Sunday, January 5, 2014

CHINESE KNOT by Franchezka Westwood - Featuring Flat Artistic Wire by Beadalon


Pipa knot is one of the 12 Chinese basic knots, (International Guilt of Knot Tyers), and it is to me one of the beauty ones, simple exquisite and easy to make.  

According with the Chinese Culture each knot is entirely handmade and woven with one lace or silk thread. Read Here.  

I made this pendant with out tools just with my hands, with one piece of Flat Artistic Wire.


The Flat Artistic Wire can be bend into all kind of shapes. It is soft enough to make it with your hands but strong enough to keep the shape hard and safe.

What a beautiful journey I had with this wire. 

Follow me in JTV in January 31/2013 where I will be teaching how to make this beautiful pendant.

Franchezka Schroeder Westwood
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SOUL WINGS by Franchezka Westwood - Featuring Flat Artistic Wire by Beadalon


Some weeks ago I received an email from Beadalon asking if I could make some  designs using their new Flat Artistic Wire. I immediately accepted. I tried it, I used it and I love it!!! 
I designed this beautiful butterfly that I named  SOUL WINGS  for its symbolism that is transformation and Joy. A sense of transformation for the new year or a time to evaluate life and set goals and movements from where we are to our next phase.  


The technique used is filigree, decorated with coiled round Artistic Wire, red coral beads and blue quartz. I accented the wings with chain decorated with coral. This pendant can be worn open as a normal butterfly or closed like a butterfly flying.  
Flat Artistic Wire is a tarnish resistant flat copper wire with tarnish resistant color coating. It is definitely stronger than the aluminum. The temper of this wire is great to keep the form in the designs.




Don't try to cut the Flat Artistic Wire with your new flush cutter. This wire is wide and strong and it needs a stronger cutter as well.
Flat Artistic Wire core 0.75 x 3.0 mm (0.12 x 0.03 in).
Franchezka Schroeder Westwood