Murano Silver

Bah Humbug BoB

2010-12-03T17:42:00.001Z

Bah Humbug BoB
Originally uploaded by Murano Silver

BoB chillaxing after helping me pack up some of the Christmas orders...(trying to convince me he workezd really hardz)
Definately showing some cat-ittude, maybe it's his new uniform ;^)
Nic xxx

BoB kitten gets wet!

2010-07-10T08:40:00.001+01:00

Wet-BoB
Originally uploaded by muranosilver

Today BoB lost a little of his fascination with water......he fell in the bath while investigating hubbie washing his feet.
This is when he spied the hairdryer ~ it was not a good morning for BoB, lol. (Happy kitty now though, all dry and fluffy with some of his favourite treats)
Nic xx

Armloads of Bangles

2010-06-27T12:46:00.006+01:00

Just a few of the custom bangles I've been making this week :)
It's lots of fun & a great honour to make so many gifts for special Birthday and Anniversary occasions. So I can make them to tight deadlines, I get them hallmarked as flat sheet then add the text after :)
Nic x

My First London Show!

2010-06-14T14:59:00.006+01:00

"Treasure" — is an exhibition of the country’s most exciting contemporary jewellery designers & it returned to London Jewellery Week (7–13 June) with a three-day showcase in Bloomsbury. This year I've become a member of the Association of Contemporary Jewellery and was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in their showcase.

There were about 30 designers and each of us got to choose three pieces to exemplify our work.

My choices were "Abstracto Shield Necklace" (above) with agate and two of my hammered spinner rings ~ one gold and silver, one oxidised silver (below).The show's preview night went amazingly well with a really high turn out!

And the best possible news of all?? As well as my work being showcased with some of the best independant designers in the UK my Abstracto Necklace SOLD!!! *snoopy dance* & Hoorah for the Red Dot of soldness ;)Couldn't be more happy with my first "showcase" & it all bodes well for my plan to one day have a stand at one of the Big shows like IJL!
Happy Creating
Nic xx

Buyer Beware - Internet Shopping Scams

2010-06-07T10:18:00.006+01:00

The bracelet above was brought into my shop with some charms that the customer had purchased off the internet....they wanted me to solder on the charms. :)

Needless to say I soldered all the charms on, then popped the bracelet in the pickle pot to clean the flux etc off. 1/2 hour later I came back to find the whole bracelet had been coated with copper (as had some earrings I'd made too!)

The earrings were very pale but the bracelet was bright orange with a thick copper coating -horror!! This had only happened to me once before, it was due to steel in the clasp...(strangely that was also on a similar job, fixing someones "bought on holiday" necklace).
Fixing The Problem

I decanted my pickle mix into a safe container and mixed a new batch of pickle to which I added a little Hydrogen Peroxide. The earrings went in first and a few minutes later they were bright clean and shiny silver again - all traces of their accidental copper plating removed....

The bracelet, (minus clasp) went in next but it just wouldn't return to it's colour...I removed the charms and tried them separately - they went to pale orange but still had a trace of copper.

So I polished them by hand until only a few traces in the indents remained.
Later today I have to tell my customer that the internet bracelet is a fake.....sadly for me the hours of work, safety pickle etc will have to be written off (I'm not the sort of person that would ask her to pay).

In the interests of good customer service I have some genuine solid and lovely bracelets~ so if she wants one of those I'll probably offer to re-solder all the charms (again) at the same price.

Cautionary Tale:
The trouble with the internet is that with a good looking website, a search engine ranking and a few convincing graphics its very easy to get drawn into thinking you are buying the real thing.

This is the THIRD time that someone has brought in a bracelet for me to fix or alter that has turned out to be fake....

I'm seriously considering a policy of not fixing or altering anything that isn't purchased from my own shop. Maybe in the current climate of fakes and poorly made items it's the only way to guarantee I don't have to face a customer and tell them the bad news....

To others thinking about buying from "too good to be true" sites ~ buy local, buy from someone you trust, support the hand crafters and artisan jewellers & most importantly don't let yourself get ripped off!

Love & Kind Wishes

Nic xx

BoB's on a roll!

2010-05-29T09:04:00.001+01:00

BoB's on a roll!
Originally uploaded by muranosilver

Sorry I haven't posted for a while but we got a new kitten last week!
Keeping up with commissions and looking after BoB have made things quite hectic :)
Thought I'd share this picture with you that I snapped before rescuing him ~ he has so many antics and I'm treasuring them all...
More baby BoB pics are on my flickr photo stream.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver/
There's also some recent work there (you might have to go through a lot of kitten pics to get to it though, lol)
Nic xx

Blog Giveaway - Handmade Jewellery & Mystery Prize!

2010-04-26T12:09:00.003+01:00

BLOG GIVEAWAY ~ As a bonus to my wonderful blog followers:

Win a charm from our Charm Swap in either Pink, Green or Blue PLUS a exciting mystery surprise! :)

Enter here at my PMC Tips Blog
Nicola xx

Custom Ring for a Tiny Client!

2010-04-13T22:14:00.002+01:00

This was designed for a little girl to receive on her parents wedding day. She wanted to be part of the ceremony and get a ring like mummies. We showed her lots of sparkly CZ stones and she chose this one, as it was a "Diamond" (like mummies). Bless!

Inside the band (which is a size H to fit her tiny middle finger) we inscribed her name. As an adult it will hopefully fit her pinkie :)
Nic x

Ammolite Commission

2010-04-05T21:32:00.007+01:00

This is made from an Ammolite rough (glued to the original info card from the mine shop) that a lady brought in for me. It had been given to her some 20+ years ago when purchasing a costly gold set Ammolite.
Unfortunately the stone was very irregular and uneven but thankfully I have a trusty grinding machine! :)
My client wanted it made into a pendant for bequeathing to a lovely relative (who'd long admired the little stone) so a lot of stone shaping and griding later I was able to set it.
The hammered setting was chosen to enhance the textured nature of the stone...
A few weeks later she collected her new necklace and it suited her beautifully...YAY!
Nic x

A visit from Nick Hubbard

2010-03-16T16:22:00.011Z

Last weekend we had a visit from the lovely Nick Hubbard and his daughter Liz (she's the gorgeous one in the middle). We had a fab morning of gossip and visiting, before popping to our local for four slap up Sunday lunches!
Hubbie Howard then opened up the shop so Nick and Liz could take some sweets home for Jean (the other talented half of the "Brick and Bean" team). With over 200 jars there was lots to choose from :) Here's a picture of Howard in the Callows "emporium", as he took the first pic of the trio of us in Murano Silver we didn't want to leave him out, lol! Nicks Jewellery is fantastic and the level of detail he puts into every piece is so inspiring AND to top it all off, Nick and Jean (and everyone of their family and team) are such wonderful people.
Do I sound gushing?? You betcha and it's because they deserve it!
We gripe far too much about negative people without praising the diligent craftspeople who put the GREAT into British craftsmanship...
Above is his "Little Bird of Fortune" locket, gorgeous and so much fun! The inner door opens to reveal a lucky star, four leaf clover and horse shoe. The bird has a little chain and comes out for admiring glances, then when it's all closed up the door details just invite conversation (and friends pleas to open it & reveal the contents...) Ahh to be that talented ~ I'll have to keep working at it lol
In the meantime I've had a show preview of some fabulous new Nick Hubbard creations. As soon as they arrive they'll be on the Murano Silver website, I'll pop some pictures up in blogland too (just to let you know)
Nic xx
P.S> Nick & Liz had a play with silver clay too, if I can get a picture off him I'll show you what they made ;^)

The 7 rules to understand design & designers

2010-03-04T00:42:00.001Z

The 7 rules to understand design & designers
Originally uploaded by fabienbarral

If I had the space, I'd have this in my shop...
maybe one day he'll make an A4 version :)
Until then you could buy yours here
http://www.harmonie-interieure.com/home.htm
Nic xx

Treasure Creativity -

2010-02-20T08:52:00.003Z

Treasure Creativity - RAD 13-01-2010
Originally uploaded by muranosilver
This ring was created for the Ring a Day project started by Nina Dinoff, more than 150 artists worldwide are currently involved in this Ring a Day challenge to create one ring per day for one year.
Shortly after I made the ring there was some discussion on Flickr of auctioning it to benefit Haiti, and Thomasin Durgin (a very talented artist) took over the Auction.
Auctions last 7 days, one or two rings will be listed each day, and they will continue on a rolling basis until all of the rings are sold. 100% of the proceeds will go to the GlobalGiving Relief Fund for Haiti Earthquake.
This one of mine raised $50 for the fund but you can see more of them in the Auction
Nicola x

Cutting out custom?

2010-01-29T11:22:00.012Z

I find commission work difficult. (There I've said it! It's out in the open now.) Don't get me wrong, I'm honoured when asked to make something, it's exciting, it's flattering. Someone loves my work enough to want a custom piece...it's a huge thrill.

We discuss ideas, I get get very enthusiastic, deposits are taken, the customer leaves and I feel very positive about the whole design. By the time I'm back in the workshop the "Doubting Artist" part of my brain has taken over....(is this seeming familiar to any of you?)

What size should I make it? I've written down red but what shade should I use? She wanted it on "solid"chain but should I use a curb or a belcher? I wonder which she'd prefer.....or did we mean a snake chain....

At this point (losing motivation) I start on a non-custom piece and the inspiration flows once again. So WHY was this happening to me?? It's always bugged me that I often make my best commission pieces when the pressure's on and the deadlines were looming.
Recently I read a blog post by a fabulous artist Luann Udell she said of custom work: "I've moved the center of my creative energy from pleasing myself, to pleasing someone else."

This really resonated with me ~ it explained how I feel when someone collects their custom piece. I like to be there, to make sure they like it, but always feel a little nervous...
The anticipation is all about whether you've got close to their vision (which explains why my breath is held as the box is opening). Is it a 10 on the "nail-on-the head-ometer? Are they pleased? Did I get the colour right.... there are so many things that run through my head.....

Do these feelings ever go away? Apparently they probably don't, every artist I've spoken to has them! Is it to do with striving to do your best? If it is, maybe that's why I find custom pieces more challenging, it's not just my best, it's theirs too. How well was the idea communicated? Is your design style suited to them? Is it what they were expecting?

With all these questions going on in custom work it's no wonder some Artisans don't take commissions at all. The "roller coaster ride" of making for others interferes with their own workflow and artistic vision. I've gone somewhere in between ~ if when talking with a client I can't draw what they want, don't feel connected to their idea, or feel it's not my skill set, or style of making, then I apologise and excuse myself from the process. I'll even suggest another maker (if I know of one).

Sometimes I feel bad about turning away work, but the sane person in me says a "Jack of All Trades is often master of none" (It threw Grandmas voice for that one!). Thankfully it seems to work, my clients come back to order repeat commissions and each time they do, we get a little closer in our shared visions. Their inner artists feel loved, my inner artist feels loved and not only is it Artistically enriching, it pays the bills too!

So if you see my nails are bitten, it's because I do custom work and am working on relishing the challenge (it just may take some time!)

Happy Making
Nic x

Challenging Yourself....

