Author Archives: Ross Barbera

The Watercolor Paper Bracelet

  The Watercolor Paper Bracelet is a uniquely original and beautiful jewelry object to create, and I have developed a variety of bracelet types based on different structural designs. The type that I am featuring in today’s discussion is particularly … Continue reading

Posted in Watercolor jewelry | 6 Comments

Have You Taken Photos of What You’ve Created Watching My Videos?

I have been getting emails from many of you with beautiful photo samples of jewelry and paintings that you have created based on my videos on You Tube. I am truly amazed at the quality, varying approaches and enthusiasm used to make … Continue reading

Posted in Creative process, Watercolor jewelry, Wire jewelry | Leave a comment

The Wire Wrap Clasp for Wire Link Necklaces!

In my blog I have already discussed two different types of clasps that can be used on “Watercolor Paper Pendants” and wire link necklaces which are hung from jewelry cord.  Although both clasps are very different in style,  similarity exists in the … Continue reading

Posted in Basic wire construction, Findings, Link necklaces, Wire jewelry | 4 Comments

More thoughts on the “Beautiful Spiral Hoop Necklace with Purple Beads”

After I posted the video last week on how to construct the “Beautiful Spiral Hoop Necklace with Purple Beads,” I received many wonderful comments, including one critical observation that merited further discussion. A viewer noted that there exists the potential … Continue reading

Posted in Basic wire construction, Beads, Creative process, Link necklaces, Wire jewelry | 6 Comments

How to Create the Beautiful Spiral Hoop Necklace with Purple Beads

To create the Spiral Hoop Necklace that you see illustrated in the photograph, I used 20 gauge nickel silver wire. You may also use .035 sterling silver wire, soft, round,  or you may experiment with the many colored wires available … Continue reading

Posted in Beads, Link necklaces, Tools and supplies, Wire jewelry | Leave a comment

How to Make the Toggle Clasp – a great clasp for Watercolor Paper Pendants!

The toggle clasp, a combination of a strong paper hoop and a short length of bamboo is very simple to make. This is an excellent clasp to use on watercolor paper pendants. Made from watercolor paper and hand painted with watercolors, … Continue reading

Posted in Basic watercolor jewelry construction, Pendants, Watercolor jewelry | 2 Comments

A Word of Caution: Heating Your Watercolor Paper Jewelry in a Toaster Oven

The primary reason why I heat the jewelry object in a toaster oven is to accelerate the varnishing process and harden the varnished surface to a degree that is not possible to achieve with air drying alone. The toaster oven … Continue reading

Posted in Basic watercolor jewelry construction, Best Practices, Watercolor jewelry | Leave a comment

A few words about the paper used to construct Watercolor Paper Jewelry

I have experimented with many different types of paper and have found that 100% cotton rag, 140lb, cold pressed watercolor paper is the best paper to use for forming jewelry pieces. The structural integrity of the piece is achieved by … Continue reading

Posted in Basic watercolor jewelry construction, Pendants, Watercolor jewelry | 2 Comments

Explore your imaginative possibilities

Whenever I introduce a project in class, I always encourage my students to use my instructions as their departure point to explore their individually unique creative solutions and let their imaginations lead the way. Although my watercolor paper jewelry projects … Continue reading

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The Eye Pin – Handmade is often the best solution!

Handmade is much better than machine made, store-bought findings. I often make my own coil-wrapped eye pins that I use for hanging earrings and pendants, and the look is fantastic! The handmade findings contribute to the feel of a uniquely … Continue reading

Posted in Basic watercolor jewelry construction, Pendants, Watercolor earrings, Watercolor jewelry | Leave a comment