I have been working with fiber, mostly wool for years, weaving, crochet, spinning, sewing and more. I learned to sew when I was in junior high and even took design and drafting classes. Crochet came from my ex-husband's great aunt and it became something I could do in many different forms. I made 10 shawls in one year for family members. I always liked the freedom to go off in any direction.
In Florida I learned off loom or frame weaving from a great teacher. I learned to do circles, tapestries and three dimensional weavings. I love the off loom sculptural ideas that come to me with weaving. Almost everything I have done is free form.
In Nebraska I expanded those even more - free weaving the spaces in branches and making some very large pieces using really really large yarns. I even had a few displayed in museums.
We moved back to Illinois, and life changed. For many years I had no time or inclination to weave. I had my wolfhounds and that took up a lot of time. I still did some crocheting and sewing for personal use. And I made some jewelry with beads from time to time.
Then I was laid off 2 1/2 years ago and really was in a funk for quite a while. Finally it came to me - when was I happiest - when I was weaving and creating. I kept most of my yarns even though I was no longer weaving and I am so glad. Those big fat yarns don't seem to be around any more.
Way back then I thought about crocheting and weaving with wire, but I never did anything about it. I was at the bead store and found a book on crocheting with wire- wow! here we go. I love making jewelry this way. I will still continue to weave and spin wools and dog hair, but the jewelry is going to be my sales focus for some time to come. I've set up an Etsy shop with the wire jewelry, weavings and crochet and some vintage things.
Necklace/Crown of silver plated wire.
Working with wire is another way to use the fiber techniques I enjoy. I haven't yet woven with wire but I know I will. Maybe by using some wire in a wallhanging.
This bracelet inspired the necklace.
Crocheted copper and carnelian wrapped with more wire.
Please join in - post your own creations and feel free to ask questions. I have to grind some cat food so it may be a minute or two before I answer. And please add your craft or art to the tags if I missed you.