Rings & Things Design Gallery

Metal Clay Category / Grand Prize Winner

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:08:04 GMT

Far East

Artist: Lisa Pavelka (Las Vegas, NV)
Grand Prize / First Place, Metal Clay

"My inspiration was based on a love of Asian design motifs. My intention was to have a piece that captured the mystery of Asia, and its manmade and natural beauty. The bamboo arch symbolizes the natural beauty of this area of the world, while the Asian calligraphy represents the manmade elements that are a testament to what we can create. The filigree work bridges the two and can be viewed as either the work of a human hand or the fine patterning of a skeletal leaf. I wanted the piece to incorporate several processes that make metal clay versatile, including: hand forming, molding, stamping, filigree work and engraving. All of these elements were used in combination to create a feeling of flow within a symmetrical framework.

"It took a full 10-hour day of creating and combining the various elements, firing and polishing. By planning the design carefully beforehand, and having all tools and materials needed to execute the piece nearby and arranged in the order in which they would be used, I found that I encountered no obstacles in creating this piece. I strictly adhered to established Art Clay� techniques for foundation forming, proper dehydration, connection methods, pre/post refinement work, patina and proper firing times. The additional embellishment of topaz crystals and a pearl give a sense of movement to the piece." -- Lisa Pavelka

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303 views
Apr 27, 2009

Glass & Crystal Category

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:06:37 GMT

Neptune's Gift

Artist: Frances Kiperman (Boca Raton, FL)
First Place, Glass & Crystal

"Neptune's Gift was created during my mom's battle with terminal brain cancer. We both had an affinity for the sea. This piece represents the jewels of the ocean, the deep green of the plant life and the organic flow of leaves moving with the water. I wasn't going to enter this year, but my mom (my biggest fan) kept insisting I create something new. I struggled, creating another piece first. I beaded beside her, reminiscing of the days we use to swim at Coney Island, the beaches of Long Island and the pools. This piece is in honor of her memory and the courageous battle she fought to try to be here for my graduation with my PhD in Clinical Psychology. This is not any graduation; I struggle with Muscular Dystrophy and limitations of repetitive motion. I love you mom! This piece took about twenty hours to create once the artistic conception flowed." -- Frances Kiperman

In additon to Toho� Treasures, Frances used size 11 Toho seed beads and size 13 charlotte-cut Czech seed beads to form the bulk of this sparkling bracelet. For focals, Frances chose a stunning rivoli stone and limited-stock round stone, both from CRYSTALLIZED� - Swarovski Elements. The rest of the design was filled in with CRYSTALLIZED� bicone beads, Czech faceted firepolish beads and 12mm Czech glass leaf beads.

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444 views
Apr 27, 2009

Gemstones & Pearls Category

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:05:28 GMT

Pardon My French ~ Versailles

Artist: Linda Valentino Michel (Weeki Wachee, FL)
First Place, Gemstones & Pearls

I am a true Frenchophile and my husband and I spend a few weeks in Paris every other year. While in Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors reminded me how beautiful crystal and weathered brass go together! It's like nothing else! Its beauty is eternal, and this set lets me bring back a piece of Paris. I combined graduated faceted clear crystals; mixed metals of copper, brass and touch of silver; LOTS of fleur de lis, Louie's very favorite lilies; enough rhinestones [ball beads] to make Marie Antoinette sparkle; and a healthy dose of moons and stars, remembering that a French croissant was named after the crescent moon plus, of course, Paris is the home of Starry, Starry Night.

"In the competitive jewelry world, the one thing I find that sets jewelry apart is personalizing pieces, so I use any blank surface to add my theme-based mini prints. I LOVE using Rings & Things' dog tags for this! They are a perfect size for pictures. And because religion is still such a big part of Paris, no theme necklace would be complete without paying homage to a few crucifixes and miraculous medals. Almost all charms are from Rings & Things except for a few odd pieces that were actually parts of key chain souvenirs I got waiting in line at the Louvre. One of my charms is a vintage dictionary definition of the Louvre and is it a coincidence that directly under the definition of the Louvre is the definition of LOVE? I think not!" -- Linda Valentino Michel

For the crystal in this piece, Linda used primarily rock crystal quartz gemstones.

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479 views
Apr 27, 2009

Mostly Metal Category

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:04:27 GMT

Copper Viking Knit Necklace

Artist: Susan Walter (Torrance, CA)
First Place, Mostly Metal

"This is my first attempt at Viking knit. I've been wanting to try it for a while and, after making the chain, I didn't know what I was going to do with it. A friend inspired me to make this necklace after seeing what she did with her Viking knit. I added my own touches by creating the "coffee cup" bail and big-holed beads that slide over the handmade chain. I kept the focal bead simple to not take away from the Viking-knit pattern. The two copper "wire beads" were made with 18-gauge wire that I wrapped around a dowel. I wrapped these with more copper wire that I balled the ends of with my torch, to add a little accent. While going through my copper findings stash, I found the copper chain which worked out perfectly with the rest of the necklace. This was a fun necklace to make and it evolved starting with the Viking knit." -- Susan Walter

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424 views
Apr 27, 2009

Found Objects & Miscellaneous Category

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:03:51 GMT

Double Luck

Artist: Linda Valentino Michel (Weeki Wachee, FL)
First Place, Found Objects & Miscellaneous

"In a challenging economy, I am always trying to come up with ways to use left over bits and pieces of findings. I call these my "No Findings Left Behind" pieces. Four inches of chain, a couple yards of leather, a miscellaneous hammered ring, none matching but all can come together in a mixed-metal look! Also, the one thing that can make a piece stand out (with so much beautiful jewelry out there) is the personalization that photos can bring. In my collection of vintage photos, I found a precious Asian child and searched through my stash for Chinese inspired beads. And so "Double Luck," since the I Ching coin and jade are said to promote good luck!

Rings & Things' brass dog tags are just PERFECT for showcasing photos, and one can use a diamond glaze, epoxy (as I prefer) or even clear nailpolish to coat the glued-on photo. (The frame of the [rolled-edge] dog tags allows one to press the tag onto the paper to get a perfect pattern guide to cut from). My favorite thing about this eclectic charm bracelet is that after a few wearings, the leather becomes soft and supple, like your favorite old leather jacket. And really, the way a piece of jewelry "feels" on you is as important as the way it looks!" -- Linda Valentino Michel

In addition to the jade gemstones and Chinese coin, this design also gets its Asian flair from the bright red cinnabar bead.

View more 2009 First Place winners. Or, check for details about our most recent contest!
410 views
Apr 27, 2009