Illness and Macrame

Well, it's been a while. I've had a horrible virus that makes half of my face in nearly constant pain, still got it but it’s getting less.

I had a big order of 8 Macrame bracelets this month. Luckily, I find Macrame therapeutic and it helps take my mind off the pain. The blue colours were very popular, and they turned out really well. Now all I have to do is work out how to do my accounts.

 While being ill I’ve been watching a lot of ‘Jewellery Maker TV’ DVDs. This has spurred me on to have a go at my first wirework project, ‘The Tree of Life’. It’s easier than it looks, and I was quite pleased with the result. I used quartz chips for the leaves, I was trying to go for a Gondor style look. Only problem was that some of the colour came off the wire, so I need some nylon covered pliers before I attempt to sell this design. On the bright side, it means that this necklace is mine, and I’ve already had positive comments about it.

 
Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope Father Christmas brings you all you want.

New techniques and first bespoke items

This week I tried a new technique for me, a floating bead jewellery set. I had some flourite nuggets that I really wanted to use, and decided that amethyst nuggets go really well with it. I was so pleased with the result tht I sent it to 'Jewellery Maker TV' 'Wall of Fame'.

They showed the bracelet photo, and I was really pleased with what was said. Especially because Mark, my favourite designer on there was positive about the design. Mark said "Tom and I were looking at this, this morning, we just love the simplicity of it. And Flourite is one of my favourites." Vicki, the presenter commented that it was "gorgeous, beautiful".

 

After that high, I got my first bespoke order on Etsy. A ribbon choker and bracelet set. I'd experimented with ribbon, and how wire could make it look prettier. This design was what came out of my ideas. I had originally used lapis lazuli but the customer requested amethyst. I think they turned out ok, and the customer is very happy with the order.

Fame at last, well, Hall of Fame

I've made a few items these past 2 weeks. My first make was a Carnelian Necklace and earrings. I was watching 'Downton Abbey' and got inspired. I've tried to go with the elegance of that series.

 

 

I'm actually quite pleased with the way it turned out. The gemstones look a lot nicer in real life though. I decided to send it to 'Jewellery Maker' TV's 'Hall of Fame', and they put it on air. Comments  by the presenter, Carole included: "Some beautiful, gorgeous tones in here, really, really right for Autumn" "that is absolutely gorgeous with that beautiful little drop there." "that's stunning, and beautiful earrings there as well" "Angela, thats absolutely gorgeous, thank you very much." "An interesting design." So, I think its safe to assume that they liked it. I'm going to enter another one and see what they think. It's nice to get feedback on my designs from people in the know.

 

I decided to make some cheaper necklace and earrings sets at stocking filler prices (£5-6). They are very simple, with agate pendants, but they are something I would wear myself. I think the graduation of colour in them is quite simply gorgeous.

 

 

Getting Romantic

I went to the job centre, and just needed to fill out a form to declare that I am now trading. So that meant I could make more jewellery without worrying about how it would affect me.

My first make this week is a 'Pink and white heart tiara'.I just thought that the colours looked that pretty together that it would be a shame not to make  something with them. It's my 2nd wedding anniversary on Friday, so my thoughts have turned more romantic recently. This meant that the first thing I thought of making was bridal wear. It is really pretty, and the photo does not do it justice. I decided to have a low price because I now how expensive weddings can be. A bargain at £22 plus p&p. I paid a whole lot more for mine, that was shop bought, and not as intricate! If only I knew then how to make my own tiara.

Starting off

I never thought that starting to sell my Jewellery would be that complicated. I put it on Etsy, then found out I needed to fill out some tax forms. They're called CF10 and CWF1, if others are in a similiar situation. They are surprisingly easy to fill in though, now all I have to do is inform the Job Centre on Wednesday.

There are so many forums out there that look helpful, that it can be a bit overbearing at first. Especially when you see the quality of other peoples work. But they all agree on one thing, have a blog, people like to read about the person behind the jewellery. So here is mine.

Halloween was the inspiration for my latest creation. A Howlite Skull hair comb with organza ribbon. I thought simple was best, but it looked a bit bare with just the skulls. So I added the ribbon and it started to look really nice. Hope you like it,  I've added it to my shop for £2.