Inspired Transformations

POSTED BY Mirela Popovici, 27 September 2007

One of our viewers, Mirela Popovici submitted her pictures and tips on materials for jewelry making and her new discovery of Precious Metal Clay. If you have any tips or suggestions that you'd like to share with other viewers, let us know by emailing us at tips@metalchik.com.

 

 

 

The materials I work with are just as important as the design. For me, as a hobby seamstress with love for fabrics, it is all about creating. Starting from scratch to create materials requires more work but the final results are always worth it.

There are various techniques to creating unique handmade items. Use the traditional knit and crochet techniques to transform a simple line of yarn into your own fabric. Then take this to the next level and knit with silver wire instead of yarn. You will need more patience and practice makes it perfect. Make time pass slowly from old to new and create your own timeless jewelry.

I knitted this bracelet and pendant by randomly stringing freshwater pearls on silver wire. I try to look outside the box for inspiration. I referred to the sewing world and found this organza ribbon as closure for the bracelet. Small crochet motifs like the circles and flowers or granny squares make pretty patterns for silver wire earrings and pendants. Snake like wire weaves are a good base for bracelets and collars. 

Recently I have discovered PMC (Precious Metal Clay) and all the wonderful forms it comes in. The lump form was my first experiment. The print on this pendant is inspired by my trip to Yuma, Arizona. It has been stamped with the hair accessory into the rolled clay, then a triangle has been cut around the design.

 

 

I have worked with the paste, paint and syringe before and had no idea how to use the paper sheet form of silver. I have tried some origami first in paper, but was not so thrilled about the results. The paper form of PMC is more flexible than real paper; it is different to the touch. The main material inspires me as I work with it. That is when I start to have a clear picture in my mind about what shape it will take.

 

jewelry, metal, Chik, precious metal clay