Stormy weather

After fixing my studio roof after the storm and winds last night, I was able to have a little time in the studio to myself. 

I made a new large pendant with Picasso Jasper and a random Russian wedding ring.

Then managed to cut some Cab slabs for use 

later on .

All in all a productive afternoon.

New work.

Its been a busy week but I have managed to get in the studio for some me time and finished these and believe me they are big.

Art Clay level 1 and 2 Diploma's

I have been so busy teaching a back to back Art clay level 1 and 2 Diploma.

Its been  great and I have really enjoyed teaching this 7 day intensive with Natasha Poffley. 

Whom by the way is a great student. 

I think her work speaks volumes, just take a look.

Todays pendants.

If you are wondering why I am making so many pendants its because I need to send them for hallmarking.

 It works out better to send a large batch.

I like the Moonstone and crazy lace agate pendant best.

Finished another stone on stone pendant.

I have just finished another stone on stone setting, this one I am really pleased with but for those that really do not like the stone on stone setting I made another pendant just for you to enjoy.

To much on the bench!!!

Its been a while since I last Blogged, some of you my know the reason for my absence.

My father of 84 sadly lost his 2 year battle with cancer, he will be missed so much.

Love you Dad.

I am now able to get back to doing the things I love which is making jewellery but seriously I think I have just much on my bench.

I have included a couple piece that I have recently finished as well.

I hope you enjoy them.

I have also been teaching and was thrilled to receive some feedback from Neil who has never made a piece of jewellery in his life, well he has now and I think he's hooked.

“Having just completed 2 days 1:1 with Lesley I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Lesley is a true professional and “Grand Master” in her field and exudes an enthusiasm for her craft that soon rubs off on any beginner. I enjoyed every moment of the course with a fantastic teacher and will be booking further lessons when time allows. 

Thank you Lesley, a magical and memorable couple of days.”

Neil Humphrey

February 2016

Here are a few photos to see how well he did.

Didn't he do well.

Open Studios May 2,3,4 and 9,10

Continuing the theme.

 I made some Sweet Bracelets to match the necklaces.

They are sterling silver soldered with cute little silver charms attached and my handmade glass 

beads.

I am definitely keeping the black set as these were made with Nyx a glass you cannot buy any more but I have started another set for sale :)

Open Studios 2,3,4 and 9, 10 May

Been in the studio making some new jewellery 

for Open studios in May.

I am hoping my visitors will like the combination of hand made silver and lamp worked beads.

I know I am really enjoying making them. they are large statement necklaces.

Studio day

Well what a  busy day  in the studio today, I am starting to make new work for open studios in a few months time.

I decided to go back to my early days of flowers and I am really pleased with  these two necklaces.

All the Beads (each necklace has at least 100 tiny beads), Cabochons and Silver work are made by me.

Only trouble is I like them so MUCH will I be able to part with them !

Results from last night in the studio.

I managed to get in the studio last night and had a bit of a play.

Think I might have been hammering a bit to load but I enjoyed myself, making a simple hammered wrap around ring.

Once that was finished I then made an bangle.

Busy studio day

It was lovely to get in my studio to, oh how I miss the.

I managed to get quite a lot finished and am very pleased with the finished pieces. 

The first is a ring I have been meaning to make.

Next is a pendant I have been working on for a while and finally I finished it.

This is a prong setting made using my own recycled scrap.

Then these.

And finally the birds that I made at Alan Davis.

All framed and now proudly hanging on our wall.

All in all a very productive day in the studio.

The Ugliest bead ever!!!

I am made some really pretty beads and then it all went wrong! I honestly think this is the ugliest bead I have ever made, it looks like King Louis LOL

Be kind!!!!

Recycled silver

Yesterday was such a grotty day here in Chichester, it just rained all day. 

I decided to have a little play with my new Smiths little torch in the studio, it really works like a dream. 

However what I produced wasn't a lot in terms of Jewellery but I recycled my scarp into usable sheet and wire.

I also had a bit of fun with the annealing process, which you can see from the photos.

Under The Mistletoe.

Under The Mistletoe

A Pussy Cat Christmas

20g Art Clay Silver

Enamel

Liver of Sulphur

Last month I was asked to make a project with a Christmas Theme as you all know I am the real mad cat lady, so it had to be cat related just for fun.

I used a fun but simple design which was made with 20grams of art clay silver kindly donated by 
Metal clay LTD at:
www.metalclay.co.uk

My silhouette cutter was used to cut the shapes, these were used as a texture sheet. The clay was roll over and then a snake was made to create the bail and the border. I also textured with a needle tool.

The piece was then fired in a kiln. Once fired, I was able to add the enamels. Once the enamels were applied and fire the pendant was polished and a patina added with liver of sulphur.

This is a little present for my younger sister who is all cat mad.

Art Clay Silver has a minimum firing temperature of 650 °C. Firing can be done in several ways:

Gas stove, with the help of a stainless steel grid.

A small blow torch.

Kiln.

HURRAH!!!

I know this doesn't look interesting but it will be, some square wire to use in a ring or something that I am not sure about just yet.

The important thing is I melted this with my new torch and it worked like a dream, so although it is a big silver chunk it won't be!!!!

Today's work in the studio.

These are the fruits of my labour in the studio today.

They are all made from sheet silver and some piercing work.