Silver with Lesley

Torch fired test earrings

2012-01-24T02:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of my torch fired earrings, not the best piece I have ever made but I was more interested in the colour then the standard of silver work. You can see the one on left is much better, it was the second one I fired.
So pleased with that fantastic red:)

Thanks again Joy.

Well what a nice surprise first thing in the morning:)

2012-01-17T01:41:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely surprise first thing this morning, Last July whilst in Chicago I sent another piece to the Masters Registry this was E9 threaded closure.

Well to be honest I had totally forgotten about my little bottle MARY

This is Mary photographed by Steve Rossman and my feedback sheet and as you can imagine I am thrilled to bits with every bit of it:)

If you fancy learning how to make a threaded closure, I am teaching an exclusive Master class for the Mid cornwall school of Jewellery on the 2nd and 3rd June.
I would love to share this technique with you.

FAM 2012 Jan

2012-01-07T01:17:00.000-08:00

I have just added my first set of four for FAM 2012 on flickr. I used this set of beads to create a collection of four. I made the into two pairs of earrings a ring with a bead rivet in place and a long necklace with hammered textured square silver wire.

As promised my beads that I made!!!!!

2012-01-05T01:45:00.000-08:00

I promise yesterday to upload photos of my beads that I made instead of my commission, that I really should have been cracking on with but didn't. OOOpppsss

So for those that are interested I am sharing a bowl that I made and a pendant as well, this has been fired in three steps. The first a full fuse then a tack fuse which has made the bamboo have a raised look and not melted in all the way, then finally its been slumped into an bowl mould.

I alos made a fun little pendant in much the same way apart from it wasn't slumped, I like it, its very cute.

And finally my beads that I really shouldn't have made!!!!! These will become my first multiples for FAM 2012 over on flickr.

I made some last night to go with the collection and two have already been made into a pair of earrings.

The rest will become:

A ring, Long necklace which I will wear and maybe a bracelet not sure just yet.

They are large barrels with fine silver melted into them.

I made other shapes as well. They are still on the mandrels.

If you want to see the multiples challenge then just click the flickr photostream link on my blog page then search in groups for Four a month.

Fun class

2011-12-16T04:45:00.000-08:00

I had a one to one with one of my favourite students the other day, it was a real mixed up class.
Mandy asked how to make tube settings for small gem stones.

This is what we did, these rings are such fun to make a mix of metal clay and sterling silver.

The wide band ring is metal clay and the other ring has a
metal clay top on a sterling D band.
We had good fun:)

Glass Glass Glass

2011-11-14T04:33:00.000-08:00

Oh dear, I think it was fatal me going to Warm Glass!!!!! I think I have another obsession.
Since coming home I have made some small panels to cut up to put in my bowls and had a go a drawing on glass which is really good fun, I am loving that technique.

The best thing I have made so far are my two bowls and I am still waiting for my stuff that I made at Warm glass to be sent.

These are parts that I will cut up to add to some bowl's

Here's a little look at all my first, go it alone projects, Guess what everyone is getting for christmas LOL

This is a couple of cabs that I made by drawing
directly onto the glass.

This is the second bowl I made
and I am very pleased with it.

This is my first ever bowl. Made on my own. I was really chuffed when I got this out of the kiln

This will be made into another bowl. I am
still choosing the back ground colours.

Now Back down the studio to make some more!!!!!!

Barbara Becker Simon workshop at Craftworx Beverely

2011-11-03T03:27:00.000-07:00

Wow finally I got to meet one of the biggest names in the Metal clay world Barbara Becker Simon author of Metal Clay Beads and truly an inspiration to me.

The class was held by Tracey Spurgin at Craftworx.

Keith and I arrived at Tracey's a day early so we could see some of Beverley as I had been their before but had never had the chance to sight see.

Beverley is a small very beautiful little town.

Beverley

Whilst their Lynne Glazzard suggested going to the Treasury House as Jacqueline Stieger was displaying her work.
All of her jewellery was stored in draws so every time you opened one another little surprise popped out, her work is just stunning, the carvings are so intricate and she moves so freely between small components for jewellery to very large doors and garden sculptures.

Keith and I continued walking through beverley were we found a little arcade of antique shops full of so much stuff.
I found the silver cabinet, stuffed to the brim with spoons, forks, knives and tongs and couldn't resist. I purchased a very sweet silver, what can only be described as a mini fish knife, it is very pretty and I also purchased a gorgeous pair of tongs.

The fish knife will be a ring the tongs will be a bracelet, when I get time of course!!!!!

The next day was Barbara Becker Simon's class.

The class was great. Barbara live up to my expectations, we were shown step by step how to construct accurate hollow forms, as I myself had done this before, I found her technique very interesting, at first I thought why,what,when!!!! my brain was in over drive.

I did as I was told ( Yes I really did ) and thought this was a very clever way to build.

Since coming home I have tired to construct my way which was ok but not as accurate, I have also done it Barbara's way, it is so accurate every single time so thats how I will be making hollows from now on.

Thanks Barbara for sharing a fantastic technique.

Barbara's demo

This was my brain going at ninety miles an hour and Barbara saying
"no I don't think so" she was right :)

The two red heads

Bead Magazine

2011-10-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

OWW I am really pleased with the latest issue of Bead magazine, some really nice photography of my work. I have written a 9 step how to for Bead but not only do I have a step by step tutorial but Chloe Menage Editor of Bead has written a nice little review on one of my classes yipppppeeeee.

Here's a sneaky peak at the pieces I made for them:)

Sterling silver Bangle with Ivy charm and
matching earrings with tiny handmade lamp work beads
Go check out Bead magazine from this linkhttp://www.beadmagazine.co.uk/index.asp

I have busy making;)

2011-10-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy over this last couple of weeks making sure that the Art clay guild newsletter is ready to go out on the 20 Nov, but I have finally had a chance to play with clay.

Copper clay has been on the top of my agenda with my up and coming Masterclass at MCSJ in June 2-5 2012

I hope that some of you will come and join me for a very exciting 4 days. Can't wait.
here's a sneaky peak at some of my new samples.

Ginko leaf pendant

Copper daisy and humming bird

Silver daisy and copper humming bird

Copper and silver collar

And for all of my Facebook friends that asked here is my new cuff, which I love:)

Sterling silver hammered cuff

AC conference 2011

2011-09-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hi all
I just thought I would share some photo's a delegate took and then emailed them to me, I thought they were grrrrrrreat.

