FORGED SILVER RING

Forging is the process of altering metal from its original shape with hammers, metal working tools and heat. Once forged, the metal retains its new shape. Blacksmiths for example use forging to create things like horse shoes and other tools.

Forging precious metal is useful process in jewelry design. It can be used to create subtle and Interesting change of plain on a piece of jewley.

I’ve had some fun creating a forged sterling silver ring from some round sterling wire. The front opened ends of this sterling silver ring are somewhat flaired and flattened with hammers while the back of the ring shank is round. It’s an interesting and fun variation on a round ring band.

Forged sterling silver ring

SUNFLOWERS FOR UKRAINE

The sunflower is the national flower of the Ukraine. In support of the Ukraine people and in protest of the invasion of their sovereign nation I’m posting an image of sunflowers in a field. I chose this image because it expresses so much about current events.

In this image the tattered sunflowers are standing tall and proud with the background of a clouded grey sky. The sky itself is bright but without the sun itself showing. In literature the sun is often symbolic of Gods presence. May the love of God be present in protecting the Ukraine and it’s people from the horrible invasion and war being waged.

HUGGIE EARRINGS

Huggies are the most petite version of a hoop earring and are great for everyday wear. They can be as simple in gold, silver or rose gold-or they can also be embellished with stones or a dangle charm. Huggies are great for layering if you have several piercings. They look better when worn in numbers.

The latest addition to my twisted wire collection of jewelry is a custom made pair of huggie earrings. The sharp definition of squared sterling silver wire gives a punch to this smaller version of the ever popular hoop earring.

Sterling silver 3/4 inch huggie earring.

TWIST WIRE RING

I’m continuing my collection of twisted wire jewelry. My latest addition to this collection is a twisted wire sterling silver ring. It features a thick square ring shank and 3 twists in the center. It’s stamped 925, the international quality make for sterling silver and my makers mark, JF.

I’m heading back to my bench now to continue creating square wire for my twisted wire collection. Thanks so much for taking the time to take a look.

3 twist sterling silver ring.

TWISTED WIRE BANGLE

Lately I’m loving to make twisted wire jewelry. This passion stared with twisting sterling wire for the bangle you see here. It continues with post back hoops and drop earrings. I’m lovng this look so today I’ll be any my bench working on twist wire rings.

To get the look I want for this twist wire collection of jewelry, I start with thick, round sterling silver wire. This gets processed into square wire. I then refine the edges to give sharp definition to each twist and turn. It takes extra time and work to get this look . That’s what handmade jewelry is all about, taking the time with details.

If you’d like to see this bangle click on the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1151338412/bangle-silver-bangle-twisted-wire-bangle?click_key=da314c1cd42794c9b60850d99963616c4da3d4c1%3A1151338412&click_sum=8b75e632&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

Twist wire bangle with 1 1/2 inch hoop earrings.

Twist wire dangle earrings.

Sterling silver bangle 2 5/8 inch diameter

AN OUTDOOR DAY

My last post “Leggings to Live In” prompted me to style an outfit with leggings for a cold winter’s day walk. I’ve added jewelry too.

I’ve wearing chunky twist dangle earring that are hot off my jewelry bench. They don’t get tangled in scarves or sweaters and the metal (sterling silver) is small enough not to transmit cold to my skin. The twisted surface of the earring reflects the sunshine and adds a bit of polish to this outdoor look.

Want to see more? Click the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1165299913/twisted-wire-earring-dangle-earring?click_key=50b71e9bd13dc318c281f6ced9cfde641e3fc00f%3A1165299913&click_sum=1669d3f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

Styling leggings and earrings for a cold outdoor day.

Chunky Twist Wire Earrings with outdoor wear.

LEGGINGS TO LIVE IN

Eileen Fisher brand clothing is an inspiration when it comes to quality, sophistication and styling .

I need clothing and jewelry that is quick and easy to change from casual to a more polished look without too much fuss.

The images from my Instagram feed feature of some interesting stying ideas from Eileen Fisher. Leggings with a hoodie and causal shoes for out and about. A long sweater coat, boots some earrings create a polished dressier look. (I’d add a statement necklace too.) Soft and fuzzy leggings are comfy on a cold winters day.

I love to wear leggings. They are my go to pieces for quick style changes this winter.

TWIST WIRE HOOP

Hoops never go out of style. They’ve been around for centuries, dating as far back to ancient Egyptian royalty like Cleopatra and Nefertiti. Hoop earrings are part of a “uniform” in my everyday wardrobe. There are so many variations to choose from.

I’ve recently made a pair of thick twist wire sterling silver hoops. These post hoop earrings are 3/4 of a circle but look as thought they are a full circle earring when worn. The 3/4 shape lightens the weight of a otherwise heavy wire earring. No tugging on your earlobe. I like that! I wear these twist wire hoop earrings with a twist bangle to pull my look together.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

We collectively face many challenges in the world today. It’s important to take the time to seek out beauty in the world around us. I find doing this helps me keep a balance in life.

The pastel painting below depicts of one of my favorite places on earth, the nature trail at Cedar Beach in Mt Sinai, New York. I walk this trail, as do many people, in all seasons and types of weather. Its uplifting spending time in this beautiful location.