2010-01-10T11:08:00.010Z

I've been participating in a Flickr challenge to make a "ring a day" some folks are doing the whole year, but I thought I'd start with January and see how it goes. ;^)
What I've found to be fabulous is it's keeping me workshop focused and helping me think outside the box a little. My latest "Terminator the Early Years" is a combination of sterling, polymer and silver clay (we'd watched a re-run of Terminator) & parts of Robbie....from my broken bits box.
Without the motivation of the "Ring a Day challenge" Robbie might never have been born, he'd be just some more molecules in the next ingot to roll our of the metal refiners (rather similar to the original film, lol). I'm really enjoying all the other designers ideas too, it makes you look at your jewellery in a different light and play with the designs again.
Above is Kathyrn Riecherts - Rabbit Ring, it's a FORK, and it's gorgeous! Now if looking at such creativity doesn't inspire you - then what would?
How about RubyGirlCreations Lego Ring? I haven't wanted a toy so much, since the boy down the road got an Action Man Eagle Eye, and I had to have Pippa, because I was a girl! Traumatised for years by that, until I bought a vintage Eagle Eye off Fleabay (it's never the same when you look back is it...) Note to Santa: Next year can I have a Lego Ring please? (I'll be really good, I promise) Oh and Santa, please can you include the sexy knight on horseback too? There's something about his come hither grin.....Thanks :)
Anyhow, all of this has made me want to post how GRATEFUL I am that there is a blogoverse, and a Flickr and forums and the whole host of other places that like minded folk can find other like minded folk and get inspired and motivated by them.
I hope to find lots more va-va-voom this year, participating in Gift exchanges, Challenges, competitions & virtual visiting with all my blogger, forum & facebook friends!
~ The best ring of all
is the ring of Friendship...
Nic x

Textural Triumphs from a few friends :)

2009-12-31T11:41:00.005Z

Sometimes I make a Treasury where I want to buy everything in it....this is one of those!
If you click this link (before the 9pm 1st Jan) then you can have a closer look at some of these very talented artists creations!
Lizards Jewellery - makes some stunning polymer clay & silver creations (hers is the heart ring)
DoorCountyWoodworks - I want to live in a house like that (so I know my birds would)
CelieFago - I pretty much would love to own anything she makes is all so gorgeous!
PrinceDesignUK - Makes elegant pottery with a twist of fun, those hanging hearts look good enough to eat.
There's plenty of other talented folks in it too, ElisCooke's fabulous (and covetable) journals, Dreamsome Designs textural earrings, Peculiar Forest and Destinys Creations with thier dramatic splashes of colour. They're all inspiring designers....
Go take a look :)
Nic xx

Sinusoidal Stake and Spinner Ring Win!

2009-12-27T15:58:00.005Z

This Christmas I treated myself to one of these a Sinusoidal stake. Now only a confirmed metal bashing jewellery geek (like me) will have goosebumps at the thought of getting a sinusoidal stake of their own but at £89.00 it was something to wait for.
Why would I want one you might ask? Well because I love curvy sensuous shapes and these stakes are a great way to get them in metal.

This is the first creation I made with it (a Christmas present for my cousin) - my hands are such a state after all the Christmas commissions that I had to blur them to even show you the picture. (Who knew a metal basher can be vain too, lol)
Anyhow I enjoyed making it so more of these babies will be appearing in my little shop in Market Deeping and possibly the online shop too. In the mean time here's another example, made by a super dooper jewellery creator Carolyn Miller
Carolyn has a fabulous blog CarolynArtist and really does write from the heart. She's also very generous as I will soon be the new momma of the the ring above (won in her Christmas giveaway).
Go have a look at her Etsy Store - Autumn Leaves Jewelry she makes some faboo stuff!
Nic xx

Make your own brooch fittings!

2009-12-19T13:58:00.009Z

Sometimes you can't find a commercial brooch finding that either fits or does justice to your handmade piece. Here's how to make your own brooch pin.

1) Make the front piece of the brooch (in this case a Holly Leaf made using silver clay paste method).
2) Take a length of sterling silver wire (approx double the length of the finished brooch pin)
I used 1.2mm silver in this example.
3) Bend into a curve and make a fixing pad, in this case I spiraled both ends.
4) Solder both ends securely to the base. 5) Cut the silver allowing about 1cm to fold over for the catch
6) To make the spring pin, coil the sterling around a rod (I used a burnisher) going from under to over.
7) Finish when the pin has tension ending at about a 70 degree angle.
8) Round off the ends of the hook/catch and bend over so the pin will engage.
9) Trim pin to a point just behind the catch, cut at an angle to provide a point then sharpen on a grind stone to slightly round the end.
The point should be sharp enough to go through the fabric, but not so sharp that it ruins the weave.
Enjoy your new Brooch!
Nicola x

WOW I'm a Cover Girl!

2009-12-04T20:25:00.006Z

Absolutely an Oh My Goodness moment when I found out about the front cover (dancing round the shop and everything, lol). You can see a sneak preview of the cover on the Beads and Beyond Website the three pendants on the front were made by me as part of my enamelling project.
6 more days until publication - my mum will be camping out at Worcester W.H.Smiths (apparently it's too long to wait for me to send her a copy!)
I just officially became their "Metal Clay Agony Aunt" too
Nic xx

Blog Giveaway - "Talismans and Amulets" Book

2009-11-25T15:15:00.004Z

If you pop over to my PMC Tips blog, you can win a "Talismans and Amulets" Book, signed by Robert Dancik himself :) It's a fabulous book, so well worth entering.

You can also click the Monthly Giveaways logo (top right) which will take you straight there!
Good Luck :)

Nicola x

September Blog Candy Winner :)

2009-10-04T12:18:00.004+01:00

And the winner is Val Zdero! Congratulations Val I hope you'll love your prize. Please send your shipping details to muranosilver@gmail.com with and I'll your fab books off to you asap.

Octobers prize will be announced soon, so keep em peeled folks ;-)
Nicola xx

Silver Clay - Jewellery Maker of the Year!!

2009-10-03T23:12:00.004+01:00

Oh my Goodness today I've been named Silver Clay, Jewellery Maker of the Year by Beads and Beyond Magazine!!!
Their Jewellery Design Competition featured creative work by loads of talented UK designers. Entries were divided into five categories and entry levels were very high. My prize is absolutely HUMONGOUS and worth a staggering £500!!!

My category was sponsored by silverclay.co.uk and included such things as a fab tumbler, steel shot, texture mats, a wonderful book, silver, bronze and copper clays AND £125 voucher for even more clay.

On top of all this, my entry will be featured in the magazine and I'll get the opportunity to write two articles for them. I'm absolutely thrilled!

Nic xx

Visiting Nick Hubbards Jewellery Workshop!

2009-09-21T11:24:00.019+01:00

Yesterday Howard and I took a little jaunt off into the West Midlands to visit Nick and Jean Hubbard. We had such a fabulous time as they are just the best hosts possible.
We had Tunnocks Caramel Wafers and lashings of Tea and gossiped for ages (who knew Howard and Jean would share a love of 1970's wrestlers!). The "Brick and Bean" folk are also avid collectors and Jean makes amazing little collection cases full of teeny models of all kinds of stuff...Noddy, ET, Tiny Model Toys, and puppets...even a Pee Wee Herman puppet!

Visiting Nick and Jeans fabulous home you can see where they get all their inspiration from! After a Spicy Bean Soup lunch (Jeans a fab cook) we pootled off to the workshop...
Above is a picture of one of Nicks "Love is in the Air" Lockets....I just adore this piece, all the tiny detail and the little mouse is sooooo cute! One of the things I find particularly appealing on Nicks work is the lovely crisp text he does, and yesterday he showed me how he does it. Fabulous!

Nick and Jean both got to have a play with something new too :) I took some silver clay, my ultralight kiln, UV light and photo-polymer plates. I also took some dried unfired blanks so we could try his carving techniques on them....
A jolly good time was had by all, especially Howard who popped to the pub and spent much of the afternoon drinking beer with some locals (one guest ale was called "The Foxes Knob", ooh err missus!) Nick made loads of stuff with the Silver Clay and got a good feel for some of it's potential, but Jean missed out a little (as she was knocking up one of the most delicious Bolognaises we've had in ages!)
Just before dinner we made enough time to make one photo-polymer plate. (Hmmm talented artists combined with create your own plates and stamping machines....wonder what was so exciting, lol). All in all when we returned home, full of scrummy grub and pleasant memories, we were very happy Callows indeed (especially as Nick gifted me the PMC ring he'd been test carving).
My new Finger Art says...."Trust the Man 'cause He's the Man in the Moon" with a Moon Man, Moon, Stars and twisty turny text. Even playing with a new medium Nicks creations are just perfik!

You can see more of Nick and his creations on the Nick Hubbard Website and you can buy them from Murano Silvers Online Shop too!

Nic x

"Mustard Seed" Charity Pendants

2009-09-15T00:51:00.011+01:00

I like my own jewellery to be unique. wearable and have meaning for me in some way. I'm hoping others feel the same way....and that's why I've chosen to support the Mustard Seed Project.

The Mustard Seed Project is working with the community in Mgongeni, an urban slum on the outskirts of Mombasa, Kenya. They have many goals one of which is to build a primary school where underprivileged children and orphans can receive a quality education. The Silver Mustard Seed Pendant is £35 and the Silver/Gold Mustard Seed Pendant is £45. For each pendant sold, £5 will go to the charity, if you supply your own scrap of gold (maybe a bit of grannies wedding ring?) then £10 of the gold mix pendant will go to the charity.

Each pendant comes boxed with a 16-18" adjustable chain, a care card and some info on the Mustard Seed Project. You'll find them HERE in our online shop :)

Hope you like them,
Nicola x

Say Yes to Beautiful Bling!

2009-09-08T09:12:00.009+01:00

Here's one of the latest Platinum Engagement rings to leave Murano Silver.... Excuse the yellow on the lh side of the pic it's the light I had to use so you could see how sparkly it is (the stones are all beautifully white).
We designed it with the client and got the diamonds sent up for her to choose from. The Princess cut center stone is 0.58 just over 1/2 carat, F Colour, Clarity VS1 and beautifully cut. The princess set shoulders really set it off too!
Total Diamond weight over a carat and absolutely stunning, the recipient had to hold back the tears (happy ones) made me want to blub...that's the fabulous thing about my job. Sometimes you're making memories....

Nicola x

September Giveaway

2009-09-04T23:46:00.007+01:00

This month I'll be giving away book learnin'
A signed (by the man himself at the PMC Symposium) copy of PMC Technic an absolute bible of PMC (Precious Metal Clay) Techniques.

Every once in a while, dedicated artists and students are lucky enough to study with someone who had researched and mastered a specific technique. In this book, ten leading artists teach their specialty, with clarity, care, and passion.
Tonya Davidson - PMC Syringe, Celie Fago - Making Hinges, Jennifer Kahn - PMC Bezels, Doris King - Fusing Sterling and PMC, Terry Kovalcik - Developing Form with Slip, Noortje Meijerink - PMC on Ceramic, Kelly Russell - Using Stencils with PMC, Barbara Simon -Lampworking and PMC, CeCe Wire - Water Etching on PMC, J. Fred Woell - Coreless Beads
If you're thinking of expanding your craft this book is invaluable!

AND
Fabulous Jewellery from Found Objects
35 step by step Projects of found object jewellery from professional jewelry makers. The projects are easy to follow and are within the beginner's grasp. :)
I'll send them worldwide and the comp closes at the end of September
Freebie Fridays.... Aint life grand!

