Showing posts with label Custom Jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Custom Jewelry. Show all posts

Friday, August 9, 2013

Sarah's Orchid Cuff - Step by Step Completed






Orchid Wax Cuff Completed...if she likes it.







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Had a little change...

...We changed out the sesquipedales (on each side of the cuff) for the Aerangis articulata. It took some work but I totally understands her reasoning but glad we kept the main orchid, the sobennikoffia.

I can't really show off her beautiful photographs but look up the Aerangis articulata and you can see where I'm going with this.


Everything a little sharp right now...nothing has been attached, sort of laying on my frame at this point.



Making progress, all of the orchids will have a polished finish but I still have a lot of fine tuning before that can happen.

Sculpting three of these little orchids to put on 
the other side of cuff.

Working on the side of the cuff today.

I have added Orchid leaves, couple of buds and another smaller orchid to one side.
The other side is going to have a cluster of smaller orchids.

Once the whole concept is completed, I'll take all of the pieces off and fine tune every piece and add  the final detail to everything.


Fiddled with the design a bit, took the orchid off and now I'm re-sculpting it to look like a angraecoid orchid based on the photos Sarah has sent me. It has to be perfect and that's tough because I'm taking a very three dimensional flower and having to flatten it out yet have all the characteristics. I did make a little change in the design but that's why I quickly made the orchid and wanted to see it on the cuff. Great thing about wax...it allows you to melt, scrape, & cut until it's exactly like you want it.


Well so far, this was what I saw in my head...now I have to add the leaves, more buds plus add several smaller orchids to the right and left side of the center flower.

I have a lot more work to do...only about 20% completed so I'll keep you posted on the progress.


Well its time to start sculpting on Sarah's Cuff. I spent yesterday feeding my mind on orchid pictures, 
looking at stems, buds and flowers...

...so now its time to make the base of the cuff which I've decided to make based on the curly stems. I know those have a different name but "stem" is working for me at the moment. Once I make a base, I can start sculpting the orchid components...one petal at a time.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

I have a new toy!


New Tip for my Kerr Waxer II

Just completed a huge job so I decided to treat myself to a new toy! It's still pretty shiney, haven't had a chance to use it but it's going to help clean out the wax from the back of my cuffs. I'm hoping to find the perfect temperature for scraping the wax out. If too hot, it will just melt through to the front of the cuff but the Shell Cuff has been a labor of love. When you're matching the  design in the shell, you have to get as accurate with the design as possible...you don't want someone saying, What Is It?

Once cast in silver...it's going to be awesome, totally unique!


Monday, May 14, 2012

Made to Order Calla Lily Cuff - Sketch

Calla Lily Cuff
Beautiful flowing Calla Lily Cuff with two leaves, one slightly covering the lily and the other tucked under the lily, each design of mine is hand-sculpted in wax before cast in sterling silver.
Each piece is then finished with a high-end polish for a quick cleaning.

The finished piece will be 3/4" wide (Lily and Leaf width) smallest width will be 1/4" cuff band.
This piece will be a Limited Edition of 20 which will be signed plus a Certificate of Authenticity will come with each piece.
I will make a mold of the piece but for only 20, this way I can spend the necessary time to sculpt the original. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and will spend weeks just sculpting the wax. I look at every piece as though I would wear it.
Below I have posted one of my Calla Lily Necklaces so that you can get a good idea about the work I sculpt plus my finishes.


Options: This piece is priced based on Sterling Silver.  If you would like to add gold accents, please e-mail me for a quote based on current gold prices. A Rhodium and Yellow Gold Plated are also optional, please e-mail me for additional cost.
Note: This cuff is "M A D E - T O - O R D E R" and process of my wax will be photographed and posted weekly so that you can see my process...it's a pretty amazing process that I don't mind showing you.
Sizing your Cuff: Please indicate your wrist size in the "Note to Seller" box, I will customize the cuff to fit you by adjusting the wax before casting. A soft measuring tape wrapped around the wrist above the bone will give me an accurate measure of your wrist.
Shipping: All items are shipped by USPS Priority Mail (USA) with Insurance plus Confirmation to track the package for delivery if necessary. All paid by me.

This cuff will be based on my Calla Lily Necklace (shown below)
This necklace is also a pre-ordered piece,
please e-mail me for the current price.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Tree Frog Cuff

 This is going to be one cool cuff.

