Wire Journal ~ popnicute's Blog

Popniculture
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Butterfly and Cocoon Wire Wrapped Pendant Necklace

Published: 07-30-2012 10:56am
Posted In: Wire Journal
Butterfly and cocoons are often used as the symbolism of rebirth, transformation, and new beginning. An ambitious project for me. Elaborate and delicate, combining so many wire scrolls intertwined, twisted, bent, and flattened. This butterfly necklaces is featuring my signature cocoon beads. Get the tutorial at my shop.It started from a simple sketch. I didn't mean it to be so intricate but it evolved along the way. Rarely I followed a sketch as is, as it is what it is, a sketch; providing guidance but not absolute.I sketch my sketches using a ballpoint pen on a notebook and/or with my tablet pen in Photoshop.As with all of my creations, I don't l... » Read More

Steampunk Winged Heart Pendant Necklace

Published: 07-27-2012 11:00am
Posted In: Wire Journal
My latest attempt on Steampunk style Winged Heart pendant constructed in brass and copper. Riveted gears from vintage watch parts were added to the necklace and pendant for extra fun. The wing details on copper was etched after my hand drawing. A new transformation of Popnicute's signature heart series.As quoted from Wikipedia, "Steampunk is a genre that originated during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction. It involves a setting where steam power is widely used—whether in an alternate history such as Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United S... » Read More

Learning How to Etch Copper

Published: 07-09-2012 09:00pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
I recently dabbled into metal etching. I etched copper sheet. I had been wanting to do it but somehow I thought it was far more complicated to do. A friendly fellow jeweler, Maureen Garber Bates, wrote me an instruction in text and I decided to try it. Amazingly simple to do. You just need to wear protective rubber gloves and lay some waterproof surface protection so your nice table doesn't get stained by the etchant solution.I used PCB Etchant Solution I got from the local RadioShack store. PS: The bottle is in white now.I found this interesting tutorial with photos for anyone who is interested on learning how to etch copper. Be careful when work... » Read More

Color Combo Challenge Space Girl Necklace Week 81

Published: 06-20-2012 11:27pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
I recently joined Color Combo Challenge Group in facebook. I thought this could be a good motivation to create new designs at least once a week. I have been swamped in commissions and it's nice to do art once in a while that is for me. A little me time.The color theme for Week 81 (my first!) was this bright purple, orange, and yellow color combination. Very summery!I came up with this design, Space Girl necklace. Focal piece is this unique conical Amethyst stone with drusy at the bottom. In an attempt of making my handmade jewelry more three dimensional looking, I found inspiration from Purified Bill's unique silver jewelry. I domed cut circled to... » Read More

Popnicute's New Logo and Work Table

Published: 02-23-2012 11:12am
Posted In: Wire Journal
Popnicute is proud to announce its new logo. I think it's a better representation of my jewelry style. Sophisticated yet playful. From now on you will see this new logo on my future pictures, signage, and documents.I just spent the last few days cleaning up and moving things around around the house with my husband. Finally my work table gets the proper placement, inside the work room. The room is less than perfect, the floor will need to be resurfaced and the walls will need to be painted but it works for now. I came to realize that I didn't need a perfect room to work on my handmade jewelry. So further cosmetic changes to the room will have to ... » Read More

Little Owl Metal Animal Pendants by Popnicute

Published: 01-11-2012 11:33pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
I've been having fun designing with metal sheets. Now I know that brass sheet is harder than copper sheet which make brass harder to cut with metal shears. I've got no jeweler saw yet. That's still in my tool list to get among a lot of other things! I've never done any animal jewelry until one day, a friend of my sister-in-law saw this Amber pendant bead in my stash and she sees an owl in it. She commissioned me to do it and giving me a lot of artistic liberty. She made sure that it didn't have to look exactly like an owl, just do whatever I think best. But of course my realist mind wouldn't steer away from the actual thing. So I browsed googl... » Read More

Handmade Lampwork Girlie Ring and Earrings for MelissaBeads

Published: 01-11-2012 11:27pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
This was my second time trading my jewelry for MelissaBeads' gorgeous lampwork beads. Melissa Vess handmade these beads especially for me and in return, she would like a similar ring to my Golden Compass ring which was made also with her handmade lampwork bead. I felt like making the same design was not challenging enough so I came up with another design that still uses the same basic as Golden Compass ring as part of Popnicute's Metal Ribbons collection. This is the ring for Melissa. I called it Girlie Ring because it resembles the shape of a girl's head. Very cute isn't it. I'm satisfied with this design! This ring is made of a combination... » Read More

