SPOTLIGHT ON ... DESIGNER
August 2006
Our featured designer for this month is Sharon Hessoun.
A love of beads started my journey to the place where I create today.
Some experiences with metal and the infinite design qualities possible with wire pulled me further along the path. Reading about the application of textile techniques to metal inspired me to experiment with knitting with wire.
For the last eight years, I've employed spool knitting with wire, an ancient fiber technique created in 10th century Scandinavia for making cords and braids, to the creation of jewelry and accessories. Spool knitting is a hand-knitting technique employing a wooden spool with pegs and a stylus for manipulation of the wire. The wire can be wrapped in different ways during the knitting process to create a variety of looks to the finished piece. Knitting in beads at different intervals adds to the variety of the finished pieces available. Then knit some fiber along with the wire and the look changes once again. I love to experiment with colors, textures, and wire types. Using off-loom beadweaving techniques to create pendants and other accents sparks my imagination even further.
My journey continues, with combinations of fiber, wire and beads. Who knows where the journey will end?
Shown Above:
- Amber Delight Closeup
- Textured Elegance is knitted using Artistic Wire and Fire-polished rondelles. The slide is made of fire-polished rondelles and Swarovski crystal bicone pendants.
- Gray Pearl Clusters is a one of a kind piece that I did with freshwater pearls knitted with Artistic Wire. The drop is made of pearls with Crystal accents.
- Amber Delight is 3 strands braided together. Silver strand is knitted Artistic Wire, one strand is 4mm amber round beads knitted with gold Artistic Wire and the third strand has two sizes and colors of amber round beads strung on Soft Flex .014. Cones are Sterling Silver and the clasp is made of SS wire and an amber bead
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