The back legs and feet are actually what goes around the arm holding the cuff in place plus the upper left arm and hand just add extra support. The right hand props his head up and although his back is facing you now, when wearing him he is looking at you. So whether he is on your left arm or right, he is always looking at you. As pictured now, he is on your right arm scooting down...on your left arm, he is scooting up your arm. No profile shots yet...still fine tuning his handsome features.

The first casting will be all Sterling Silver with antiquing to bring out the detail and depth in the philodendrons.


My Little Tree Frog Cutie Pie Cuff with little heart
Philodendrons trailing down his back.


 Say Hello!  

Can you guess what's coming soon?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

A Iris for Laetitia...UPDATED!

While down in Islamorada at one of our shows, Don & I met a wonderful couple. They were in the process of working out their wedding details and had no clue about what jewelry she wanted for herself.


She had an Iris in mind and ask if I could make one....I have had several Iris request but her request was so special...I'm just a softy for weddings and the honor to make her wedding jewelry to cherish for years to come...so I said yes to the "Iris" Challenge.


Sculpting this flower was a toughie and Don, who is also a perfectionist...pushed me to get it right, well I'm pretty sure I got it right! I'm very happy with the outcome.
I have several additional ideas for this Iris, I would like to use this Iris without pearls using one of my husband's byzantine chains plus I want to use this pendant with a Swiss Blue Topaz drop which I feel would be beautiful.

Laetitia was wanting to go with Dark Peacock Freshwater Pearls and I couldn't have made a better choice knowing all the colors she has in her bouquet but I also wanted to make use White Freshwater Pearls as another option for myself.

Monday, May 5, 2008

"Isabella" ...What a beautiful name.

A great guy from Italy has asked me to make a one-of-a-kind Cymbidium Orchid Pendant. He has chosen this picture for me to sculpt by...I personally think it's a wonderful choice and obviously there is a special meaning to this flower.

I can't wait to get started on this piece...the Cymbidium Orchid is an absolutely beautiful flower and adding one of these pearls below to the center is going to be striking!

He has named this piece, "Isabella" and what a beautiful name to go with such a beautiful flower.

I searched out for a 7.5mm Black Pearl and these are the two that were sent to me to pick from. They are both so beautiful that I will add one to the center of the Cymbidium Orchid and probably make an Orchid ring with the other one...only time will tell.

I will have two suprises for this piece...I hope you will keep an eye on Isabella.

Update: Showing my work in wax can be scary and this is no exception but I'm keeping my client on top of things and this is the next step before casting. Once cast she will have several finishes including sandblasting to give her a soft glow and polished on parts of the lip (tongue part) to show the detail in the cymbidium. I'm crossing my finger on this...but I feel the detail will be worth the extra work.

Well she is finished! The Black Pearl adds a beautiful touch to this piece.


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Ghost Orchid - A Very Rare Orchid

Argentium Sterling Silver Ghost Orchid Ghost Orchid

I have added a picture of the Ghost Orchid to show just one of the photographs that I used to sculpt this tiny Ghost Orchid.
The Ghost Orchid is one of the rarest Orchids only found in South Florida and Cuba and this particular Ghost Orchid was spotted in the swamps in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples Florida. An orchid enthusiast took several photos and sent it to me to make a pendant for his wife from this very rare sighting.
The Pendant is made from Argentium Sterling Silver 925 and is 1 3/4" tall by 1 1/4" wide and is an awesome design to wear. If you are a die hard orchid lover...you can surely appreciate the beauty of this orchid.
The chain is a very nice Sterling Silver 18" Rope Chain with a Claw Clasp.

Price: $98
For more information about the Ghost Orchid: Click Here

Monday, April 14, 2008

This is such great news!

Don & I have been accepted into two huge shows here in Florida...The 21st Annual Las Olas Fall Art Fair and the 9th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving!

We are so excited about doing these shows.

21st Annual Las Olas Art Fair
Saturday & Sunday, October 4th & 5th, 2008
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

9th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving Art Festival
Saturday & Sunday, November 29th & 30th, 2008
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Citrine & Hal Together

"Hal & Citrine"


Once I put "Hal" my larger "Phala" Orchid up to the Citrine Nuggets...I knew they were meant to go together. This is a elegant combination.


