I recently picked up one of my favorite jewelry design magazines, Belle Armoire Jewelry.  The Fall ’08 issue is just beautiful with so many inspiring designs and crisp photos.  There was a particular bracelet that immediately caught my eye….must have been the use of lampwork and wire.  I’m not usually one to try out a new tutorial right away, but this time I did.  I couldn’t wait to try the woven wire technique by Sharon of Mana Moon Studios. 

I’ve been wanting to incorporate copper in my jewelry because I really like the patina it has when it ages or is oxidized (like an old penny).  I had recently stocked up on good quality pure copper wire from the Etsy seller, catdancingranch.  Here is my version of the wire-woven bracelet which I named “No Rules Necessary”… it was fun to randomly wrap with copper (and silver!) wire.  I used lampwork beads from Kim Typanski and Moon Stumpp. 

Continuing to ease in to using Fall colors, I then created a necklace using gorgeous lampwork beads by Kim Typanski that I had been saving.  I thought copper wire would be just right for these beads.   I was really happy with the way the piece turned out once I oxidized the necklace in Liver of Sulphur.  I tumbled the necklace bright and early this morning before taking the kids to school.  I think this copper wire just might be a new favorite! 🙂