tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62427108334556118712024-02-08T05:15:43.813+00:00Ng JewelleryA blog about life, beadin' and bashin'. Oh! and the ups and downs of trying to run a business!ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-19051051884899972522011-05-18T21:14:00.002+01:002011-05-18T21:59:32.074+01:00Craft & Design Month at Greenwich Market<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qKr3-3q_8ce4-gEG0MMDCzXxEBPyRvVD_yIw0XUNTmlEkqVdfF0d-titnW2gCcm9BRr5szD7RUBh4T31YahRXEDj3E6domGUutiWE0NN7m42f-37wZbTrVpRNImsXbNDosp_isOVJrxP/s1600/craft-design-month-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qKr3-3q_8ce4-gEG0MMDCzXxEBPyRvVD_yIw0XUNTmlEkqVdfF0d-titnW2gCcm9BRr5szD7RUBh4T31YahRXEDj3E6domGUutiWE0NN7m42f-37wZbTrVpRNImsXbNDosp_isOVJrxP/s200/craft-design-month-web.jpg" width="200" /></a>We are now in the middle of <a href="http://www.craftanddesignmonth.net/">Craft & Design Month 2011</a>, a national celebration and promotion of crafts across the UK sponsored by <a href="http://www.craftanddesign.net/">Craft & Design Magazine</a>. <a href="http://www.shopgreenwich.co.uk/">Greenwich Market</a> are supporting this with special Friday events to promote local craftspeople. Last Friday featured toys gifts and stationary and the 27th will showcase homes and interiors, but this Friday (20th) is the Fashion & Jewellery event, which naturally I'm attending along with other GM designer makers <a href="http://www.cocobarclay.com/">Coco Barclay</a> and <a href="http://www.reddolphins.com/">Red Dolphins</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpDvuULCBO17YZqMdxfKnCvP52uEgQfqsE5RKOqs0Wt1HMNdrh2TkWGThYU57KHWqDvOPZNcC7vs43r7W9DoWm2G09h_IQ8c4FKw_0anJb3qLFX8L3wmhVbT2VeNQsfnMR_bD0YK9bpdp/s1600/leatherlowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpDvuULCBO17YZqMdxfKnCvP52uEgQfqsE5RKOqs0Wt1HMNdrh2TkWGThYU57KHWqDvOPZNcC7vs43r7W9DoWm2G09h_IQ8c4FKw_0anJb3qLFX8L3wmhVbT2VeNQsfnMR_bD0YK9bpdp/s200/leatherlowres.jpg" width="200" /></a>To celebrate this occasion I have chosen Friday to launch my new men's range - Beorc. The designs use silver and leather as well as other organic elements to create subtle wearable jewellery and accessories, packaged in it's own, entirely recycled boxes. In addition to this dedicated range I have a number of items that could be worn by both men and women.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2aHhpSYVgubvqZdGtxrh1Q3HPihREsN0yhX67NX7WNZs6_ZT8bC2HcIZmQcicm_5DS_0PC_M5dUyy3N9zmQNpTwxKBIHUHn6GCAMKupKrVDjQYFzYih6rfGz_PCc6XW7f_nusi_o2i8x/s1600/stallcrooklr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2aHhpSYVgubvqZdGtxrh1Q3HPihREsN0yhX67NX7WNZs6_ZT8bC2HcIZmQcicm_5DS_0PC_M5dUyy3N9zmQNpTwxKBIHUHn6GCAMKupKrVDjQYFzYih6rfGz_PCc6XW7f_nusi_o2i8x/s200/stallcrooklr.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: www.bdcthomas.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The featured makers will be showing in the market garden, but there will be many of the other, regular traders around the market, covering a gamut of handmade and fairly traded items.The market will be open from 10-5.30 as usual, so grab the chance to pop down and support British Crafts.ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-49510582219119052752011-02-09T12:18:00.000+00:002011-02-09T12:18:04.513+00:00Lighten Up and Follow Your Heart....A double bill this time as I have 2 things to talk about in this episode.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1K593R1NyqxSep_D-ZMJOJUXg-F9o1i5Z8meft6YEgvYbv_JDGs1Q0m2hgzRLpSvzQKiNwY8Ghk3c6dpgTPjnm16bujQj040yjHyMjggXPUlhDS-GfeVCtguRyH25VA6AE_zkE_upRoD/s1600/darkstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1K593R1NyqxSep_D-ZMJOJUXg-F9o1i5Z8meft6YEgvYbv_JDGs1Q0m2hgzRLpSvzQKiNwY8Ghk3c6dpgTPjnm16bujQj040yjHyMjggXPUlhDS-GfeVCtguRyH25VA6AE_zkE_upRoD/s200/darkstall.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Firstly as the days are getting longer and we are actually packing up in the light at the market, I decided it was time to brighten up the stall. During the winter months we jewellery hawkers rely heavily on our lighting to grab peoples attention. There is also a sense of needing richness and warmth during the cold dark days so from October onwards the stall covers are predominantly chocolate brown. Strangely this also seems to make the lighting more dramatic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZPvnDTLf89h1R3oxOpMAuKbzDVosc5V5PI3LwMaPagp__1BAIdh7STWMByJ5zgTovCVk5YKHYyfr27WR_spIJHA_BT-n0ga0cpdW8gsVZvQD2542KGYTBI7G7etbTqsi4d8NfrZiC27Z/s1600/lightstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZPvnDTLf89h1R3oxOpMAuKbzDVosc5V5PI3LwMaPagp__1BAIdh7STWMByJ5zgTovCVk5YKHYyfr27WR_spIJHA_BT-n0ga0cpdW8gsVZvQD2542KGYTBI7G7etbTqsi4d8NfrZiC27Z/s200/lightstall.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Freshen-up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However as Spring comes (and there is now blossom on some trees) people want to be reminded of the light sunny days to come. At this point it is time to go back to the cream cover and give the stall a freshen-up. My signage had suffered over the year and was looking decidedly tatty so I have invested in a couple of nice dark wood frames, to give some info about myself and the company and also to explain the methods of working I use and promote the repair service. The other addition is the embroidery in the triangle on the front of the table. My very kind friend Lez had my logo digitised so that she could embroider a piece for my Christmas present and after much humming and ha-ing amongst my Greenwich colleagues, we decided this was the best spot. Looks fab don't you think. The other little touch in the photo is my Valentines Hearts - which leads me on to my next topic......