Hal is a little over 1.5" across and sandbasted giving this orchid a soft glow, plus we highlighted the edges which outlines each part of this beautiful flower.


The Citrine Nuggets are 18mm x 13mm and have a rich gold tone to them with slight inclusions.


I have added a Sterling Silver Enhancer to the "Phala" Orchid making this necklace very versatile. You can wear the necklace with or with the Orchid or you can attach the Orchid to one of your existing necklace.


$225.00

2nd Annual Seaside Craft Fair on Hollywood Beach

My Next Show!
Hollywood Beach, Florida
Saturday & Sunday, April 26th & 27th, 2008
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Many crafters told Howard Alan Events that this area of Florida has great potential, so they are back for a second year. The show is set up directly on the boardwalk, right off Hollywood's newly renovated beaches. They receive support from the city, local media and residents wanting good fun events in their backyard.

Admission is Free

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk named one of America’s top ten nostalgic promenades by USA

Today in 2005, the pedestrian Hollywood Beach Broadwalk has undergone a complete renovation.
Built in the 1920s, the oceanfront Broadwalk offers over two miles of car-free enjoyment. Walkers, runners, bicyclists and rollerbladers set their own pace on this path, which is bordered by six miles of Hollywood’s famous coastline, boutique hotels, charming shops, and cafés and places to eat facing the ocean. The beach area and Broadwalk also offer free wi-fi access. Hire a bike on the Broadwalk and follow the gorgeous new path. Then, continue into the West Lake Nature Preserve to reconnect with nature and discover what early Florida looked like.
The beach offers its own entertainment, including paddle ball, volleyball, group yoga and Tai Chi classes. Several golf courses and tennis courts are also within easy reach. At night, a full season of cultural events takes centre stage.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Phalaenopsis Orchid Necklace is FINISHED!

She's Finished!
This piece is a Limited Edition Only. It will be 1 of 12 and this piece is Number 1. The Orchid Necklace, 2 of 12 is in Brazil. It was given as a gift by my mentor, Volker Kracht, a Master Jewelry & Artist who hand delivered the piece.
I am anxiously waiting his return to find out more about the one on the receiving end. I will keep you informed.
This was a design I've had for about 1 year...but procrastinated because I knew that the cost & time for making the first one would be enormous...plus I wanted to put a few more projects under my belt before I started sculpting this necklace. Once sculpted & cast, it took us more than 5 months to complete this necklace.
Now about this necklace: It has incredible accurate detail and was designed to wear comfortably. I have taken this piece to my Botanical Show last week and everyone who tried it on was amazed on how light the necklace was...and when they did try it on, the look on their face was priceless. It was as though they had stepped out onto the red carpet.
It has 3 Phalaenopsis Orchids, 17 buds and 33 leaves.
Each leaf in the necklace has movement, making this necklace flexible and adjustable, allowing us to add or remove leaves to adjust the length for a custom fit.
The necklace is Argentium Sterling Silver 925 and is stamped and has the "DV" logo. The Clasp is a very strong hidden clasp and was beautifully hidden under the leaves.
I am in the process of finishing up the matching "Phala" Orchid Bracelet and Ring.
Leaf Earrings are available in two different sizes.
As always, additional photos are available or visit my Ruby Lane Shop for additional Photos.
You can always Call or E-mail me for additional Information.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

New Wide Leaf Band Ring - Garnet

This is a super comfortable ring that I love wearing...actually, my jewelry display is a blast to have around...in fact, deciding what ring to wear is such a new thing to me but I'm getting used to it!
This ring has 6 hand sculpted leaves 925 Sterling Silver that wraps around the top of the finger and in the center I have set a 9mm x 6mm Faceted Almandine Garnet which has a beautiful deep red color which is typical for a garnet containing iron. This is a natural non-treated stone.
This ring can have just about any stone or birthstone set in the ring (final price depends on the stone) and as always, Shipping, Insurance and Re-sizing is free.
Cost: $165

Thursday, March 13, 2008

I'm Going Tropical! Philodendrons, Banana Leaves, Hibiscus...


You would think because I'm heading to my next show at the Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens in Stuart next month that this is where I had the idea about going tropical, it would have made perfect sense but noooo...we were in the Keys at our show and while staying at the hotel in Florida City they had beautiful tropical gardens around the pool and I looked down at a cluster of tropical plants growing together...there were banana leaves, palms, hibiscus, philodendrons and I said...this is my next projects!

