Last weekend we took a little walk down the beach at Pass-a-Grille and picked up several shells. One in particular was speaking to me which set my mind to reeling on how to capture it in wire. It was not all that pretty at first. It was bleached out but underneath all that scale was much hidden potential. I gave it a tumble in some polishing grit which revealed a bit of it's glory, but when I threw it in the shot to harden the wire is when even more of the beauty was discovered!
Being a newbie at the wire wrapping/sculpting, this was probably MUCH too challenging a task for me to bite off...but I was determined! LOL The picture doesn't really show it all that well, but the swirls at the bail remind me of how the waves look as they are breaking as the top tips forward and tumbles onward!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy viewing it as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Captured in 20ga square sterling silver.
Measures approx. 2 2/4" from bottom of shell to top of bail.
I thought I'd take this little guy down to the beach and get a pic of it looking more at home! A much happier shell, indeed!
I love how you used the wire to follow the shape of the shell,a very nice piece indeed!
ReplyDeleteVery well done! I don't think I would have the guts to try and tackle something as intricate as that. It really is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJoan
You did a very nice job. Love the way the wire follows the spiral of the shell. Cool!!!
ReplyDeleteInspiration for everyone, that's a wonderful piece and I love the way you've captured the essence of the shell and elements!
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the shell, I always try things that I think would be too difficult for me too but I think I enjoy the challenge as much as the creating
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! It was great fun in a twisted sort of way way. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'd say that the wire following the spiral of the shell was the most challenging part but really it was just as challenging as getting the wire bent for the profile with allllllll those wires going everywhere!!!! LOL I pretty much had to get the wire bent to match the profile THEN figure out where the bindings could be placed. It was a really fun project...Definitely stretched my abilities to new limits so they can be tested again next time! =)
Gorgeous. Keep it up. Looks like you are a natural.
ReplyDeleteIt is very lovely! I must dig out my own shells and try something with them. Would never have thought of tumbling them, but you proved that it is possible, even desirable. Please, lets see more!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gammie and Anne!
ReplyDeleteWord of caution in tumbling shells - the shot has a tendency of hiding up inside the shells...be sure and work the shells around over a bowl or something to keep the shot out of the sink!
Trying to comment - 3rd time's a charm - maybe I'll get it right! I love what you did with the shell, Kat. I too, have a shell collection and you have inspired me! Anita
ReplyDeleteSweet Kat. Great work. You have quite an eye.
ReplyDeleteLois
http://www.abeadedaffair.com
Anita - I'm glad you were persistent and were eventually able to post a comment! Hearing from you all is much appreciated to this newbie!
ReplyDeleteLois - Thanks so much!!! I just sent you an e-mail about the Fossilized Coral Rondelles 14 x 8 - 8 inch strand listing on your Etsy...gimme gimme gimme! :)~
The pic on the beach is lovely, Kat. How come you didn't take the larger shells home and wrap them? lol
ReplyDeleteJeanne
Oh, those are rocks....hmmnnnnn
ReplyDeletelol
Just teasing...
Jeanne