More Things for HBS Express

Here are a few of the items I've shipped out to a friend's shop in Oregon. . . Due to the fact that I no longer live in Oregon and can't routinely polish up the silver after it has tarnished, I've switched to copper. Copper, once it oxidizes looks very cool, so I'm hoping these items and others that I've already sent, do well for her.

This is my first set of copper briolette flowers (normally, I use sterling). But, I just switched to copper & made my own chokers out of 16 ga. copper wire. The best part of making the chokers is what I used for a form. . . one of my husband's kettlebells! We use use them for working out, but they make an awesome tool to form large circles and hoops. I use a lot of our exercise equipment in my jewelry making. . .

Yep, you guessed it! To make these hoops, I use an Olympic weightlifting bar. It is the perfect size for my favorite hoops! These are made with 14 ga. copper wire, with sterling silver posts soldered on to the ends. Of course, I don't want to ruin my husband's expensive collection of exercise equipment, so I only use a rubber hammer when forming my hoops & circles to make sure I don't ruin the finish. I'd hate to have to replace that stuff!