<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gW1PTxe5J3PWgsFez_5Xm5a1dfzb_Zn0V6-Q1OuGA28EUfnWAX7EYMrV2mDF-_4NuoJ6IC9321L1qHe_GkK6W_VMRfTNcUGgA5AIaxExK0HvzxcPnqQ0dgFIHP0H4ymduE0vizr45y4g/s1600/lovebuttclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gW1PTxe5J3PWgsFez_5Xm5a1dfzb_Zn0V6-Q1OuGA28EUfnWAX7EYMrV2mDF-_4NuoJ6IC9321L1qHe_GkK6W_VMRfTNcUGgA5AIaxExK0HvzxcPnqQ0dgFIHP0H4ymduE0vizr45y4g/s320/lovebuttclose.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Ah yes Valentines Day is nearly upon us! (or Hallmark Day as my less than romantic friend calls it) For the true romantics out there though there is some special stuff going on. From the Friday onwards the market will be decorated in a most "loving" manner and right through the weekend there will be special features culminating in the Valentines Market on the Sunday. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGsd9bwfoCcTtTwRqSqYQDWfqarXl8VwjSsGiHS3pdlFgAriGBNKzv5H7cDS46cJNJZ4YrSeIKQ-g78XblEVHKm53OlsZCnU_CxKbX11igvFQ_hBnjQmquh7VN9lXqWMXyuS5_E_kLLXd/s1600/lovebutt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGsd9bwfoCcTtTwRqSqYQDWfqarXl8VwjSsGiHS3pdlFgAriGBNKzv5H7cDS46cJNJZ4YrSeIKQ-g78XblEVHKm53OlsZCnU_CxKbX11igvFQ_hBnjQmquh7VN9lXqWMXyuS5_E_kLLXd/s320/lovebutt.jpg" width="320" /></a>To celebrate I have produced some special edition necklaces, "Love Buttons" Featuring a fine silver heart button with coloured craft wire "stitches", there are two colourways: pale pink with a weave finish on the button or red with a satin finish. Each necklace comes with a matching gift box, ready to give and they are strictly limited to 2 of each colour.<br />
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I will be at Greenwich Market on Friday 11th, pop down and see them in the flesh.ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-56462538660986176442011-01-19T10:55:00.000+00:002011-01-19T10:55:35.107+00:00Back at the BenchWell after our little New Year hiccup I got back into the studio this week. First job of the year is always putting up the year planner and marking the dates of, most importantly, birthdays (husband has a head like a sieve) and the shows I'm doing for the year. Duly colour coded, I'm now ready to get on with the important stuff.<br />
Mondays task list involved a repair I picked up on Friday. A few years ago there was much less repair work going on. When people are flush, they are much more likely, unless it is very expensive or of great sentimental value, to put a broken item in a drawer and buy something new in it's place.<br />
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As times have got harder people are less willing to treat themselves and look to revamp things they already have, hence the increase in repairs and restringing. I advertise my restringing service on the stall in Greenwich and people are constantly surprised, saying that they couldn't find anyone to do the work anymore. Being in the trade of course, I know of several other places that do so I guess we don't advertise as much as we should.....<br />
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Another source of restringing, is not necessarily a repair, but people looking at heirlooms to wear in a modern context. I have had 2 people recently bring handed down necklaces for reworking. The first was a much loved but very grotty looking clear faceted glass necklace that had belonged to the clients granny. It had been threaded on white string which was now black and almost worn through in places and the beads looked very dull, so the first thing to do was to give it a good clean. I rethreaded the beads onto clear line in order to put them through the ultrasonic and clean the holes. The set came out beautifully sparkly, catching the light at every angle and I took the descision to use clear line for the restring to maintain this clarity. The client was most pleased with the effect and it certainly made the necklace very wearable.<br />
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The second necklace was again a much loved, but very grotty looking necklace, this time of white ceramic beads, some of which were quite chipped, knotted onto what looked like copper spiral wound wire. The end had broken off and in other circumstances it may not have been worth fixing, but had great sentimental value for the client as it had been her mothers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7qkZrw59hybs80Hf-pnMpoZ6pboKX8K34KU3DYJ9ZZ5tBqprwW3I6ToFlNdi3lK3qaYvsgghfJfY8foN7UuNwuZ1NgkAH-aELUc8woMM66BmV1wpskwqOd_UYaJRiGOHsKodkZrqBLi2/s1600/gimp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7qkZrw59hybs80Hf-pnMpoZ6pboKX8K34KU3DYJ9ZZ5tBqprwW3I6ToFlNdi3lK3qaYvsgghfJfY8foN7UuNwuZ1NgkAH-aELUc8woMM66BmV1wpskwqOd_UYaJRiGOHsKodkZrqBLi2/s1600/gimp2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The wire was black in places, copper coloured in others and if you looked inside the bead hole, silver. The overall effect was like 3 threads covered in french wire - a thin coiled wire tube commonly used to protect stringing threads where they pass through the clasp or jump ring - knotted between each bead. Silver plated french wire is commonly available, but it is much wider than the type used in the necklace.