Etsy Shop for clairecreations

Double Lapis Lazuli Earrings (1711)

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:18:14 -0500

$32.00
Lapis Lazuli has been a coveted gemstone for over 6,000 years -- and still is today. The teardrop shaped lapis lazuli beads in these earrings are a particularly pretty shade of blue with lots of variation in color. They are on sterling ear wires and separated with silver spacers. Measure about one inch.

Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Earrings (1766)

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:08:16 -0500

$28.00
These simple, freeform earrings are just the right finishing touch for your holiday outfit -- or for that perfect little gift. The teardrop shape lapis lazul beads are really pretty specimens of this lovely stone.

stocking stuffer earrings2

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:57:50 -0500

$16.00
Great little trinkets to put in her (or your own) stocking. Or hide it in festive wrapping.
Listing is for ONE of these four sets of earrings. Choose whichever you like -- or maybe more than one.
If you purchase 3, get the 4th one free. They are:
Top, left to right:
beadwoven with tiny seed and bugle beads with silver leaf drops. Sterling plated ear wires; faceted translucent green glass beads with gold filled ear wires.
Bottom, left to right:
sterling silver mini elephants, sterling ear wires;
green turquoise chips with tiny copper balls on copper wire.

Stocking Stuffer Earings

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:02:36 -0500

$16.00
How about a pretty pair of earrings to put in her (or your own) stocking - or wrap as a gift.
These are all copper. Top Row; left to right: faceted tiger eye stones with brass drop; square glass beads wrapped with coil of copper.
Bottom row: left to right: copper squiggle; textured copper with bronze leaf.
You are purchasing ONE pair. Choose any one of these four. Or all 4 for the price of three of them. (If you choose this option, I'll send you a corrected invoice.)
*Priced per pair.

Etched copper (1559)

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:26:06 -0500

$23.00
Simple and staightforward, but lovely to wear. Can be super casual or all dressed up. The copper has been etched in a zig-zag design. They hang about 1-1/2". The ear wires are copper, but can be exchanged for surgical steel for no extra charge. Or with sterling for a slight extra charge. Just convo me.

Christmas Tree Earrings (1312)

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:12:10 -0500

$23.00
Celebrate the season with these perky little Christmas tree earrings. They are made with tiny Delica beads stitched together, one bead at a time.
They are on Sterling plated hypo-allergenic ear wires and are about 1-1/2" long.

Copper Moons Necklace (1771)

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:42:28 -0500

$85.00
If you've browsed my shop, you can see how much I love to work with copper. Here's my newest creation - just finished it last night. Of course, it's one-of-a-kind and hand fabricated in my studio.
The 'moons' are cut out copper discs that have been etched, textured, fire patinated -which brings out the multi-hued tones within the copper itself. The discs are riveted together and suspended from a burnished copper cable chain that is adjustable so you can wear this at whatever length you choose. The clasp is a copper S clasp that can hook into the ending jump ring or any of the loops within the chain.
The leaves that are suspended from the moons are opaque glass with just a bit of a twist to them.
This is for anyone who truly appreciates jewelry that is just a bit off-beat and truly distinctive.

Striking free form wire sculpted petrified wood pendant (1734)

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:24:57 -0500

$60.00
Yes, this lovely polished stone was once a part of living tree -- millions of years ago. Wearing it connects you to all the ages of the earth.
Petrified Wood comes from ancient trees that have, over eons, become fossilized. These stones have been used thru the ages as touch stones and pendants.
Wearing petrified wood bring the wearer closer to nature and many people believe that it promotes survival instincts and is grounding. Many also believe that petrified wood aids mental longevity, is calming and emotionaly soothing.
This stone is an irregular shape that measures about 1-3/4" at both its longest and widest point.
The rich brown and contrasting tan is truly reminiscent of its origin as a tree and the colors meld beautifully with the combination of copper and bronze wire I've used in which to wrap it.
The pendant comes on a hand formed twisted copper and bronze collar - 16" - with a hand formed copper clasp.

