by Narlene Allen, Wire-Sculpture.com

Wire Jewelry Inspiration of the Day for October 16, 2013

Ghosts, Spiders, and Skeletons. Oh my!

 

When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers,‘tis near Halloween. ~ Author Unknown

This week’s inspiration comes from the upcoming holiday Halloween and from one of our Wire Artists of the Month – Joan Madouse. I’ll be featuring a few of her wire-wrapped eye pendants along with some additional ideas that are fun for the whole family, but first a little history…

Early traditions:

Halloween originated with an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween or Sow-in). The Celtic New Year began on November 1. On the last day of the Celtic year, October 31, the Celts believed that ghosts roamed the world that night, causing harm to crops and creating mischief. So on October 31, the Celts dressed in scary costumes, parading around the village in the hopes of scaring away the mischievous spirits.

When Christianity arrived in Ireland, the church named November 1 as All Saints Day to honor saints and martyrs in an attempt to replace or over shadow Samhain.

Trick-or-treating originated from an All Souls Day tradition. People walked from village to village begging for “soul cakes.” In exchange for the “soul cakes,” a prayer would be said for the giver of the bread. The more bread they gave away the more people they had praying for their souls. In the 1500s, All Saints Day becomes All Hallows’ Day, and Samhain had become known as All Hallows’ Evening. Then eventually Hallow Evening became Halloween.

Origins of the jack-o-lantern:

The tradition of carving a jack-o-lantern began in Scotland during the 15th and 17th centuries. Magical glowing jack-o-lanterns were carved originally from turnips, pears or gourds. Light lumps of coal were placed inside the carved jack-o-lanterns that were sat on porches or on window sills. They welcomed and guided the spirits of deceased loved ones on their way. The glowing carved jack-o-lanterns were also believed to protect people from malevolent spirits on Samhain.

Something eye-catching for All Hallows Eve:

As I mentioned before, some of my inspiration for this week’s post came from one of our Wire Jewelry Artists of the Month - Joan Madouse.  Joan sent us some pictures of these beautiful, yet just a bit creepy, wire-wrapped eye pendants. Joan offers them as part of her Halloween collection, and I had to share them with all of you!

Unique green eye pendant wrapped in red brass wire (looks like gold)	Red Dragon Eye pendant wrapped in silver filled wire.
Dragon Cat Eye Pendant wrapped in silver plated wire.	Blue/Yellow Snake/Cat Eye Wire Sculpted pendant in gold plated wire

I’d like to thank Joan for letting me show-off some of her work. Joan uses wire from Wire-Sculpture.com for all her pendants

Spooky jewelry for the whole family:

I also wanted to share a few additional ideas that might help you get the kids or a friend involved in some of your jewelry-making fun!

Wire Skeleton:

This is a great wire based skeleton that can be used for a pendant, a zipper pull or anything else that your young ghosts and goblins can think of! Why not make a matching set of earrings to wear with that pendant?

Wire and Bead Spider:

Here’s a spooky spider you can make by using some craft wire and beads. Then use your imagination to add findings and make some spider jewelry, or just leave him around to freak out your friends! If you like twisting wire and beading, then you’ll enjoy this quick project.

Halloween Resin Cabochons:

These easy to make cabochons are great for the kids. Just take their favorite stickers, some epoxy resin and voila! You’ve got a cabochon that can be added to a cabochon setting for a necklace, bracelet or any other kind of spooky and fun creation you can come up with.

Spider Web Necklace:

This stunning web of metal and crystal floats around your entire neck in a web of glamour and intrigue. Whether the basis for a Spider Queen costume or a striking seasonal necklace, it’s made from affordable materials that are brought to life with the beauty of Swarovski Elements and beading wire.

Jack-o-Lantern Wire Wrapped Ring:

An adorable jack-o-lantern is wrapped up in silver plated wire to create this unique ring. It would make great accent piece for any costume!

Sterling Silver Cast Skeletons:

These sterling silver skeleton charms are ghoulishly adorable and were created by using the Wax Casting method with inexpensive plastic toys purchased at the dollar store. If you’re not familiar or haven’t ever done this before, now is a great time to learn a new skill!

Wrapping it up:

Whether you put a glowing pumpkin on your porch, dress up in your favorite ghost costume and wander the neighborhood or just watch the classic Charlie Brown special, Halloween is a holiday that is rooted in tradition. Take a few minutes this year and create a few new traditions of your own.

We are always looking for submissions for weekly tips or new wire artists! If you have an amazing pattern that you’d like to share, or a weekly tip, simply Click Here to submit your idea. You could be featured on our Blog or we might pick your pattern!

 

Resources:

• Halloween History
• Joanie’s Creations
• All Hallows Eve
• Wire Skeleton pattern
• Halloween Cabochons
• Crystal spider web necklace
• Making metal casting
• Jack-o-lantern ring

 

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6 Comments

1. 

   Marilyn S

   October 16, 2013 at 8:42 am

   Where did you find find the dragon’ eyes? I really like them! Exellent wire wrapping.
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     October 16, 2013 at 9:27 am

     Hello Marilyn! We are featuring the wire-wrapped pieces by Joan Madouse at Joanie’s Creations of Coronado. You can see her pieces at this address: http://joaniescreationsofcoronado.pdqsys.com/index.html Thanks for reading!
2. 

   Denny Diamond

   October 16, 2013 at 9:10 am

   Fantastic article! Beautiful pendants! Where might I find the eyes?
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     October 16, 2013 at 9:24 am

     Hello Denny! We unfortunately do not carry the eye pendants. However, you can purchase them wire-wrapped from Joan Madouse of Joanie’s Creations of Coronado. http://joaniescreationsofcoronado.pdqsys.com/index.html She is the wire artist who has created these amazing pieces. Feel free to contact her, I’m sure she can help guide you.
3. 

   Betty Schellenberger

   October 16, 2013 at 9:45 am

   Enjoyed this presentation very much. There is so much talent out there on the website. Your WireSculpture web site is the best. Keep on feeding us with information. One of these days maybe I can become a professional as demonstrated by your featured artist. Again, your the best in this business.
   Betty
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     October 16, 2013 at 3:33 pm

     Thank you for your support! Keep wrapping!