So I wanted to make a nest...

 Whilst I describe myself as a maker with words, whenever I am asked for a bio or for my inspirations I nearly always include words to the effect 

"As respite from difficult matters, I turn to the natural world and its wonder".

And this can be found in my love of birds and feathers and nests. I photograph them, write words about them, print them, and attempt to make them.

And so in my mind, I have been pondering how to make a nest out of silver wire. Luckily Barry and I had the chance to visit with Lindsey Gallacher once again, who spent time with us answering our questions, helping resolve how would I? Can I? What if I? and it was SUCH a useful and helpful and wonderful day.

She started by saying that as students, they often started the design process with watercolour paper, working out if a thing might hold or take shape, so off I went.

OK, but then I thought I would need to do an under/over; over/under type of thing with each piece.

And the next question was could I add another layer onto that layer?

I could tell this was going to get quite tricky!

My next question was, surely nests are curved, so could I curve the wire?

And still do the under/over; over/under thing?

About now I was looking for a dob of glue to hold things together, but then just decided to get on and try it with silver and solder.

The first one, followed by the second one.

And the final result - including with shadows.

And then to wondering if it might be a pendant...

The absolute childlike delight I took in the making of this was just marvellous! Part of it was watching an idea take form, almost unfurl, before my very eyes; and the second part was somehow feeling I had a small sort of kinship with birds as I too, had made a nest.

There is maybe more to do - perhaps another smaller section to complete the bottom. Or maybe a solid piece? There is the pondering too about could an egg work? What sort of egg? How could I attach such a thing?

But for now there is simply  deep satisfaction and contentment with having made a nest...