Rose Cameo Earrings (1765)

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:29:19 -0500

$40.00
These pretty rose cameos are wrapped in gold looking brass with gold filled ear wires. The detail in the roses is remarkable.
A great gift for that discerning someone -- or for yourself because you are a discerning person who appreciates hand crafted one-of-a-kind jewelry.
The second picture is a bit fuzzy. Sorry about this.

Tribal Drum Earrings (1764)

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:13:32 -0500

$35.00
These one of a kind earrings are fashioned from copper and brass discs that ar riveted together, copper wire wound around a hammered brass bar. The copper discs have been fire burnished and patinaed and the brass discs are textured, as is the brass bar. Suspended from copper ear wires, the earrings hang abut 1-1/2" from ear wires and are about 1" across. Not little and dainty, but bold enough to be noticed and make a statement.
If you would prefer surgical steel ear wires, let me know and I can change them for you.

Copper Cuff with Howlite Cabachons

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:39:10 -0500

$50.00
This cuff took a while to make. First I cut the copper, then scalloped the edges just slightly. After sanding all cut edges smooth and making sure there were no scratches on the surface, I etched a design along the center. Next, I textured the bracelet with two different tools. I drilled holes to cold connect the cabs, but before I attached them, I fire colored the cuff, burnished it, tumbled it, and polished it with wax to inhibit further oxidation. Finally, I wired the two howlite cabs onto the bracelet with bronze wire -- for a little contrast.
The cuff is one inch wide and 6 inches long. It will fit most average wrists. You can adjust the size to your own wrist by squeezing or stretching it gently.
If you want a larger or smaller one, I can do something similar, but not exact - convo me if you want one custom made for you.

Conquistador Copper Neckpiece (1546)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:37:15 -0500

$65.00
This hand cut and hammered neck piece will compliment almost any outfit and mark you as a person of discrimination who appreciates truly unique, one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry.
The center of the larger piece is left unhampered and slightly raised. The smaller triangle and glass bead finish of the piece. The bead is dark glass with copper foil imbedded into it.
The copper chain is perfect for the piece and the closure is a secure copper lobster claw. Measures around 20" long and falls nicely on your chest.

Man's Woven Bracelet (1760)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:36:28 -0500

$45.00
Looking for something for him? This hand fashioned bracelet of copper and brass, done in heavy wire is masculine and can be worn every day or for more formal occasions.
It's not heavy on the wrist and has a self clasp that's easy to operate with one hand. The metal has been purposely distressed (lightly), then fire polished with a torch to bring out the subtle reds and golds of the copper.
At just a hair over 8-1/2 inches, this will fit most men.
I can make a similar bracelet in a lighter gauge wire that would be perfect for a woman.

Etched Copper Cuff or Bracelet (1630)

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:09:37 -0500

$35.00
This simple, yet different copper cuff can be worn be either a man or a woman. The copper is a heavy gauge and fits comfortably on your wrist.
This bracelet will be made to order just for you, so please convo me with your wrist measurement. Measure just above your wrist bone, snug, but not too tight.
How about a matching pair: one for him and one for her?

As you may know, copper is reputed to be helpful in relieving arthritis pain. Many people swear by this. Also, as you may know, copper does oxidize and in the process may turn some people's skin green. This is NOT the least bit harmful and can be easily washed off. Some people are not affected at all with this. It depends on your personal body chemistry.
If your wrist does turn a bit green and you don't like it, you can coat the back of the bracelet with clear nail polish.
Also, if you don't want the bracelet to oxidize (turn dark), you can coat it with the nail polish. If you wish, let me know, and I'll coat it for you. I only do this if requested because so many people prefer to allow the oxidation.

Peridot Earrings

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:27:40 -0500

$25.00
These dainty earrings can be worn with casual or dressy outfits. The green color of the round peridot beads are perfect for the holiday season -- or anytime at all. They are suspended from Sterling Silver ear wires and wrapped with Sterling silver wire. They hang about an inch below the ear wires.

