Tentative first steps...

[Sammyjean]

Morning! I have been learning and practicing over the last year or so, many books, you tube, on here!
So I have been really enjoying myself!
I love working with silver, love the textures that are possible, esp reticulation. Here are a few things I have made. I want to make larger and more complex things. I am really interested in pieces with moving parts.
So many ideas .. so little time.
Thanks for all the help off this forum, its given me courage to persevere on those days when the solder isn't playing and I just keep dropping stuff on the floor!

Sam

[enigma]

Those are really lovely Sam!
I love reticulation too, you could try some mixed metals in it next that also looks great!

[Nanja]

They're lovely! I love textures and minimalist look of them.

[Tabby66]

Lovely pieces, I love the detail in the concave pendant!!

[metalsmith]

Beautiful! I've tried my hand at reticulation recently but stayed clear of adding wire / jump rings etc as I didn't like the look of the resulting outputs in the various books. However, it works well in your pieces. I think the difference is that you've thought about the design rather than just sprinkling them in 'to make it look interesting'.

I've seen various opinion on using a charcoal block or not ... just out of interest, did you?

[CJ57]

My favourite is also the concave pendant and the ring, very pretty.

[Sammyjean]

Thanks so much for your comments, it means a lot to me.
Metalsmith-Right or wrong, no I didn't use a charcoal block, but I want to get one!
Enigma- I am just working on a moon (reticulated) on a smooth silver background.. I guess you mean using with copper or other metals though. Not done that yet.
Onwards and upwards! Lots more twisty balled end wires on the go.

Sam

[enigma]

Yes, you can use small balls or wire in gold without too much cost and it creates a lovely effect with the contrasting colours

[Aurarius]

You're doing well, Sammyjean, and attempting a nice variety of work. Keep it up.

[Kathryn Harrison]

I really like the addition of the star bursts to the reticulation but my favourite is also the bowl with the wire and ball feature in the middle. The finish is gorgeous!