel bench and with a mallet lightly tap the silver. You don’t want to flatten your silver that is not what we are trying to achieve. By tapping the silver with a mallet it cause vibrations to run through the silver and it actually hardens it. Hope this little tidbit of info helps. :-)
The other technique on the bail in this piece is, as Barbara Berk refers to as, the Soumak weave or a variation of it. It originated in the country of Azerbaijan which is south of Russia and Georgia, north of Iran and boards the Caspian Sea.[1] This has to be one of my favorite weaves, especially when you add in 4 or 5 base wires to weave together. It’s very clean looking with quite a bit of detail.
Another thing I’ll be going over in this class is, when you use 28 or 30 gauge wire, especially repeatedly bend this small of a gauge wire, it can become very brittle and snap. Instead of ripping it apart and starting over when this mishap happens. I can show you how to add new wire to continue the weave with it looking clean and not so obvious.
I’m really excited to teach this class and if you live or happen to be in the neighborhood on Sunday November the 7th please stop by Bead Inland in Murrieta, CA. The class is only $35.00 per person plus supplies. The women are always a blast in the classes and I really enjoy their company. Hope to see you!
Another thing I’ll be going over in this class is, when you use 28 or 30 gauge wire, especially repeatedly bend this small of a gauge wire, it can become very brittle and snap. Instead of ripping it apart and starting over when this mishap happens. I can show you how to add new wire to continue the weave with it looking clean and not so obvious.
I’m really excited to teach this class and if you live or happen to be in the neighborhood on Sunday November the 7th please stop by Bead Inland in Murrieta, CA. The class is only $35.00 per person plus supplies. The women are always a blast in the classes and I really enjoy their company. Hope to see you!
Bead Island
25359 Madison Ave
Suite #108
Murrieta, CA 92562
951-461-1071
________________________________________
[1] http://www.barbaraberkdesigns.com/html/resources.html
Suite #108
Murrieta, CA 92562
951-461-1071
________________________________________
[1] http://www.barbaraberkdesigns.com/html/resources.html