Man's Copper Washer Bracelet (1761)

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:28:26 -0500

$28.00
For him! What could be more perfect for a guy than a bracelet made out of washers? This bracelet is hand fashioned from flat copper washers that have been hammered and fire polished to bring out the copper's rich burnished colorations.
The washers are linked with heavy duty brass wire and closes with a large brass clasp. The heavy links plus the large clasp lend a definite masculine appeal to this bracelet.
It measures a bit over 8" and will fit most men.
I could lengthen or shorten it if you wish. Just convo me.
I could make a similar bracelet using the same washers, but with more delicate connectors and clasp. Also could make any length desired.

Bold and Beautiful Earrings

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:32:02 -0500

$35.00
Yes, they're both bold and beautiful. These one-of-a-kind hand fashioned earrings took quite a bit of time to design and formulate. I began by cutting two opposing shapes from copper sheeting, then two smaller shapes from patterned brass sheeting. I hammered and hammered and hammered the copper sheet, then put it to the torch to bring up a fire patina. I then cut a short length of narrow copper tubing, flattened and hammered and fired it. Next I lined up the pieces, drilled holes, then riveted then together. They are suspended from copper ear wires. Earrings measure 1-1/2 inches in length.
If you would rather have sterling silver, surgical steel, or gold filled ear wires, convo me and I can change them out --no extra charge for the steel, but $3.00 for the g.f. or sterling.

Filigree drop earrings, Patina finish

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:13:52 -0500

$25.00
These patina-ed earrings make me think of Victorian elegance. The dangles are large iridescent crystals and lovely green Swarvoski crystals with antiqued brass spacer beads. Ear wires are 14k Gold Filled.
They are are 2 inches in length (not including the ear wire).

Baltic Amber Earrings

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:42:46 -0500

$25.00
A perfect compliment to my Baltic Amber Neckpiece -- or just by themselves. These polished Amber drops are a deep honey color and they are translucent - as amber should be.
They are genuine Baltic Amber, and as such, are millions of years old. They are suspended on twisted copper wire from surgical steel ear wires. If you would prefer gold filled ear wires, convo me -- they'll be an additional $5.00.

Organic Baltic Amber Neckpiece (1743)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:36:19 -0500

$65.00
Wow! That's the reaction you'll get when you wear this spectacular specimen of natural rough Baltic Amber that's caught in free form copper sculpture and suspended from a twisted copper collar (note the special features of the clasp section).
This lustrous amber is translucent honey colored with many natural folds, tucks, and creases from its multi-millions of years of being inside a tree.
This unusual necklace will go well with the amber earrings (1744) in my shop.

Horse head gourd (1306)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:01:56 -0500

$85.00
The horse's head is woodburned into the gourd with a bit of color enhancement to bring out the details. The leather collar is stitched on and doubly secured with a band of beads. Gourd is finished with several coats of protective varnish. A swish with a dust cloth is all that's needed to keep this one-of-a-kind piece of gourd art looking great for years and years. It's collectible and you can pass it on to your children as a family treasure.
Makes a great accessory to your home or as a gift to someone special.

Kokopelli Visions Gourd Vase

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:43:01 -0500

$75.00
Kokopelli just about comes alive on this lovely gourd vase. Behind him, and through him, you can see a group of dancers calling forth his spirit. All the designs have been pyroengraved (woodburned) onto the gourd. The dancers retain only their burned color. Koko has been colored with watercolors and special irridescent paints. Background shows the natural beauty of the gourd itself. The gourd is finished with several coats of varnish.
Please take special note of the beading at the top of the gourd. This has been down with tiny seed beads in a dark tourquoise, a light tourquoise, and a coral color. Trim at the very top is made with teeny bronze beads. The dangles are bronze seed beads and bronze bicones. Beading is stitched onto the gourd at the base, then built up with succesive rows of Peyote stitching.
This is a OOAK piece and is signed and numbered.
It measures around 7 inches from top to bottom and around 22 inches around the center. It is flat on the bottom and sits well.