The nature trail is equally as beautiful today as it was when I painted this pastel en plein air on a hot summers day back in the day.

I wish you a happy, healthy and safe new year.

Joanne

PASTEL ON PAPER BY JOANNE FORMAN 1990

WAVE BANGLE →

I love to wear bangles but they can get in the way when typing on the key board. My oval wave bangle fits right below the wrist bone so it doesn’t move around or feel uncomfortable. That’s a win win when spending time typing!

I fabricate it from thick sterling silver wire that is recycled. The bangle is assayed 925, the international stamp of sterling silver.

Want to see more? Click on the link to visit my Etsy shop, SoundBeachStudio.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1015705660/silver-bangle-textured-bangle-bangle?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

HUGGIE EARRINGS

This busy holiday season I’ve fabricated many pieces. Among my personal favorites are these“huggie” sterling silver earrings. Classic and minimal in design they are currently my go to earrings for dress up and every day wear. Happy Holidays!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season! A huge thank from the bottom of my heart to all of you for reading my emails, viewing my blog or purchasing my handmade pieces. Thank you for being part of my creative journey. The best of the season to you and a happy new year!

LEAF AND VINE EARRINGS

We’re deep into autumn with winter closing in fast. This time of year is beautiful but I felt the need to connect with warmer days. I chose a leaf and vine pattern for these sterling silver earrings because it reminds me of things lush and growing.

The earring sterling silver body is light weight making them comfortable to wear. I forge a gentle curved into the metal which reflects the light from different angles. They are stamped with the 925 quality mark. The pattern and shape of the earrings varies slightly making each matched pair unique from the next pair.

Here’s a short version of how I make them : I select the leaf and vine pattern that fits best with the petal shaped earring body. That selection gets imprinted on sterling silver sheet metal and is then forged into a gental rose petal like curve. A patina, which darkens the metal is applied. Hand buffing and polishing brings out the pattern detail on the high lights.

STERLING AND GOLD RIGID LINK NECKLACE

My handmade necklace is all about proportions, balance and symmetry. Geometric shaped sterling silver bars contrast with warm gold filled beads, nested next to round shiny black onyx beads.

FLOWERS AS INSPIRATION

Summer is gone now and today is a rainy autumn morning. Most of the flowers in my garden have faded but I continue to be in awe of the image of this glorious bouquet from my summer garden.

The hot riot of colors, the shapes and textures in this bouquet inspired the beginning of the beaded necklace below. I couldn’t resist putting aside my metal work for just a bit to explore this bouquet and “paint” with colorful beads as a means to pay homage to natures beauty.

I’ll complete the triple stranded necklace on some rainy and cold day and remember the glory of the colors, shapes and textures in this bouquet.

A big shout out to my daughter who designed a marvelous flower garden for us this year. Nature, especially flowers are an inspiration for artists.

TRIPLE STRAND GEMSTONE AND GLASS BEAD NECKLACE IN PROGRESS

TRIPLE STRAND GEMSTONE AND GLASS BEAD NECKLACE IN PROGRESS

AUTUMN NECKLACES

It’s autumn I’m drawn to richer and deeper colors in jewelry. Layering necklaces together makes fashion sense and looks great and celebrates the seasons color display.

From the left, Labradorite oxidized sterling silver pendant on leather cord; oxidized sterling silver spiral necklace; handcut fair trade Afgan turquoise with oxidized handmade sterling chain. The beautiful and glowing “Sundrop” carnelian briolett pendant makes me feel warm and cozy, it’s rich glow reminds me of colorful autumn leaves, pumpkins and all things about the Fall. Red aventurine beads, sterling silver links and twist wire circles embellish the handmade chain this marvelous glowing pendant

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TWIST WIRE HUGGIES AND BANGLE

I’ve been making “Huggie” twist wire post earrings at my jewelry bench lately . They “hug” close to your ear lobe. The beautiful shape and twist of the stud earring is echoed by pairing it with the bangle of the same thick twisted sterling silver wire.

There are many choices of lighter weight twist jewelry on the market and thick, weighty twist wire jewelry seems harder to find. I make my own twisted wire by hand to get the rich sophisticated look and feel I’m after. The result is a modern, refined look that pairs well together.

I start with thick sterling silver round wire and mill it so it turns it into square wire. The square wire then gets turned by hand to form the beautiful twists that are a signature to this look. Next the the wire gets sized and shaped to form a bangle, earring or maybe a ring.

The beauty of handmade jewelry is that you can make what you need to get exactly what you want. Heavy weighty pieces that are luxurious to wear and modern and refined.


FORGED STERLING BANGLE

Sterling silver “wave” bangle is created with fire (my jewelers torch) and hammer. The process is similar to the blacksmith in the previous post. Forged hammer texture marks create a play of light on the bangle surface. The opened back design makes this bracelet easy to get off and on. It fits snugly just below the wrist so it stays put even while typing on the keyboard. I wear it daily even while sleeping.

Coming soon on my Etsy store, Sound Beach Studio.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoundBeachStudio?ref=search_shop_redirect

This bangle doesn’t interfere with typing on the keyboard .

This bangle doesn’t interfere with typing on the keyboard .