Simply Metal : Organic Circles

Hi Everyone

I will make my deadline by the end of the day (the final pieces are still in the tumbler). The planned 'makes' of the Organic Circles Collection is complete. My final piece, the Silver bangle (with the Copper clasp) happened yesterday !

                                 

I've been wearing the Copper version and I've become quite attached to it. It's easy to wear and compliments quite a few of my outfits. I may need to make another.

The Silver bangle construction (yesterday) went well and has ended up being slightly flat at the sides (for no reason) but I needed to make another new Copper component because the original wasn't big enough to form the clasp. I'm now left with an extra component ! I'm already wondering what I can do with it ? I'm thinking - necklace ? I can play with a few ideas while the tumbler does its job.

Hopefully, I can get some professional photos done this weekend. I also need to try out my ideas for packaging. I've got a new label - 

                               

This is the artwork used for the cover of my Making project book. I'm going to use simple Kraft boxes, lined with dry felt in lots of different colours. The labels will be either square or round sticky labels for the top of each box. I'm also going to get some little cards which will be a sort of business cards/ Thank You notes. I've left little spaces on the labels to give me the option of adding extra embellishments or personal messages. My aim is to allow each jewellery package to have a handcrafted, unique feel.

Thanks for calling in.

Have a great weekend.

Simply Metal - latest news.

Hi Everyone

I'm almost finished the Silver/Copper mini Collection. I have the last item, a Silver bangle to make and I'm there. However, I do have lots of polishing to do and some packaging to develop, so I'm looking at a few more days of work. Yesterday, I messed around with the Silver rings and the organic Copper rings were soldered onto the shanks.

                                

Both rings need cleaning/polishing but I like the designs. The ring called '2' is raised above the finger by narrowing the shank at the contact points, the Copper ring is almost 'hovering' above and soldered on the edge. This design is especially 'pleasing' to me. Number 1 ring is a simple band with the Copper placed on top. My similar prototype ring (in Copper) had a double band and I decided it looked slightly messy around the contact points. To retain the double band idea! I had thought, I would add two single bands together and mount the Copper on top, giving a similar look - maybe I will make another ?

I'm planning on having the pieces photographed next week, so deadlines are looming ! I could go on forever dreaming up variations ! However, with a pinch of objectivity, I think I'm ready to move on.

Thanks for calling in.

Something New

Hi Everyone

The workshop (yesterday) worked well. All our Makers have started their baskets and all are doing well with the crochet skills. I remember when I was first introduced to crochet techniques and thinking I would never get it ! Often the first attempts will look a bit messy and the best thing to do is - start again. We are all ready to move on and relax into the skill. I failed to get any photos but will get everyone to send me a quick snap. Call in next time for an update on our progress.

In the meantime, I've started a new little project in the Simply Metal series. The first set I'm calling Simply Metal : Organic Circles and the new series I'm calling Simply Metal : Silver Strands. Here is a prototype idea :

                                 

I'm planning to attach a silver chain to the components and use a lariat style fastening.

At the moment, I'm thinking I will use Sterling Silver throughout on this project and again will focus on a core group of pieces. My core group will consist of earring(post),earring(hook),ring,bangle,necklace. 

Thanks for calling in.

Making Framework

Hi Everyone

Today we have a physical workshop with the Making Framework. The Tuesday Group are starting a new project with CROCHET. This will be a new skill to the group and we are starting with a very simple but pretty MAKE. I've developed some simple kits which will give all the tools and materials to make a couple of small baskets. There is an option to give the baskets a handle or keep the sides straight.

                              

This session will concentrate on starting off the little baskets and using simple crochet techniques. The next time, we will probably be ready to make and embellish the baskets with some small crochet hearts, bows and flowers. That's the plan !

I've loved developing this workshop and will be making some more for myself. They look great in a bedroom or bathroom to hold little things. I'm also developing a fabric lined version in bright colours  to hold some of my small MAKING supplies too.

I will take some photos of our session and share the results tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in.

Simply Metal Week 2

Hi Everyone

I'm calling this week 2 of my Simply Metal project.- I'm a few days over but ......... no problem to me. I've made a few more items so thought I would create a summary photo of the pieces so far - this is my Monday motivation !

                               

I started this particular project to experiment with copper and silver and it's worked well. However, I'm going to move on after these pieces. My plan this week is to complete all the pieces.

Ive an idea to develop another faux gem collection (with polymer clay) and make some large cabachon beads to set into silver.

Thanks for reading.

Simply Metal Update

Hi Everyone

It's the end of the week already ! - I need a few more days to get the Simply Metal stuff done. However, there are a few bits of news - I've completed a few more items and been inspired to make a few more ! 

                                 

The silver for my bangle has not arrived but I've developed the copper version to check sizes etc. It's worked out just nicely and I will use the same technique,design and measurements in silver next week.

I've polished the posts and dangle earrings (from yesterday) in the tumbler. They need a bit more work but I like the results.