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUEoPjmEoA_6bhC16xgsqs2-xtRfPP5S3XlFIPIM3c00LmUuYGKkxg91Cjuv1o1myACY5cMTLWbxsghXvpLiHxx1qiLVBE83IR7_fW2yPjuvH8pfRr4qiYL37wIpIkxU_RtEt3ArbVXaP/s1600/gimp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUEoPjmEoA_6bhC16xgsqs2-xtRfPP5S3XlFIPIM3c00LmUuYGKkxg91Cjuv1o1myACY5cMTLWbxsghXvpLiHxx1qiLVBE83IR7_fW2yPjuvH8pfRr4qiYL37wIpIkxU_RtEt3ArbVXaP/s1600/gimp1.jpg" /></a>This called for a GKE (google knows everything) moment. Some research on t'interweb pointed me in the direction of a goldwork embroidery thread called Passing. Goldwork is the type of embroidery used on antique military uniforms. Whilst there are many suppliers of the thread in the US, there are only a couple here one of which was <a href="http://www.goldenthreads.co.uk/welcome.html">Golden Threads</a> who manufacture threads themselves. Although they had gold passing thread listed there was no mention of silver plated. An email and a phone call later the owner had agreed to specially make 4m of silver passing for me and dispatched it promptly. I finished the restring and the customer had her mothers necklace back looking good new!!!ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-23338943220697519772011-01-11T08:50:00.000+00:002011-01-11T08:50:14.571+00:00ApologiesFirstly a belated Happy New Year to everyone, hope this one will be good.<br />
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Secondly, an apology to anyone trying to find me at Greenwich Market last Friday (7th). Unfortunately my Mother in Law had a fall and broke her hip last week (not ideal for a 90 year old). The good news is that she is now on the mend, but she is pretty much blind now which means she requires more care than her general mobility would suggest and we are having to make a number of adaptions to her home for when she returns.<br />
I am hoping to return to the market this Friday, but please check the website just to make sure and if you do require me a little more urgently, please feel free to phone me or email on <a href="mailto:info@ngjewellery.co.uk">info@ngjewellery.co.uk</a>.<br />
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In the meantime my head is buzzing with ideas for new pieces and even bigger plans for new ranges. Stay tuned to see them crystallize.......ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-8542092116715148712010-11-22T10:10:00.000+00:002010-11-22T10:10:54.939+00:00Open Studio Down, 2 more events to go.......It's going to be a busy couple of weeks! Without really registering I have managed to book 3 events in 10 days..... glutton for punishment? Maybe, but it's a great time of year to be out meeting people.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyeertSPf95PV4iKNlQ_tYnEYYAuuw4h28HVMEqi_B7tX8AQsKkFP_xbN90wVdeW3s1eZijB9YC7iAVaf3Le6vHRa3BtI3bLpq8VKW7zmRpA4NZNJZBc8pzuZz1BXdTTxE71qtqXpgEM/s1600/tidyforonce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyeertSPf95PV4iKNlQ_tYnEYYAuuw4h28HVMEqi_B7tX8AQsKkFP_xbN90wVdeW3s1eZijB9YC7iAVaf3Le6vHRa3BtI3bLpq8VKW7zmRpA4NZNJZBc8pzuZz1BXdTTxE71qtqXpgEM/s200/tidyforonce.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidy for once!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This past weekend, we had the Second Floor Studio Open studio event. If you have read previous posts you will know that most of last week was spent getting myself, the studio and most importantly the jewellery ready. By about 3pm on Thursday I figured that there was not much else I could do so went to see if anyone else needed anything. Chaos reigned, but luckily we managed to get everyone sorted for the 5pm deadline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53SHSb-Z72eHm4N0HWMIYM8O5tbksM4BUNfS0FmeuG6Hq_vQsD4o9dRWBSbO3NLycyEV1LG_SzPueB66r82pLFaHXRn3bGFWGQf6ig2c_OdQzj5MSaJdxrxTkFPb0gl0RSHElCmQArTk/s1600/Novopendisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53SHSb-Z72eHm4N0HWMIYM8O5tbksM4BUNfS0FmeuG6Hq_vQsD4o9dRWBSbO3NLycyEV1LG_SzPueB66r82pLFaHXRn3bGFWGQf6ig2c_OdQzj5MSaJdxrxTkFPb0gl0RSHElCmQArTk/s200/Novopendisplay.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year's display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This time I did get to have a wander round and see who we now have on site. The project has grown immensely since the last open studio in May and in addition to my cake-eating friends <a href="http://www.lisbethlund.co.uk/">Lisbeth Lund</a> and <a href="http://www.milescampbellclockmaking.blogspot.com/">Miles Campbell</a>, we now have fabulous crafts people such as stained glass artist <a href="http://www.lightlust.co.uk/">Sophie Lister Hussain</a> and Milliner <a href="http://www.kattyjannehmillinery.co.uk/">Katty Janneh</a>.<br />
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Many thanks to everyone who came down over the 2 days especially Sid from Syddenham and the lovely <a href="http://talesfromtheroadcase.blogspot.com/">Mo Thompson</a>. Hope to see you again at the next one in May 2011.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm only 2 days away from the <a href="http://www.shopgreenwich.co.uk/news-and-events/9892/">Christmas Market</a> opening at Greenwich Marketngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-69454656017930743562010-11-16T12:59:00.000+00:002010-11-16T12:59:26.438+00:00Getting Ready.......Well the <a href="http://www.secondfloor.moonfruit.com/">Second Floor Studio</a> Autumn <a href="http://secondfloorstudiosarts.wordpress.com/sfsa-open-studios-november-2010/">Open Studio</a> event is this weekend and I'm just getting everything ready. Table and display is up and now I've just got to finish off the new stock and do an AWFUL lot of cleaning. No matter how much you try to contain it, polishing dust gets everywhere!!!!<br />