Here's how you win:
Leave a comment below - one entry
Blog or Twitter about the prize - one entry for each :)
Be a fan of the blog or facebook - one entry
You need to make a comment for each entry - makes it easier to cut my pieces of paper up and put them in a hat ;)

Nic x

August Blog Winner

2009-09-03T00:42:00.006+01:00

Congratulations to JOBY our August Blog winner!!

Your HUGE packs of beads will be sent to you as soon as you e-mail your contact details to
muranosilver[at]gmail.com

I'll be announcing Septembers fabulous giveaway in the next few days so keep your eyes peeled ;)

Nicola x

Colour me Happy!!!

2009-08-28T22:54:00.005+01:00

Monet said "Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment." After the arrival of my HUGE tester selection of enamels, it will soon be my obsession, joy and torment as well!

Here's my shop bench covered with a test tube rainbow! The Enamelling Course is in October, so I plan to do as many testers as I can.... That way I can take some colours with me that I know work on my PMC/Art Clay silver and get the most possible out of Lindas Course!

I got all the colours from the very friendly helpful folks at Vitrum Signum. Another incredibly wonderful person has been Joy Funnell. Joy is a Senior Art Clay Instructor and a Craftsman of the Guild of Enamellers. As my enamel choices have been a bit "hit, miss and maybe" Joy was kind enough to recommended some brands and key colours to try with fine silver.

Over the next few weeks I'll be gradually creating fine silver testers and posting the resulting trials, tribulations and colours on my PMC tips blog.
Nic x

Coolest Customers!

2009-08-26T22:13:00.005+01:00

We have a regular customer, called Sheila, who buys boiled sweets from my hubby Howard's old fashioned sweet shop. Last week Gregor Fisher came in for some sweets, no one recognised Gregor, except my husband, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of actors and actresses (Mr Fisher is better known as Rab C Nesbitt).
We were discussing the other well known folk who've shopped here when in came Sheila.
Sheila is in her 80's now a very spry, always well dressed, with a long white hair in an elegant bun. It turns out she was in the Folies Bergere!
Yesterday she bought some posters in and told us some wonderful back stage stories. The poster above is Sheila and it was their first flash photography poster. It was all above board, she even told me a little about their Royal command performance! Isn't it amazing you just never know what stories will come out when you take the time to chat to folks you meet!
Nicxx

Enamelling Course

2009-08-22T12:59:00.011+01:00

Oh My Goodness - I'm so excited as hubby Howard has said to go ahead and book my enamelling course with Linda Darty. Linda inspired me to enamels possibilities, by condensing some of her years of experience and learning (under nearly 40 different enamel instructors) into her amazing book, The Art of Enameling. Her work is exemplary and if you take a look at Mid Cornwall Jewellery Schools site you'll see the Masterclass should be entitled "Everything you have possibly ever wanted to try in enamelling and more!!"

We'll be working with opaque and transparent colors, dry sifting and wet inlaying techniques, stencilled and sgraffito techniques, foils, water color and painting enamels, decal papers, torch and kiln firing. OMG and that's just some of the things were covering in the five days!!!

Linda is also a superb metalsmith - above is one of her designs....and below is another
Look at the enamel colours.....the leaves look so real. I can't wait to learn from her!
The course is at the end of October and I think there are 2 or 3 places left ~ so be quick if you want to join me on Lindas' masterclass ;)
Nicola x

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

2009-08-19T14:13:00.010+01:00

Circumhorizontal Arc - Also known as a ‘fire rainbow’ these streaks of colour are created when light is refracted through ice crystals in cirrus clouds. The phenomenon is one of the rarest occurrences of nature. Of course you may be thinking - "Why is Nicola showing me rainbows on her jewellery blog?" Well the simple answer is - because as Artisans, Artists and Crafters "We need to see the Rainbows!" and show the world what we see!

I count myself blessed to have seen a Grand Canyon sunrise,

and see a Rainbow at Rainbow Falls in Mammoth.
To see the Desert Sunset and craggy Scottish Heather Clad Hillsides and a whole host of other really cool stuff!! As modern people we're so blessed in the amount of experience we have access to AND the amount of cultural reference material....

This necklace is from an ancient tomb in Iraq (circa 9th century BC). Before Christ was born, ancient jewellers were creating works of great power and beauty, influenced and inspired by their natural environment...

So what's my point??? My point is modern man has unprecedented access to a wealth of inspirational material...yet every high street Jewellery store seems to stock the same ole tut!
As artisan designers we have unique opportunity to think outside the box, to differentiate ourselves from the blah, blah equivalent of a Jewellery TV dinner....but do we? Do you??

What line do we tread between "mortgage payers" and the "crafted from our soul" pieces? Are both possible? What are we leaving for future generations and are there less of us working towards that aspirational point.....

I'd love to know your thoughts, sometimes I feel I'm the only one who worries about this stuff! ;-)
Nic xx

Etsy Treasury - MC Stoneworks

2009-08-17T23:42:00.003+01:00

I'm so lucky to be included in this beautiful treasury by MCStoneworks! Michele specialises in natural gemstones and beaded jewellery (and they're all very gorgeous!). She also uses a very clever technique to preserve natural flowers like this Orchid Necklace.

It's a real Cattleya Orchid Preserved in Resin so it will last forever! Why not click one of the links above and visit her shop? Or if you're quick you can view the treasury until Wednesday 19th Aug ;-)
Nicola x

Palladium to get Legal Hallmarking!

2009-08-05T10:25:00.001+01:00

As of the 22nd July - Palladium can now be Hallmarked!!

A new range of stamps have been agreed for the various purities and you can also opt for the new head of Pallas Athene the Greek goddess of war, wisdom and crafts (after whom palladium was named).

You'll find more info here:

http://www.assayofficescotland.com/Palladium_Guidance_Notes.pdf

At the moment it's optional but it becomes a legal requirement 1st January 2010!

Nicola x

August Blog Giveaways

2009-08-01T17:52:00.004+01:00

Do you believe in encouraging young crafters? Then you're sure to love Baker Ross Craft Supplies a very reasonably priced craft site FULL of wonderful craft supplies. Anyway the wonderful folk at Baker Ross have given me a HUGE swag bag of beads to give away!

The winner will recieve 50meters of white elastic, 1000 Mini Flower Beads and 750 Alphabet Beads.
Thats enough to make, TONS of these :)

Here's how you win:

"Thoth" mixed Media Pendant - All finished

2009-07-28T09:09:00.005+01:00

Here it is folks the final resin embellished version....

The first line art drawing was done after reading about Egyptian Gods - I found "Thoth" the Ibis headed God of Writing & Learning to be fascinating. There will eventually be twelve of these pendants / brooches as it will be a numbered series (one for me and eleven for sale) each will be coloured or finished differently, but the central "Thoth" design will remain on each.

I hope you've enjoyed sharing in the process....
Nicola xx

Mixed Media Pendant - Silverwork Completed

2009-07-27T18:08:00.009+01:00

Today we have two days work in one post (I was teaching yesterday, so although I slipped my piece in with the students work, I didn't get time to do photos)....Firstly my ARRRGH moment - this was the result of the first firing...

The bezel had been a bit too snug and this crack was the better of two possible outcomes.... Luckily for me I always double anneal pieces that are being made with a solid bezel back so the glass didn't break, the silver did. I made up some lavender paste & went to bed.... Some lavender paste and a second firing later -
and here's the back (notice I've built up the embedded brooch parts to add strength).
Okay I realise straight out of the kiln silver clay isn't very exciting (even with sparkly Dichroic)So here's a picture of the back all polished up & oxidised to show the detail.....And here's the finished front (minus crack and all polished)
I now can't decide what to do - I could just oxidise the cells or stick with my original plan and use cold enamels (resins).
Resins would be more fun, plus you could see the colours go in section by section.....
Any thoughts??
Nic x

Silver Clay / PMC Course, Student Creations!

2009-07-27T13:56:00.002+01:00

Look what my clever students did yesterday! I had four students yesterday a local mum and her daughter (my course was the mums Birthday present) It was the first time they'd used silver clay and they made all these pieces.

Then a wonderful lady called Terry from Aviya Glass and her hubby made these (Phils makings are the little anchor button and the Spider - which is fabulous!)

Here's a close up of the heart....

The heart was made in one of my custom moulds then we did the colours with UV resin. Everyone left with lots of lovely goodies (my favourite type of course)

Nicola x

Mixed Media Pendant - Progress Day 3

2009-07-25T23:23:00.004+01:00

I just weighed the pendant on my jewellery scales - it's currently 23.4g! Tonights post is a little later as I've been busy working on the pendant....Here's the front with the carving all finished and the back on the bezel setting.

and here's the back with a little "surprise" - can't see a bail?
That's because those little holes are where the brooch pin will go!

And here's the trial fit for the brooch pin...

You can also see the back detail a little more clearly and my makers stamp. I tried really had to come up with a bail that wasn't clunky but didn't like any of them - so now it's a brooch BUT I will be making a slider bail to fit over the brooch pin

Next I need to build up some PMC over the pin fittings and then the PMC part is done (except for the firing!)

Nicola x

Mixed Media Pendant - Progress day 2

2009-07-24T23:16:00.002+01:00

OK here's todays progress:

I've added the back piece and started the carving on the edges.
Also made the bezel edges to hold the stone.

Next is to add the back decoration / text and finish the front edge texture.
If I get time I'd also like to start making the back for the bezel section & work out how I'm going to make the bail.....
Nic x

Work in progress - PMC mixed media pendant

2009-07-24T00:37:00.002+01:00

I thought it would be interesting for folks to see one of my larger pieces take shape bit by bit. So here we go (bear with me it's a blogging experiment, but feedback welcome)
The first picture is my hand inked design for the focal centre piece, the thickened up version printed on transparency, the impression plate and PMC dried & trimmed.

and here's a close up of the impression plate next to the PMC centre piece.

More tomorrow when I'll show you the outside carving and stone placement.....plus I still have to decide what to do for a bail!

Nic x

And the Givaway Winner is.....

2009-07-15T13:39:00.007+01:00

Sorry it took me so long to do the draw but there were loads of extra bits of paper to cut up, (for the facebook,blog & twitter entries). I'm so pleased to say that the winner will get a Huge prize pack as we reached the magic 100 on Facebook to I could have my own address www.facebook.com/MuranoSilver YAY!!!
The winner of my Birthday Bonanza giveaway is Lazy Daisy Glass

I'm so pleased as she's such a wonderful person and I hope she'll enjoy her new swag!
Nicola x

Birthday Bonanza Giveaway!!

2009-07-06T23:41:00.003+01:00

As my Birthday comes to a close I thought I'd pass on the gifting pleasure I've gained today....so to celebrate my Birthday, my first 100 followers and my new facebook business page I'm giving away this huge stash!!! ENDS 31st July or when we get to 100 on the facebook fan page (whichevers soonest)
Your Choice from one of these floral three:

(your choice of colour)

Or a handmade ring with your own choice of wording:

PLUS

A surprise pair of either stud or dangly earrings made by me and whatever else I put into the mix...

If there are lots of entries there will be second and third place prizes too :)

To enter:

1 Entry for posting a comment on this thread plus

1 Extra entry if you're a fan -
(Also includes my PMC Tips Blog so if you follow both that's 2 extra)

5 Extra entries (yes FIVE) to everyone who follows my shop facebook page (Link below)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Market-Deeping-United-Kingdom/Murano-Silver-Jewellery/99621907255

2 Extra Entries for Blogging, Twittering & Facebooking about the comp.
(2 entries for each promotion - please post link)

That's a potential 14 entries in my Birthday Bonanza Giveaway!