This is me doing a demo on photography

This is Nicola Calow doing a soldering demo.

This is Tracey Spurgin doing a ring demo.

See what you think?????
Thank you Helen foster-turner for sharing them with. I have used some of the other pic you took in the next newsletter.

We did have a blast and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Roll on next year:)

Better late then never

2011-09-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I better crack on and get my pendant finished that I made in Holly Gages repousse class.

So here it is, unfortunately I can't show the pods I made, as silly me put them in the hold on my flight home and one got crushed, although it is back together I have yet to fire it.

Very Art Nouveau and very me :)

This is the back of the pendant which I completely forgot to show yesterday Doh!!!!!!

WOW wee

2011-09-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

Wow what an amazing week I have just had. I spent a week at the Mid Cornwall school of Jewellery with the talented Lisa Cain and Julia Rai taking a five- day intensive fast track Diploma along with Tracey Spurgin and Emma Gordon.

Boy it was blood sweat and tears, poor Tracey cut her finger with the tomato knife as she was chopping up the salad for our lunch. Tears form us all, so much pressure so little time. WOW still taking that on board. What an achievement for us all. Congratulations Emma and Tracey WE DID IT.

Then it was a six hour drive to Peterborough for the one day Art Clay UK conference, which was a blast with retailers and trash to treasure sale ( which I spent to much on ) and demonstrations. Mine was photography which I think went well.

And to top it all off I went and won the first prize in the competition for senior instructors 100g of clay whoopeeeeeee well chuffed with that.

This is the piece that won.

MEDUSA.

If you are interested I have been asked to teach this at the Mid Cornwall school of Jewellery
http://www.mcsj.co.uk/masterclasses/index.html
In June of next year as well as the potion bottle necklace with threaded closure.
Heres a sneaky peak of that piece of jewellery.

All in all its been an amazing week and then this morning i wake up to a delivery of Art Jewerly magazine and guess what I am in it.
Blimey can it get any better :)
I hope you enjoy seeing Medusa I loved making her.

Look I made these just for fun :)

2011-09-15T05:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some beads I made the other night, I love the colours and really enjoyed making them.

I have made a necklace as well, which sold before I could take a photo, I think I will make some more beads and make these into necklaces :)

Not sure what to do with these ones any ideas???????
Enjoy

Polymer clay workshop

2011-09-05T03:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I taught polymer clay Kaleidoscope canes, which we then made into a cuff and a small amount of beads. All that needs to be done is the polishing to get the lovely shinny finish.

I think they made a fantastic job. Just take a look!!!

These are the kaleidoscope canes my fab students made.
Great job ladies:)

Add captionThis cuff was amazing

I think all my Students did a great job, I'm so proud of each and every one of you :)

Silver Smithing class

2011-08-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos from my silver smithing workshop with Mandy on Sunday.

I think she did a fantastic job.

Well done Mandy :)

D band ring with a little domed cup.

Bracelet made with hammered washers and jump rings.

2mm wire bangle with a little pierced heart charm.

Enjoy:)

Well what a day :)

2011-08-03T03:30:00.000-07:00

Well what a productive day I had Yesterday, I have made three pendants and finish my prayer pendant.

One is silver, one is copper and the third is just out of the kiln and is silver and copper.

Most of you who know me know I am a bit of a silver snob, I think I have finally fallen for copper and silver. Even though it sends your fingers a nasty shade of green.

These are all just for fun, I will be selling these in the shop just so I can make some more:)

I also finished the pendant I made in Chicago.

So Gordon this one is for you as per your instructions.

I hope I did you proud :-D

Anodised aluminium

2011-06-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got my anodised aluminium and had fun yesterday getting in a right mess!!! Lynne you would have been hiding in the corner it was cringe worthy, inks, dye's pens everywhere.

I think all the mess was worth it, so what do you think?

I love this cuff.

Then thought I should make so matching earrings.
and then.

A pendent as well :D

finally!!!

2011-06-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my fold forming, I made one into a brooch and the other is a collar. I'm very pleased with them as I have never done this technique before, until Lynne showed me.

It's very satisfying beating the hell out of metal. Now onto the sheet silver. Nail biting stuff :)

I really love the colours that can be achieved:)

I've been making beads

2011-06-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my fantastic weekend away and time spent with Lynne Glazzard I have come home completely obsessed. I have ordered copper sheet to do some fold forming, got myself all sorts of dyes and colours to make some colourful jewellery, I can't wait to get stuck in.

So while I wait..... I have been making beads like a mad thing. They are encased with silver and look sooooo pretty. So which colour should I wear today hummmmmmmm!!!!!!

Weekend away at Lynne Glazzards:)

2011-05-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Well what can I say, we had a great time and didn't want to come home. The country side was stunning and our host's were so kind:)

Many Thanks to Jonathan who cooked us a lovely dinner and to Lynne for all the laughs and how could I forget Lucy, so very very cute.

We had a blast and it looks like we will do it all again at mine next time YIPEEEEEEEE

Lynne trying to do some work, I don't think it worked:)

Fish pedicure!!!!!!! Loved it and will have it done again.

The view's

This was taken from our B&B and if you look in the distance
that is Lynne's place.
Lovely;D

Oh Lucy we miss you, Mrs waggle tail

Now down to work.

My first ever torch fired earrings.

Jonathan and Lynne
Thank you X

Well success!!!!

2011-05-18T02:35:00.000-07:00

Well I have had a really fun packed two weekends with open studio's. I met some very interesting people who were very interested in workshop's and quite a few people booked, which was great. As well as booking for workshops, I sold a lot of jewellery.
Honestly it was hard to see it go but I now have more money for SILVER and TOOLS Yahhhhhhhhh.

Idz and I played with glass over the two weekends and here are some of the pieces I made.

Poppy coaster.

Tack fused pendant.

Trio of coaster one to be made for the set.

Full fused pendant.

We made loads more thing as well, it was great fun:)

Very excited

2011-05-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

All my photos are up on the Master's registry go check it out and here's the link.
www.mastersregistry.com/masters/register/4/16/30

Here is another one which you can't see the whole photo on the Master's registry.

E6 Stencil.

