Menorah!

Ok so my boyfriend is Jewish and I've decided to make a menorah instead of the Christmas Tree. We share holidays and I celebrate both Christian holidays and Jewish holidays. This would be a nice gift and a good gesture that to him that I am supportive of his religious preferences.

Wire Welding Inspirations - Christmas Tree

My apartment is a little bare and, well, I want to add some decoration. I know Christmas is a ways away, but I'm thinking I want to make something for the holiday. All these trees are constructed differently. I believe I can come up with a new design that takes into account the good qualities of each.

The artist used a variety of materials on these

pieces. I like the combination of metal, pearls,

and gems.

The hanging characteristic of this piece is very nice. It really caters to the curve of the neck. I also like the chain material. Adornment sells it, I might look into buying it.

Charm Examples Continued

The different layers of this piece really interests me. I like how the chain actually becomes part of the design instead of just what holds everything together. I wonder what metal was used. I think for my necklace piece I will experiment with patins.

Charm Examples

I've noticed that there is generally a uniting factor in these pieces: circles/squares. The similar pieces are not exactly the same but close enough to make harmony within the piece. I plan on achieving the same sense of harmony in my piece

History of charm bracelets

The history of charm bracelets goes back to ancient times when charms were worn to please the gods, to ward off evil spirits, or to gain entry into the afterlife.

During the middle ages, charms were worn by knights to signify rank and family origin. Queen Victoria is responsible for giving charms the decorative and stylish purpose they bear today. Her bracelets showed the world that a charm bracelet could be worn for fashion rather than superstition.

At the end of the Second World War, soldiers returned from foreign lands with charms for their wives and sweethearts at home. This trend carried into the 1950s when charm bracelets became the number one gift request for girls and women, on which they wore charms to represent important milestones in their lives. Since the 1950s, as fashions have evolved, the charm bracelet has risen and fallen in popularity, but in the past decade, charms have become popular once again.

*Information found at: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-charm-bracelet.htm

Necklace Inspiration

I want a charm necklace to match a bracelet my mom gave me. I want the colors to be silver, black (oxidized copper), and bamboo