<![CDATA[TUMBLED WIRE DESIGNS - Blog]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:54:40 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Bead challenge time.]]>Wed, 03 Oct 2018 19:11:56 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/bead-challenge-timeEvery fall Beadology in Iowa City, IA has a bead challenge.  You purchase the kit and must use at least one of every type of bead included in the kit.  You can add anything else you desire. I added some labradorites, moonstones and used both copper and bronze for the weaving and chains.  It is always fun to use materials I might not necessarily purchase. The work of all the participants will be displayed in the store for a week starting Oct 26th.  They always get some fun and creative designs.  
]]><![CDATA[Remembrance of Curaçao with sea glass]]>Sat, 17 Mar 2018 00:30:10 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/remembrance-of-curacao-with-sea-glassBeen a while since our dive trip to Curacao but fond memories return as I work on making  from the sea glass picked up on the beaches.  Never know what colors and shapes you are going to find and every day new treasure were washed up. Only found a couple of small pieces of blue as I am sure it is the first to be picked up. 
]]><![CDATA[Challenge with a twist]]>Mon, 06 Nov 2017 03:26:19 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/challenge-with-a-twist
Want a challenge with wire - try making earrings using a traditional macrame half hitch.  Make a straight spiral drop, dress them up with beads, or make a hoop. The video gives some helpful hints. Have fun.
]]><![CDATA[Labradorite - What's not to love?]]>Tue, 25 Apr 2017 21:00:02 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/labradorite-whats-not-to-loveThese stones are amazing. In low light they look grey, but introduce light and turn them and they flash a wide range of colors - among them blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple. Some flash one color others a variety colors. No two stones are alike. It is always a challenge to set them so there best qualities show. Below is a small portion of an article and link to the whole article with facts about labradorite. .
The Legend
 
   It is said that while an Inuit warrior was wondering along the coast, he saw that some of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) had been trapped in the rocks along the shore, with the swing of his mighty spear, he freed these lights. The Inuit also believed that the spirits of their dead ancestors could be seen in the Aurora Borealis. Although Labradorite may have been 'discovered' by Europeans, the natives of Labrador (the Eskimo Inuit who lived on the coast and the Native American Innu who lived inland) had been using a powdered form of the rock to cure their ailments, calling it “fire rock” or “fire stone” because of its mystical appearance .

http://labradoritesandgems.com/History_and_Fun_Facts.html​
]]><![CDATA[Cleaning copper and bronze jewelry]]>Tue, 14 Mar 2017 16:33:17 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/cleaning-copper-and-bronze-jewelry
My favorite aspect of copper and bronze wire woven jewelry is the warm patina they acquire that allows the details of the weaving to shine.  These metals will continue to oxidize over time and sometimes will get darker than the wearer prefers.  They are pretty easy clean and the video will shows some simple ways to clean them that don't use harsh chemicals.
]]><![CDATA[First Art Show]]>Mon, 29 Aug 2016 23:47:02 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/first-art-showParticipated in my first art show this last Saturday.  Being the first time I ever did  this I readily admit to having nightmares the week before.  Mostly following the theme of my booth magically disappearing or forgetting to bring essential items for the show. Needless to say none of these fears materialized. It was held on the grounds of Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids. The grounds were gorgeous and a beautiful setting for this event.  My booth sat in front of a pond.  The booths were spread out so people could wander from booth to both through the gardens.  The whole atmosphere was relaxed and it was fun seeing how people reacted to my jewelry. I learned a lot for next time and it was an enjoyable day.  The only mixed emotions for the day was when I had to say goodbye to a favorite bracelet.  I often "test drive" new designs to make sure they have no design flaws and are wearable.  This particular tumbled glass bracelet was a favorite piece I previously test drove. It went an individual who obviously appreciated its style and comfort.  It was going to a good home so all was good.  I will definitely jury for other shows and hopefully my next experience will be as positive.]]><![CDATA[Peppermint Baroque]]>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 15:13:41 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/peppermint-baroque
One of my favorite colors and patterns of stained glass.  This is my February window wreath.  I couldn't wait to tumble the pieces left from creating this. Not all glass will retain its beauty through the tumbling process. I just knew this one would and wasn't disapointed. The swirl of colors and the softening from the tumbling process give this glass a nice vintage feel.  The glass stands on its own or combines well with other glass.  So far I have created four pieces from this tumbled glass.
]]><![CDATA[ Got to love a challenge]]>Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:46:16 GMThttps://www.tumbledwiredesigns.com/blog/got-to-love-a-challenge​Whether I am working with Viking knit, weaving a couple of wires or multiple wires at a time I like pushing my limits of what I can do with wire.  I recently took a class at our local bead shop – Beadology in Iowa City – on using leather and wax cord attached to a glass rectangle to make a bracelet.  The class used a macramé technique to weave the bracelet.  Many of us knew each other so just as much socialization was going on as jewelry making so - we had a great time.  Knowing me so well the comments were “We know Zanetta is going to go home and do this with wire”.  Challenge accepted.  The blue bracelet is the one I made in class - a fun summer bracelet.  The green one is the one I used copper and black wire attached to the enameled disc.  The great thing is I had the enameled disc for about 3 years and couldn't decide​ what to do with it.  This class was the perfect solution. 
​This set up my next challenge to myself.  Tatting with wire.  My grandmother taught me to tat when she stayed with me for a week after the birth of my first daughter.  Rachel is 26 now. It is a way of making lace and doilies using a shuttle or a needle.  I am a shuttle tatter.   If you are not a tatter the simplest explanation is that you tie a knot that slides to make rings and chains to form your shape.  The challenge to myself was could I form that knot with wire so it slides rather than kinks.  Took more time and patience than using thread but I was able to tat the earrings that are pictured along side one of my doilies.   The wire knot is looser than with thread so the results are a little lacier, but I am pleased. On this first try I stuck with three simple rings forming a cloverleaf.  I will have to try for a medallion using rings and chains next. 
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