Labradorite Butterfly Earrings and Necklace Set

Published: 01-11-2012 09:59pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
My latest custom order from a returned client. A custom Butterfly Labradorite necklace to accompany Butterfly Labradorite earrings that are for sale in my shop, Popnicute. It flutters my heart when a customer is so trusting and happy with my work of art. Labradorite is one of my favorite stones to work with. Each of them is different with flashy multicolor chatoyance. Just finished these last night and now they're on their way to a new home. This Butterfly Labradorite necklace is one of a kind as I no longer have the teardrop shaped stone anymore (in that size anyway). But I have bigger and different shapes of Laradorite stones still in my st... » Read More

Four Leaf Lucky Clover Pendant for St. Patrick's Day

Published: 01-11-2012 09:21pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
Short after I promoted this Valentine Bow Pendant made of Polymer Clay ribbons among my friends in Plurk, Diana of NightMaiden, asked me if I could do this in Four Leaf Clover shape for St. Patrick's Day. I said yes! This is the result for the Four Leaf Clover Pendant for St. Patrick's Day made in Popnicute's polymer clay ribbon style. I loved it! I think it's quite adorable :D This multidimensional clover has a little stalk made of copper and a pronged Swarovski Crystal in the middle. Very sparkly like a diamond! I dusted gold and pearl mica powder for added glamorous look even though the clay itself already possessed some mica powder in it. ... » Read More

Big Bold Handmade Necklace for Christmas

Published: 01-11-2012 09:18pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
I found this gorgeous Agate geode slice but it was broken in half. I loved the mint green color on this Agate and how it was translucent with many characteristics inside the stone. I decided I had to make something with this stone. Using my new copper sheet, I made this fold formed "bail" for the geode. Since I couldn't solder yet, cold connection it is! I decorated the front edge with ruffles created using my new Fretz hammer! It's light weight with small heads made it easy to control. Love it! I textured the rest of the plate with my texture hammer. Then I punched holes on the sides and stitched it to close the bail. At first I was going to l... » Read More

Tree of Life Necklace and Nature Inspired Creations

Published: 01-11-2012 09:06pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
Tree of Life Origin The Tree of Life is a very famous tree. A classical tale in the bible mentioned that by eating its fruit, you will have the knowledge of good and evil. The biblical account states that Adam and Eve were exiled from the Garden of Eden after eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to prevent them from eating from the tree of life: “ " (Genesis 3:22) ” By questioning God's word and authority, the serpent, who is regarded in Christianity as Satan but not by Jews, initially tempted Eve into eating fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, an act explicitl... » Read More

Six Peas in A Pod Pin Back Brooch

Published: 12-05-2011 09:10pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
Third time's a charm! I finally succeeded in making this Six Peas in A Pod pin back brooch for my grandma. My grandma just recently underwent a hip replacement surgery because she broke hers tripping in the bathroom. She celebrated New Year in the hospital. Thankfully, according to the latest news from my family in Indonesia, she seems to recover just fine. My cousin passed me the message that she wants something like my Peas in A Pod pendant () with six peas, with the names of her 6 children inscribed on it, but made into a brooch. I could just make her a metal version like what I had but thinking that she's a fine dresser, the weight of the m... » Read More

The Queen of Hearts Wire Wrapped Pendants

Published: 12-03-2011 01:55pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
I've always fond of hearts. I like drawing hearts and all that. I guess I'm just too hopeless romantic not to like hearts. But not many heart jewelry that I liked. Most of them that I came across were either too girly, too elegant for my taste, too small. As a former(? probably still is) tomboy, I like things that aren't too feminine but still pretty. So as a jeweler I created my own heart jewelry. My heart pendants have this tough look. They have thick frames, net weave, and bail design. Not too feminine and very substantial. They look good both as a choker and as a long necklace. Look their best when worn with plain top. Ruffles may bury it.... » Read More

Three Commissions Completed

Published: 12-03-2011 01:48pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
I mentioned in my previous post that I got commissioned for three necklaces from a loyal client. I have completed all three of them last night. My client didn't have anything specific in mind regarding the design but she trusted me completely to make nice designs that would suit her taste in Copper. She picked three stones from my stash, two of them being Labradorite in two different color flashes, and the other one was Rutilated Quartz. This Rutilated Quartz was bought specially for her because she wanted a similar design done as the necklace my aunt bought from me a couple months ago. She's her BFF. So here I presented you, three wire wrapped... » Read More