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We have a preview on Thursday night and the we will all be open from 11am to 6pm on 20th and 21st. Please pop in to visit us.ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-41699709116124846422010-11-15T09:36:00.000+00:002010-11-15T09:36:41.539+00:00Leaves on FIRE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ayUoUMLJswyb9kWF-nPUjo6goBXUq5V0yiakJuC6A7-hME7PW1tkWuflOiNmEaqIwP0nLjS5bXG1poS7Eu-g9aJDlSP4-IZiPvcRYjNkqdh6dz543415pdKxIzonuw5iU6i4diN2eZs/s1600/coppercolours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ayUoUMLJswyb9kWF-nPUjo6goBXUq5V0yiakJuC6A7-hME7PW1tkWuflOiNmEaqIwP0nLjS5bXG1poS7Eu-g9aJDlSP4-IZiPvcRYjNkqdh6dz543415pdKxIzonuw5iU6i4diN2eZs/s200/coppercolours.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Well not actually, but the colours this year have been amazing, I think you'll agree. Sadly the strong winds and rain have stripped a lot of the reds and oranges this week but I've definitely been inspired.<br />
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I've been looking at new materials and techniques, partly because the silver price has gotten silly and partly for the new challenge. Copper sprung to mind because of the autumn like colours, it's (relatively) low cost and because it's more pliable - perfect for revisiting Fold forming. This is a technique of folding and hammering metal that I have toyed with before, but didn't really have the room to fully explore.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpGOIErB0dT_k7L9gDjt38AWSfraxcbkvgmAh_YFErz-u8TBDgr992koeco7umS4b-yrNRUY_vFrTPjHSgdPd6hnaFvHlGHmrQmXLUo6aLHlMd9QU9iImv9xQjULEi49JKKZpaoogQBY/s1600/copperleafbrooch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpGOIErB0dT_k7L9gDjt38AWSfraxcbkvgmAh_YFErz-u8TBDgr992koeco7umS4b-yrNRUY_vFrTPjHSgdPd6hnaFvHlGHmrQmXLUo6aLHlMd9QU9iImv9xQjULEi49JKKZpaoogQBY/s200/copperleafbrooch.jpg" width="200" /></a>Firstly I tried a Romero fold leaf. I made one for myself as a brooch ages ago and it always gets comments so I had a go at another. Really please with the result and polished it to within an inch of it's life to get that lovely orange glow.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaC4ONIIj19MvcCEhgzuqApgcFH7cdUMJXm-0uYwQw4HPVXT5D2nXmHX-MexvunFUO2_lL8OPeI_tGSfQM_W2vqkjxp6ggzUGWsUkamLBqgMJkDRMA2vnKJGgN31dyCUN6wE4wVDu5_k/s1600/rufflesbanglesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaC4ONIIj19MvcCEhgzuqApgcFH7cdUMJXm-0uYwQw4HPVXT5D2nXmHX-MexvunFUO2_lL8OPeI_tGSfQM_W2vqkjxp6ggzUGWsUkamLBqgMJkDRMA2vnKJGgN31dyCUN6wE4wVDu5_k/s200/rufflesbanglesm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxROACX3RME6WpzlqpRgzXKnWh1ieyR1DCbNU4Xh6w1gIIc-N9hJkWcCrJ3NxFjXKab1nXvAnu5cw6gBTvUHe4ucP5dkxa4LPYrpuwmodzPtlfPqdy_YWNxvebUDNFHtgBtYiIcPBdT4/s1600/rufflesearringssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxROACX3RME6WpzlqpRgzXKnWh1ieyR1DCbNU4Xh6w1gIIc-N9hJkWcCrJ3NxFjXKab1nXvAnu5cw6gBTvUHe4ucP5dkxa4LPYrpuwmodzPtlfPqdy_YWNxvebUDNFHtgBtYiIcPBdT4/s200/rufflesearringssm.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Spurred on I went for a simple folded and hammered crescent shape. To get the metal to continue to curve you must keep annealling the piece between sets of hammering. At the time this seem a chore, but it has an unseen advantage. When you open the fold the copper has gone lovely reds, browns and even black on the edges. Absolutely gorgeous!! Got carried away and did some earrings as well!ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-74581554932884006402010-05-11T20:58:00.004+01:002010-05-11T21:13:13.179+01:00Open Studio This WeekendBeen really busy getting the new studio ready for the weekend as I have decided to throw open the doors for the <a href="http://secondfloorstudiosarts.wordpress.com/">Second Floor Studios Open Studio Event.</a> Got another 2 days to finish it off - having this much space all to myself is a little bit overwhelming - and hopefully it will look suitably professional (?)<br /><br />This week I'll be switching my Greenwich Market day to Thursday in order to set up the display on Friday and as soon as it's done I'll post pictures. The studio will be open from 11am to 5pm both Saturday 15th May and Sunday 16th so pop down and visit us!!!ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-36452082623901715682010-04-28T11:57:00.011+01:002010-04-28T12:48:02.002+01:00New Studio!!!!!!!The laws of physics (and life) state that chaos will expand to fill any given space and the shed I've been working from is now so small that it is bulging at the seams!!!<br />So after a lot of thought I have taken on some studio space in Woolwich at the <a href="http://www.secondfloor.moonfruit.com/">Second Floor Studios</a> project. I will be going from this........<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhZ6iPHeDatCX5-EzLPhZzHG3lAtLDMlJaCQAy920aiQEWnedzaLuYwOcG2-aOiqAJbwuJPHd4SLRUaXsHvJYBvCbN_oa2XwSdbjl7U_kWoMYWzCiKBbAuoIpyNyzovlWCbLK0cnwQM7k/s1600/shed1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhZ6iPHeDatCX5-EzLPhZzHG3lAtLDMlJaCQAy920aiQEWnedzaLuYwOcG2-aOiqAJbwuJPHd4SLRUaXsHvJYBvCbN_oa2XwSdbjl7U_kWoMYWzCiKBbAuoIpyNyzovlWCbLK0cnwQM7k/s320/shed1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465144657042779298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDoN2RtzAVMPH6Sgfi68pJ2Umo3Wbc-_deMxoG6jYiPLzFVIQ4HVP8y9A7ctDf-Ls8Nfe7aGCK-WKyvsJmrsqb8BlttfqU1af4JjFbsppRUZe-LSCdDvNh-U2d_PC4QQycL-INWtfn7ES/s1600/shed2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDoN2RtzAVMPH6Sgfi68pJ2Umo3Wbc-_deMxoG6jYiPLzFVIQ4HVP8y9A7ctDf-Ls8Nfe7aGCK-WKyvsJmrsqb8BlttfqU1af4JjFbsppRUZe-LSCdDvNh-U2d_PC4QQycL-INWtfn7ES/s320/shed2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465144798145508530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />to this.