Master's Registry Level 1V

2011-05-10T01:42:00.000-07:00

I have some very exciting news!!! but I have a big fat headache (to much wine, all self inflicted LOL) anyway back to my news.
Last night I had an email from Tim McCreight to let me know I have now passed my Level 1V master's registry.

I am over the moon, sadly my mum isn't here for me to share my news but I know she would have been so proud of me. Miss you mum.

So here is a sneaky peak of a couple of my pieces.

Another bank holiday over and what did we do???

2011-05-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

Well we have just had another bank holiday, most people relaxed by enjoying the sun and having barbecue's and just taking in the great British weather we are having at the moment.

Me, I spent the day in my lovely studio sawing, cutting out disc's and bashing silver sheet, I m really enjoying working with metal. I finished making this bracelet and a pendant. The cabochon was one that I purchased at the Art clay UK conference, another purchase that has be waiting to made into something.

The bracelet are little hollow beads with rings that spin, to match a ring that I made.

I love this cabochon.

Hollow beads and spinner jump rings

Today's ring workshop.

2011-05-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a ring making workshop, with three lovely ladies. These are the ring they made and didn't they do a great job. Well done ladies.

Made by Christine

Made by Mandy

Made by mandy

Made by Rebecca

I think they all did a good job:)

What a nice surprise:)

2011-04-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

OMG when I got home from work this evening I had a lovely surprise. A parcel was waiting on the side for me. I couldn't believe what was in it.
I would like to thank Philippa so much for all this lovely beach glass, I mentioned in our workshop that you could not find beach glass round here for love nor money. So Philippa sent me all this glass that she picked up on a walk with her dogs.

Just look at all this lovely glass

So I couldn't just look at it tonight, I got straight in my studio and made this ring with a piece.

I love beach glass thank you so much
Philippa your a star XXX

Thing I haven't had time to post!!!

2011-04-28T01:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of things that due to illness I haven't had chance to post.

The first is of course is my sterling silver clay ring. As you can imagine I was so honoured to be asked by Lisa Cain of the Mid Cornwall school of Jewellery to be a secret metal clay tester (Lisa I felt like a naughty school girl with a big secret thanks for asking me.)
I have to be honest one of the hardest things to keep under my hat, I was almost at bursting point when the story finally got published, my findings are most interesting as are Chris Pate's and Julia Rai's. So if you haven't already read it then you need to purchase Metal clay artist magazine.

I love this ring and can't wait for its return:)

The next picture is of Jackie Sissons spinner ring unfortunately the other student Philly had to leave as she was very poorly in the afternoon. The ring was completed apart from the final polishing but this morning Philly posted on facebook a gorgeous finished ring well done philly:)

So this is the other half of the class. Jackie its a great ring well done.

This is a pretty ring that is interchangeable.

Today in my studio.

2011-04-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

I managed to make two new items to sell at open studio's next weekend. The first is going to be so hard to part with as it is very me. I have called the ring.

I get the point.

I also made some beads and a little vessel and liked them so much that I made them into a necklace.

Sterling silver bullet cab. This is going to
be so hard to part with :(

Hand made lamp work beads and sterling silver.

It's Summer

2011-04-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well I am feeling so much better, this past week has been awful but finally today I was able to spend time in the garden and studio and here are the photos to prove it::)

Baby spiders so cute :)

My dear sister Laura chuffed with a couple of vessels
she made on my torch.

These are the beads and hollow I enamelled
I love them and now I need to make a load of glass
spacer beads.

Polymer clay cuff.

2011-04-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've been playing today and made a cuff out of polymer clay then gave it a nice polish, I think this will be mine for a while until I make another one LOL

Lynne not your sort stuff as your hands get really grubby :)

Its definitely my colours :)
I shall wear this a lot.

Towcester

2011-04-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well I had a great time teaching at Towcester and am looking forward to doing it all again next year Yipeeeeeeeeee:D

Paul better known as Caroline LOL
He had a bad finger, he chopped it off with a chop saw!!!!
YUK!!!!!

Here's some photo's.

Keith pretending to be teacher!!!! Get out of my chair.

Lynne Glazzard good friend and a fab enamel instructor:)

This is just a snip of what went on over the weekend but boy we had a blast.

Whats a girl to do!!!!!!!

2011-04-05T02:42:00.000-07:00

Well what's a girl to do when she has no clay to play with. Get out all her metal working toys I mean tools and make new stuff. Yaahhhhh

So here's what I have been making.

I will make a chain to hang this from.

I think this will get worn a lot.

One to one workshop

2011-04-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Lentil bead with pearl.

Today I spent the day teaching a lovely lady by the name of Jackie Sisson on a one to one.

Jackie wanted to learn how to make a hollow forms and one of the best examples is a lental bead. She learnt how to texture well and to attach a pearl. I think the best part of the class was how to polish to a good quality finish.

I love this little ring. Well done Jackie:)

Shinny Shinny Shinny :)

We then went on to make a ring with texture and BALL'S yes Phillipa Balls just like Gordon's. I loved that little ring,and would have been quite happy to keep that one on my finger:)

Sterling silver clay

2011-04-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

If you are following all the news about sterling silver then check Hadars page. here's a link.
http://artinsilver.com/blog/2011/03/31/sterling-silver-with-hadars-clay%E2%84%A2-quick-fire-copper/

Today I was playing sterling silver.

2011-03-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sterling silver and copper
spinner ring.

Hi all
Well today I felt so much better that I had the morning playing in my studio, I thought I ought to play with some sterling silver as my silver clay is getting low.

I made two spinner rings one with a hammered silver moving band and the other I used D wire in a band, round copper wire hammered and sterling round and hammered. I had forgotten how much fun it is to work with real metal.

Sterling silver spinner ring.

I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed making them.

Ceramic class

2011-03-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

As promised here are my first ever ceramic piece's. The clay used was a low fire earthenware and at £3.50 for 10k I think I will be purchasing some.

These piece's are fired and are in the greenware state ready to add some colour.

The little leaf house. It is only 11/2 inches tall.

Finger mouse. These remind me of a kids TV programme I used watch as a child

Of course no project would be complete without beads.
I'm looking forward to adding the glaze to them.

I am thrilled

2011-02-23T01:27:00.000-08:00

I am going to be opening my studio up to the public for two weekends in May. This is are local Open studio's in Chichester. I have never done this before and I'm a bit nervous.

