Crystal Tree of Life Suncatchers ch0232
To make something for a friend – why not a suncatcher? Why not Crystal Suncatchers?
Recently we had occasion to visit a dear friend of ours. He lives on a boat he has built by hand over a period of 40 years at least: a 70 foot concrete schooner. We seldom get to see him so it was a bit of an occasion. And he has been a wonderful friend when times were shaky.
While there I saw that he had some crystals hanging in his window (or should I say, ‘porthole’). And me being me – I just wanted to add something that I hope he will think is even lovelier than that. And something that he might treasure .. plus with Tree of Life, there is always an innate deep significance to it evoking feelings of good health, connection to the earth (even when he is on the high seas), and longevity (he would like to live to over 100).
This was a first time experiment. I had already tried my hand at Tree of Life (and Tree of Death) pendants towards the end of last year. However making it with crystals called for more experimentation.
Working with crystals (bicone beads) in a Tree of Life requires a different wire technique than the usual threading of gemstone nuggets which is more the norm when making Tree of Life (pendants).
Blue Crystal Tree of Life
To make it work, each crystal has to be wound with wire in a random but secure way. The final effect wanted is that the branches look natural – just laden with sparkly crystals.
I have quite a few Jewelry Donut Seamless Rings 54mm (in store) which is the perfect strength and size for this project.
Copper wire (0.7mm) and crytals – some pliers and I am good to go.
Light Topaz Tree of Life Suncatcher
It is much easier to work from the bottom (roots) > twist each wire (folded in half) on > combined all of them and twist to form gnarly trunk > add crystals as you go towards top > end off with multiple loops around donut ring (ensure all wires neatly trimmed in and pressed as close to ring as possible)
Even though it does not show here, I finally ended off by making ‘bails’ on each suncatcher – making it easier to hang up.
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