                               

I had thought I would come up with some new packaging/display for the Collection but other than a version of my regular little cards, I've not come up with anything. I need to keep thinking with this one.

One thing I did try yesterday while making a few more organic copper circles was to use  copper solder. I've never seen this kind of solder before so was wondering how it would work. It's very difficult to cut and I ended up sawing it, my snippers would not cut it. However, it soldered beautifully. I've yet to finish it but after pickling it's looking great. With silver solder, having a solder line in the copper is unavoidable (I like this line) and it's good to have the option.

                                

Thanks for reading.

Have a great weekend.

Simply Metal

Hi Everyone

I managed to complete the little jobs from yesterday (just) ! and today I'm hoping to get the silver earring findings completed. I have a part of my silver order so no reason for delays. Getting back to yesterday, the organic circles have transformed into two pairs of earrings.

                                 

                               

As planned, I've added posts to one pair and a soldered hook for the other - I'm going to tumble these pieces, so will have them completed later today. I do like the closed, soldered hooks and will include more of this technique for earring hooks. I'm also thinking about new display and packaging ideas for this Collection and don't have a plan ! I want to spend today thinking about my options. Hopefully, I can come up with some new ideas.

Thanks for reading.

Simply Metal

Hi Everyone

There not much progress to share today re the Simply Metal project. I'm still waiting for my Silver to arrive and therefore my planned earring work is still waiting !!! - such as life . I did, however, produce a few more copper components. My components are more of the organic circles but moving towards another shape altogether. I've also flattered the components, slightly and I like the results. I thought, I would share the stages of development of my latest components, so here is stage 1 :

                                

The next stage in developing these components is to clean up the solder points and polish the copper to a high shine but I want to add a silver post to one pair of components and will do this before cleaning up. The other  set will get a second, similar Sterling Silver shaped component and I want to make a soldered ear hook to finish the earring.

That's my plan ! I will share any developments tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Simply Silver (and Copper)

Hi Everyone

I'm sharing a little progress from yesterday's experiments. Throughout this project, I've been looking for a way to combine metals, while using solder in the design. After lots of attempts to use the solder as a decorative feature as well as attaching the metals together, I've started to add actual silver in addition to the solder. The Silver  allows me to place the metal where I want it, rather than simply hoping the solder will flow to where I want it. However, I've not abandoned the decorative solder idea and will continue to think about ways of making it work. My experiments from yesterday have continued with the copper organic circle components and (in some cases) added silver circles to enhance the pieces.

                                

Ive also made a copper ring including one of the organic circles, I like the double band style and the component worked well. I will make a silver version in the same way. I've really enjoyed making these organic ring components and I love the finish of the shiney copper.

Today, I'm going to complete the earrings in the Collection but am waiting for some Silver to arrive before I can start the bangle and ring. I've got lots more ideas to incorporate my organic circles for more jewellery, so I may add a few extra items to the Collection.

Thanks for reading.

Simply Metal

Hi Everyone

I'm working on my Simply Metal Collection again this week. The first set of designs are based around some 4cm diameter copper organic shaped circles. I've been experimenting with using solder as part of a decorative feature but am not hugely enthusiastic with my results. My plans today are to development all the pieces and make final decisions about the use of the solder. I'm undecided about what to do ? I'm considering adding some smaller silver circles to the copper and perhaps fusing some silver where my decorative solder was to be. I can control where the silver is places rather than relying on the luck of where the solder will flow. 

                                 

The photo story shows the development of my collection to date. I'm waiting for some new silver wire to arrive before developing the bangle - I'm hoping it will come today. I also need to attach a copper ring to the silver ring and finish. I will share further developments tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Simply Metal

Hi Everyone

I'm well into developments for my new metal collection, I'm calling the work - Simply Metal. As usual, finished products are rather slow to emerge. I could spend most of my life polishing !

I'm happy how the organic round shapes look, although I do want to try out flatterning the component. I'm not sure how I can improve on the solder decoration. My experiments have been slightly disappointing. Solder is unpredictable in terms of how it flows and after the experiments, I'm getting the look I want by sanding and polishing the solder and defining where it stays. The result is a 'stain like' effect which is enhanced when I use sterling silver in the same piece. I've made some small post earring which have extra solder applied around the posts. The solder has covered the top of the organic round and is exactly what I wanted - more luck than management. The need to balance attaching the sterling silver post and add additional decorative solder is a tricky one !! 

Here is a quick look at the results so far :

                                  

The post earnings need to be polished and from the angle shown, it's difficult to see how the solder is providing a decorative effect. Hopefully, I can finish the piece and share the results. I want to add more solder to the drop version giving a subtle striped pattern, fingers crossed. Meanwhile, I've  polished the remaining copper components (bottom right) ready for using with my other pieces. I'm hoping to finish my earrings today and perhaps a silver ring shank - ready for receiving an organic round component.

Thanks for calling in.

Have a great weekend.

