Garden, Creek and a Tangled Bangle

Yesterday started off very cold and miserable, but it cleared up in time for our Mother's Day barbecue, and by late afternoon had warmed up enough that I ventured out to my garden to see if any new flowers had dared to show their faces. I was pleased to see that my single lungwort plant had opened up a blossom or two! With nothing else exciting happening in the garden, I went down to the creek to see if I could photograph the ducks that are nesting along the banks and in the trees. Just as I was heading down the laneway, a Great Blue Heron flew up. That is the first time I've seen one this year. Usually they arrive when the ice is still on the creek. It's good to know they haven't abandoned us entirely!

I haven't been down to the creek yet this year, so of course my presence frightened the ducks, and they swam downstream and around the bend. I waited for a while partly hidden among the hawthorn bushes along the bank, but none came back. They like to nest along the far shore across from the beaver lodge. That side of the creek is only visited by cattle, so it is a safer nesting habitat than on this side. There is quite a tangle of bushes, grasses and trees along the shore.


Which leads me to my latest piece of jewellery, inspired by the tangled thickets of vines and branches I see while out and about on the farm.


I love the beautifully interwoven patterns found in these thickets so I recreated them in this earthy, rustic free form bracelet. I heated, wove and fused several strands of heavy copper wire into a tangled bangle. I then antiqued the bracelet using two different methods. This created a rich, multi-coloured finish to the metal. Finally the bangle was tumble polished for several hours to strengthen the piece, and to add depth and shine to the finish.

I'm very happy with the result. It is comfortable and casual. See more information about the Tangle Bangle and other artisan jewellery by Wabi Brook Studio.

Perhaps the next time I'm down at the creek I'll be able to get some photos of the ducks!