Twelve Angels of Christmas Artisan Jewelry

Published: 12-02-2011 03:19pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
Introducing: The Twelve Angels of Christmas in Birthstone colors! :D These are the new collection from Popnicute, my handmade jewelry line.   On a sunny, lazy day of late October, I got the idea of making these angels after a failed attempt of making a pair of earrings in Angel's wing shapes. I didn't like the result as much as I thought I would. I was this close to scrap the idea and moved on to another project. But I had this nagging feeling that I could make this design work! So my next thought was to turn the wings into an angel pendant. I started digging my bead stash for some briolette shape beads that might be suitable f... » Read More

Red Petite Argentium Silver Necklace

Published: 12-02-2011 03:14pm
Posted In: Wire Journal
I love it when idea hits me in the middle of the night! lol.   My aunt from America liked my jewelry but she had something specific in mind that I didn't have in my stash. So she commissioned me to make her a small red pendant in oxidized sterling silver a night before her flight back to the USA. Being a substantial jewelry lover, this was quite a challenge to me. We went back and forth chatting through e-mails to find her the perfect red color. Finally I suggested this CZ red briolette and she agreed. What I had in mind didn't work out as well as the sketch so I scrapped that idea. I didn't make anything for months because my aunt p... » Read More
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EVENTS:

Popnicute Hearts on Drew Barrymore Popnicute jewelry on Vanessa Lachey Popnicute created jewelry for The Vampire Diaries Popnicute created jewelry for Pretty Little Liars Popnicute jewelry were gifted at GBK 2012 MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge Popnicute jewelry were gifted at OFFICIAL Backstage 46th Annual CMA Awards Gift Lounge

POPNICUTE TV INTERVIEWS



CUSTOMERS' NOTES:
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I highly recommend this artist! I recently received three gorgeous custom-made pieces that just blew me away! Thank you so much Kharisma! The pod necklace you made for my mother-in-law is just absolutely stunning! Your attention to detail is just amazing! I also LOVE my bracelets! Again, just beautiful pieces! I cannot wait to see my Heart of Michi!! thank you, thank you, thank you! ~ Michi R.



I love my heart! I have bern drooling over your jewlery for along time now. Thanks to a very sweet guy I can enjoy this piece of art daily. I love how the heart just lights up when the sun hits it! I do recomend this! It's very well made and easy to wear! Thanks again for the heart of Lina! ~ Lina A.



Hi Kay, just my angel necklace and earrings they are sooooo cute thank you so very much :) ~ Cheryl M.



I just received my Owl he is so cute! You did an absolutly beautiful job thank you so much!! ~ Kathie M.



OMG, got my goddess necklace today, it took my breath away!!! I worked 12 1/2 hours today and finding it when I got home made my day!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!! ~ Dana M. R.



Hey, I just received my lovely pendant today and I was absolutely thrilled. Not to mention it arrived exactly on my birthday ( what are the odds )! I just wanted to say thank you thank you thank you!!!! This item is a dream. I really appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that went into it. I take my hat off to you. The design is excellent! It's clear that you apply great thought to your items. So yet again, many thanks! It's good to know you're out there! : ))) Warmest regards, Margarita <3



I absolutely adore the (heart) necklace!!! It is just perfect. Well worth waiting for. Thank You....... ~ Brenda C.



I have the MOST beautiful bracelet on my wrist.. THANK YOU so very much. Your craftsmanship and imaginative designs are fabulous..... Next to my wedding ring, my favorite piece of jewelry!! ! Melissa Vess.



Dear Kharisma, today the package finally arrived and I just wanted to let you know that the pendant is absolutely beautiful. For the last years I've worn the golden cross my grandmother gave to me for my Holy Communion but since she died three years ago, I've always been afraid of losing it which would have really hurt me. So I looked for a cross that I could wear instead and when I found the one you made, I was blown away. And what can I say, it was definitely worth the wait. So thank you so much for making such wonderful jewelry and keep up the good work! Best wishes from Germany, Ricarda



Wow! is incredible! This is the money better spent on any gift I've ever done! I think I can not wait to give it to my wife until May 5th or I dare before. And the presentation with the box and the paper inside is great! I almost cry when I saw it. It is the most beautiful of all I've seen, I love the detail of the heart. Surely this is the better gift for the fifth anniversary of my wedding. Thank you very much for the patience you had with the design. I hope to do business with you in the future. Thank you very much for everything! ~ Cesar



Hi, so last week i get finally the pendant and my girlfried was very excited :D everything was ok and the heart is beautifull :) ... so thanks! and a lot of happy customers! ~ Lukas



Hi Kharisma, My wife LOVED the Heart of Robyn. She has worn it just about every day since March 7th (her birthday). She has been showing it off to all of her friends. We love the pendant!