New Project (2)

Hi Everyone

I've started the prototype pieces for my new metal jewellery collection (talked about on Monday - read back for details). In my usual development style, the initial plan has completely changed ! I've decided to try another design completely. The original idea will stay in my sketchbook (I do like it and it presents a great challenge for me) but for now, I've gone for a much simpler approach. 

My new design is based around small squares and circles. I'm also keen to combine different metals in my pieces and will be using Copper and Sterling Silver. I've started to produce small core components in square and circle shapes which will be used throughout the Collection. I'd also like to incorporate the solder in the design in some way.

My first components are 4cm circumference copper circles, soldered and shaped to give an organic circle. I like the organic shape and will try to keep the circles from being 'too round'. As mentioned, I've got an idea to use solder as a decorative element of the finished piece. I've soldered a couple of rings and would like more solder to be visible on the top of each component. My first piece will be a pair of earrings with a silver post. The solder will compliment the silver post and both the copper and silver will be polished to a high shine. I've made a few copper rings to practice the solder decoration idea and will try out a few different applications.

At the moment, I'm planning on two pairs of earrings, one ring, one bangle and a pendant - five items. Here is a quick look at what I've done :

                                 

 The key for this part of the Collection is getting the decorative solder right. In my little photo story, you can see the solder on the bottom part of the ring shape in the top image. When it's polished the solder gives a great contrast. However, I want more solder on the surface. I've also made a template bangle in copper to check proportions with the components, eventually the bangle will be in Sterling Silver with a copper ring component acting as a clasp.

 I'm also conscious of the need to keep my copper components worn away from the skin. So, why can or does your skin turn green while wearing copper? It's known as the oxidation reaction. The copper reacts with oxygen in the air, your sweat and skin oils creating a green layer of copper carbonate on your skin, it shouldn't be anything to be concerned about, it just looks terrible. Most likely you're not allergic to the copper, very few people are. Simply keep your copper clean and dry and remove any oil or sweat which may be on your jewelry. I'm planning on designing my Copper components to sit slightly away from touching the skin.

Thanks for calling in.

Making Framework (2)

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm celebrating some of the lovely rings we made at the Making Workshop yesterday. Everyone made a great effort and we had some lovely examples of the same ring design. Every ring looks different and there are some great individual styles. Well done to all the Makers.

                                  

Here are a few examples of the  pretty Needle Books we have been working on for the last few sessions. Read back on Tuesday's for more about this project.

                                

Next workshop we will be exploring the wonderful world of CROCHET. More news about our project next Tuesday.

Thanks for reading.

Making Framework

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm focussing on the latest Making workshop. There is an opportunity to finish off projects from the past and/or make a ring using superduo and seed beads. We've made lots of beaded items this year as well as a sewing/ embroidery project which a few folk need to finish.

                                 

I'm already looking at a bracelet idea using the same superduo beads and will offer this idea to our Makers for another session. I'm hoping to keep going with super duo beads, they offer lots of great textures and are available in lovely colours. I'm also working on the Making - From Scratch publication this morning. I have a tough decision to make ! - which projects will be left out of the book ? I have too many projects and am struggling to decide which should be left out.

I will get some photos of the Makes from our workshop later and share next time.

Thanks for reading.

New Project

Hi Everyone

It's back from holidays and back to work today. We (our little family) had a great Easter break and as usual, I'm going to struggle to get back into the swing of things today !!! However, I've got a long list of jobs along with a new project to keep me motivated. I'm going to develop ideas for a new jewellery Collection today. This new work will be in Sterling Silver with some polymer clay inlays. I've planned a vague design on paper and will experiment along the way. I'm building on the success of my last Faux Turquiose Collection (awaiting a photo shoot) in terms of process, although the new Collection will be much smaller. I'm currently planning on a pendant, bracelet, ring and earrings (3) but this may change

My sketches show a rough idea of the sort of thing I'm thinking about.

                                 

I'm thinking about rectangle or square shapes along with embedded polymer shapes. I'm not sure about sizes or final colours but I will spend time exploring options today.

My last Collection took about a month and I'm hoping I can speed up my production time on this project. I want to enjoy the process too, so I won't be rushing myself. However, I do feel my systems could be improved.

Thanks for reading.

Holiday Post (5)

Hi Everyone

I'm busy doing not very much on holiday ! However, I'm trying to knit some socks and theyvarevproving top be quite tricky. I've changed the pattern for some reason ? and I didn't write it down, so ...... one sock is now very different to the pattern. I'm not realising the difference until I've knitted the wrong thing !!!! 

                                 

One step forward and one step back ! The good news is ... its raining, so I've got lots of time to undo !

Thanks for calling in.

Holiday Post (4)

Hi Everyone

Here's a lovely sight - flowers which say 'Spring is here'. These are a birthday gift a few days ago and make me think of bright Spring days.. However, today it's raining ! I live in hope.

                                 

Thanks for calling in.