Freeform Copper Flower Ring (1720)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:54:52 -0500

$40.00
This truly one-of-a-kind ring was fashioned from a piece of copper sheet which I fold-formed, hammered, pinched, and otherwise manipulated into something resembling the petals of a flower. The flower is attached to the solid brass shank -- cut from a piece of patterned brass sheet. The "connector" is copper wire, coiled on top as the flower's center.
Ring size is 7-1/2.

Woven Freeform Copper Bracelet

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:42:11 -0500

$50.00
Another of my one-of-a-kind inspirations that grew and formed itself organically as I followed the directions the wire was giving me. First, I formed the free flowing freeform loops, then wove extra thin 26 gauge copper wire around each loop. Clasp is a continuation of the bracelet itself.
This bracelet can be compressed to fit a smaller wrist or stretched to fit a larger one. While I wouldn't recommend constantly changing the size, you can certain adjust it to suit you.

Puffed Diamonds Bracelet (1419)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:18:12 -0500

$45.00
Soct and flexible, this bracelet will feel wonderful on your wrist. It's woven, bead-by-bead in Peyote stitch using Japanese Delica beads and slighly rounder and slightly larger
seed beads (the diamonds). The larger beads give the diamonds their distinctive subtle puff. The variegated earth colors of the band set off the soft aqua and central gold diamond. Band is trimmed with gold picot stitching and, as added embellishment there are tiny brass flowers sewn on between the diamonds. Clasp is a sturdy gold plated loop and toggle attached to a gold plated bar.
Bravelet measures around 7". I could shorten or lenghthen it a bit -- just convo me and it'll be done. No extra charge.

Organic Asymmetrical Heart Pendant

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:15:33 -0500

$65.00
This is NOT your generic 'heart' pendant. It was designed and fabricated in my studio by moi. First, I cut out an asymmetrical heart shape from copper sheet and patterned brass sheet. Then I etched just the edge of the copper heart. Next, I attached the pieces together with hand made copper rivets using the cold connections technique. As added embellishment, I cut a length of copper wire and brass wire and twisted them into one piece, then coiled this and wired it to the heart. I purposely attached the bail O ring off center so the heart would hang off center.
The chain of alternating copper and brass links is also hand made by me. It opens and closes with a hand made S clasp. Length of chain is around 20", probably long enough to slip over your head, and the pendant is 1-1/2".

Wearing this will identify you as a person of discrimination who appreciates the artistic value of something a bit 'offbeat.'

Hebrew 'Chai' Pendant

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:38:19 -0500

$30.00
Shalom! The 'Chai" -- the Hebrew word meaning life or living declare's the wearer's affirmation and celebration of life. Here, I've etched the Chai onto a really pretty round brass pendant. The circle measures 1-1/2" in diameter.
The etching is lightly oxidized so that it stands out from the background.
This pendant would look lovely either on a gold chain or any type of cord.
Every Hebrew word has a numerical equivalent and meaning. The Chai is made from the letters Chet and Yud (or Het and Yod) which means '18' -- also signifying 'giving' or 'life giving'.
...You don't have to be Jewish to show that you affirm and celebrate life.

Pendant, triple Copper Triangles 1697)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:43:12 -0400

$35.00
Hand cut from copper sheet, then texturized (each triangle is different), then riveted together with copper hand made rivets. This Pendant measures about an inch and a half and will look lovely on a copper or gold chain -- or a silk cord.
Convo me if you would like a copper chain for this pendant and I will add one to your order for an additional $10.00 (no increase in shipping).
This technique of attaching pieces of metal is called cold connections - no use of solder.
The copper has been flame touched for color and being copper, will continue to oxidize over time. If you prefer to have the copper shiny and bright, simply wipe it with a mixture of lemon, baking soda, and water.