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dgFhdPZK56wgfE4N0gJHVr9nwpfB1U3gxINYb4a01jbW-0kA8OMo_QYMbBrFzSAclV-kVvFGBjspVsjRqlyKW0eK4_4-MoCspq9DNSqZj5sgnpEy0Ck_-oKmt6DzEiVydBDrHmIHymNW/s1600/sfseast.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dgFhdPZK56wgfE4N0gJHVr9nwpfB1U3gxINYb4a01jbW-0kA8OMo_QYMbBrFzSAclV-kVvFGBjspVsjRqlyKW0eK4_4-MoCspq9DNSqZj5sgnpEy0Ck_-oKmt6DzEiVydBDrHmIHymNW/s320/sfseast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465150469294974306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa3YF6YOk5-RYqQrrkO67OaHXW44xYJg123BRr_uM06L29_jWJMNIxuJ7O3QyMR31BFJtFajPyDAFhF_khf9sI6j-MXyvK4B-fc-jLxnBfIHYPZVfTbs_Kb6vQMYsPTByDYn8i1CHYv1Z/s1600/sfswest.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa3YF6YOk5-RYqQrrkO67OaHXW44xYJg123BRr_uM06L29_jWJMNIxuJ7O3QyMR31BFJtFajPyDAFhF_khf9sI6j-MXyvK4B-fc-jLxnBfIHYPZVfTbs_Kb6vQMYsPTByDYn8i1CHYv1Z/s320/sfswest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465150601331904354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yes it is considerably bigger and no it hasn't got all my stuff in it yet (remember chaos!!!!) but it really feels like a step up. Pop back for more photos to see how it shapes up.....<br /><br />Incidentally, Second Floor are having an<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> Open Studio</span><a href="http://secondfloorstudiosarts.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/hello-world/"></a> weekend on the 15th and 16th of May. There are over 65 different artists and craftspeople, throwing over their doors to let you see how they work. Not sure whether my little space will be ready by then, but it will be worthwhile a visit anyway. Come on down.....ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-12166176280614734832010-03-09T13:29:00.008+00:002010-03-09T14:09:02.278+00:00Every 9 Months??????<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRNbrOA077ijQ0ZrungFk0B751saVIeX3fd4dE-nxv-6kAhjnL5A6Xdi-5diXCZlN7Thxk1WGZ94XZw110PTKfXzD1ursgWi0A3U0pqJrKuN12n1vO2VYNRkqV01m9JUyWZzq-KN4C5dh/s1600-h/heartbreakersetweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRNbrOA077ijQ0ZrungFk0B751saVIeX3fd4dE-nxv-6kAhjnL5A6Xdi-5diXCZlN7Thxk1WGZ94XZw110PTKfXzD1ursgWi0A3U0pqJrKuN12n1vO2VYNRkqV01m9JUyWZzq-KN4C5dh/s320/heartbreakersetweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446627518824083170" border="0" /></a>Again, I seem to have lapsed in my blog writing.......<br /><br />Well in the last 9 months, my jewellery making has gone from strength to strength. The equipment available to me at Laura C has allowed me to make much finer work and I have been working on very delicate designs such as the Heartbreaker set.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3fD70iBBjBiPscrIn-q1LxwrIzOCpKtrxxtXGbpd9Dj_8TD6GT8wU2RNTKJ3T0Z9pnJhtm0TW8-NsngTx_zdgqDPNXL42UCO4zDYmCHBo3E0Ur92pUIfvvVV57iHb3TOTAB3QkvUq6wb/s1600-h/DoveGreysilverenamel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3fD70iBBjBiPscrIn-q1LxwrIzOCpKtrxxtXGbpd9Dj_8TD6GT8wU2RNTKJ3T0Z9pnJhtm0TW8-NsngTx_zdgqDPNXL42UCO4zDYmCHBo3E0Ur92pUIfvvVV57iHb3TOTAB3QkvUq6wb/s320/DoveGreysilverenamel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446628858061351954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have also started experimenting with enamelling, and although it's still in the early stages I'm quite pleased with the results so far, especially on silver as it gives a lovely shimmering result.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZn_qE_zjZ91vMxkHrXlds4a2mw9mXxuwNlsYKAxdu07s9xjWCSrLY4Utip9ZcrqWLklGu7_fcBiRa9tL5Cuy7nRW560IM4JVAIyr27mE5EwM9EOoYYGHkZsfNyoHwbto-GRnXbR21mwc/s1600-h/milford.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZn_qE_zjZ91vMxkHrXlds4a2mw9mXxuwNlsYKAxdu07s9xjWCSrLY4Utip9ZcrqWLklGu7_fcBiRa9tL5Cuy7nRW560IM4JVAIyr27mE5EwM9EOoYYGHkZsfNyoHwbto-GRnXbR21mwc/s320/milford.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632531610726194" border="0" /></a>The other really big thing to happen was that we finally took our honeymoon, in New Zealand. The place is amazing, with an Oh Wow view round every corner. I was really inspired by the colours, shapes and textures of the place and now have sooooo many ideas floating around my head. For now I've had to content myself with make some necklaces from the bead mixes I bought in <a href="http://www.beadsonline.co.nz/home.php?xid=7a98fa7fb6d5459816dd26beb7f8d9b9">St Beads</a> in beautiful, Art Deco Napier on the North Island.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS9zlr76AzNPtZn7dU2bsWHEZXokHAmX2gKlitU4PplX_Qy-aHsyUmgMeCy3PmECnlkOYGRO1XwenXOT826Jr_jCfBaDiztmbRWZBmy_mFUiUFDUSbbiMt7pEUcJr0nZEvIn1k5JjTcA-/s1600-h/gelato&juicebarwebsm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS9zlr76AzNPtZn7dU2bsWHEZXokHAmX2gKlitU4PplX_Qy-aHsyUmgMeCy3PmECnlkOYGRO1XwenXOT826Jr_jCfBaDiztmbRWZBmy_mFUiUFDUSbbiMt7pEUcJr0nZEvIn1k5JjTcA-/s320/gelato&juicebarwebsm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632278286194098" border="0" /></a><br />Back in Blighty we missed all the snow (boooo) but being back on Greenwich Market each Friday has more than made up my cold quota!! I'm now offering a repair and restringing service, so don't just let your favourite necklace rot away in a draw just because it broke.<br />TTFNngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-43859906562849725032009-07-02T22:38:00.004+01:002009-07-02T23:11:10.198+01:00Long time no see.