Earlier in the week I was planning my studio time. All previous projects have been complete and are off the bench, and I was musing aloud about what I could work on next. My very clever husband suggested I “get back to my roots” and pull out some gemstones and silver wire. And oh boy was he right!
First, I pulled out my silver wire, which I haven’t used in forever – partly because the last couple of spools I had were over-worked out of the package. But yesterday I had a whole new spool which turned out to be beautifully soft and usable. This helped enormously.
I pulled out my notebook of ideas and flipped to the page with gemstone combinations. I’d chosen these a long while ago for my “Focus” line, and the idea is that certain gemstones have ancient, mystical meanings, which when combined make for a stronger result… plus: pretty colours!
Working from my previous research makes picking combinations much simpler. I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried this but working within constraints can make creativity blossom! When you have unlimited options you can easily get stuck, but if you pick a constraint then your brain is free to work within that constraint without getting overwhelmed.
The containers with the gemstones in them positively creaked from disuse, but the contents were gleaming and shiny and gorgeous. Choosing the shapes and sizes of stones from my stash was fun within the colour constraints.
We’ve got Pink tourmaline, Amethyst, and Rose Quartz, meant to denote Love: 
Happiness: Garnet, Amethyst, and Carnelian
Peaceful Sleep: Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot
Meditation: Labradorite, Moonstone, Quartz
Spiritual Growth: Iolite, Kyanite, Moonstone
Strength: Garnet & Amber
Peaceful Sleep: Citrine, Amethyst, Peridot
More individual images over on Facebook.
Absolutely gorgeous, Gayle! I ended up here after I got your nifty handmade pendant bail tutorial at JL.com. Do you have tutorials for any of the above gemstones and wire beauties? I would love to purchase something along that line! Best wishes and keep creating!
Hi Carrie Lee! Thanks for the purchase :)
These are currently in my signature style, which I am hesitant to teach. At least, not yet!
Gayle, your pieces are all so beautiful! My question is, do you have a favorite wire cutter for pieces like these? I don’t see a single pokey end! I really struggle to get a close, neat clip on my wire pieces.
Thank you for sharing your art!
Hi Gayle,
I have just begun to work with wire and beach glass. You have been an inspiration. I have been browsing through many, many tutorials…. and I always end up back on your site, admiring your work. Thank you for your tutorials on youtube. Your work is beautiful!
Trixi, you’re making me blush!
Oh yes indeed I do! I use Lindstrom ultra-flush cutters. They’re ninja cutters. I’ve never seen or felt their like before! Plus, you learn to tuck the ends in after a while.