Your work is positively lovely! I adore every piece! I'm so glad not only to receive a piece but also to support you in creating more fine pieces! ~Kathryn



Hi there...send you a big thank you for my tree of life necklace - i received it while i was away on holidays. it is absolutely gorgeous. the way it was packaged was so beautiful too. thanks again... big hugs, may 2012 bring you much happiness. Judy



Hi Kay, When I got back home for Thanksgiving today, it was waiting for me.... All I have to say is...I'm going to faint...it is so beautiful.... I showed it to my family too, they all loved it! :D Thank you sooo much!
*hugs*
~ Yukiko
P.S. I'm also wearing the pagoda earrings today. My mom noticed when I walked in the door so I bragged about them. hehehe. :)



"Yippee!!! My silver wings arrived just now, and I LOVE them! Will wear them as I get ready for my big test, and am sure they'll bring good ju-ju for the exam itself. Thank you so much K!" ~ Sarah B.



"So beautiful. I really love your jewelry. It's something all girls should have as a key accessory." ~ Bethany S.



"Hi Kharisma! I just received the pagoda earrings in the mail today, just in time for my girlfriend's birthday! She absolutely loves them! and they look just like the ones in the photo! (actually, they look better in person!!!) Thank you so much! We'll definitely be coming back again, and look forward to seeing your new projects. Oh and thank you so much for the additional silver studs! It was very thoughtful :) Best, Yuki"



"I already got my sea turtle necklace and my purple bracelet. Finally after months of waiting. And I love love love it soooo much! I wear my 'Myrtle' almost everyday. Thank you Ma.. :)" ~Wanda.



"Hi, I recently purchased one of your rings, my girlfriend absolutely loves it. I'll definitely hit up your store in the future" ~T.



"I just got home from vacation and picked up my earrings at the post office. I wanted to let you know that I absolutely love them! Thank you." ~Diane



"Received my earrings yesterday in the mail and absolutely love them!!! So glad I ordered them! Thanks so much!-Gretchen :)"



"Hi! I received my new necklaces! They are wonderful!!! Thank you very much - and for adding that cute little graduation note too! They look great!!!!! :-)" ~Dana B



"Thanks for the extra links - they weren't needed but that was very thoughtful. Our daughter picked out the bracelet and gave it to her mother yesterday for Mother's Day. She likes it very much. Regards Steve"



"Hi Kay! I got the bracelet in the mail yesterday--it's wonderful! Thank you :D You package your things so nicely ^^ Merry Christmas!" ~Dana



"Hi Kay! The necklace arrived today and it is GORGEOUS! I'm so happy with it :D You are very talented, really. :) All my friends are going to be so jealous of this necklace! If you ever decide to make a matching bracelet, I'll be more than willing to purchase it :D" ~ Dana



"finally got to open it, and they are so so so so so perfect! and the opal crystal was a great choice, just the right ammount of sparkle." - Lois B (on Ladybug Pod Necklace)



"K, My wife is an artist blacksmith and I bought her this necklace for our wedding renewal. She loves it. Thank you."



"I received the earrings and I love them!!! Thank you so much for everything, and good luck with your new life in the USA! -M"



"Hi Kay,
I just wanted to let you know that I got my earrings today (the angel wings and the pearl/crystal ones). They are awesome, I'm so happy with them.
Thanks again,"
H (O:



"popnicute thks i got yr necklace today its amazing!!!" ~A.Z.



"Hi Kay, I just wanted to let you know I've received the package today. And the jewels are SO BEAUTIFUL. I really love them... They're all so lovely I cannot wait to wear them. I think it's the most beautiful things I've ever had. I'll definitely bookmark your page and come back later ;)
All my best," ~C.E.



"Hey I just picked it up from the post office (I wasn't home when it was delivered lols) and I must say that this even better than the picture shown!" ~E.L.M.



"I love the cocoon bead tutorial. Another great tutorial by K!!" ~A.B.



"Wow! I got my tutorial within minutes of my purchase. And the instructions are very clear and I love all the pics that go with it. It's very easy to follow. I can't wait to get started! Thank you so much!" ~P




"Earrings arrived this morning! Thank you so much they are gorgeous! :D" -S.S.