My head was spinning but it was Don who suggested making a slider with a single Philodendron leaf first so this morning I made the larger leaf for an Omega Chain or a set of pearls using an enhancer and then I made a smaller one as a slider for a Hematite Choker.
The little leaves are 7/8" and 1 1/8" tall and will be cast in sterling silver first and then possibly 14kt next.
I plan to make a ring out of the smaller leaf which will wrap around the finger...I've curled the leaf around my finger and it was just perfect. My husband said I nailed the design beautifully!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

High-Riser Designing Woman has passion for jewelry


I made the front page of our Sun-Sentinel's High-Riser Newspaper today.!

My friend, Beverly submitted my Blog to the newspaper and the next thing I know I'm getting an e-mail from Chris Guanche, a writer from the newspaper wanting to set up an appointment to write an article about me. He was so impressed with my jewelry, he scheduled a meeting immediately with me and with his photographer, I didn't even have time to get nervous. I was so excited to have my story told plus have my artwork shown to over 50,000 readers along the coast of Ft. Lauderdale up to Boca Raton!

Unfortunately they forgot to add my contact information so I've had several people searching for my information on the Internet. Well if anyone out there can find their way to this blog (which several have) you can e-mail me at dawnvertrees@bellsouth.net or call me at 954-594-2186 to find out where you can see my Jewelry.

Friday, February 29, 2008

I'm having a Garden Party...

...and all of the Phala Orchids & Buds as well as their owners out there are invited.

I'm not sure what goes on in my head when I start designing one of my orchid pieces but when I see those little Phala's...it's like looking at little faces and they are all saying...don't forget me.

So it's definately a party.

Update at the ArtiGras Show: Don & I have a wonderful time meeting everyone who came to our booth including the supportive staff at the show, the learning experience was priceless. We left the show totally satisfied but not only that, we left with a clear path to what we needed to do for our next show which will be in Islamorada March 8th & 9th.

I loved hearing all of the comments about my jewelry including the comments that "they had never seen anything like it". That was exciting because I was able to explain that it was because of my method of sculpting the wax as if it was my porcelain, something that's not the norm when learning how to make jewelry.

All comments were extremely positive but both Don & I agreed...we feel the Phalaenopsis Orchid designs really stole the show leaving me wishing I had more designs to offer.

So we both agreed, I need to expand my Phala Collection but I also heard one other request...PEARLS! I heard this load and clear. So I am developing a collection by combining the two, Freshwater Pearls & my tiny Phala Orchids shown to the right.

I don't usually show my pieces right after the casting but they were so cute, only 3mm 4mm & 5mm wide (around 3/8th"). The long stem on each flower is called a "Sprue". This is where the silver is shot from the outside of the plaster mold into the void where the wax piece used to be before it was burned out.

We'll cut those off and start cleaning up the orchids and I'm pretty sure I'll sand blast each orchid creating a soft glow.

This is going to be a growing collection so please check back in a few days.



March 5th...I'M POPPING IN HERE FOR A MINUTE.

I am in the process of designing 3 new cluster "Phala" Orchid rings. The first one will have a 10mm x 8mm stone, a beautiful Green Quartz (light pastel green) stone which sets up high with a cluster of buds, orchids & leaves wrapping around the stone.

This design reminds me of the traditional "Cocktail Ring" in Bloom!

...more coming soon!

Don & I also have some exciting news for all those hi-risers living along the S. Florida coast in a few days, so again, please check back...this is very exciting and a complete surprise to me!

Monday, February 11, 2008

One-of-a-Kind Hematite Orchid Necklace


This one of a kind necklace was designed by my husband, Don who has a vey good eye for
jewelry.

The necklace is a 18" Hematite Gem Necklace. Each necklace is intricately woven hematite beads with a sterling silver magnetic clasp beneath the Leaf Slide.

The Leaf Slide is a series of 15 of my hand sculpted leaves overlaping each other until they reach the Orchid below.

The Pendant is one of my hand sculpted Cattleya Orchids, which has amazingly acurate detail carved into each one.
The unique concept with this necklace is that you can wear this necklace three different ways as shown.
Cost: Sold
*Although this piece sold at my last show, I can create another one-of-a-kind piece. Please e-mail or call me.