Ever since I started etching I can’t seem to do anything else in jewelry. I’m obsessed with the possibilities of creating mini works of art to wear. I finally get to draw, letter and doodle again by creating images on metal.
The finished necklace
The center piece of this necklace was inspired by one of my favorite Tarot card images – the Ace of Pentacles. I especially like the artwork in the Robin Wood Tarot Deck.
Ace of Pentacles from the Robin Wood Tarot Deck
This was a time consuming, labor intensive, project! I cut the shape out of metal sheet, filed it all around, punctured tiny holes at either end, drew the pattern I designed on the piece with a Sharpie marker, etched it in Ferric Chloride and cleaned it up.
Etched and cleaned
I dipped it in Liver of Sulfur, sanded it again and finally sealed it with Protec A Clear – two coats. That was just for the center piece!
After patina with LOS
Of course I had to decide how to design a necklace around it. I chose 6mm Amethyst beads and wrapped them with copper. I then attached two rows of these to figure eight links separated by jump rings and spiral links. The clasp is always a challenge to create as I like to make each one somewhat unique.
finished necklace with clasp
So after making all those links, rings and center focal, I was finally finished. This was done over a period of two days – my hands and eyes had to take a break. I like the way it turned out and want to create another piece soon. I’ll probably keep this one. The work involved in it would make it pricey anyway. I know I’ll never get rich this way!!!!
Art-Z Jewelry 
It’s amazing. Are you planning to do more based on tarot cards? I think you should, I will wait with baited breath to see this collection come to life!
Thanks Diane! Actually I was thinking of starting with the Aces in this deck because the images are more simple. Maybe I’ll graduate to the major arcana or some of the other cards. Not all 78 card, of course!! Perhaps the Ace of Swords, or Cups next time 🙂
Not only is this necklace beautiful, but such a unique concept. I bet that the more you practice, the more complex the cards you can do your take on. Also, for the really involved cards, you don’t necessarily have to do everything on the card (I know how complex those cards can get!), but take one or two major themes from it and do your own riff on it. I understand not doing all 78 cards…..at least not anytime soon…..but I can see these selling extremely well once you find the targeted audience for them. Some people will not care at all that they are based on the cards, they will just find beauty and a cord that strikes with them. Then there will be people like me who have played around with them before, but really enjoy looking at the different decks by different artists. There is this one deck (can’t remember who the artist is) that I found just so amazingly beautiful. A friend from a long time ago gifted a new deck to me. I used them for a bit, but would basically end up just looking at them, especially the 6 that I found most beautiful. I ended up putting them in a “collage frame” and hanging them on my wall…hmmm, will have to go through some boxes and find it. Then you will have the people who are REALLY into Tarot and all things associated. I love when I get my email notification and must always look right away to see what new thing you have come up with or are working on. In fact, you have inspired me to try to get most of the rest of my studio revamp finished today….but after the farmers market!
Thanks again Diane! Your advice and support are awesome! I sent you an email so check you Spam folder – just in case.
This is so awesome, I love it!!! The design looks prefect with the winding leaves around the pentagram and the rich purple amethyst gives it a magickal look. Do more tarot cards and Druid symbols 😀
Reblogged this on Shinrin Art Blog and commented:
This is so awesome, I love it!!! The design looks prefect with the winding leaves around the pentagram and the rich purple amethyst gives it a magickal look. Do more tarot cards and Druid symbols 😀
Thank you Shinrin! I appreciate your comments, suggestions and compliments 😀
I find this jewelry very beautiful, and a good idea to use your knowledge from Tarot. Keep up your very good ideas. Good luck and enjoy your Sunday.
Thank you, Irene! I’m always looking for inspiring images and symbols and the Tarot is just filled with them.
Love it!!
Thanks, Catherine, I appreciate that!!
Zoraida, You are having so much fun with etching and doing such a beautiful job! The etchings are so clear and sharp. Jan P
Thanks Janice:) I am have a great time etching and learning how to do it better and better (I hope) It’s such fun being able to draw a design and sort of “immortalize” it in metal.
OH wow Tarot? that’s amazing! I just started my Etsy shop, feel free to visit, it really does mean alot to me! http://www.etsy.com/shop/FairytaleKiss
Thanks so much Ev ! Good luck with your Etsy shop. I’ll be sure to check out 😀
Gorgeous necklace! Your etching is do clear. I love the vines that wind around on each side of the Pentacle. Love it!! I don’t think there is anything that you have made that I didn’t like. Love them all 😍
Thank you so much, Linda !! I’,m truly flattered 🙂
I love so many of your pieces, but this is probably my favorite. I can see why you’re keeping it. 🙂
Thank you so much, Tracy!!! It’s great to hear from you here 😀 For now, I’m keeping it but who knows about tomorrow 🙂
Nice and interesting creativity .. love it ..
Thanks
Diamond Jewellery
Thank you pcjeweller.
Beautiful! And well worth the effort!
Thanks so much, Pearl 😀
Zoraida I commented on your FB post on this but not on your blog. I adore this piece. It’s just fabulous, as are all of your etchings. Have I mentioned that I am a fan? 🙂
Thanks so much, Delia !!! I am honored, really 😀