MODERN EXPRESSIONS: October 2011

Sunday, October 23, 2011

New findings from Beadalon®

Have you seen the new findings by Beadalon® called "wrappers ™"? If you have not, check these two designs I made featuring them.
They basically are frames with notches around its edges, and you can tuse that to secure beads, stones or other findings within. Anything you make it will become 3#D and adds lots of texture to it.

Above a simple charm bracelet using flat oval tiger-eye and howlite briolettes (dyed turquoise color).
I used hematite 22 gauge Artistic Wire ® to wrap the stones within those marquee shape wrappers. It's my lucky charm bracelet. Watch those eyes!

Above, a away more complex piece made with several wrappers filled with DeCoRe clay within - I mixed small portions of the clay and kept in place holding between my fingers and pressing one side down onto the back of a SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal mesh.
On the opposite side I set small pointed Swarovski® stones.
The "ghost" touch was done gluing a piece of black Artistic Wire mesh on top of DeCoRe® clay as well.
Gunmetal chains work as the foundation of the piece, and then circles of black Beadalon 49 strands beading wire were added to it.
Last but not least, I brought those peacock Labrador Czech glass beads to the spotlight because I feel like they would add that fabulous metallic print look. Those beads can be found throuhg John ead Corporation.

All designs posted on this blog are inspirational. I am fine with providing inspiration to the world, however I am not okay if you mimic my jewelry application method, have it published on any kind of media and do not credit me as your source of inspiration.
I suggest you to add your own interpretation to your design endeavours and you will conquer a more legitimate space on the diy market.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Experimenting with clay

Hello everyone...I am back! Thinsg have been crazy at Nando's Studio, so please accept my apologies for not posting anything in ages.

Here are some of my designs made with different brands of clay.

I am using on the same way many fellow designers have been using but I want to explore different surfaces and create something more dimensional.

I have tried five different brands and I have my favorite and I will disclosure that when I feel like. Usually I do more than one project at once and I do want a product that gives me more tome before it starts hardening.

Here are some designs under my modern and expressive eyes.

Necklace - matte gold bamboo chain and wood pendant...crystal stones set on clay around the edge of the leaf...second piece made to test how wood would react in contact with clay. Brand used: Apoxie™

From Fernando Dasilva Studio.

On the right: small chandelier earrings designed by Wyatt White for Fernando Dasilva Studio...green amethyst, gold filled and peridot Italian wire mesh.

Above and below similar pieces : Assortment of SWAROVSKI ELEMENT crystal stones and Tierra Cast® findings set on brown clay. Necklace on Greek leather cord ornate with gold-plated Tierra Cast bead caps. Antique copper lipped bezel by Metal Complex™. All components can be found at John Bead Corporation.

Design by Fernando Dasilva for John Bead Corporation

Similar components applied to the design above - copper color is the main shade although a mix of purple velvet, cyclamen opal, silk, crystal silver night, indicolite and black diamond from the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS color chart brings an almost "Carnival" vibe to the pendant. Copper Tierra Cast® spacer beads in contrast with brown leather cord. Crystal beads attached to Tierra Cast connectors.

Clay brand used on last two pieces: Apoxie™

Design by Fernando Dasilva for John Bead Corporation

Above a pendant featuring a more structured line decorated with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal stones and chains. Three different styles of chains, a substantial lobster clasp and tassel in rose gold plated by Garlan Chain Company® . Gold plated clover link by Tierra Cast® brings opulence to the warm metal color.

Copper bezel by Metal Complex™.

Clay brand used: Crystal Clay™

Design by Fernando Dasilva for Garlan Chain®.

The pendant above features opalescent shades of fancy stones by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS set on light mint clay (I mixed two colors to get to this one). Grey curb chain.

Ring designed by Wyatt White using hematite 18 gauge Artistic Wire to spotlight fabulous and outrageous white opal "Sphinx" stone by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS (or course!!!).

On the background another very strong trend: a white ceramic watch by Stuller® Inc.

Pendant created by Fernando Dasilva for Fernando Dasilva Studio.

Above one of my favorite experiments using clay - my "Stardust" necklace. Gorgeous flat oval blue stone beads linked to hold a daliciuus agate slice pendant framed by black diamond cut chain and crystal stones. Roundels made of amethyst, amazonite, sodalite and carnelian.

Cobalt blue clay was used to frame and hold all components of the pendant together. This pendant born out of my curiosity on seen how a surface of a gemstone would react once combined with clay.

Clay used on this pendant: Apoxie™

All components can be purchased through John Bead Corporation.

Design by Fernando Dasilva for John Bead Corporation

Above a cuff bracelet. A mosaic of fancy stones by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS that was set on

tanzanite clay. Silver-plated cuff bezel by Amate®.

Originally created to match a fabulous outfit, it's the start point of my upcoming Winter collection to be displayed on my website.

Clay brand used on this cuff: DeCoRe®

Created by Fernando Dasilva for Fernando Dasilva Studio.

Note from the author:

All designs posted on this blog are inspirational. I am fine with providing inspiration to the world, however I am not okay if you mimic my jewelry application method, have it published on any kind of media and do not credit me as your source of inspiration.
I suggest you to add your own interpretation to your design endeavours and you will conquer a more legitimate space on the diy market.