Simple Hammered Copper Wire Jewelry Sets

I spent a few days in thought with myself. Trying to find some simplicity in a time of confusion and change. As much as I love the rocks and beads... it was all just a bit too much for these days and so I found myself with copper. Just a simple spool of natural wire, a hammer and some brown leather cord. The rhythm of the hammer and the curve of the spirals took me away to a very quiet place. I found some clarity and I found some strength. These pieces almost made themselves as they helped me clear my mind. It's very hard in a time of change to remember and recognize that we ourselves, choose these changes. We are the energy behind the motion of our Universe and many times, we're not even aware of it. We wonder 'what happened' to us, when it fact, we acted upon our need and desire for change in our lives. We are the energy behind the motion of our Universe and I realized that I Create, my reality....

These pieces were comforting. Blessings and much love my friends.

Simple Copper Collection














Welcome new wire workers. Sometimes we find excitement in the jewelry we create with our hands and sometimes, we create to find peace. For me, clarity and peace were the inspiration for these pieces. A mind returning to the simple nature of Universe, the simple nature of 'Self'. I know it sounds funny to think hammering would bring peace of mind, but it did. :) Maybe not for my neighbors, but for me, I began to not even hear it... ha!

The designs here are simple, but this wire is thick (16 gauge) and it's not that easy to work with. Not difficult, but expect to need muscle for it. There was substantial bending and hammering just to get them to the desired look. The small loops are most difficult to make tight with this size wire, even if it be 'soft' wire. Take care when gripping the wires with your round nose pliers, hold onto them firmly and with strength, use the build of the pliers to bend that loop. For further loops in the spiral, a tip is now to move to flat nose pliers. Insert them into the small tight loop, grip firmly but careful to minimize scratching and work with both hands, to control the spiraling. Hold the loose ends of the wire close to the spiral loop and pliers, this will help you roll the bends. Remember to release and reposition your pliers to keep the looping controlled and so that you don't contort yourself.

Once you have your shape, use a flat head hammer and pound the wire evenly on both sides until you get the desired look for your pieces. You will need an anvil or a metal steel block to rest the wire against while hammering. Keep in mind that while you hammer, some loops will loosen and the wire will 'flatten' out slowly. Remember to use your flat nose pliers and keep the shape while hammering. You will find that the wire will also begin to harden the more you work it with the hammer and the 'shine' in the copper will begin to become slightly matte in finish. You might keep rubber coated pliers near, however I find them to slip. Using the metal pliers to hold the wire is the most secure for me, but again, risks scratching. Some buffing might be needed to finish your pieces. Enjoy and I hope this gives you some great ideas for the week. These items are new in my shop! Thanks for visiting.

Thanks for visiting Perfectly Twisted Jewelry! Please contact me with comments or questions!
IzzyzGumbo@gmail.com

10 comments:

Mei Tan said...

Oh wow! Simple but very nice. I have been playing with a bit copper wire recently. The only thing I don't like about them is that they tarnish quite easily. One moment they glow so nicely and the next moment its all dull :(
Mei

Shay Stone said...

Hey Izzy:)
I always love playing with plain copper and especially hammered spirals! You've made some beautiful sets here and I enjoy the extra embellishments along the leather cord. So glad to hear that it helped you state of being as well!
Shay

A Beaded Affair said...

There is something wonderful about pounding wire. It releases lots of pent up emotions. I think I should head down to my bench and pound out some copper too.
Lois

ChezChani said...

I love the look of copper as well as it's econical - ness (is that a word?) Those are very striking, well done!

Diane Geisel Reiki Master, formerly MyGemStoneBox by Diane said...

First, I am Soooo sorry that it has taken me so long to visit. It is truly my loss!! What wonderful work and a great blog...keep up the great work.

Copper is so soothing...and one can take from your pieces great pride and joy in what you do! Awesome!

Blessings~
D
http://mygemstonebox.blogspot.com

IzzyGumbo said...

wow everyone! thanks for your amazing comments and support - yes, copper is always a default fave for clearing the mind. Just simple forms, no color or beads... it helped me to create these (despite the hammering noise!) ;) Hugs and many blessings to all!

Jan-Ra said...

Wonderful pieces! Clean and Elegant! I find the simple spiral shapes to be captivating as well.

Anonymous said...

Izzy, these are great! I used to avoid copper but the more I see designs like this, the more I like the warm color that has almost a soft glow to it, especially in winter when it fits so well with fall and winter colors! I really like your designs. From your description, getting 2 pieces to mirror each other for earrings must be really challenging!!! Teri http://www.sandtcreations.com/wordpress

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Bo Lumpkin said...

Good looking stuff. I am kind of new to jewelry making but I work almost exclusively in copper. I use copper, beads, marbles, buttons and anything else I think will look pretty. What I like about it is that you can make inexpensive pieces with a quality look.