I have never felt that I was particularly skilled at wire work. I've always been able to do the basics - wrapped loops, simple loops, and the occasional coil when necessary. But looking at this incredible necklace by Rachel Nelson-Smith in her new book, Seed Bead Fusion, I was inspired to pick up my flush cutters and my pliers and make this necklace.
Using basic techniques that anyone can master, Rachel has designed this truly gorgeous piece of jewelry in two colorways: the copper colorway shown here and a sterling silver or silver plated option, available on her website. The kit contents include everything you need, including freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, copper chain, and two gauges of copper wire. You need to supply your own tools and a copy of Seed Bead Fusion for the directions.
I felt a bit intimidated at first, but the directions laid out in the book were clear and easy to follow. After boosting my confidence with how simple it was to make the frames out of 18-gauge copper wire, I found that filling them in with seed beads was not only just as simple, but was soothing and relaxing. It was the perfect activity for a rainy Sunday afternoon, and the components came together easily.
Admittedly, I chickened out at the end and did not make my own headpins for the pearl and crystal dangles as instructed in the book and instead used commercial copper headpins that I had in my stash. They still came out beautifully, and the resulting necklace received many compliments the first time I wore it out.
This is a great kit for the adventurous beginner beader with an interest in wire work, and a great way for more advanced beaders and wire artists to expand on their skills and learn some new tricks. Rachel's step-by-step photographs at the end of the instructions clarified the written instructions perfectly and made it a breeze to master the techniques in this kit.
You can order this kit, and your own autographed copy of Seed Bead Fusion from the Rachel Nelson-Smith website.
Disclosure: A review copy and samples were provided by the publisher and distributor. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.