Nicola xx

P.S> If we get the facebook fan pages to 100 I will TRIPLE the Prize to the pendant, ring AND earrings + extras!!!

Murano Silver on Facebook!

2009-06-30T22:17:00.004+01:00

Facebook have launched a new facility where you can have a unique short URL for your own Business Info page. The trouble is I've only just started mine and it needs 100 fans to get one of those special short urls.... Please would you do me a favour an "Fan" me? http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Market-Deeping-United-Kingdom/Murano-Silver-Jewellery/99621907255

Nicola xxx

New Student Coursework Pictures

2009-06-29T00:52:00.001+01:00

Here's a quick picture I took of some of todays classwork. These are all their first ever pieces! I love Sunday classes because we can go at a nice pace and get LOADS of stuff done.

Today my clever, clever students discovered silver clay with CZ stones, Dichroic Glass Cabs, Resin work and they even did some soldering too.

Didn't they do well!

Nic xx

Glass Courses at In the Studio

2009-06-24T16:57:00.001+01:00

I recently went to "In the Studio" and added Glass cabochon making to my skills. It was a fabulous fun day and I learnt a lot (including what I'd been doing wrong when some of my "teach yourself at home" projects had gone wrong).

Here's Teresa filling up one of the many gas canisters we emptied while free forming glass at the end (her secret technique!). She's a smashing teacher and covers all kinds of things from soldering to wax model making & casting techniques.

Here's some of the Dichroic Pendants Ready for firing in the Kiln

Everything is carefully balanced and stuck with Elmers Glue (white craft glue) where needed. Amazingly the glue completely burns away and you can't tell where it was used!

The same pendants all out of the kiln

And here's what I did with one of mine. I made a silver setting for it, added some twiddly bits and voila. A Dichro Rainbow pendant is born :)

Here's my mannequin trying it on for size! I'll be playing with some PMC settings for the next lot of cabs, I've got a course this weekend and I need to make some examples (I've sold all mine).

Nic xx

Footprints on your Heart....Latest Etsy Listing

2009-06-23T00:46:00.001+01:00

Children are precious and they grow up so quickly. So wouldn't it be wonderful if you could capture a small part of them forever? Well now you can!
I love making these funky footprints:
1) It's a technical challenge to get the best print possible (which for me is fun)
2) I know that the mums, friends, family etc who receive them are going to cherish them forever!

The picture above shows a few of the steps (no pun intended) involved. First of all you need to get a good clear print. This is generally down to the mums sneaking up, paint pot in hand, while the baby is asleep. My mum suggested this would involve copious quantities of calpol (and that was just for her!).

Next we use "Murano Silver Magic" to turn the footprint into a pendant......

We do positive and negative options (inny or outy feet) my favourite is the outy, which is yours?

Nicola xx

Blog Carnival: Historical Influence?

2009-06-19T19:09:00.003+01:00

Every month Lora Hart heads up a fabulous blog carnival - where jewelry artists use their blogs to get together online and answer the same question - each in their own way. The topic this month is:
Who or what is your most influential historical metalsmith or metalsmithing tradition?

My inspiration comes from an earlier point in history. Famed for its silver mines and silversmiths the Mexican 'Silver City' of Taxco (pronounced 'Tasco') is one of the main sources of Mexican silver jewellery (and one of my main sources of inspiration!)

Taxco's current fame is mainly due to a personal hero of mine William Spratling an innovative and prolific designer of Mexican jewellery and furniture. Exceptionally talented, he established a model for the artistic development and growth of the silver industry in Taxco and well deserved the title "Father of Contemporary Mexican Silver!"

There is a huge online resource of Spratlings work available online but here are a few of my personal favourites.

This is Spratlings "Monkey Pin", to me it has a very Aztec / Mayan theme. You can imagine it adorning an Aztec King or High Priest. I love the way he mixes flowing lines with stark contrasts between oxidised and polished silver.

This is my take on the Aztec Priest / Mayan look. I call it "Incantation" and I tried to replicate the silver & oxidized contrasts with a mix of angular and flowing lines.

This is a Amethyst Set Scroll Brooch - again Spratling manages to make a simple design stunning. It's just so elegant! The best book for Spratlings work is now out of print but I managed to bag myself a special Centennial copy from a specialist book reseller. It's called Spratling Silver - Centennial Edition by Sandraline Cederwall & Hal Riney. If you see one, buy it (it's quite collectible)

Other inspirational "Taxco" Artists include Antonio Pineda who has a Pictograph range of buckles and cuff bangles. This is Pinedas "Hunter" Cuff

Another favourite piece of mine is this AM PM necklace by Margot de Taxco, this would easily stand with the most modern designs but was created in the 1950's!

These talented Taxco artisans designed pieces that are still inspiring artists like myself today! So my inspiration is also my aspiration, to push the boundaries of my work so one day one of those pieces might be mine....

Isn't it wonderful that as silversmiths, jewellery designers, glass workers and fabric artists we might be able to leave that kind of legacy?

Here are a few answers from the other artists in Loras Blog Carnival

Angela B Crispin

Tonya Davidson

Lorrene Davis

Tamra Gentry

Lora Hart

Nicola x

Nick Hubbard Jewellery makes the Headline News!!!

2009-06-17T11:52:00.003+01:00

Hazel Blears (the MP who recently resigned only one day before local and European elections) has propelled one of our suppliers into superstardom. This is Nick Hubbards 'Rocking the Boat' brooch, it made an appearance on all of the news channels and on Thursday it was featured in the national press, it seems Hazel made a statement without uttering a word!

Needless to say the Brick and Bean studio has been innundated with orders! Don't worry though we still have a large stock of Nicks fabulous jewellery in our Online Shop and Nick will make things to order for us too ;)
To see more of the story visit Nicks Website where it's also frontpage news!

New Gemstone Pendants & A New Leaf

2009-06-10T21:35:00.003+01:00

Do you love gemstones?? I do & this morning, (for some unexplained reason) I thought I'd inventory my stones and write them down....... Oh my goodness, I have more in baggies than I do set into jewellery. It's got to STOP! (See the stern way I talked to myself then?)

So (as I don't want to turn into our furry friend), I've turned over a new leaf and listed three new gemstone pendants in my Etsy Shop.
This is great because:
1) I can pretend that I will somehow stop being a member of stonaholics anonymous
2) I'm normally so busy making everything, except the time to list them!
3) If they're on show, maybe someone might buy them.
4) Then it will make room for more (ooops backsliding already, lol.)

You can see how I make this swirl setting here, I love it as it doesn't detract from the stones, such as this marvelous Dendritic Agate. It's also called Tree Agate and is a variety of Chalcedony.

Still on the Chalcedony theme, this ones an Aqua Chalcedony (I love this soft Summery Green)

Then there's this gorgeous deep purple Amethyst, isn't it delicious?

Hope you like the new pendants & welcome any feedback you have :)
Now I need to go back to the bench, as I've some commissions that need to be finished for tomorrow.

Love, Light & Creativity

Nic xx

Busy Weekend & Blog Competition

2009-06-08T15:58:00.001+01:00

Here are a few of the things I made this weekend the red resin swirl set was a trial, they came out fine but I don't think they're as striking as the blue..... I'm also in the process of making some emerald green spirals, which are stunning (even if I do say so myself!).

The Horse, Swan and Flower Pendants are probably going to be oxidised so that the silver will really stand out (particularly the horse which will look fab in a black/silver combo). the wave pendant is going to be enamelled. I'm thinking blues and greens would look quite cool...what do you guys n gals think?

These are just some of the wonderful handmade thank you cards that I got from Ruth over a TipTopToppers, they were part of a recent swap over at Silkie Sues. It's a great idea, fellow crafters get together put names in the hat and swap talents. Ruths on her holidays at the moment so I really hope she likes the jewellery I made for her :)

One person who loves their new Murano Silver Creation is Vintage Violet (my St Georges Day Blog Contest Winner)...here's a picture she took of the ring she recieved. There are some other cool pictures of it and some Dr Who style Arugumi on her Blog Maximum Rabbit Designs.

On another note I was the winner of a fabulous bunch of blog competitions myself, this week I won a pair of gorgeous Purple & Blue Earrings from Mel at Kookie Designs and this fabulous bag from Bags and Buds.

Isn't the bud detail amazing??? She has loads of stunning styles on her Etsy Shop, it's well worth taking a look :)

In honour of all this amazing luck I've been having there will be another blog competition soon....I was thinking 100 followers would be a great occasion to mark with a comp!

Nicola xx

Latest Creations & Custom Rings

2009-06-01T15:40:00.007+01:00

This is my latest creation, made for a dear friend, it contains a little secret, the top of the birdhouse slides up to reveal a love seat complete with bird footprints. There's even a little tiny heart just above the bird hole too ;) I've also finished the ring for my last blog winner. Vintage Violet has her own online shop so decided she'd like a ring made with her shop name on it! The mixed upper and Lower Case text is done to replicate her logo, hope she loves it as I really enjoyed making it for her :)

I think I might have to make myself another text ring soon, they're so much fun! We make quite a lot of rings like this with quotes, family names and inspirational messages. It's such an honour to create something extra special and our custom rings have been used for 16th's, 18th's, 21st's, new babies and even wedding & committment rings. Thats a whole host of memories coming from my little workbench....

What would you choose, if you were having a special message ring?

My new "Big Head" and Latest Commissions

2009-05-20T09:14:00.014+01:00

Ok - so it's not my head that's big, it's a dummy for displaying necklaces to scale. She's got to be the prettiest Mannequin bust I've ever seen! Once I've got a wig for her you'll be seeing her lots more (well her neck mainly,lol). She reminds me of Ilya from Star Trek the motion picture (the one who became part of V'GER)....I wonder what happened to that probe and if that's how the borg started ;)

I'm haven't seen the new Star Trek film yet & am really, really hoping it's still on next week. If you promise not to tell anyone, you can find out my deep dark secret......I had a thing for Mr Spock as a teenager! (I still like intelligent guys but Hubbies ears aren't the least bit pointy) We've had quite a busy workshop this week, mainly wedding and engraved rings but we also got an order for this pretty stacker ring set. I love fused silver, so was extra pleased to make this "Precious Pebble" set - she's a size I, they're so dainty! While the pebbles were firing I even got time to finish off the first of my latest daisy range... It'll be nice to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend & have a well deserved rest, lol

Nicola xx

Simple Setting for a Chalcedony Cabochon

2009-05-19T00:07:00.007+01:00

Remember the Blue Chalcedony from that bundle of stunning stones I got on Saturday?

Well it's new owner is a very petite and gorgeous lady who likes things simple & elegant... She saw a setting similar to the one below at one of my shows, so I made another just for her :)

This is it straight after soldering. I made the triangular piece to fit the stone & fused the bearer into shape. The two shaped pieces were then hard soldered onto the bearer. Once they were curved, I medium soldered the top together & leveled it off before easy soldering a shaped bail.
This is it after tumble polishing & while checking the stone fit. I love this setting as the stones fit so well and balance just right :)
Nic xx

New Cabochon Stones

2009-05-16T10:01:00.006+01:00

All ready to be set into rings and pendants. Moss Agate, Petrified Wood, Larimar, Blue Chalcedony, Crazy Lace Agate, Seraphanite and Sugilite.