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvaFplq7rA_P6J5_FHiQ7WiXwTn0hk5G_pv6sZlqiO3ObQVImN60EZ_b2elOxin1A1Cp4HczTUjmvyIO2H1tFmiXwiXnNz7ZvTUZJQt0bGzbKXCJIaO4FEWI4cR0LNNRucs5GCuci5eeT/s1600-h/N&Nwedding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvaFplq7rA_P6J5_FHiQ7WiXwTn0hk5G_pv6sZlqiO3ObQVImN60EZ_b2elOxin1A1Cp4HczTUjmvyIO2H1tFmiXwiXnNz7ZvTUZJQt0bGzbKXCJIaO4FEWI4cR0LNNRucs5GCuci5eeT/s320/N&Nwedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353988544097187890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well it's been a while....<br /><br />So what has happened in the last, er 9 months?<br /><br />First and foremost I got married to the loving and ever patient Nick at the end of March. The day was absolutely perfect, warm especially for the end on March with clear blue skies. We had a lovely ceremony in the Captains Cabin on <a href="http://www.chdt.org.uk/NetsiteCMS/pageid/658/hms_gannet.html">HMS Gannet</a> followed by drinks on deck and then canapes in the garden of <a href="http://www.commissionershouse.com/">Commissioners House</a>.<br /><br />As anyone who has got married knows, THE DAY takes up all your time and concentration before the event and then after you realise that you've got nothing left to plan. It's amazing how many good things have come out of the day though. My brother has managed to get some casual work with our wedding photographer <a href="http://www.theotherday.co.uk/">Rich Lehmann</a>, who is an absolute wonder. (although if my brother says he will work for beer, don't let him, he's very expensive!!!) For myself something nice came out on the jewellery front......<br /><br />I had had a few pieces in a local jewellers for about a year and had got quite friendly with the owners Chris and Alex. Chris made my wedding ring and in the process formed a plan. By the time I came back from the few days away after the wedding I had struck a bargain with them and now work up at Laura C's three days a week, doing repairs and making my own stuff. Chris is a master jeweller of 40 years standing so the fact that he thinks I'm good enough is a massive compliment and the possibilities for learning are huge!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkvJN9OiqDir9VoHLIiXMfxtgpw1UOEsT7q7X5uvA9kQLLV9qMtD1fD2HMm96RDWSjJ1BSMPNdRIp1phyXMIY4pMSGA-arMyiOxHVJxv3Ii4XigyVmrRnK0ombCcVjyI7kg87XKRoJfEP/s1600-h/25062009001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkvJN9OiqDir9VoHLIiXMfxtgpw1UOEsT7q7X5uvA9kQLLV9qMtD1fD2HMm96RDWSjJ1BSMPNdRIp1phyXMIY4pMSGA-arMyiOxHVJxv3Ii4XigyVmrRnK0ombCcVjyI7kg87XKRoJfEP/s320/25062009001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353986823173235778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On the other 2 days I'm still doing Greenwich Market and although the winter was a bit miserable - freezing for the stall holders with very few customers about, it is starting to tick over nicely. I've refined my stall - it now looks like this - and have been working on special lines just for the market. If you're in the area, pop down. I've got a good selection of stuff and can do repairs now too!!!ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-4675666433792012332008-10-31T12:52:00.007+00:002008-10-31T13:31:57.672+00:00Busy Times<div><br />Well it's been a busy month, what with starting the business and sorting out the wedding.<br /><br />Mum came to visit immediately after I finished work. She lives down in Somerset and it was really nice to see her. We spent a few days catching up and I took her down to see the wedding venue in all it's glory. As we have been keeping this a secret from most of the guests and the invitations haven't gone out yet, I won't mention where.<br /><br />A couple of days afterwards Nick went to <a href="http://www.eagleheights.co.uk/">Eagle Heights </a>for his Christmas present - Xmas 2007 that was! He loves birds of prey and I got him an afternoon flying one of the birds. He was supposed to do it in the spring, but as you know, events kind of overtook us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jYijV0QOLDwZkYTZGVcV8swj1WEi_0tHPYO5_co8cp-J4APDNqNaLuUawKA9lvIzrPu9BZOY6goDDhqzwuWV6Rmth4MkzoBI9X3xk7lu1U4_id3tWeD2tFfdz-ChlvsvNLKdi-w9i0OS/s1600-h/nicknbirdie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263305473779733762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jYijV0QOLDwZkYTZGVcV8swj1WEi_0tHPYO5_co8cp-J4APDNqNaLuUawKA9lvIzrPu9BZOY6goDDhqzwuWV6Rmth4MkzoBI9X3xk7lu1U4_id3tWeD2tFfdz-ChlvsvNLKdi-w9i0OS/s320/nicknbirdie.jpg" border="0" /></a>He went out with the falconer (and his mad Pointer) and 3 other guys, plus myself and another lady as observers. If you know anything about birds of prey, you will know this is somewhat unusual, as they are all solitary hunters - except the Harris Hawks he got to fly, which hunt in large groups in a Matriachal heirachy (up the girls!). Each guy was given his own Hawk, 1 older male, 1 nearly mature female and 2 juvenile boys. It was really funny to see the looks of nervousness on all of their faces, with this huge looking bird on their fists!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQl_2LmdIcle_XFGdtejjT-oXE67ozLjaAq5SHJtAQ30H9RBeoIQU9V1zESg_J7VICA3_XbSHfcOwOUN8SE6CW7mdhHRJjcySUbyFz1K39-CiL-ErPQpHfPwTjg86xnVmdmWPzz08GfFG/s1600-h/scarychickens.