Hammered Copper Loop Earrings (1709)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:30:07 -0400

$22.00
These hand-hammered hoops feature three Swarvoski crystals in a lovely shade of blue (almost aqua). The solid copper hoops are 1/2" diameter and hang aproximately 1-1/2" from your ear.
They are on copper ear wires, but if you prefer, these can be changed to surgical steel for no extra charge.
Nothing sparkles quite like Swarvoski crystals! And these are a perfect compliment to the copper.
A perfect gift or something extra for yourself. You deserve it!

Cascading Donuts Bracelet (1349)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:32:50 -0400

$45.00
The three jasper donuts on this bracelet are connected with a comfortable, slinky twisted herringbone beadwoven rope. The 'rope' is closed between the donuts so they don't bunch up, but stay separated. Copper bead caps add points of interest.
The clasp on this is a strong magnet -- you slip the loose end through the loop and fold back to catch the other side of the magnet. Easy to manipulate -- and when closed the clasp adds to the design, creating a double loop.
And as usual, this is another of my one of a kind original designs. Around 7 ", but it will fit a smaller wrist.

Spring Flower Garden Bracelet (1062)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:32:50 -0400

$38.00
On these cold, snowy days, Think Spring. This vibrantly colored, fun bracelet will help warm you up. It's made with freeform beadweaving using a variety of beads and stitches and perky spring-like glass flowers.
Measures around 7 inches.

Copper Wrapped Pendant (1231)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:32:50 -0400

$45.00
The stone in this pendant is truly unique. I believe it is jasper, but whatever it is, part of it is highly polished and part is left in its rough, natural state. The contrast is wonderful and the coiled copper wrapping seems to fit it beautifully. The pendant is hung on a pure copper chain. It is around 20" long.
This is another of my one-off designs, never to be repeated. It will complement any outfit and be sure to draw comments on the unusual stone.

Freeform Copper Flower (1719)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:10:58 -0400

$45.00
This truly different copper flower was hand formed, petal by petal. I first cut several petal shapes from very thin copper sheet, then layered them and added a small piece of fine copper mesh as the center. Then made a rivet and hammered that through the mesh and all the layers of copper.
The shaping of the petals was done, again, petal by petal, first heating the metal with a flame (annealing it), then folding and pleating the petals with a pliers.
When it was complete, I once again put a torch flame to it to bring out the rich diversity of natural colors in the copper. Next, I tumbled it for several hours to add strength and give it a rich sheen.
Flower measures around 2" all around. There is a jump ring to hand this on a chain. You are purchasing just the flower, but if you would like a copper chain, convo me, and I'll add the chain to your order for an additional $10.00. Also, if you would like to wear this flower as pin, convo me and I'll put a pin back on it.
And believe me, you will never see another one like this. I've made other flowers, but each come comes out different.
*Please note. As with any fine piece of jewelry, this one is rather delicate. Be careful not to crush it. Because of its delicasy, this item will be shipped in a box via Priority Mail to be sure it arrives safely.

Square Link Copper and Bone Bracelet (1704)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:52:33 -0400

$55.00
Viva la difference! You'll not see this one anywhere else. It's made with the Cold Connection technique (joining metals without heat). The square links were hand cut from copper sheeting, texturized, and accented with textured pieces of aluminum that have been riveted tothe copper. The center link is carved bone with copper accents. Links are joined with handmade jump rings. Clasp is double set of handmake hooks.
Measures around 7". Very comfortable on.

Swingin Copper/ Aluminum Pendant (1627)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:23:17 -0400

$35.00
This catchy little pendant is made from a hand cut square of copper sheeting which has been texturized. The little aluminum accent piece was also hand cut from sheet metal and texturized with a slightly different pattern.
The copper and aluminum have been riveted together with an 'S' shaped wire between them.
Little silver balls and pewter dangles complete the look. This piece is available with or without the copper chain. If you choose the chain, please convo me and I'll add the chain and $10.00 to your invoice.
The technique used to join the metals here is called Cold Connection - no solder or heat was used. Only the rivets, which are also hand made.
A great gift -- or the perfect accent for your fall and winter outfits.
Pendant measures around an inch and a half.