Blue Chalcedony is said to enhance listening skills and communication. It's associated with mental flexibility and is also believed to improve the memory, while giving a feeling of light-heartedness and an optimistic outlook on life.

The Blue Chalcedony has been bagged for a pendant & I'll show it you once it's all finished :)
Nicola xx

Bronze....the new Gold?

2009-05-14T08:54:00.005+01:00

With the rising cost of gold many retailers have switched to making lighter weight hollow pieces or making silver Jewellery then plating it in gold (Vermeil). Alternatively they use "gold fill" which is when a solid outer layer of gold is bonded, with heat and pressure, to a base metal such as brass. Gold Fill is hard wearing and solid but is difficult to solder without melting the gold and the fill together (good for wire-wrapping though!).Recently I've been experimenting with bronze, which when polished gives that lovely golden hue. The advantages of Bronze are that it is a solid metal and it's very, very strong. The disadvantage is that is tarnishes so there is a maintenance element to keep it "golden".
It also contains copper so if you have acidic skin we'd need to seal the metal with resin or wax (to avoid that green hue). As it does contain copper it might be a good candidate for those arthritis bangles though!

What do you think? If you have the Midas touch and all that glitters on you is gold, would you think Bronze might be another alternative? I'd love to hear your views :)

Nicola xx

Our New Supplier of Ethical Rubies :)

2009-05-07T15:22:00.009+01:00

We'll now be buying our untreated natural Rubies from Rubyfair ~ a partnership between British Jewellers and Tanzanian Miners where both the miners welfare, the environment and ecology of the land are all given careful consideration.

More than 90% of the world's rubies come from Burma. This is is difficult for me as rubies on sale in the UK are likely to have been purchased at some point from the Burmese military junta and so will be helping to fund that regime (the same regime with such an appalling human rights record).
Here is an article from The Times on "Blood Rubies" and the USA ban on them.

In contrast Rubyfair rubies are only one step removed from the workers themselves. They also take the welfare of their workers very seriously and safety equipment and procedures are strictly adhered to.

Rubyfair only sells Ruby and Sapphire in their pure natural, untreated form from its own mine in Tanzania. They dig, sieve, cut and polish the rough stone. then import them ~ that's it.

Unlike the majority of Rubies on sale they don't heat, treat, fill or in any way attempt to enhance their stones . Untreated stones have a substantial premium over a treated and enhanced ruby from another source, but this is perfectly understandable and acceptable to those who appreciate true rarity and natural, not man-made, beauty.

Rubyfair sponsors the Ukwama children's Home and Orphanage giving back to the local community (so the Rubies in Murano Silver Jewellery not only look fabulous they achieve fabulous things too!)

Nicola xx

Made Etsys Front page!!!

2009-05-06T00:34:00.009+01:00

I am so happy to say that my seashell earrings made it to Etsys front page! Thank you a million times to the very talented Artisan & treasury curator Lazy Giraffe.

Here's a pair of her earrings that I put in one of my treasuries - gorgeous aren't they! Her product pictures are works of art in themselves, she must spend ages getting them so gorgeous :)

Elsewhere in Murano Silver land I've just finished the first part of my Advanced Art Clay Silver course which will lead to me getting Level 2 certification. This means I'll be able to teach certified classes. Which would be fabulous!

If you want to take a peek at the pieces I made on the course they're here.

There's loads happening with my Silver Clay work at the moment, including my recent membership of a very talented bunch of Artisans called the "Etsy Metal Clay Team" as a new member I even got a mention on their blog - how welcoming is that *kisses to the EMC'ers

I've been promoting their works in my recent treasuries and two of the EMC follks included me in theirs. Can you see the works of the other talented folks too?
(Mine is the set of stacker rings, top row)

My mum is visiting this weekend and (bless her) she's been scouring her vintage button collections to bring me new patterns to take moulds of. There's a fabulous floral design and even an Egyptian style profile...can't wait to see how they come out!

This leads nicely onto my third treasury put together by CleverEndevour whose vintage style pieces have a timeless quality.... She chose to feature my "Wheel of Life" pendant (another button creation)- that makes three treasuries in one week. Very very coolio indeed :) I love CleverEndevour's work & perhaps my favourite piece of hers is her Checkmate Pendant which would be perfect for a Chess Grand Master!

Mum's a big unicorn fan and also loves this piece as she thinks it would make a stunning unicorn.....
Hope you have a visit to some of the treasury creators shops too, they've got some gorgeous pieces in.

Nicola xx

Emerald - Mays Birthstone

2009-05-05T23:24:00.006+01:00

May's birthstone is the emerald. It is associated with the star sign of Taurus and is the green version of the mineral Beryl. The ancient Romans associated this gemstone with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term relationship would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting love. This may explain why a gift of Emerald for an anniversary -- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.

Caring for your Emeralds:
Although emeralds rank high on the Mohs scale for hardness,they are relatively fragile stones that are subject to cracking and breaking -which is one of the reasons that jewellers developed the emerald cut. The long, shallow shape presents far fewer fracture points and shows the emerald’s fire to its best advantage.

It’s common for Emeralds to have been oiled, waxed or filled with resin. Because of the likelihood of those treatments, remove your emerald rings when doing dishes or immersing your hands in water (soapy solutions and hot water can damage the finish on the stone). Finally, avoid sudden temperature changes which could cause color change and cracking in your emerald.

Nicola xx

Blog Winner & More Giveaways...

2009-05-01T08:09:00.003+01:00

Thank you for all the fabulous blog entries, I'm on a course until Sunday night but cutting up lots of paper gave me something to do at the Travelodge! The winner (pulled out of the Travelodge kettle) is: xvInTaGe VioLeTx congratulations :)

Here's a few links to some fabulous giveaways!
Husky Picture & Love Birds Brooch (Closes 6th May)
Trees Stamp (Closes 4th May)

I'll be posting some more soon but I'm on a course at the moment, learning some fabulous new techniques, and facing an Ancient Japanese Torture known as "hand polishing silver to a mirror finish".....

Nic x

Blog Giveaway - For England & St George

2009-04-23T23:06:00.015+01:00

I knew something was odd when I noticed a lot of really big ENGLAND flags hanging out of the local pub this morning. Another Football event I thought grumpily....

Later, after a brief trawl of the morning news, I realised it was St George's Day, and England's National Day and I nearly missed it!

Not for us the celebrations of Ireland's St Patrick's Day or even a few 4th of July like fireworks. (St Georges day is more like a damp squib) The only place I really saw it being celebrated was at the aforementioned pubs (no surprises there!).

Good Ole Boris Johnson has been trying for ages to make St George's Day a public holiday, but then that fella, being a descendant of King George II & is as English as Roast Beef!
(Boris J's crusade is even amusing in a bizarre way because St George was not English, did not ever make it to England, and did not slay even his dragon in England!)

Ah well any celebration is better than no celebration so I feel it's my Patriotic Duty to Give Away some blog candy swag in Honour of St George!
So donning my Spangliest Dress and long white gloves:

You can choose from any of these fabulous prizes....

1) A Textured Heart Pendant with Your Choice of Stone Colour2) A Sterling Silver Ring Made to your Size with Either "Until the Seas Run Dry" or your own name stamped upon it.
3) TWO 10g Packs of Art Clay Silver for you to make your own Silver Jewellery and a few little extras to help ;)

The Rules:
- Just post underneath, leaving some contact details, and we'll enter you!
-Contest ends on 30th April (7 days)
-Contest open Worldwide :)
-Winner will be drawn on the 1st May and announced on the blog
PLEASE leave you contact details so we can tell you if you win.
If unclaimed after 7 days we'll draw again ;)

EXTRA Entries (each is one extra entry):
-Visit our shop, browse browse, browse, and settle upon a favorite. Come back and leave a comment on this blog entry, telling us what you liked and why.
-Blog about this giveaway on your own blog & leave us a link to your blog post (2 extra entries)
-Follow my blog. Old or new, and make sure to let me know that you follow.

So come on get entering - It's FREE & there will probably be a few extra gifts thrown in for good measure! ;)

Nic xx

Earth Day & new 100% Recycled Silver Pendants

2009-04-22T20:35:00.007+01:00

Wednesday is normally my day off but today I've been making lots of new commissions. In between all that I found time to take some photos & list 4 new one of a kind pieces on Etsy!

All of these pieces are UK Assay Office Hallmarked Fine Silver (created from Art Clay Silver).
The silver used in these pieces is 100% recycled silver, so has not been strip mined to the detriment of the environment. (Very Appropriate as today is Earth Day)

First up is this Mandela Pendant, which reminds me of the Wheel of Life, it was created in multiple layers so the texture is quite eye-catching :)

This is a birch bark texture pendant (created from my own handmade texture plate).
There are some more pics of this in Natural light in the Etsy Listing.
This is a very solid Celtic tribal pendant. It comes with a sterling silver chain but would also look very cool on a leather thong, but you might have to watch out as 'him indoors might pinch it (it would be a great pressie for a surf dude!).
Mentioning the oceans this fine silver wave pendant was inspired by this quote:

"No rock so hard but a little wave may beat
admission in a thousand years."
~Tennyson

Tennyson and Keats are two of my favourite poets, their poetry always gets my creative juices flowing, I wonder who YOU have as a source of inspiration?

Nic xx

Happy Clients and Sci-Fi Chic!

2009-04-21T17:55:00.008+01:00

We went through a few different design prototypes before we found the "perfect" setting for the beautiful diamond, this lovely client is wearing.
Her Hubby bought it her for Christmas and she wanted something textured and contemporary. The final design has a delicate feather pattern on the pendant, with a handmade bail which echoes the feather pattern. For extra security the diamond is rubover set (which means a little edge of metal encircles the whole stone).

I was very, very pleased to take this picture of her happily wearing the finished pendant (I just wish I'd taken a close up too!)

Below is another pendant I made recently, I'll be wearing it when I go to see the new Star Trek film. So I'm out of the closet, as well as being a Jewellery Tool Addict, I'm also a Science Fiction Geek.....the only benefit being I can make my own geekery and wear it with pride!

A friend of mine is a computer whizz and (after seeing this one) he wants me to make him a custom badge to his own design. Something to do with circuit boards and a triple atomic symbol.

Maybe I should make my own signs & sigils range, it could be quite cool and very tribal. So sci-fi buffs, whovians and fans of the obscure unite ~ we'll make our own club. Then again...as Groucho Marx said
“I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.”

Nicola x

Blog Carnival - FAVORITE techniques

2009-04-20T11:14:00.007+01:00

I recently noticed that a few of my Favourite Artists ~ Tonya Davidson, Lorrene Davis & Lora Hart were participating in something called a blog carnival...(where a group of artists all come together to discuss the same topic). This month they discuss their favourite techniques, so I thought I'd share a few of my favourites too!

The trouble with asking a jewellery maker their favourite technique is that so often it changes.

Maybe us creative types are just a fickle bunch, or it could be because we get inspired by so many things, that whatever technique helps us achieve our artistic goal, becomes our new favourite!

One thing that I love to do is make stamped or engraved pieces and personalise them for their recipients. Whether that's a sterling bangle with a personalised message or adding a quick initial to a fine silver ring. Whatever the little additions, the recipient then knows that the gift has been made just for them!!!

