Secret Garden Birdcage Necklace

 Sunday $135  
  Deryn Mentock 9:00 - 4:30    

Student Level: Intermediate - Basic wirework experience is necessary for this class
Type of Workshop: Project

 

Peek into a secret garden and capture your own magic as I show how to create an incredible birdcage focal, complete with twining vines, leaves and flowers, all made from wire. Students will bring their own small doll, charm or trinket to suspend inside their finished cage (please make sure your charm has an opening or loop at the top for hanging). Students will learn a simple wire weaving technique and also learn how to make rosary style links, wire wrapped fabric links and wire wrapped dangles. We’ll finish the necklace by incorporating lengths of vintage rosary beads, chain and your unique elements; then we’ll learn how to make a strong clasp to finish the piece.

This design was featured in Stampington’s publication Belle Armoire Jewelry, summer 2009. Metal Charlotte doll available from Judy Wilkenfeld at redvelvet.etsy.com.

This is a project oriented class but students may not finish the necklace in class. Focus will be on completing the birdcage focal with instruction given to finish other elements, which students will complete, in class, as time allows.

 Kit fee: none

Supplies provided by teacher:
Steel wire
Small amount of fabric for wrapped links
Small amount of text and images
Small amount of ribbon or silk for embellishment
Foam sanding blocks

Supply list:
6” needle nose pliers with teeth (hardware store)
Chain nose jewelry pliers
Extra-long round nose pliers (riogrande.com)
Small round nose jewelry pliers
Diagonal cutters for wire (craft store type)
Small hammer-ball peen on one side (hardware store)
Rubber dead blow hammer or rawhide mallet
Bench block Bench pillow (or hand towel) for use under bench block
Measuring tape or ruler
Diamond Glaze
Small paint brush
Scissors
Pencil
Small charm, doll or trinket for hanging inside cage (must have loop or opening at the top for hanging) Beads and pearls for body of the necklace (see photos)
Rhinestone or glass buttons, beads or briolettes for wrapped dangles
Seed beads
Chain (vintage or new) and/or rosary beads
Bring your vintage jewelry parts, beads, pearls, rings, buttons, keys, religious medals or any elements you’d like to add to your necklace

Optional supplies:
Sterling or other wire if you prefer not to work in steel wire
You may bring your own fabric and/or ribbon for embellishment

Questions? Email Deryn at: mocknet@sbcglobal.net
Blog: somethingsublime.typepad.com