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Well, here it is: 2012 has arrived!
Opening the studio on the first morning of 2012 is done with a renewed eagerness and fresh energy. One thing I have learnt over the years is to give the studio a good clean and tidy on the last working day of December – so when January arrives I’m not greeted with left over Christmas cake and tinsel!
January is a time to reflect, improve and get things done in the studio. New designs, planning work, work on the website – all the things that can’t always be worked on when you’re full steam ahead with orders for Christmas.
So, in honour of a wonderful Christmas break, here are a few images from the festive period before I completely turn my attention to 2012!
Log fire
Spot the chicken!
The Yorkshire Moors
Robin Hood's Bay.
Once again my nephew Tom spent time in the workshop with me to make a special gift for his teacher, Miss Pullen. Not only is it Christmas but she is also leaving and will be much missed. So, with this in mind – the pressure was on! The present he made was all his own work, except for an odd tweak with the pliers to hold the beads on. Take a look…
Tom cut silver wire, shaped it and soldered all the branches in place.
The tree is clean and ready to be hammered.
Hammering.
The finished decoration!
A very proud student!
Going to the studio on a dark grey damp morning might seem like a chore to some people, but not for me. I love the silhouette of the trees and horizon against the grey sky. The contrast creates simple clean lines. It has inspired me to return to the sketch book, with fine pens and a wash of grey…
Horizon
Branch
Flower heads
Leaf
I had a helper in the studio today – my 7 year old nephew Tom – who had a special project in mind. Tom wanted to make a silver necklace for his Mum, so we had to make it well! In fact, Tom has been twice before, and has a great memory – so very little teaching was needed, just a little assistance! Here are some images of our day.
Planning the necklace.
Tom made the rings by wrapping the silver around a doming punch.
Soldering lots of silver links all by himself (with me keeping very close!)
Adding solder to more links.
Shaping the rings from round to oval.
Tom used the rolling mill to make the links flat.
Tom hammered each link to give them texture (notice the broken leg!)
Threading the beads onto silver wire, then I helped out twisting the wire to hold it all together.
The finished necklace - beautiful!
Some customers have been asking for more details about the past collection pieces I mentioned in my News post,so here are some more images and info. I am not able to make the rings in other sizes so I have listed the size with the price. If you would like to purchase any of the items before I take them to Hereford Arts Market, please contact me.
Ring 1 (image 1): Silver and 18k gold ring with diamonds
Ring 1 (image 2): Silver and 18k gold ring with diamonds
Ring 2 (image 1): Silver and 9k gold ring
Ring 2 (image 2): Silver and 9k gold ring
Ring 3 (image 1): 9k gold ring
Ring 3 (image 2): 9k gold ring
I am a contemporary jewellery designer maker based in rural Herefordshire. My collection is subtle and pure incorporating clean lines and a soft finish. I pass on my skills through teaching jewellery workshops from my jewellery making studio. All designs are handmade.