Coils and Carnelian Copper Bracelet (1417)

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:45:05 -0400

$45.00
Slip this on your wrist and be ready for compliments.
The warm tones of copper blend perfectly with the large carnelian bead. The coils are hand turned. This is comfortable and lightweight. Do you know about the health benefits of wearing copper? A Duke University study support claims that copper does help alleviate the pain of arthritis.
Bracelet will fit most average wrists.

Tropical Sunset Garden Necklace (1384)

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:31:07 -0400

$250.00
Sitting at my workbench, looking out at the snowy, grey wintry day, I thought about this month’s challenge – Tropical Holiday. I usually like to use a nice fused glass piece or a cabochon as a focal point in my pieces, so I probed through my collection hoping something would ignite an idea.

When I picked up the large fused glass piece, it hit me. The colors in that piece remind me of a tropical sunset – muted, yet vibrant shades of reds, blues, purples, pinks.
I had my theme. Now I had to decide how to execute it.

I began with the fused glass – which is really pretty special as it was made by David Goldhagen, a well known glass artist. Most of his pieces are huge works of art that he creates in the traditional way with a Glory Hole and blowing rods. But I was lucky enough to be in his studio one day and came across some small bits and pieces with nicely rounded edges. He told me that sometime when a large piece didn’t work (blew up), he took some of the fragments and smoothed them. Well, of course I just had to have a few.

So that’s the story of the focal bead. I began my work by encasing the glass in a beaded bezel with a leather backing. Next, I found the two pinkish cabs – not matching, but similar in color and encased each of them in a beaded bezel, also with leather backing.

The necklace is carefully woven, one bead at a time, in peyote stitch using a combination of tiny Delica beads and triangle beads. I tried to pick up colors and shades suggested by the focal piece and from my memories of tropical sunsets that I’ve seen while on cruises and when I lived in south Florida.

The play of colors in a tropical sunset are random with no pattern, yet they meld into one beautiful scene. This is what I’ve tried to create with the band of this necklace – no particular pattern, but a melding of several muted, yet vibrant shades.

I’ve edged the band, the cabs, and the focal piece with triangle beads as sort of a sunset aurora and I’ve added a fringe of glass flowers and leaves for the garden.

Clasp is a copper S clasp, easy to do behind your neck, yet very secure. Length is around 20 inches. It will probably sit a bit higher on your chest than it does on the necklace form.

This very special, one of a kind, piece will be shipped to you via Priority Mail with Insurance. We wouldn’t want to take a chance on losing this one to the vagaries of the USPS.

Voting for this month’s challenge begins Feb 9 and ends Feb 15. Please visit http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com to see all the entries and enter your vote.

You can also see all the entries by searching for the ebwc tag here on Etsy.
Thanks for looking.

Goddess pendant (or brooch) (1153)

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:29:38 -0400

$125.00
Another one-of-a-kind piece. This extraordinary example of freeform beadweaving will be sure to draw attention -- and perhaps, wearing the goddess will bring you all kinds of good luck.
She's made entirely by carefully stitching one tiny bead to the next one. The piece includes many colors, sizes, and shapes of seed beads as well as two pieces of dichroic glass and one piece of stained glass. Each of these is encased in a beaded bezel and backed with leather. The goddess's face is polymer formed in a mold. The face is also encased in a beaded bezel and backed with leather.
A combination bail and pin back allows you the freedom of wearing this as either a necklace or a brooch.
The necklace comes with it and is handwoven in silk in the Japanese technique of Kumihimo. There are at least 50 strands of silk, all woven into one intricate braid.
The goddess is around 3" long and the necklace is 19" long.