Well yesterday I was emailed a picture of the poster's for the preview show. I was so surprised to see my ring smack bang in the middle Whoopeeeee well chuffed about that :)

Raw week 5

2011-02-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

These are my rings for week 5 as well as the ones I missed so week 1 and 2. I think thats me all caught up now Yaaaaaahhhhhh:)

I hope you like them.

Beads & beyond

2011-01-22T01:13:00.000-08:00

Hi all

I Finally got my hands on a copy of Beads & Beyond.
Page 74 is a two page meet and greet and its all about me, I'm so pleased with it, it looks great.

Then if you turn to page 36 I have my first tutorial with Beads & Beyond

Sorry not the best picture ever but it gives you an idea:)

I also got a little surprise in the post this morning, I came in joint second place in jeweller of the year in Beads & Beyond but didn't know there was a second prize which consisted of some Metal clay a clay shaper, cookie cutter and a firing chart. Not bad as I didn't even know LOL.

This was the second place piece.

Look what I made :D

2011-01-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

I been in my studio and made myself a new chain.

Graduated texture 18" chain made with metal clay.

This will be worn alot I think!!!!!

Start as I mean to go on:)

2011-01-06T04:21:00.000-08:00

Hi All
I'm trying to be good and keep updating my blog ( I wonder how long I can keep it up)
These are a couple of bracelets I made in a quiet moment at the shop, I love them and have been asked to run a workshop on the silver parts and how then to put these together.

I have to be honest I love them so much that once again they will end up in my jewelllery box Sssshhhhhh don't tell K. LOL

Ok so I have been so quiet!!!!!!

2011-01-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hi All
Firstly to all my blog followers and Fb friends I would like to take this opportunity to explain why I have not been as active as I should be. Just before Christmas my dearest mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Which sadly has no cure.

My mum is very strong and so courageous and is, believe me enjoying life to the full. This has been so tough to deal with, mum has made me realise that life goes on regardless.

So I am now back at work in my studio being creative again, here's a look at what I have been up to.

This is my Autumn collar made with metal clay and stiling silver.

I also made this pendant, it is hung on a 30" long silver chain, I called it YES or NO?

The other things I have been making are glass hollow beads and these are BIG

Chichester's lack of christmas decoration

2010-12-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hi All

You may or may not have seen Chcichester on the news as the only city not to have any christmas decoration's... It such a shame the town look so dull at night.

So we at David Messam decided we would light up our shop like a christmas tree with a huge santa and loads of lights.

Santa is the one in red lol

Hope you enjoy them as much as we have been.

My beginners class

2010-10-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

This was my beginner's class this Sunday sadly a couple cancelled due to illness but the four that were able to make mad some great work just take a little look.

Didn't they make some great pieces, well done ladies.YAHHHHHHHH :)

More Glass Beads

2010-10-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

I really don't understand whats going on with me at the moment, I seem to be obsessing over beads but this afternoon I am back on track Art clay Art clay all the way.

In the meantime this is what I have been making.

These are my first attempt at core beads some are a little big but I like them.

These are disk beads that look like ruffles. This one makes me smile,such a lot of colour not me at all.

Well I'm off to play with some silver, enjoy the beads.

Jeweller of the year.

2010-10-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

You can now go and vote for Jeweller of the year at; http://www.beadsandbeyondmagazine.com/
There are a few categories, Lampwork, wirework,linking and many moreand just take a look at the great metal clay work on view.
Please go vote.

Lesley

Glass fusing day

2010-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Today I had a day to myself so I spent the whole day in my studio fusing glass. I find this so relaxing and love all the colours of the glass. This was the first two shelf's to go in this morning.

These will be made into earrings and cufflinks for Christmas stock for the shop. This is some of the glass in the kiln just reaching temperature

I think I went a little mad and made loads, so I will use the ones at the top in my Art clay workshops. I like the glass with silver it really makes the colors pop.

I also made my favourite Tack fuse. I really enjoy the edgy look to the finished glass.

I hope you enjoy looking at my work, as much as I enjoyed making them.

OMG has it been this long

2010-10-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

OMG I really can't believe it has been so long since I blogged ( note to self must make regular up date's)

Well since my last visit I have managed to pass my Level 111 Masters registry and here a couple of pictures off my work.

These are two of my favourite pieces my mineture scissors and my nesting ring both of which rewarded me with high marks. I hope you like them as much as I do.

Teaching at Flame off at Towcester

2010-04-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I had a fantastic time teaching at flame off, I met some fabulous artist's and had really great students.

I taught three workshops over two days, here's sneaky peak.

Everyone seemed really pleased with what they made and boy did they make some gorgeous jewellery. The feedback has been great so thanks to all my students.

The fun didn't stop at this!!!!!!!

At flame I met a very talented lampwork artist Sharon Peters from San Francisco, she was in the classroom next to me when I arrived, She was packing her stuff away but I got a peak at her students work they were all amazing.

Well you can sort of guess what happened!!!! the volcano and the ash cloud which left Sharon stranded in England. OMG everyone offered to put her up but most of them were from up north, miles and miles away from Heathrow. So I chirped up and said you can stay with us we have a spare room and I have a lampwork station in my studio.

I think the clincher was that we were only 1 hour 20 minutes away from the Heathrow. Sharon stayed with us until Thursday and taught me loads and vise a versa we had an artists swap shop. It was great:) what a finish to flame off. So here is a picture of Sharon in my studio.

How cool to have someone soooo talented in my studio:)
This is one of the beads I purchased from Sharon. I love her work its so different.

I'm sooo sooo lucky this is the pendant that Sharon gave me as a gift. I adore it so much. Thank you Sharon.

Lesley X

Japan

2010-03-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I thought you might like to see some pictures of our trip to Japan it was amazing, I would love to back just to see more sights.

Aida where really great and the workshops well what can I say:) we all had an amazing time. I hope you enjoy them.

This is outside Art clay's factory.

ITS SILVER I WANT IT lol

And guess where that silver comes from, its all recycled from xray's, photo's and yes Lady's teeth!!!!

Oh yes something else, I have a brand new App which you can download free if you go to the istore and search for silver with Lesley.

This will keep you up to date with my blog, workshops and pictures of my work.I hope you like it.

Lesley

Master's Registry Level 2

2010-02-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Well I have been so busy of late and have neglected my blog so I am going to try and start posting again.