Hand Stamping is a technique which can be mastered with minimal tools and lots of practice so it's perfect for traditional goldsmiths and jewellery makers. The important thing to remember is stamping the metalwork hardens it. If you hit it too many times you can make it brittle or even split it!

To soften the metal again I follow a process called annealing. You heat it up with your torch, quench it in cold water, then pickle it to remove firescale. A quick clean with some pumice powder, dry it off and back to stamping. The bangle above had that process happen about 12 times!

Most of my Engraving is done in PMC (precious metal clay) while it's in it's green, unfired state.
I wrote some tips for engraving into silver clay on my PMC blog :)

Another thing I love to do is make my own designs which reflect the recipients tastes and interests. Recently a lady approached me to make a set of custom cuff links for her sons 21st Birthday. She liked the personalised element of my work and wondered if I could come up with some suggestions for him. He had travelled in New Zealand and his favourite author is Terry Pratchett. So I designed these Turtle Cufflinks. The Turtle represents the Great A'Tuin from the Discworld Novels. My Client also requested traditional chain link cufflinks so I added the "J" disk (his initial) as the push through.

For this design I used a Photo Polymer plate to make my own stamps, but I also make a lot of my own textures carving into wax, lino or in fact anything that takes a good impression!
Maggie Bergman has a fabulous explanation & tutorial on PPP's (photo-polymer plates) which you can check out here!

Go visit some other Jewel Carnival Bloggers below to find their favorite techniques.
Tonya Davidson
Elaine Luther
Angela Baudel-Crispin
Lora Hart
Tamra Gentry

Lorrene Davis

Nicola xx

Some Bunny Loves Me

2009-04-20T09:20:00.003+01:00

Here's a sneaky peek at my "Some Bunny Loves Me" range, these are the first little bunnies out of the warren but more are sure to follow ~ you know how rabbits are ;)

I thought the figurines would make sweet little Christening gifts and I've made some smaller little bunny faces for earrings...quite pleased so far but am thinking maybe without the nose or a smaller nose...
What do you think?

Nic x

Colour me Happy :)

2009-04-19T15:50:00.012+01:00

I took lots of gorgeous gemstone pieces to a fabulous "House of Colour" event run by Jackie Perkins this weekend...

Colour Analysis is the process of finding which colours suit your unique skin tone and eye colour. Some colours make you look great, some have completely the opposite effect. In general warm skin tones are better in warm colours and cool skin tones are better in cool colours. Colour analysis helps you find out which colours are right for YOU :)

The Warm Palettes:

For example below is a typical set of colours for an Autumn.Autumns are best in warm golden tones - Metals= Gold, Copper & Bronzes.
Pearls would be Cream rather than white, they look fabulous in Gemstones such as Citrine and Golden Amber. Prince Harry is an Autumn. Another famous Autumn would be Marcia Cross

Another "warm" season are folks classified as Spring, these ladies and gents still need warm colours just not in such dramatic and strong palettes. Sarah Ferguson is a spring.
Can you see the difference in colouring?

The Cool Palettes:

I got analysed by Jackie at House of Colour and it turned out I am a Jewel Winter. This means I look best in all the vibrant cool Jewel like colours, like Hot Pink, Amethyst, Royal Blue and Icy White (plus lots others but they're my favourites!).

This is a section of my colour swatches. The swatches are a handy little book that you can take shopping with you, to check that the outfits you're looking at match or tone with the colour palette that will make you look your best. For darker colours Winters can also wear Navy Blue, Strong Denim Blues and most womens perennial favourite Black!

Since “Cool” is my dominant trait, I avoid warm colours like golden browns or oranges. Winter Metals= Platinum, Silver, White Gold & Palladium. Pearls would be White rather than cream, we look fabulous in Gemstones such as Amethyst, Sapphire and Blue Opals.

Famous Winter Toned Folk include: Courteney Cox, John Travolta & Elizabeth Hurley

Summer is Another Season in the Cool Toned Palette.
Summer Folks share many of the colours of the winter folk but their colours are more muted. An ideal Gemstone for a Summer Palette would be Rose Quartz or Aqua Chalcedony.

Famous Summer Toned Folk include: Heather Locklear and Sarah Jessica Parker.

I have a wide selection of different colour gemstones, glass and resin jewellery items in my Market Deeping Shop. So if you're local feel free to pop in...

Although I don't have them on my website (because each is a one off) if you want a specific stone I can normally source it for you and make a pendant to match your colouring and the outfits you like to wear most ;)

Nicxx

Treasuries, Giveaways and Easter Goodies

2009-04-08T17:03:00.014+01:00

I just love Hot Pink and Silver, so I was the Happiest Easter Bunny alive when I got featured in this Treasury by CasualGal of Etsy Street Team ~ Yaaaayyyy!!

Isn't it fabulous?? Mine's the 9th one in from the top, it's a cup ring filled with pink resin, that pink feather pens calling to me too though! You can see the treasury in all it's glory until Thursday April the 9th - feel free to click and comment as it earns me Etsy cudos :)

I've also been bust promoting some of my friends too & created my own Etsy Treasury {{+Mystic Night+}} which will run until Friday April 10th... There are some fabulous Artists work in that so well worth a click and a visit!

As a special Easter treat I've put together another few fabulous Easter Blog Giveaways for you to enter...so get clicking (Hope you win!)

Easter Blog Candy Giveaways
Jennifer is a talented stamper and card maker and she's giving away a huge bag of swag for those who love card crafts.
It's to celebrate a whole year of blogging (it's a fabulous blog ~well worth subscribing to!)
The giveaway includes Copic Ciao Markers, 10 sheets of various Basic Grey paper, 3 rolls of ribbon, Key Plate Album, X Cut corner rounder punch, 5mm Daisy D's Hinges in copper and patina, Stampers Anonymous Ornate Collages Stamps, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad and lots lots more! Click HERE to visit her blog & enter (ends 12th April).

Another Card Crafting Givaway can be found at Creating from the Heart
Melissa is giving away a brand new, never opened, CUTTLEBUG!
Yes, you read it right, a Cuttlebug Die Cut Machine! I'm reliably told by card crafting fans that this is the bees knees of card crafting but you need to be quick to enter as the giveaway closes on 10th April. ;)
The Entry post is HERE

The final giveaway can be found at Tristan Blakeman's blog "Enchanted Revelry" and is an Altered Art prize ~ which fits quite well with todays other blog prizes, lol!
Tristan is celebrating his 100th Post ans 5000th hit, an amazing achievement, which is easy to understand when you see the quality blog he produces...
Anyway the prize Tristan is generously providing is this fabulous and inspirational book by Lisa Kettell, Altered Art Circus. Tristan says of this book "It's one of the most enchanting and clever books dealing with altered art that I've seen. I love my well-worn copy - and know that the winner will love it, too! Well, they'll love their new copy - they can't have my well-worn copy!" Enter HERE (closes 15th April)

Supporting Heritage Crafts

On a final crafting note, why not do something really worthwhile this Easter?? For many cultures and religions Easter is a time of New Beginnings but lets not forget that new ideas often have old roots. For the crafting community in particular there are 1000's of heritage crafts that lose out every year as mass produced techniques kill their art form...

Robin Wood is a traditional wood turner and heritage guru whose Blog contains a wealth of information on Heritage Crafts and interesting tidbits of Film Knowledge too (he made the bowls for Ridley Scott's next epic film based on the Robin Hood and helped create the beautiful oak bench above).

I was over at Robins blog today and read about The Heritage Crafts Association. The HCA hope to do to change the trend of Old crafts dying out so click the button below & sign up as a suporter (it's free).

You can also find out more on Robins Blog.
Nic xxx

Pay it Forward - Giveaway

2009-04-07T12:51:00.005+01:00

While visiting picklesticks I noticed she was doing "Pay if forward" so now I am doing it too! Picklesticks will be sending me something handmade in the next 12 months and I want to do the same for three people.

I will make something special for the first three people who comment on this post, you need to commit to also do a "Pay it forward" on your own blog :)
I will make and send off the goodies sometime in the next 12 months. If you would like a lovely handmade gift, just for you then leave a comment on this post and then play "Pay it forward" on your blog!

As your gift is likely to be jewellery related then a ring size and wrist size would be great too. You can even drop hints like "oooh I love cats", or "my favourite colour in the whole world is purple"

Nicola xxx

Blog Giveaway Bonanza

2009-04-06T14:05:00.005+01:00

Blog giveaways are fabulous things, and here are a few wonderful priza-paloozas you can enter :)

For the more macabre ~ this wonderfully creepy skeleton sculpture by the incredibly talented Denise at DLynne Art Dolls. This darker sculpt is a bit of a departure for Denise as she usually creates beautiful babies and children. Check out her work on her blog and site when you go to enter.

For Animal lovers ~ a charming, soft knitted meerkat by clever artisan Heather of NiftyKnits. Heather knits whimsical little critters, funky, fun items for home decor and fabulous jewelry, scarves and other accessories for you. Visit her giveaway by clicking on her link.

For Polymer Clay Enthusiasts ~ A double treat here as:
1) You get introduced to a fabulous blog you might not have seen &
2) You get to enter a great prize draw!
Nip over to Polymer Clay Chameleon & take a look at some simply amazing creations.
Eugena is an incredibly talented polymer clay artist but she's also generous enough to feature other polymer clay artists (many on mesmerising slide shows)!

So have fun and enter...who knows you may be lucky!

"Mew-se" for our new Kitten Cat range!

2009-04-06T00:05:00.013+01:00

This is Skittles our rescue cat and a very central member of our family. He came to live with us after a trip to Wood Green Animal shelter.
Skittles is currently sleeping, so I guess it's OK to tell you that our original plan was to find a short haired preferably grey tabby kitten.
We visited all the kittens and there were lots to see (all gorgeous) then the shelter lady told us about Skittles...

"He's been here a while" she said " and he's the staff favourite because he's so friendly". She looked unhappy as she added "unfortunately he's nervous around other cats so he's becoming traumatised and it's making him ill"

We went to see Skittles and as soon as she opened his pen he jumped out towards me (very scary it was, as I thought he was going for the jugular).
The next thing I know he buried his head in the crook of my arm and started purring like an outboard motor...
Howard & I were completely smitten and a few days later he was in his new home!

Skittles still needs company & follows us to whatever room we're in!He loves being near the radiator in my workroom.
He's so nosey when I'm creating that it was only a matter of time before he had his own range of jewellery.... so here's a few pieces from our new pretty "kitten cat" range.
Hope you like them!

Dontcha Love Blog Giveaways?

2009-04-01T19:58:00.004+01:00

I love finding new and inspiring craft blogs & love it even more, when they're giving away fabulous gifts for leaving blog comments...
So go take a visit to
http://junkmammas.blogspot.com/
but if you leave a comment and win can you send me the flower??? ;)

Nic xx

Teaching is it's own reward!

2009-03-31T17:03:00.003+01:00

These cobalt blue swirl earrings will soon be new lines in my Etsy, Folksy & Murano Silver Shop.
They "happened" while I was teaching a silver clay course this weekend :)

For maximum strength I fire Art Clay Silver & PMC for two hours and use the time as open learning....

This week the students decided they wanted to learn soldering and how to add resin & enamel colours to their jewellery.