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263307149439496258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQl_2LmdIcle_XFGdtejjT-oXE67ozLjaAq5SHJtAQ30H9RBeoIQU9V1zESg_J7VICA3_XbSHfcOwOUN8SE6CW7mdhHRJjcySUbyFz1K39-CiL-ErPQpHfPwTjg86xnVmdmWPzz08GfFG/s320/scarychickens.jpg" border="0" /></a>We walked for a while and then let the birds free in a local field. They fly there regularly and know that there are extra tasty things in the hedgerows at the edge. The Hawks hunt the hedge in a sweep, leapfrogging down the trees. The young female was very observant of the older male, knowing that he has something to teach her. In time she will take the lead in the hunt. The 2 boys were a little more confused and kept landing in the field and waddling about like scary chickens.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QFSPaeI7_OGMsjJpAk1fuT7nqkW9eDS6-xOCGWg9PDAQBY821uZMoGiSqzNIRZcGDtWYzgUpyDpluM3vG1ONI-wZ3s4StrI-JoBAv12TOMc6XTzC-3V4lXnuQ9y_Ywix9WGEN1XFJ8nP/s1600-h/harrisonwing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263309015499340594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QFSPaeI7_OGMsjJpAk1fuT7nqkW9eDS6-xOCGWg9PDAQBY821uZMoGiSqzNIRZcGDtWYzgUpyDpluM3vG1ONI-wZ3s4StrI-JoBAv12TOMc6XTzC-3V4lXnuQ9y_Ywix9WGEN1XFJ8nP/s320/harrisonwing.jpg" border="0" /></a>Finally they did some flying to the hand (for meaty rewards, obviously). Each guy took his turn, his calling one bird, and then 2 at a time. I can't imagine having 2 birds flying at you at once. Did get a brilliant shot of one taking off though.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We went on holiday the week after, but I'll gloss over that as we had horrendous thunderstorms and torrential rain for 5 out of the 7 days!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Other than that it's been flat out making stuff and gathering the information to send out with the invitations. Who'd have thought that this wedding malarkey would be so time consuming!! Been going to Greenwich market fairly regularly, and I'm starting to get to know some of the regulars there, which is nice.</div><div></div><div>After making lots of promises, I'm going to *try* to do at least a weekly update, so at lest you'll have something fresh to read.................</div>ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-5616586720281073832008-10-01T14:45:00.002+01:002008-10-01T15:11:14.284+01:00And now the end is near.......Well actually it's over!!! I'm officially a completely self employed Jeweller (sort of by default). <br /><br />Last Thursday was my final day of work and I think for everyone it was kind of exciting and sad in equal measures. I had only worked on that site for three years but the guys I worked with were the best group of people ever. For other people it was the last day of 12 years on that site and many more at other locations. The company used to be a job for life. People grew up, married, had kids and retired all with one company, but after the announcements that came out in the last couple of weeks of our time there, I think most people were glad to be getting their redundancy when they were. Everyone was excited about life outside.<br /><br />And not to rest on my laurels, the very next day I took a stall at the "world renouned" <a href="http://www.greenwich-market.co.uk/">Greenwich Market</a>. Greenwich is quite bohemian in some repects and the covered in market sits in the centre of town, between the Martime Museum and the Cutty Sark (and there's another story!!!), surrounded by trendy boutiques and bars. <br /><br />This would be the second time I had done the market, but the first stall I had done entirely on my own (OH normally comes for moral support/heavy lifting purposes). When selling "luxury" items such as jewellery, you are very aware that people have less disposable cash right now, and my first time at the market had been pretty dismall. This time however, I did much better and recieved lots of nice comments, which really boosted my confidence. It made me feel like I was doing the right thing. So now it's full steam ahead - I'm doing the Pantiles Sunday Craft Market in Tunbridge Wells on the 5th October and intend to do Greenwich Market as many Fridays as possible. If you're around, come and have a chat!!ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-73730086128733086362008-09-16T14:54:00.002+01:002008-09-16T15:13:30.937+01:00How Time Flies!!!!!In more ways than one! I've been meaning to post something for days, but keep running out of time. It's only <strong>8</strong> days and counting until I finish work and I've been running around trying to get all the things done to get my "new venture" up and running. Although I registered with the tax people last year, the tax implications weren't as great whilst I was still fulled employed.<br /><br />In addition to this there's all the promotional stuff to make, improvements to my stall display, packaging to order, oh yeah, and jewellery to make so all of the other stuff is worthwhile. I've loads of ideas in my head, but they need a full day to work on them so they will have to wait just a little bit longer.<br /><br />Just to be kept busy, we are also going to 40th Birthday do this weekend. Our friend Fran is having and End of Summer ball to celebrate and we are all supposed to wear our summer frocks and floral shirts and shorts. Being a jeans kinda girl, I'm seriously thinking about invoking the British tradition of dressing to suit the weather. Given the last three months, I think that will be wellies and raincoats though.<br /><br />I'll tell you all about it when we're back and hopefully have some pictures to back up the floral shirt claims.<br /><br />TTFNngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-31713371771302973292008-09-03T23:46:00.007+01:002008-09-06T11:04:06.601+01:00Time Out!!!!