So here's some pictures of my master's registry level 2.

I hope you enjoy them.

Also we will be going to Japan very soon to visit the Art Clay factory. We will also have a couple of hands on workshops I'm soooooo very very excited :)

I will take lots of pics and post them:)

The necklace is from my level 1 and the cone, sphere and cube are from my level 2

If you want to see the rest of my projects please visit the Mastersregistry.com

Hattie's workshop

2009-12-10T01:33:00.000-08:00

Hi
Well I have been so busy, what with shop and teaching but I had the opportunity to go to Scotland for a master class with Hattie Sanderson.

Woo wee what a roller coaster weekend it was great and Hattie is amazing.

Here's some pics ENJOY :)

Hattie and Me :) and a group shot.

These are my rings that I made and I LOEV EM:)

I would like to thank Emma Baird for all the hard work she put in. It was a great venue and a fantastic weekend. I want to do it again.

Art clay UK conference in Jersey 2009

2009-10-12T01:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry this has taken some time for me to upload but I just couldn't bare looking at my beautiful camera!!! not so pretty now, Keith, katie and I went for a beautiful walk to the devil's hole. Well I was not dressed in the best walking shoes and ended up throwing myself at the floor, whilst holding my camera which is now scratched to shreds:(
However we did have a wonderful time in Jersey. Here are just a few pictures of our trip.

The first is Keith outside our gorgeous Hotel with a wonderful view of the sea front.

This is the frog that sits in the centre of town on the huge pillar.

This was the master class and we were all concentrating so hard.

This was my 3d wearable jewellery workshop I taught 6 in this class...and boy I was so nervous, I think not being in my studio made me feel uncomfortable but I soon went into auto pilot and really enjoyed every minute of my class, they all worked so hard and made some great jewellery. This is a pic of some green ware just before the kiln.

Then we went into the afternoon session where I was teaching water etching a group of 10. This time no nerves. Everyone really enjoyed the class but Sadly I didn't get any pictures of there work as they rushed away to get ready for the evenings fun.

Polymer Beads with Carol Blackburn

2009-09-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I have to share this weeks workshop with you. I spent 3 days at West Dean being taught by Carol Blackburn the polymer clay queen. I learnt so much it was amazing.

This is a picture of carol she was delightful.

This is a picture of every one who attended the workshop. We had such a good laugh with Carol.

This is what I made. I can honestly say I have never learnt so much, Carol was great:)

I did make loads more but it was sooo much that it would take to long to upload it all. I hope you like them as much as I do:)

Caged Beads

2009-08-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I been playing and made some more caged beads which I absolutely love. The big one looks like a sea urchin. I hope you like:)

I'm on the internet LOL

2009-08-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

Well I'm guessing you all know I have been writing for Making jewellery magazine, well to my surprise I'm now on their website which is just great.

So please go have a look :) http://www.makingjewellery.com/project-advanced2.shtml

I hope you like it.

Robert Dancik faux bone weekend

2009-08-19T02:42:00.000-07:00

One thing I can say about me is I’m not a great flyer but the opportunity to work with Robert Dancik and his Faux bone was enough to even drag me onto an airplane.

The weekend was arranged by Emma Baird of Art Clay Scotland.

Friday morning Robert started the class by using a singing bowl which imedietley grabs your attention. He began with introductions not your normal introductions like who you are what you do but just a simple what would you like to be known by this weekend and what film you like. As you can see from the picture we were all captivated by him.

Robert went through some of the techniques and how to use faux bone; we all then knuckled down and cracked on with our individual projects. I can remember one particular lady who had never used a piercing saw before and was struggling but Robert reassured her and within a very short time she had created the most beautiful bookmark.

Myself, I made three rings just to get the feel of the material I am very pleased with the result I was also working on Art clay ring with a cold connection. Robert explained about micro connections and even went into how to rivet correctly. The ring has a faux bone disc, which is to be engraved, faux bone is so versatile you can heat it, bend it as well as colour it using alcohol inks or just rub acrylic paints straight into it.

My mind is doing cartwheels faux bone has some wonderful applications and works so well alongside art clay I will definitely be using it again. Robert is a superb teacher and motivator. Everyone that attended the workshop had a wonderful weekend.

Thank you Emma for arranging a wonderful weekend.

The PMC Symposium

2009-08-11T03:49:00.000-07:00

Well as you know I went to the PMC symposium at the weekend, it was a really great mini conference, I got lots of new techniques and ideas for new designs. Also I met lots of old friends and made lots of new ones its was great to be with like minded people.

The highlight of the weekend for me was when I won the competition. The idea was wear your best jewellery, everyone was given three stickers and if you liked someones jewellery you gave them a sticker. Well I was amazed that I had more then anyone else and won first prize. which was a kilo of copper clay, £100 on books, PMC certification and faux bone with a DVD which has been great. So a big thank you to all those people that placed a sticker on me:) Here is the winning jewellery.

The first two pictures are of the large Bicone ring I made and the next is my long necklace with my hollow bead. I hope you like.

Caged beads

2009-08-01T02:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Sorry

For not posting very much but I have been soooo busy what Chicago and bad jet lag and writting tutorials for a couple of mags.

So heres some eye candy these are my new cage beads I was taught this brand new technique in Chicago by a lovely lady called Cindy Pankopf, I lov them:)

Also there was a charm swop at the conference and this is my charm bracelet that I made when I got home, It has some very well know metal clay artist work on it and I love it:)

Chicago

2009-07-13T21:25:00.001-07:00

This is just some of the stuff I have seen while being here in Chicago. The first is the biggest trains I have ever seen. Not only are they big but they are double deckers.

The next picture is the most famous building and the highest in Chicago the Sears tower it is 108 storeys and is the fifth tallest freestanding structure in the world. I'm going up it on Wednesday. In the picture you can see at the top some bits that's Seem to jut out they are the glass panels that you can walk on if you dare.

This next picture is for my hubby Keith XXX Last nights food was a New York Stripe steak with a blue cheese crust, it was sooooooooooooo good.

This is just a snip of Chicago, I want to come back with my hubby he would love this,I hope you like:)

Lesley

I'm in Chicago

2009-07-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally here and by we I mean Emma and Lynda. I have to say I really don't enjoy the travelling bit it was such a long day, We arrive at the hotel at about 3 in the morning UK time nut 10pm lol time.

