More from the jewellery bench
12 November 2015
More from the Jewellery Bench.
Handmade paper beads with silver plate beads on coloured choker wires.
Mounted onto leather cord and awaiting machining.
Earrings are still on the work bench.
These little pendants are leather and paper (yes - really but varnished rag paper so it doesn't feel or look like paper) on silver chains.
Handmade paper beads with silver plate beads on coloured choker wires.
Mounted onto leather cord and awaiting machining.
Earrings are still on the work bench.
The gentle world of beading
10 November 2015
I have got just slightly obsessed with beading techniques and videos.
This is all because I have committed to two sales - one at the end of November and one in early December - and I know from the sales where I have helped Rob and Andy that you need variety of stock.
So, I had acquired some very soft patent leather. It has no 'structure' and runs easily through my sewing machine. Ah ha, I thought, leather beads and jewelry. So off I went to research and a whole new world of beading opened up before my eyes.
Now, I'm not sure why I am surprised really, since there is a bead shop at the Wakefield Estate next to the gallery which is stocking some of my work.
This bead shop runs frequent workshops and there is always a table of ladies sitting beading.
And Stephanie who owns it is a lovely helpful lady and I should confess that I pop in there quite a bit to get beading supplies that I use in my work.
My initial intention was to simply use leather cord to make simple leather necklaces. And I have made a few which I really like.
But then I started looking a bit closer at the whole beading world and a whole arena of possibilities opened up before me.
So I found a supplier of memory choker necklaces and sliver chain ( listed on eBay but based in Doncaster if anyone is interested) this company based in Loughborough which has amazing online service and these videos which are great for techniques as well as Stephanie at The Bead Scene at Wakefield Estate.
If anyone is tempted, then Stephanie does wonderful kits using a kind of braiding called Soutache to make lovely Art Deco style pendants and bracelets. Anyone interested in needle work could get so sidetracked into beading.
But enough! Two weeks to my first sale and I still have so much to do!
The Workshop Sale - Portsmouth
3 November 2015
21st November 10 - 4pm
22nd November 11 - 4pm
I will be at Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.
This is the first outing of the Workshop Sale this year. In early December we will also be in London.
Now I know some of my friends here on blogland will struggle to get to Pompey, but do tell all your friends just in case someone is passing! After all, there will be some fantastic work and what a great opportunity to bag an unusual bargain.
Forget the tat this Christmas. Buy your friends and loved ones a truly one off gift.
See you there!
Laura Kemshall: A teaser for you
1 November 2015
Recently, on her blog, Laura Kemshall posed a little teaser.
Pop over and have a look.
If you haven't done so already, pop over and read the post and the debate underneath. Sheila from across the pond and I both waded in.
A great debate!
And if you want to know what all the fuss was about, then have a look at Laura's earlier post here .
Right, now where's my Christmas wish list ............
Jeez - but I've been busy
29 October 2015
Not neglectful, you understand just busy, busy, busy!
As with all things when it is a toss up between writing the blog and being creative in other ways, something has to give and it is often the poor old blog that gets shoved down the "to do" list.
But, dear reader, it has been full on in the studio. (And also elsewhere in the day job, but I won't bore you with that here).
As with all things when it is a toss up between writing the blog and being creative in other ways, something has to give and it is often the poor old blog that gets shoved down the "to do" list.
But, dear reader, it has been full on in the studio. (And also elsewhere in the day job, but I won't bore you with that here).
I told you that I had committed to doing the Workshop sale. But not just one Workshop sale but two, Portsmouth and London.
Here is a sample of new work coming out of the studio - you cannot see it in any great detail here. All piled on the floor waiting for mounting. But trust me, there's mono print on tissue, rag paper, hand painting/inking and stitching all going on here.
I know, from doing the sale a gazillion times with Rob and Andy, that the key is having a range price points. So this is something I'm aware of. You cannot see them here but I have some very small pieces.
I will report back with some better photos.
I will report back with some better photos.
I'm also experimenting with paper jewellery, but that's a whole blog post of its own!
Oh, and I forgot to mention the cushions! I had a commission for 10 cushion covers. Samples from various fabrics, including some amazing steiff teddy bear fabric (bright orange and not the easiest to sew - the fur kept getting in the way!) But, no photos I am afraid and if I am honest I was not wholly happy with the zips.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the cushions! I had a commission for 10 cushion covers. Samples from various fabrics, including some amazing steiff teddy bear fabric (bright orange and not the easiest to sew - the fur kept getting in the way!) But, no photos I am afraid and if I am honest I was not wholly happy with the zips.
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