Thursday, January 10

Piles of Vials

Yesterday afternoon, my favorite DHL international courier delivered a package of spirit level vials to my doorstep. It's a delightful moment whenever they arrive. I work with a small family owned company overseas, and I'm never quite sure exactly what each package will hold.

The modern spirit level, the type you see here, was designed in 1920, by Henry Ziemann, founder of Empire Level . "Spirit" refers to the bubble of ethanol inside. Ethanol is used because it has a very low freezing point, -114C
This makes it ideal for carpenters and masons to work outside.

I have always been fascinated with creating jewelry out of every day objects. The ends of each level will be precison ground and dry fit to sterling end caps, as I prepare them for their final destination as jewelry.

More than you may have ever wanted to know about spirit levels, but I love them!

15 comments:

Athena's Armoury said...

That's awesome. I love your Spirit Level Jewelry. It's a reminder to maintain a sense of balance in life.
-Janine

Sherry said...

Thanks, Janine. I wear a level bracelet everyday to remind me.

Vickie @ In My Head Studios said...

they are so sparkly. i love how they catch light.

Georganne said...

Sherry, your creativity never ceases to amaze me!
~G♥

stOOpidgErL said...

Your level jewelry is truly amazing Sherry! I have never seen anything else like that before. So unique!!!

Sherry said...

thank you all, so very much.

Beyond the RockZ said...

Your post eeeks with creativity ... just fabulous, and glad I stopped by!

LoveMeKnot Creations said...

lol I thought that they were alcohol kind of spirits,...man... got me really excited for a second :)

Can't wait to see the finished product!

Sharon said...

Love your spirit levels, who knew the story behind them, I didn't. Thanks for sharing.

June said...

This idea is just plain cool. Love your jewelry!

ShinyAdornments said...

That pic of your pile of levels is like art. I LOVE your bracelets!

LizzyT said...

I love the bracelets you make with the spirit levels. I have never seen anything like them.

Bridget said...

I absolutely LOVE your spirit level jewelry...I'm gonna have to treat myself soon.....I need a balance reminder.

Anonymous said...

SO interesting to see soooo many in their pre-jewelry state.

ArtPropelled said...

That was exactly the right amount of information. Sometimes I look at something and a questionmark lights up in my head...ping!.... but no explanation. I am enjoying reading your blog. I am also fascinated with creating art with everyday objects though my work is a good 1600mm bigger than yours.