The two spiral pieces were lying flat on my workbench (I hadn't decided whether they were to be drops or studs) but they were the perfect for demonstrating how to solder ear posts on.

All the students had a go at soldering ear posts with some scrap wire (they all did really well) . Next I showed them how to add UV resins and the earrings got used again.. I was so pleased with the results I've decided to add them to my shop!

Now all I have to do is make the pendant size swirl and see which colourways to make them in. Blue will definitely be included, but I'm still deciding on the others (maybe red & green).
What do you think?

Nic x

Fabulous book on Resin Jewellery

2009-03-26T13:20:00.002Z

One of my online friends Pennydog (aka Kerry Wilkinson) is a fabulously generous person both with her time and her knowledge. She's been making beautiful resin jewellery for years and raising funds for the retired greyhound trust.

Kerry has recently written a great introduction to resin book, which I just had to share with you!

It covers the basics of resin, (including tips on eliminating bubbles and other common problems) as well as having a wide range of detailed projects.

The photography is absolutely gorgeous throughout the book, making it a fun browse and an extra motivational read.
I even went online and ordered a resin bangle mould
(I was that inspired!)

The beautiful projects are clearly explained and contain great big example pictures. They include pendants, mixed media charms and components, colorful bangles, and artsy beads.

Even if all the projects don't appeal to you, the techniques are so easy to follow that you could adapt them to your own personal jewellery style. Go HERE (click shop, books) and buy a copy, you won't regret it AND it supports a worthy cause too!

Nic xx

With this ring......

2009-03-22T21:38:00.007Z

Given the emotional perspectives attached to Wedding Rings, I'm always honoured when people ask me to make theirs.

Normally the rings I'm asked to make are more traditional band rings, but recently people have been commissioning something a little different...

Palladium & Silver mixes, Fine silver & Diamonds, White Gold & Copper ~ maybe couples who visit are seeking unusual designs, maybe they get inspired, whatever it is I'm grateful, as I LOVE making unique wedding rings!

This is the story of how a band called Lamb, wrote a song called Gorecki , which inspired me to make these rings, which inspired a young American couple to use them for their special day!

This is the first verse of Lambs song "Goreki"

"If I should die this very moment
I wouldn't fear
For I've never known completeness
Like being here
Wrapped in the warmth of you
Loving every breath of you
Still in my heart this moment
Or it might burst
Could we stay right here
Until the end of time
until the earth stops turning
Wanna love you until the seas run dry
I've found the one I've waited for"

The rest of the song is just as beautiful, and when I read it, I was inspired to pass some of that message on. Whatever touched my soul that day, resonated in that young American couples too.

They chose to use my "Until the Seas Run Dry" rings, for their Wedding, as their sign of their commitment to each other. It touches me deeply that perhaps (when I'm no longer around) some great-grandchild of theirs will be still cherishing those rings!
I hope so....

God Bless

Nic xx

Art Jewellery is as REAL as it gets!!!

2009-03-16T21:33:00.005Z

One of my favourite quotes is
"Love of Beauty
Is Taste
The creation of Beauty
Is Art"
Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, when I read my friend Deannes Blog & learnt someone had dismissively called her beautiful creations "Costume Jewellery", I knew that they'd missed the whole point!
Art Jewellery is as real as it gets, because it's loved by the people who wear it...
It doesn't matter if it's made in platinum & diamonds or plastic & bottle tops ~
if it expresses the Artist who created it and touches the soul of the wearer then it is ART.

How wonderful that there are artists out there that choose to make their pieces wearable.

People like Lisa Pavelka (the talented Silver & Polymer Clay artist who made this locket)

Have you ever read the Velveteen Rabbit??
It's a childrens story that helps teach us about the concept of REAL...
Here's an extract:
***********************
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

If you get time, read the full story of the Velveteen Rabbit, then read it to your kids

(if you can get to the end without "Happy Tears" then you're braver than me!)

Nic xx

I've been "Treasuried"

2009-03-15T12:59:00.008Z

Have you heard of Etsy?

Etsy is a fabulous American site & is how I now showcase some of my work overseas (it's UK equivalent is Folksy ~ which was featured in the Guardian last week, so has recently been quite busy!)
One of the ways to promote a shop is through the “Treasury” - an exhibition of work curated by Etsy members. At any given time there are 333-500+ treasuries on display, with a wide range of “themes”.
Some of my fellow Etsy members have been kind enough to include my work in their treasuries, so I’ll take the time now to say “thank you” collectively to them, and show you the most recent one from twolefthands a very talented seamstress (she's featured my Midas Touch Ring).

If you want to have a look at "Midas Touch" then its in my Etsy Shop & UK - Folksy shop.

Elsewhere in the Murano Silver Land... some very clever little elves have been making teeny tiny little beads to fit those popular Troll Bead & Pandora style bracelets :)
They're soooooo gorgeous, they remind me of the bracelets I made as a child...only these are a lot more sexy & grown up!

Howard (hubbie) says the glass beads look like some of the sweeties from his shop. The pink and white swirly ones remind me of cherry ripple ice-creams...

I've made myself hungry now, so we're off for Sunday lunch!

Nic xx

Red Nose Day - It's for Charideeee!!

2009-03-13T17:27:00.003Z

It's comic relief today, so we'll be staying in tonight and watching the fabulous TV extravaganza!
The reason I'm writing this is because pennydog came up with the fabulous idea of opening a crafter..oo shop on Folksy to raise some money for it. So, as todays the day, here's a reminder that there are some really nice things on there. The "Red Nose Ring" I donated sold (hooray) and I bought a few things myself and EVERY penny goes to comic relief as Folksy have waived all fees (YAY folksy!).
It is doing really well and has raised over 500 pounds!!!! Why not pop over there and see if anything takes your fancy. There are some things on there that are under a fiver so not having much money is no excuse ;) There are some more things being listed tonight too.

Here is the link http://www.folksy.com/shops/CrafterooShop
I'll finish with the hard sell now. lol! Normal service will resume shortly (when I'lll be back with some new cufflinks I've been making).

See you soon (go snap up some fabulous crafts for Chari-dee)
Nic x

My Office IS a Workbench :)

2009-03-10T23:41:00.004Z

Just thought I'd share what part of my Metal-working space looks like after a hard day at the "office"!!

A friend of mine suggested that I get more organised (it would help clear my chakras, at least I *think* that's what she said, lol).
Bless her, she doesn't realise that this is what my workbench looks like when I AM being organised......

One thing I can definitely say is at least it's cured me of my old "troll" habit. Remember those big haired plastic trolls that everyone used to collect? Well when I worked in a REAL office (with cubicles and everything) my desk was littered with the things... if I had them now, then when I got my proper big torch out, they'd probably spontaneously combust. Oooh I can imagine the newspaper headlines..
"Rampaging Jeweller in Troll massacre". Nasty....

You can probably tell that I'm in a pretty good mood, this is because my day at the "office" has let me finish off some recent commissions. That feels fabulous (just some final polishing and it'll feel even more fabulous). I also got to use some my new Fretz hammers that I got in Otto Frei's closeout sale. Ooooh they are wonderful ~ yeah I know I'm sad ~but I do love my hammers...

OMG - I just read that last sentence & sometimes I scare even myself!
Just for info & in case any of my gorgeous, wonderful customers (with excellent taste in jewellery) are reading, I'm told that for a Jeweller a hammer & tool obsession is quite normal....Honest!

Nic x

Fingerprint Cufflinks - one for the Daddies!

2009-03-09T10:44:00.006Z

Fingerprints are Fun!!
Well, maybe not the ones I'm wiping of my cabinets every day, but the other ones, the ones made by your family & friends. The fingerprints people leave when they touch your heart.....

Mothers Day is on it's way and a lot of dads have been bringing in the kiddies to make mummy lots of lovely fingerprint jewellery. Here's one that I made for a daddy though (it's his 50th soon!), if you click on the picture you can really see the detail :)

Until recently it's been very difficult to capture the fine detail of a fingerprint, we used a method called lost wax casting (which we still use for solid gold prints). Lost wax casting involves taking a mould in wax, adding a sprue, pouring a special plaster round it, cooking the whole thing for 12 hours in a kiln (to burn the wax away), then pouring molten metal down the sprue hole into the plaster mould. The plaster was then dissolved leaving the metal copy of the original wax. Phew!

We now capture prints using Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Silver Clay is composed of microscopic particles of silver suspended in an organic binder. I got my Silver Clay Certification 5 years ago and each year new developments in metal clay technology give us new tools & techniques.
It's made in Japan and is fabulous stuff, but to get the best results you really do need to know how to work with it, finish & fire it properly. (That's the same with everything in goldsmithing though, lol)

Nic x

A whole host of Talent!!

2009-03-07T18:18:00.007Z

I just love handmade arts & crafts and craft blogs. Don't you? There are quite a few I regularly follow...talented fellow crafters, who uplift and inspire me. One of these is Jan (of Jans Cards & Crafts). She posts such wonderful handmade cards that I can't help but comment on them....and you know what? She gave me an AWARD! How cool is that :)

Nic xx

Now I have to pass it on to some fellow crafters, so here it is AND they're all really cool crafters too :)
Deanne of The Art Room , Ruth of Birdland Creations & Pips with her fabulous Polymer Clay!

Nic xx

Hail the King!!

2009-03-06T21:52:00.003Z

The King of the Penguins
David and Debbie are a wonderful couple who have a holiday home at Tallington Lakes (not far from our village). One day they discovered our little shop & it became a regular haunt :)

Debbie delights in the unusual and enjoys showing off her latest Murano Silver & Nick Hubbard purchases to her workmates back home, as does David, who also has a great collection of our Nick Hubbard pieces.

They're such a lovely couple, that they even bought me in birthday brownie cakes last year (enough to share with hubby too). So it was my pleasure to make David something special for their anniversary.

One of Davids favourite birds is the penguin, so I made him these cuff links...but not just an ordinary penguin, I made him a KING Penguin. Well, for such a great guy, it's only fitting isn't it! :)

Comic Relief "Red Nose" Ring :)

2009-03-03T18:33:00.010Z

Help raise Money for Comic Relief!
The Crafteroo Craft Forum have teamed up with the UK Craft Auction site Folksy, to help raise funds for Comic Relief & we're supporting them with our exclusive "Red Nose" Ring.

Organised by Kerry from PennyDog Jewellery, members of the forum have each donated pieces to a collaborative shop of handcrafted items.

Folksy in turn, have kindly waived the fees for these items so more funds can go to such a good cause :)
Please visit the Crafteroo Comic Relief shop and help support charity work here and overseas.
Nic xx

Custom Stacking Rings - Choose your own combo!

2009-02-28T18:18:00.007Z

Everyone needs at least one set of stacking rings!
This sets mine (sorry guys and gals, but sometimes I just can't let something go and they're really, really comfy!)

The good news is that I enjoyed making them soooo much that I'm adding them the shop under "things you can order from Murano Silver and I'll enjoy making them for you" category. Otherwise known as the "Custom Commissions" and "Unique "One Offs" sections of the site. ;)

We'll make them to order in your size, from gold, silver, fine silver & copper. This set is handcrafted from fused 1.5mm fine silver and gently hammered to add sparkle and texture. They feel wonderful on, nice & substantial!

