Bent Wireworks | Judy Larsen
In an effort to update my personal jewelry six years ago, I educated myself in wire-working and beading techniques. This is an on-going experience and I’m constantly exploring new techniques, designs and additional materials to incorporate into my work. Jewelry is the latest iteration in a lifelong love affair with all things crafty. I’m also available for custom work.
Inspiration is everywhere; the shape and texture of a flower or leaf, the filigree design on a wrought iron fence, geometric shapes, or museum pieces. Inspiration can also be sparked by a spectacular or unusually shaped stone.
Materials are everywhere; that rock in your garden, a piece of glass, the internet, a Gem Faire, a garage sale or grandma’s old jewelry. Once I have the stone and the shape, I am ready to draw the design. Everything starts with a drawing. Sometimes I get it right the first time, but it is more common to try several different versions before I settle on one. I go through a lot of erasers.
Once I settle on a design, I measure all the wire lengths with a flexible wire to begin creating my instructions. This step eliminates wasted wire. I then rely on one or more of the techniques I’ve learned to write step by step instructions. I may want to make the design again, and most designs hold up even with slightly different shaped stones, or smaller/larger ones.
Very often during the construction phase I discover changes that I want to make, or that need to happen, such as adding an extra step, or changing the order of steps. When I am finished with the piece I can alter wire lengths used, if necessary, to further cut down on wasted wire. The decision to antique (darken) the wire is sometimes made at the end, but I usually make that decision before I start, so I can antique the various pieces ahead of time, or during construction. Some pieces look better with a little embellishment: beads, pearls or crystals. This would be the last act before polishing.
