Cholula "Folk Art" Charms

by Judy Larson
Judy Larson's travels introduced her to all kinds of indigenous artwork. Much of which became inspiration for her own future art. Here's one example
Before I retired from teaching high school after 38 years, I was lucky enough to travel to many places with student groups. Of course, we traveled to the sights most frequented by tourists, but I always tried to seek out local artisans and purchase a piece or two on each trip. This little 1½" square folk art reed "painting" was sold by local artisans at the base of the Great Pyramid, atop which Spaniards built the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios church in Cholula, Mexico. I was in awe watching the artisans quickly construct such intricate little works of art using thin beautifully colored reeds. Cholula and surrounding communities are also known for beautiful blue and white Talavera pottery.
Judy Larson's Cholula
When making earrings, I usually cut an entire 25 foot coil of 20 gauge full hard wire into desired lengths. It is easier to cut the wires a bit longer than needed, with one end flush cut and one with the pointed cut. Then I flush cut one to the right length and use that as a template to cut the others. This results in a lot of little wire ends to be recycled used as embellishments. I try to keep wire bits separated by gauge because I use different gauges of square wire to make bezel walls. I use 18 gauge square wire bezel walls with 20 gauge wire bits.
Judy Larson's Cholula
Spread a thin layer of paste solder in the bottom of a bezel. Dump some wire ends over the bezel. Shake off the excess. Press the remaining wire ends into the solder. Add more little bits as needed. Heat until the solder flows. Pickle, rinse, and patina. Use 0000 steel wool to remove the darkening from the high points. Tumble to bring back the shine, if desired. These little drops invoke the "feeling" of the folk art reed paintings with all the tiny pieces of wire nestled together.
Judy Larson's Cholula

Materials

20 Gauge Round Full Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-20FH
  • Lesson Quantity: 25.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 25FT
  • Price: $92.34
  • Gold Club Price: $69.25
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

C.H.P Milano Small Sprue Cutter, 6-1/4 Inches, Flush Cut
PLR-488.00
  • PLR-488.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
Add to Bag
Silver Solder Paste Medium SS70 - 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.15
  • SOL-822.15
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $18.95
  • Gold Club Price: $14.21
Add to Bag
NATURE'S TOUCH CITRIC PICKLE, 2LB PLASTIC JAR
CLN-163.00
  • CLN-163.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $17.95
  • Gold Club Price: $13.46
Out of Stock
Pickle Pot, 16 Ounces
CLN-584.00
  • CLN-584.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $31.95
  • Gold Club Price: $23.96
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education