Spider-Weave Pendant $70

Sharilyn Miller

This is a project workshop (all students will complete at least one pendant, and some will make more).

Students will learn how to measure, cut and shape wire safely, hammer it, polish it, and form it into woven "spider-weave" structure that holds a large stone pendant. They will also learn to make an eyepin and a spiral headpin from heavy-gauge wire. Time permitting, students will have the option of artificially aging their jewelry in a liver-of-sulfur solution.

Supply list:
Measuring tape
Small steel bench block
Plastic or rawhide mallet
Notebook & pencil or pen
Chasing hammer with a convex head
Flush cutters suitable for cutting up to 16-gauge wire
Jewelry pliers: round-nose, extra-long round-nose, chain-nose, and flat-nose
Sterling-silver necklace chain of some type, such as ball chain, or a leather pendant strap.
Bead: One large, flat pendant bead to wrap and weave with wire. Choose one with a large enough hole to accommodate heavier gauge wire such as 18 or even 16.
Wire: For wrapping and weaving the pendant, you'll need about three feet of 22-gauge round wire plus about five feet of 24-gauge round wire for weaving (can use sterling silver, brass, copper, or gold filled). Note: These measurements are approximations, and I suggest bringing more than the minimum wire requirement to class for practice. Option: For a heavier look, you may substitute three feet of 20-gauge for the 22-gauge wire listed above, and five feet of 22-gauge for the 24-gauge wire listed above. Large, heavy pendant beads may look better with heavier wire. NOTE: Order dead-soft wire, as it's the most malleable.

Optional supplies: Sunshine polishing cloth and a suede leather piece or fabric place mat to work on

Questions? Email Sharilyn at sharilynmiller@cox.net Website: www.sharilynmiller.com