Wednesday 14 July 2010

What I've been up to lately...silversmithing and my old friends the seed beads

So now that the madness of moving flat is over and done with and I've had a chance to take some vaguely ok photos, I thought I'd write a little post to show you some of the things I've been doing recently.

In the last couple of months I've been giving silversmithing a try, to expand my jewellery making skills a bit further. I've learnt how to piece metal with a saw (which I actually really enjoy, even though it does make your hands ache after a while!), conquer my fear of open flames by using a handheld torch for soldering, plus polishing and finishing, and a little bit of stone setting. Here's a few of the pieces I've made on the courses I've attended...

...some simple hammer textured earrings (with handmade ear wires)...


....a handpierced "squiggle" link and soldered oval linked bracelet...
...and my favourite so far, a simple rub-over cabochon flower ring - I believe the stone is blue lace agate.

But I haven't forgotten the seed beads (how could I when I have bags and bags of the little treasures!?)...and I'm currently trying to build up a bit of stock to reopen my Folksy shop so here's a few of my latest seed beady makes too...


This chunky, tactile glass heart embellished bracelet which I have christened "Heart to Heart..."


A baby blue version of my "Daisy Garland" bracelet...

...and some matching earrings too...


...and to finish some fuchsia-inspired earrings for my mum for her birthday (I also have a silversmithing project on the go as an additional present for her but it is still to be finished off). 

Hope you enjoyed a peek at my beady antics of the last few weeks

N

XOXO