Fish Sticks and Green Jello

I took a ring making class at The Bead Shop in Palo Alto last night. It was really fun! The women in the class were really nice and I learned a lot about wire wrapping. Basically we used 14 gauge wire to create these "wrapped" rings. Then to fill in the holes we picked out beads to fasten into the gaps in the rings. It was great to be right there in the shop while making this so if I screwed up I could get more wire or walk around for awhile to find the beads to fit in the ring. Plus, since I was a "student" I got a great discount on materials. I should just keeping taking classes and get the discount! Not only will I learn stuff but it makes my supplies that much cheaper.

Anyways, I got inspired to make my stepmom some earrings since my dad wasn't able to find any for her while we were up in Seattle. He really likes to buy her earrings as a gift when he's out and about. I saw the earrings they had at the glass museum in Tacoma and I told my dad I could make those earrings for at half the price... and I did! Except mine are much prettier. :P

So here they all are! I wish my ring photos turned out better. I think I need to take a "how to use your digital camera correctly" class or a "how to not take crappy photos" class, whichever. Not a bad idea actually... I really should look into that. I know the local adult ed has them.


Red Disc with silver foil bits inside them / Fuschia Swarovski crystal / Silver findings

Green/Blue/Floral Chinese Lampwork beads / Turquoise Swarovski crystal / Light Silver findings

Red/Pink/White Floral Chinese Lampwork beads / Rose Swarovski crystal / Multi-size light silver findings

Left: Floral/Silver Chezk floral bead / 14gauge Fine Silver wire / 20 gauge Sterling Silver wire for wrapping
Right: Clear Quartz Crystal / Fuschia Swarovski crystal / 14gauge Fine Silver wire / 24 gauge Sterling silver wire for wrapping

Lousy photo of chezk floral ring (I will take better photos later!)

Lousy photo of crystal ring (yes, better photos are coming!)