Some of the options we'll have will be birthstones & mixed metals like gold, copper, rose gold etc. It's going to be loads of fun coming up with new combos ~ in fact the worlds your oyster! (hmmm a pearl stacker)

Nic xx

Jewellery Making Course, Sun 29th March

2009-02-26T23:16:00.008Z

Did you know we run metal clay workshops?
With us you'll learn how to make metal clay jewellery in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our beginners course costs £65 for a whole days training and you get to take away this £40 kit so you can continue to practice at home!

Learn about the different types of metal clay & how to work with it, PLUS lots of techniques for shaping, cutting, moulding and adding texture to the clay. Make a pendant and/or earrings plus how to set stones & achieve a quality finish your jewellery. Everything you make, get's to go home with you too!

Any questions? Call Nicola at Murano Silver on 01778 347007
or mail nicola@muranosilver.com to book your place (one space left)

It was a long day yesterday....

2009-02-25T11:33:00.005Z

Life's Like That...
(It was 5.30, I'd just closed the shop and was taking in the plant pots, when I felt a tap on my shoulder.)
Lady: “Can you measure my fingers?”
Me: “I'm really sorry but we just closed & everythings locked up, but if you pop in tomorrow, we'll do it for you.”
Lady: “But I need it done for tonight before the auction closes & I want you to tell me if it's worth the money!"
Me: “Sorry I can't help right now, if only you'd come earlier....”
Lady: “I was busy…”
Me: "What do you do?
Lady: "I'm a dentist"
Me: “Would you like to look at my teeth after you've finished for the day, for free?”
Dentist: “That’s different. My job is technical!”
Sometimes if I didn't laugh, I'd cry!
14 years of Jewellery making condensed into finger measuring & Ebay advice....

Have you had a similar experience?
Nic xx

More wax working & prototypes :)

2009-02-24T15:24:00.007Z

Today I've been making wax prototypes for the next size of "Angelus Ring" and an angel pin. I've also reviewed some Kilns over on my PMC Tips blog. So I guess that means I've had a busy day, lol.

You can see the first Angelus Ring here.

New from old - recycle that gold!

2009-02-18T22:28:00.008Z

A lovely lady came in with a ring repair so we discussed her options, which were:

1) Repair the ring
2) Make something new from it

The ring had broken once before and been repaired by another jeweller, (that area was still nice and strong) but the broken joint allowed me to look at the weakened metal...Yes the ring was repairable but then the next joint could very easily break!

I suggested we make a pendant & earring set from the rings remnants. That way the remaining joints would be under almost no stress and it was much more likely to survive as a useful piece of jewellery. Some piercing, filing, annealing, soldering, hammering, polishing and buffing later and a new set was born!

I think it's even nicer than the ring :)

Birch Bark Focal Pendant

2009-02-08T22:25:00.005Z

Another in the "Birch Bark" range this time with an accent stone in Sapphire blue and 22k gold embellishments. This is a one off piece and as soon as it's back from the hallmarkers it'll be in the shop.
Hopefully in time for Valentines! ;-)

Angelus - Ring

2009-01-29T23:15:00.006Z

Another new addition to the "Angelus" range (which is coming along nicely). This is the smallest of the three adjustable Angelus rings and will fit a size J - L. The next will fit a M-O and the biggest will fit a P-R (well if it all goes according to plan, lol)

Hope you like the design, it's lovely and comfy to wear, I've been trialing the size L myself ;-)

Nic x

Art Clay Silver Course

2009-01-29T23:01:00.005Z

Here's a peek at what I've been up to with some of my recent Sunday silver-clay workshops. :-)
Students learnt to handle the clay, roll, texture, cut, refine, set bails, set small kiln-friendly stones, and how to get a good shine on their finished jewellery.
These are my students first pieces ~ I think they did spectacularly well don't you?
If you're interested in learning yourself, then the next workshop is in Market Deeping on Sunday 15th February.
Nic xx

Angelus

2009-01-28T23:17:00.005Z

I'm working on a new "figurative" line with icons and angels, so far I've created a design for a necklace and a ring. The first ring's a small size so I need to make a medium and a large (they'll be adjustable).
Here's one of the first necklaces, it has a faintly angelic /iconic look hence the name "Angelus"

"Incantation" Pendant

2009-01-28T01:36:00.006Z

I've been combining fine silver with polymer clay and other metals. This is a funky "tribal design" that I thought looked like a cross between Aztec and Incan.
I'll be trying out different variations in the next few weeks, perhaps with copper in the centre layer & riveted together?
Hope you like the preview ;)

Nic x

Aquamarine Ring

2009-01-12T12:51:00.007Z

Another unique Christmas creation for an lover of Aquamarine!

We used a created stone which was kiln set for extra strength &

to create a more organic feel, we hand carved the rings centre line. Unfortunately my camera can't capture the amount of sparkle in the stone, which combined with the fine silver made a beautifully feminine piece. I'm told the recipient was thrilled!

Obscure Road Commission

2009-01-12T12:39:00.006Z

Here's the end result for the writer of the "Obscure Road" graphic novel range. It is based on a fusion of two of his characters faces.
"Secret Emo" & "Issues Boy". Alexelence designed the fusion image & I created the pendant to his design..

The antiqued effect and patination adds a depth to the design that we were really pleased with. Who knows, when the novel is published we might need to make a whole range ;)

Nic x

2008-12-17T22:58:00.003Z

Phew - I've been so busy with Christmas, time has just flown since my last Blog post.
Some of my latest commissions have been an absolute joy to create....one of which
was for a graphic novelist who has asked me to design a piece using his work as inspiration..
As soon as he's seen it I'll post the result...until then May your Festive Season be a Merry Feast of FUN!!!.

Ethical Silver Clay & PMC Jewellery

2008-11-18T14:49:00.011Z

Ever heard of Silver Clay? Neither had I until 2005 but I've had an "on and off" love, love relationship with it ever since......

Art Clay & Precious Metal Clay (PMC) are recycled products which reclaim a variety of different metals. The silver for Art Clay comes from sources such as film stock and negatives so you could be wearing a little piece of Marilyn Monroe's big screen debut!

The good thing about this process is that I end up working with PURE silver, 999 stampable & ingot quality....HOW cool is that???

We custom make lots of pieces in ACS (art clay silver) and it's a great material for prototyping new designs. I also use it when making our bridal leaves (when we take a leaf from a brides bouquet and make it a permanent reminder of their special day).

Fingerprint pendants are made using pure silver too, so precious memories can be treasured forever, all in pure fine silver!

For maximum sintering & durability all of our metal clay goes through a 12 stage finishing process and is kiln fired for an extended time at temperatures up to 1400 degrees....that is HOT ;-)

Fingerprint Pendants

2008-11-12T21:19:00.010Z

I'm spending lots of "play time" with children at the moment...
Their mums are bringing them in for me to get their little prints into pendants and charms, ready for special Christmas Gifts.
It's soooo much fun watching their faces as they squish their fingers into the impression clay.
I'd forgotten how much children like mud, and this is like mud they're allowed (even enouraged) to smoosh their fingers into...how much better could it get!!!

Makes me want to get out my fingerpaints, lol

Latest Creation

2008-11-07T23:33:00.005Z

New Jewellery - "inspiration"

I was recently sent a particularly uplifting card by a friend & inspired by this I just had to get the same message across in "hot metal". So here is a taste of my latest "Inspiration" range, this ones called "Dream Big"....

2008-11-07T14:14:00.001Z

Topaz is November's birthstone and can be found in varying shades from golden yellow, blues, and sometimes pink. Good quality Topaz will be clear of inclusions (flaws in the gem), and have a bright color. The word Topaz originates from the Sanskrit "tapas" meaning 'to glow'. Rubbing and gentle heating Topaz gives this gem a static charge.

Ancient Egyptians attributed its beautiful golden colour to the sun god Ra and wore it as an amulet to protect them from harm.
Topaz is associated with constancy, loyalty, faithfulness and friendship.

Alternative Birthstone: Citrine

Opal - Octobers Birthstone....

2008-10-01T01:36:00.017+01:00

Made of water and quartz, but filled with fire....
Opals come in for some bad rap from the black cats, spilled salt, and broken mirrors brigade. Medieval people associated opal with the Evil Eye, while many jewellers refuse to work with it. (A valuable stone, prone to splitting, it's bound to make their insurers a bit superstitious too!)

Structurally it consists of tiny spheres with water filling the gaps, just like a rainbow the spheres diffract light at various wavelengths, creating colors.
Its name is derived from the Latin opulus and the sanskrit upala, meaning "precious stone". The Romans called it "cupid paederos", which meant "child beautiful as love," and revered it as a symbol of hope and purity.

Personally I think Opal is a beautiful stone...but if you're superstitious (and about to try and persuade me otherwise) back away now....I've got an opal ring,
and I know how to use it!! ;)

103 and still rambunctious!

2008-09-30T11:26:00.008+01:00

Hubby & I went to visit his grandmother this weekend. The first time she's seen me in ages...
I was feeling pretty cool with myself until she pointed her bony finger at me and with a gleeful smile said "You've got fatter" followed by a fit of giggles that would've made a octogenarian blush.

Did I mention she's 103? I suppose she's lost her "middle age" inhibitions (I call them middle age as young kids are just as uninhibited). According to the Science Daily it's something to do with the brain...so I guess using my logic, if you think I'm anything other than "beautifully curvy":

i) You're older than you look
ii) There's something up with you brain!!!

A Diamond To Die For....

2008-09-28T14:45:00.010+01:00

If you ever read comic books when you were a kid, you probably still remember when Superman proposed to Lois Lane. The first thing Kenty-boy did was get her a ring. But it wasn't any ordinary ring, oh no -- not for the boy scout in the blue tights. To prove his undying love for her, he actually created his own "I'd kill for that Rock" diamond by crushing a hunk of coal (in his bare hands - swoon).

In comic book land this resulted in a perfectly cut, precisely formed diamond, because as kids we all knew that diamonds are formed deep in the earth as a result of coal being pressurized, but also as kids we didn't know they actually had to be cut.Well, guess what? I'm pretty sure Superman has another job, because it turns out there's this company called LifeGems that will crush the crap out of your loved one and turn them into a diamond that you can wear forever. Well, technically they crush the crap out of your loved one's ashes, since they need the carbon to make the diamond.

The jewellery geek in me thinks this is pretty cool, but the rest of me (granted, there's not a whole lot left after you extract the geek) thinks it is Pretty Screwed Up...
I find the whole concept extremely disturbing, I mean what happens when they get into general circulation....you know, in 20 years time, granny dies and you inherit her treasured heirlooms.With these things in circulation, buying antique rings and necklaces would be an entirely different process.
Imagine Murano Silver in 20 years....
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, I'd like to see that diamond ring in the window, the one on offer."
"You mean Harold? He's been with us for quite some time. He's in a lovely platinum setting."
They can even laser ID them. Can you imagine the ID's
"On your finger lies squeezed Edna, and her dog Mr Snuffles."
I'm not kidding about the dog either, they can even do this to your pets!!!

So I won't be selling these (no matter how much you want one) I just couldn't be responsible for the future dinner party conversations relatives might have...

Host: "Oh, I just LOVE your ring! It's beautiful."
Your Great Niece: "Thanks so much. It's made from the cremated remains of great Aunt Edna. Oh, and her dog Mr Snuffles."
Host: [insert vomming sounds here]

**Please note: I do not want anyone to do this to me, I'd haunt you if you did, besides have you seen what people do with their rings on....Would you want me to be watching from the afterlife???