The last three pieces are going home today-they turned out just delicious!  Spent a sleepless night wondering if the resin was going to setup-but it did and all went well-many thanks to the resin Gods…

Snow brought just a bit more winter to our corner of the world this weekend-just a perfect excuse to spend 2 days in the workshop!  These ladies had no idea what a “bezel” was, let alone what to do with one should they stumble across it…. sure didn’t take long for that to change.

They already knew how to cut the back plates but adding copper tube rings with solder and flooding with solder was new to them. Only a few minor casualties, including a dime as an unintended adornment, and they were well on their way to creating their first bezels!

A bit of annealing, some hammering on the anvil, weaving some gorgeous sari silks, and the challenge of putting it all together was well under way.

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While the majority of the bezels were curing after being filled with resin, these finished projects were ready for a photo opportunity–just love the wonderful ways these talented folks can take a basic concept and  create such distinct, uniquely beautiful works of art.

Meantime, back in the house, the rest of the bezels were curing and just chillin’.

That was enough for one weekend-more to come on the completed projects!  Here’s a sneak peak on one of them…courtesy of Ms. Amy-this bezel contains snippets of a very personal family letter, and turned out just spectacular!

6 incredible ladies on a mission—2 days of having just a bit of fun and a few laughs while they cut, torched, pounded and manipulated raw metal into amazing works of art.   I was beyond impressed.. .  The pieces they made were as unique and beautiful as the women who created them–

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And there was more-much more.  Once the cuff production was under control, earrings were next on the addenda.  And I think a pendant or two…too busy to get any more photos-will plan better next time :).  Thank you ladies for sharing your creative ideas, the energetic company,  and infectious ideas of fun!

I don’t do much reticulation (almost melting) on brass or copper because of the toxic fumes it gives off, but was fun just playing with this one the other day-absolutely love how it turned out!  It’s made from brass but picked up some copper in the pickle-and I left most of it on to see how it would turn out…good call!  Not sure if I can part with this one, need  some time to think about it…..I ‘m sure I have room for just one more-or six.

love, love, the wrinkles

and the detailed contrast!