We all went straight to bed and I have never seen a bed so big I was lost in it :) but I was rudely awoken by the air con this went on until about 3am when I couldn't take any more and switched the bloody thing off.

This is a picture of the hotel I took this morning.

Hollow Bead Necklace

2009-07-08T01:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all

Well I thought you might like to see what I did with my large hollow bead so here it is, this is a long necklace at 34 inches. I hope you like it as much as I do:)

Lagre Hollow Beads

2009-07-03T02:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Well this week I have spent my time at my lampwork station and boy I'm having fun:)

I decided to have a go at making some large hollow beads and this is the result, the black with ivory one is being turned into a necklace to take to Chicago with me next week. I'm soooo excited can't wait to go WHOOPEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Lesley X

My new beads

2009-06-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

This post is for Carrie who asked me yesterday if I would blog my new beads that I have obsessively been making.

I not that great at this but I am getting better the more I play. So I hope you like them:)

I'm In Making Jewellery Magarzine

2009-06-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all

Well I'm very excited to see my twelve step advanced tutorial in Making Jewellery.

I have worked really hard on this tutorial. I enjoyed doing this. So what do you think?

2009-06-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

I have to share this with you, I hope you all like it. I wanted to make a ring that looked like a flame. I think it looks pretty good maybe I could of added some more yellow.

Well its not bad for the first go:) I like it alot and it is very comfortable to wear.

Enamelling weekend

2009-05-27T02:43:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back at work and the weather is totally grotty outside so I thought now would be a good time to share a bit of my weekend.

Firstly I would like to thank Emma Baird from http://www.thelittlebeadshop.co.uk/ for organising a great Art clay Guild weekend. This is a picture of Emma hard a work.

I would also like to thank Dorothy Cockrell and Lynne Glazzard for all there hard work and words of encouragement and patients with us less unsure students.

In the picture is Dorothy and Lynne in the background.

It was a fantastic weekend. I spent nearly the whole weekend working on a project for the masters so I can't display it, however I did make a ring that I enamelled.
Hope you like it:)

We are going to Edinburgh by train

2009-05-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hi

I just thought I would share a bit of our journey with you. I took this picture just as we where leaving Havent train station its bright yellow rape seed it looks so pretty, my poor son suffers from hay because of this stuff. Its still pretty.

This is my dear husband Keith sitting in first class just about to tuck into a rare steak sandwich and a glass of merlot..Yum Yum..Me to:)Just passed York.

Newcastle Now....

Berwick Upon tweed sooooooooooooo pretty :)

Next stop eEdinburgh...........whoopeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee so sunny and warm

Omg we are here wowwwwwwwwwwwww its gorgeous...........Love Edinburgh been before its just stunning:)

Etched Pendent With Dry Media

2009-05-21T01:02:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Scotland tomorrow well in fact Edinburgh for an enameling weekend at my friends Emma Baird at the little bead shop this is for Art clay guild members only and cost is so cheep.

So if you want to go to any Art clay function's you need to become a member to join just visit

http://www.artclayworld.org.uk/

Now back to my pendent This is full of colour and has been etched Hope you like it:)

OMG I'm in Making Jewellery magazine

2009-05-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

I just have to share this I'm in Making Jewellery magazine with three pieces of my Jewellery. Two pendents and a ring.

Well here they are, I'm sooooooooooo chuffed :)

10 Ton Hydraulic Press

2009-05-16T01:31:00.001-07:00

Hi
I thought I would share some press formed pendants with you. I will explained what this involves.

This my 10 ton hydraulic press

First you need to draw on an acrylic sheet the shape you want your pendant to be. Once you have got your design and pierced it out you then make a sandwich of a piece of steel then hard urethane then the acyclic with the cut out a picec of sheet silver next a soft piece of urethane then another piece of steel. Now place the sandwich in the press and squeeze.

These are the results. I do need to do some more sanding but I wanted to show you.

Dichroic Glass

2009-05-14T00:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been so quiet, its so busy for me what with taking the Master's registry as well as writing and creating tutorials for a magazine and trying to run a business with my wonderful husband Keith and teaching nearly every weekend. Not that I'm complaining I wouldn't change it for the world.

Well finally I have had a chance to play with some gorgeous glass so I thought I would share these pendants with you the first is a tack fuse.

I love the vibrant colours that you get with dichroic glass such lovely colours for the summer.

The second one is called a full fuse so is much more melted together, I've used sterling silver wire run through my rolling mill to flatten it and a simple wire wrap to encase and make a bail. I think I prefer this one.

I hope you like them.

A Bit of Bling

2009-04-22T03:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I just had to share this hollow ring with you I've called it a bit of bling.

It is made from fine silver and 24kt gold. I'm really enjoying playing with all sorts of shapes and construction. This is going to be for sale in the shop. I'm not keeping it because I can't wear gold I'm to pale, it doesn't look right on my skin type.

I hope you all like it.

Art Nouveau Pendant

2009-04-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

Hi All I'm sorry that I have neglected my blog for a while but the reason for this is I have been heavily involved in take the masters registry. Oh boy this is a challenge but I'm enjoying it.

So please forgive me for the lack of work here at the moment, behind the scenes I am working very hard.

Well I have this pendant to share with you, it is an Art Nouveau inspired piece.

I hope you like this, it will be worn this summer.

A Tour Of My Studio

2009-04-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi
I thought it was about time I shared my gorgeous studio with you all, so you can see where I create all my jewellery.

This space is great for teaching, it has a nice and toastie under floor heating and is very well insulated so keeps at a nice temperature all year round.

The first pic is the outside of my studio and my friend Karen made the glass hangings for me.

The second picture is of my Art Clay station

This is my Lampwork station which is just fun for me.

The last picture is my silver smithing station and my table were I teach art clay silver it is a really nice environment to teach, warm and well lite with no interruptions.

I hope you enjoy a little glimpse into my studio.

Lesley

Hattie Sanderson

2009-04-01T01:05:00.000-07:00

Well if you love Art clay Silver or PMC as much as I do you will have heard of Hattie Sanderson.
Hattie's work is amazing, Just take a look.

