One of the best things that has happened to me as a result of opening the jewelry group, Copper Wire Jewelers, is getting to meet so many wonderful artists I might never have met but for the group. One of those people
is Christina Stewart of White Rose Creations and TwistedWireJewelry. I’d like you all to help me welcome Christina, our 600th member and learn a little bit about her with me.
Christina hails from Oak Harbor, Washington on the Island of Whidbey with her supportive husband who’s getting in the act too by working on Viking knit and considering some lampworking and her nine year old son who seems to
have final approval on each piece. Isn’t it wonderful to have such support from your family? She has her craft table set up with all her supplies but finds herself creating where ever the mood strikes. You might find her on the couch or creating at the kitchen table or even on occasion at her day job. Time not spent with family or wire often finds her with sketch pad in hand designing future pieces.
have final approval on each piece. Isn’t it wonderful to have such support from your family? She has her craft table set up with all her supplies but finds herself creating where ever the mood strikes. You might find her on the couch or creating at the kitchen table or even on occasion at her day job. Time not spent with family or wire often finds her with sketch pad in hand designing future pieces.
I asked Christina how she got started making jewelry?
“I started out with chainmaille. A friend was working on a shirt, and we used to have chainmaille parties where several of us would work on various parts. The classic 4 in 1 pattern was too plain for my liking and I ventured into doing more difficult weaves. I was working on chainmaille jewelry when my friend pointed me to DeviantArt so that I could put pictures of my work online. I got to cruising the site, looking for other chainmaille when I stumbled upon wire wrap jewelry. It was craft at first sight! I began looking at what other artisans had done with their pieces and it just clicked.
I downloaded several tutorials, and failed at every single one of them. I went back and looked at the wonderful pieces that others had done thinking that this was just not something I was meant to do. That was when my creative muse stepped in and slapped me. My first piece took forever to make, but was worth it in the end. It was more elaborate than the stuff I ended up making later on, but I'm slowly progressing back into that type of wrapping as I learn. I just started making some really nifty looking rings out of silver, gold, and copper that really challenge my skills.”
I enjoy the earthy tone of Christina’s work. She says, “I'm a big fan of rough stones as opposed to cabbed or faceted. I use them all but there's just something about the natural look of the rough stones with the orderly wire
wrapping that calls to me.” Combining stone and wire is not new but there’s a freshness and individuality about her work that is very appealing.
Asked who she admires, Christina sites Sarah from Paradigm Shift Jewelry. Of her swirling wire work and gemstone creations she says, “It was her wire work that got me making wire jewelry. Eventually I would like to be able to make wire pieces with as much flow as the pieces Sarah makes.”
Above piece by Sarah - Paradigm Shift Jewelry
For the future, Christina looks forward to having her own studio some day and not having to share her space with her son’s dinosaurs, who she says are “starting to give her looks”. Ahead, the artist in her would like the opportunity to
leave her day job and create jewelry as a career. Keep an eye on this talented lady. It’s possible she may be one that goes the distance.
Thank you Christina for sharing a bit about yourself and your art and for being the 600th member to join Copper Wire Jewelers. Our group has grown so much in such a short time. It’s a treat to be able to feature one of
our new members.
If you work in copper or any alternative metals and you are looking for some
inspiration, stop by Copper Wire Jewelers for an incredible array of artwork you can wear. Now 600 members strong, over 3000 individual photos and the 3rd issue of Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine will be coming to a computer near you on July 15 with all new work and many new artists along with some old favorites.
Leave a comment on this post if you’d like a link to the magazine sent directly to your email.
See our previous issues here: Issue #1, Issue #2
Don't forget to stock up on copper wire, beads and findings at A Beaded Affair .
New in this weekend 16gauge 1/2 round wire. Great for wrapping on bracelets!
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