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I was born with it... a burning sense of curiosity... always wanting to know how and why. And maybe as a challenge to myself, before I go pulling at people's sleeves asking for answers, I try to figure things out myself. That's why I'm familiar with the "10% wastage" rule. And today, I'd qualify for the poster child of the month for "trial and error." Let me explain. As you may have read in my previous entries, my latest passion is beads and wireworking. The combination of hand-wrist twisting and fine motor action is great for my carpal-tunnel-syndrome survivor hands. So after mastering the stringing and crimping skill, I thought I'd try "wrapping" -- twisting wire around a gemstone or cameo to make a pendant. I've seen some online, they look great. I could do that. Let me emphasize that I learned all I know about beading and wirework by scrutinizing the items displayed online. Every now and then I'd come across a tutorial that explained how to make a perfect loop, but only after I've already tried-and-erred over a few feet of wire, and first-hand discovered how to do it--albeit by accident. So I looked at those dainty pendants very closely and tried to figure out how those wires got "sculptured" around those stones. Ah hah! I'll try it. I grabbed one of those plastic colored stones that they put in flower vases, rolled out a foot of copper wire, and twisted away. Here's my first attempt:  As you can see, I have successfully wire-sculptured a bright red three-legged spider. Not to be discouraged, and armed with the knowledge I gained from my three-legged spider, I grabbed another stone--a bigger one for better handling (actually one of the river stones I had in a planter). Using my newly acquired more workable technique... voila!  It worked! Looks great for a second try! It was like solving a puzzle. That definitely was my simple joy for the day. Anyone wanna buy a rock? |
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