She will coming to the UK in December and taking a two day workshop at The Little Bead Shop Scotland, this is a chance for a lifetime and an opportunity not to be missed.
I will be saving so hard right now just so I have the money to go when places became available

This will be the first time Hattie's has been to the UK, you can look at more of her stunning work, just use the link below. http://www.hattiesanderson.com/

She has some awesome Jewellery to look at. I hope some of you would be able to attend I can't wait I'm so excited:)
For any further information please use the link below to The Little Beads Shop Art clay Scotland.
http://www.thelittlebeadshop.co.uk/ all the detail's will be there.

Wrapped Leaf Ring

2009-03-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

I have had some real fun with the ring's I've been making so I thought I would share this one with you I call it the wrapped leaf ring.

I made this ring hollow so that it would make it nice and light and very comfortable to wear..

I love it, I hope you like it

Poppy Pod Ring

2009-03-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Awwwwwwwww I hear you say :) yep its another ring...Sorry I just can't help myself at the moment.

I'm having such fun making these rings and I love this one in fact I'm wearing it right now.

So what do you think?

Its Not a Baird Ring

2009-03-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry to bore you all with another ring but I do think this is rather gorgeous. I have made a light weight hollow ring and then set this beautiful dotty bead right in the centre.

The colour's are amazing and the dots are spot on ( sorry about the pun ) the bead was made by Emma Baird, she is very talented.

Well I love this and will be wearing it tomorrow, can't wait:) It will also go with the bracelet I made with Emma's beads.

A Touch Of Glass Bracelet

2009-03-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful bracelet I have been working on, so simple but so stunning.

Its a combination of fine silver and some gorgeous Pansy beads from Emma Baird, She has at last put her beads online, I purchased these because I fell in love with them.

If you want to buy any of her beads here's the link to The little bead shop where she sells these little gems http://www.thelittlebeadshop.co.uk/

Well I hope you all love this as much as I do, I think this is one for the summer which seems to be finally on its way.

Fine Silver Ring with Lava Bead

2009-03-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

I think I've gone rings mad, I'm really enjoying making these rings. This time I made a hollow ring and then set a gorgeous little lava bead right on the top. I'm really pleased with the way it looks:)

This one is for me, their is no way I can part with it. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Art Clay Etched Ring with enameling

2009-03-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Here's my art clay silver etched ring, I love doing this technique and I will be teaching this at the Art Clay World UK conference in Jersey this year. I have already been asked to teach 3 dimensional wearable jewellery which is very exciting and a honour. I've etched the ring and then enameled it, to really make the etching stand out. I think it works really well, I hope you all like it.

Oh just one more thing if you would like to learn how to create jewellery like mine and would like to attend my classes or any of the other wonderful classes at the conference then you need to become a member of Art Clay World UK if you're not a member you will not get invited.

So go join its well worth it :)

New York Ring

2009-03-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my new ring I've been working on, it is a construction ring which is completely hollow. I realised that I don't really make that many rings, so thought well what can I do that is a little different to the norm. So this is what I came up with, I've never made a ring with this type of construction, so it was a challenge for me, but I'm very pleased with the way it turned out.

I named it The New York ring, I hope you can see why.

If you ever feel you would like to learn how to make a ring like this or any of the other jewellery I've made then please take a look at my website Silverwithlesley.com or you can always come and see me at our shop and take a look at our wonderful range of beads in the bead cellar.

I would love to get some feed back about this ring so please feel free to leave your comments.

Lesley

Uk Handmade.blogspot

2009-03-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

OMG I can't believe it, UK handmade has written a review about me called spotlight on Lesley Messam

I'm so pleased, I wanted to share this the you all. Whoopeeeee :)

So if you want to have a look just click on the link below.

http://ukhandmade.blogspot.com/

Its an online magazine just for UK crafts people, they have some really great items on their, it makes for a very interesting read.

Enamelled Pendant

2009-03-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

This is my first ever piece of enamelled jewellery. I'm really pleased with the colours which give this otherwise un-interesting pendant a bit of life. I enjoy adding colour to silver but not to completely cover it, I like to see some of the silver exposed, it makes the piece more interesting.

The back is identical to the front so can be worn ether way. I believe the back of a pendant is as important as the front. When ever I look at jewellery I will always check out the back, its a habit.

So what do think? .

Metal Clay and Sterling Necklace

2009-03-04T04:46:00.000-08:00

This heart necklace was made from metal clay, the chain is sterling silver. The hearts have a delicate hammered texture I also did the same to the toggle and bar. I made a chain with jump rings which have all been soldered. It's a very simple necklace and sits beautifully when you wear it. I know it's a bit late for Valentine's but I still love it:-)

The necklace is sporting my Hallmark. I always make my own tags for my hallmark, when you send it to the assay office they will just put it anywhere, so I tell them to pop it on the little tag, that way its where I want it.

I hope you like it.

Silver Popsicle Pendant

2009-02-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

Convalescing at home has given me the opportunity to make and finish another pendant. Its on the same theme as the three dimensional wearable jewellery with a difference, I've added some colour. Well actually the coloured part is polymer clay.

I love the bold colours I've used on it, this reminds me of the summer sun ( I think that's wishful thinking ) this has two sides, the colour goes all the way through so its a mirror image on the back.

I think the colour makes it look quite striking I've called it the Popsicle pendant because I want to eat it.

I hope you like it.

Art Nouveau Style Pendant

2009-02-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

I think I've finally found my style ( at last its taken some time to realise ) my work seems to be very Art Nouveau with all its swirls, dots and flowers. I drew the flowers for this pendant in my sketch book then recreated them in art clay which was fun this is another three dimensional wearable piece of jewellery. The picture below is some of my sketches for this project.

I particularly like the way this pendant can be worn, Its two pendants in one.

I hope you like it :) I will be making some more constructed pieces of jewellery, I really enjoy the challenge.

I would be interested to see If you agree that my jewellery is very Art Nouveau, perhaps you see a totally different style. Let me know :)

Bronzclay Pendants

2009-02-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

At last I've been well enough to sit and make some pieces of 3D wearable jewellery, I seem to be having a theme ( thats a worry ) . I decided I would have a play with some bronzclay as I haven't used it for a while the only thing I would say with bronzclay is it can be a bit unpredictable. I still love it :-)

The first Pendant I've called all bandaged up this might have something to with how I've been feeling lately:) I also set some man made stones on the top of the pendant, they add a bit colour which I like. It wanted to get the wrapped woven look I think it works quite well.

