Challenge Results!

Well here they are!  I was a little surprised to get some others joining in as I didn't advertise it well did I?  Did have fun doing it, hope the others did to, mind you I did bully them into joining in! ;)  It was sufficient fun to ensure I shall extend the challenge again!

First is a brooch made from reticulated silver and bronze. I believe the reticulation ended in a hole that wasn't wanted and the bronze is from a remnant of Bronze Paste.  It is smashing!

 Second we have a pendant made from Sterling Silver, again reticulation is used. This piece was brought about by reticulating the wrong thickness of silver and odds bit left when cutting to size.

 This pendant is made from left over snake chain, Sterling Silver and Brass... really unusual and a great use of those little bits of chain!

 Here a pendant is made from 'offcuts' of Sterling silver, Matt and Reticulated.  The tube and gems used are new but still a good use of 'scrap'

This ring is made from some scrap copper from smelting quartz and bits cut from a copper leaf  that was made for another ring.  The cabochon is ready for setting

  Magnificent effort all!

Thank you for taking me up on my challenge ... I hope you enjoyed it and will join in the next one!

If this inspired you to 'have a go' it will have been worth it.  With the prices of metal these days we need to think about utilising what we have and making a piece of wearable jewellery from those pesky pieces is a good way to keep your costs down!  If you do decide to have a go please send me the photos I would love to see them... this time maybe we can see the before photos to?   

Show and Tell - Aluminium

I thought I would show you some work that came as a result of the workshop "Colouring Techniques for Anodised Aluminium with tutor Mandy Nash"  This was held last year and all those who participated had great fun.  Beverley really took to this medium and now makes some beautiful jewellery.  The colours are stunning! 

Beverley offers a full range which includes bangles, earrings and rings and you can find her work in Galleries in the South West of England. 

There will be another workshop soon.  During the workshop you'll learn how to colour the pre-anodised aluminium and then cut and shape it to create a piece of beautiful jewellery. No prior experience is necessary and all materials and equipment will be provided, however, if you have previous experience in jewellery making, you may benefit from bringing along your toolbox.   Sign up for the Touchmark Newsletter to be sure to get all the news on courses and workshops to be held in 2012!

Happy New Year!

Chris and I would like to wish all of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Now that all the 'fuss' is over we can turn our thoughts to our jewellery!  I have missed studio and my lovely friends tremendously.  I have tried going into my studio but my head isn't getting round creativity yet.  How is your mojo?  Did it get and go to?  What I need to decide is whether to finish one of the many projects I have started or start another?  I have decided though to challenge myself.  I have been through my scrap pot and have decided to make something from the pieces in there.  I is something I have done before and I can tell you it is very rewarding to make a piece of jewellery from scraps.  Do you fancy the challenge?  Message or email and let me know, we can make it a real challenge then! 

I can't wait for the 11th January.  That is when I shall be back at Touchmark but studio opens on Monday the 9th if you're not a Wednesday person.  It will be good to catch up with the others and we have some planning to do!  Apart from what to do next we will be making arrangements for a visit to the Jewellery Show at the NEC in Birmingham in February.  I haven't been to one at the NEC before so it is quite exciting, somewhere new to buy something new!  I have some money from Christmas presents to spend (will it last that long?) and I already have a list of things I really really need!  Decisions, decisions again!  Do you have any plans to visit the show?  Let us know and maybe we can meet for coffee if we are going on the same day. 

Well I have some work to do (even if I am still in my pj's!) Don't forget to tell us what you are up to, we do love to hear from you! 

Lynn