The second is a bronzclay Mandorla this time I over layed flowers on a flower back ground I like the depth of this pendant when its worn it can be seen from the sides.

Its really nice to be able to start making jewellery again I have missed it. I hope you like my new pendants as much as I do:)
Lesley

I've got a new knee

2009-02-17T00:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been a bit quiet. I've been in hospital for five days to have my knee replaced. I was admitted on Thursday the 12 of Feb that afternoon I was operated on, I was totally awake which was bizarre. The operation went well and because I was awake I didn't suffer with sickness from the anaesthetic which was great.

The first night after the op I could give myself morphine with this pain killing thing hooked up to me, so I started to use it not much at first then my knee started to come round so I used it a bit more all of a sudden I started to itch and it got worse and worse so much so that it kept me awake all night, I was itching everywhere and It wouldn't stop!!!!!! Later I found out this is a reaction to the morphine, thank God they stopped that and gave me some pills for the pain but the itching didn't stop for three days It almost drove me mad:(

Back to the knee I have taken a picture of the knee, so if your a bit squeamish don't look, its a bit swollen but other then that its very good I have 33 clips in it to be taken out next week.

I can honestly say that its going to be worth all the pain and discomfort to be able to walk free of the arthritic pain, the discomfort I feel now will go.

Oh I've also taken a picture of the fimo beads I made one evening in hospital when I couldn't sleep.

One other thing before I go, thank you to all my friend's who sent me cards, flowers, chocolates, bracelet, scarf and emails of encouragement you know who you are, so many thanks you don't know how much it helped.

Thanks Lesley X

Mandorla Pendant

2009-02-07T01:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Today I'm sharing my new 3D pendant with you I've called it the Mandorla pendant because of it shape. I'm really enjoying playing with different styles and shapes and how they can be made into a hollow forms that is 3D wearable jewellery.

I've also embellished this using a syringe to create the dots so it has that dug out of the ground look.

Oh by the way this might be my last post for a little while because I'm off into hospital to have my knee replaced..I'm looking forward to it in a strange sort of way, only because I will no longer have the pain from arthritis...Just the pain from the surgery and that will get better day by day.

See you in a few weeks and please enjoy my pendant.

Lesley X

Etched Lentil Bead

2009-02-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of a lentil bead that I etched. This technique is great, its nice to have your own drawings as your design.

My inspiration came from Emma Baird's lampwork beads who has made some beautiful organics, but her dotties are simply gorrrrrrrrrrgeous.

I hope you like my organic Lentil...............

Bronzclay workshop

2009-01-28T01:01:00.000-08:00

Hi all

I wanted to share one of my Bronzclay workshops with you to show all the gorgeous jewellery my students made this Sunday.

I taught five which is a nice number I think its a shame to over crowd your classes, my student seem to like the small groups. Anyway back to their jewellery the first picture's are before I fired them,and there is a lot.

Then the fired jewellery which is stunning the patinas are fab.

In the centre picture I have put one of my test pieces in I wanted to see if you could fire the Bronzclay with man made gem stones in, as you can see you can.

Bronzclay Shine

2009-01-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a couple of bronzclay pendants that I made because I'm teaching a bronzclay workshop this Sunday and decided that I needed a few more samples, of different finishes this is the high polished finish.

Next is the polished flower pendant. I've have reproduced a pendant that I left un-sanded this is the polished version. I absolutely love it.

My first lampwork beads

2009-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

I,m going to be very brave today and post some of my first lampwork beads. I have been practicing dots as you can see from three lower sets I've found the control quite hard so some have bled a little bit , I have had more success with the last set I made I love the colour pink and blue.

I hope you like them?

I need lots more practice as you can see. I will keep working on them,as they say practice makes perfect. I do hope so:)

Sterling silver Heart

2009-01-13T05:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share one of my pendants that I made last week.

I,ve used sterling silver sheet and some 0.8 mm sterling silver wire.

I have worn this quite a bit since making it and got loads of comments about it.

So I hope you like it,I,ve called this piece TheTangled Heart.

2009-01-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this picture of one of my cats, Daisy May she is a princess and boy does she know it. This her at the water barrel in the garden just taking a drink.

This her just taking nap oh what a life.

Jump Rngs Made Easy

2009-01-11T01:25:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I would give a little tip on how to make large quantities of jump rings, fast.

I'm always getting asked how to make jump rings its so easy.

All you need are various sizes of knitting needles a drill and double flush cutters or if you are using sterling silver a piercing saw or if you are as lucky as I am a Jump ringer (this is a machine that cuts jump rings in seconds.)

1, Now place the knitting needle in the chuck of the drill and tighten, see picture;

2, Then get your wire and place the end in between the jaws of the chuck, see picture;

3, Hold the wire tight in your left hand and start the drill slowly in you right you will see the wire start to coil, see picture;

4, When you have the desired length take the needle out of the chuck, slide the coil off the needle and cut with double flush cutters or the more traditional will use the piercing saw. Me,I will use my jump ringer :)

Bronzclay Bracelet

2009-01-06T04:07:00.000-08:00

Hi

Well Its back to work so not to much time to play now and stock taking is looming, you can't imagine counting all the beads I have in the bead celler HELP lol :) that doesn't include the rest of the shop. We have three floors of retail area and stock floor to ceiling I'm not counting that lot!!!!

It is nice to get back to work but I have been able to have a little play with my bronzclay and made a washer bracelet which I love. I also made this in art clay.

I love both of them I hope you like them as much as I do?

Lesley

What a busy year

2009-01-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Well what am I up too this year? loads, where do I start.

The first thing for me this year is a course at West Dean I'm taking a beginners enameling course. I've tried enameling before but the class was to crowded so I didn't enjoy it so I thought I'd give it another go.

I have also enrolled back at college on a course designed for silver jewellery makers (silver smithing) just to be with like minded people. This is going to be a great way of sharing new ideas.

Next is my op on 12 Feb I'm having a knee replacement. (yes I'm to young lol )

How much more can I cram in :) well I have gone and booked for the metal clay conference in Chicago in July. I can't wait. I'm so excited :)

I'm also going to attend the Art clay UK conference in Jersey. I can't wait for that one Its going to be great.

I think thats it at the moment. I bet thats not all lol :)

I will of course let you know.

Lesley