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBMIPBI6AJycyjMXv3smNWVjkAuC2PMmRugiZZRx0AoB0WdSx2QBbnbQqcYGlTDegfmszsP8Qgy6nVDb5JMJKHUEA4PDMmtmbLE-6201_xsj7QxL0OQWn8tkxOlI0IaAbnqODuo_QuJkU/s1600-h/Fiah.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241931736361190434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBMIPBI6AJycyjMXv3smNWVjkAuC2PMmRugiZZRx0AoB0WdSx2QBbnbQqcYGlTDegfmszsP8Qgy6nVDb5JMJKHUEA4PDMmtmbLE-6201_xsj7QxL0OQWn8tkxOlI0IaAbnqODuo_QuJkU/s320/Fiah.jpg" border="0" /></a> Not for me as such but the OH really needed a break, so we decided to go camping over the Bank Holiday weekend. We didn't want to go far so ended up 40 or so mins from home at a place called Upper Morgay Wood campsite just outside Hastings. This is a fairly small campsite where you are allowed to have fires (although they were a bit smoky as it was so wet!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidVYvGCT4zSYtJgEcFyyK5-snahQ-Ot5qXzPf9KZ4J7Jcsf6Ke0JGBxbugaMbr-j9G7AVwn223WXpOtTtu2lLVgx7hnB7GYyK7Umoulaky4fMBKj_LgcgrfRbyMlOV3OmfWedtFdlFdtc/s1600-h/Thegirls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242846429711298882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="168" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidVYvGCT4zSYtJgEcFyyK5-snahQ-Ot5qXzPf9KZ4J7Jcsf6Ke0JGBxbugaMbr-j9G7AVwn223WXpOtTtu2lLVgx7hnB7GYyK7Umoulaky4fMBKj_LgcgrfRbyMlOV3OmfWedtFdlFdtc/s320/Thegirls.jpg" width="250" border="0" /></a>It's pretty darned relaxed here and the owners pretty much let you get on with it. There are chickens roaming free and their eggs are for sale and although we didn't know it when we arrived there is also a donkey.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RIeLbLVrQaqlyMtpbqgMfpgHqovvsVedtCGNtiY0g3G_W8QgxmHDRiU7ViNxWx5Tx1HmNAgRiK3cyaxX1M7E-HhOILNW58Zg92tf-UkgjtK3keYsFsETmYvndbTs-wv0PTyebGuNB29-/s1600-h/donkey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241931605114845586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RIeLbLVrQaqlyMtpbqgMfpgHqovvsVedtCGNtiY0g3G_W8QgxmHDRiU7ViNxWx5Tx1HmNAgRiK3cyaxX1M7E-HhOILNW58Zg92tf-UkgjtK3keYsFsETmYvndbTs-wv0PTyebGuNB29-/s320/donkey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Donkey was making an awful lot of noise on the saturday night, kind of annoying and hilarious at the same time. We found out why on the monday when we found this little fella in the field next to the toilet block. He can't be much more than a couple of days old.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0TTtU64jEpNi3lx4fmoUpp5oCUoNs294moW7AQfdfGEE6Ahppc0z76N-bHzRufHJzemLB7nl4zaMeoj3BVLnQoTSHMhvBBpVI2Bl-6qLlBSjroWzDsGvGKN-hgEDMVPlLhm9W9cBu7PM/s1600-h/nickcooking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242846844321641442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0TTtU64jEpNi3lx4fmoUpp5oCUoNs294moW7AQfdfGEE6Ahppc0z76N-bHzRufHJzemLB7nl4zaMeoj3BVLnQoTSHMhvBBpVI2Bl-6qLlBSjroWzDsGvGKN-hgEDMVPlLhm9W9cBu7PM/s320/nickcooking.jpg" border="0" /></a>To be honest we didn't do much at all, late breakfasts, afternoon visits to the pub and evenings stoking the fire and drinking wine, were the main activites. On monday we also went to Bodium Castle. Although this is mainly in ruins, there are some intact sections which are very well presented and you can get an idea of medievel living. (especially the bathroom facilities!) I think the best bit for OH was listening to the bats that were living in one of the gatehouse rooms.</p><br /><br /><p>OH really relaxed (til the phone started again on Tuesday) and I came away with loads more ideas.........</p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy3_32N-Oy1UMapP6Q90KZ6tTSBvDxbBu_N0hHbvJgVSXdlO1ch67DPwXYRWvFhQVb1zP21ZigUVQ-phk4G1eSw6sjcYM2kXxf1VgB4XPa1x51S483fty9ykqNNlVuQ4YsVTjbbHoJSv3/s1600-h/nickcooking.jpg"></a></p></div>ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-71288146931539493902008-08-19T19:31:00.005+01:002008-08-19T20:16:00.089+01:00The Mojo is Back!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYG7X2yDAYW2OEanuuIhsuao9D8a2vGufuedbr7hCXz5rujeOFCUmh6cLKaz4E_q8dSi55XblnxXVcxVzfW0axvVXS1hltysto5Og-hWkd5DHuxQokYHtFrECjqCaW4naBFGIjs8I5n_7/s1600-h/redhotswirls2.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdszCYsP8E2J4Spr-XiYvnPIrRFdwPLiPudYgeCXhk-JYvlIKtCZaVbSm4a1yC9Vqd0nJcl_1K4eHRBN3UAkZx0-XPHCD6pFZ-i-2kSKbXyYhUbkZDvBwGr3lWBJ637gApQ7J4t6eoh17/s1600-h/cylindersbracelet.jpg"></a><div><br /><br /></div><div>I have to say that the past few months have been quite difficult and this has stifled my inspiration a great deal. Since we were told about the site closure at work at the end of March there has been so much uncertainty, not only around the job, but also about Nick and my wedding. We were committed to paying for certain things so we've had to do some serious rethinking about other stuff we wanted!!<br /></div><div>This had a knock on effect on the jewellery making, which got so bad at one point that I was terriffied of going in the workshop (back of the shed) because everything went wrong when I did! Luckily the mojo has started to come back and I've made a few things in the last couple of weeks without messing them up. I've even managed to take photos and will be adding these to my website tomorrow.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ-qE0LKvKb4vd0560rHRkU00_epik-I_vp5DcGMNxJK-IHG35vNGRA7j1tBABZhrLzDPaIVZHTtzbvtoCbfst-CZ6FTAxzAPSUoSLCCFhZJA3ob2XL_kHLXJ89Cy3md5_zHWlbLcZXNM/s1600-h/redhotswirls2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236303055414016706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ-qE0LKvKb4vd0560rHRkU00_epik-I_vp5DcGMNxJK-IHG35vNGRA7j1tBABZhrLzDPaIVZHTtzbvtoCbfst-CZ6FTAxzAPSUoSLCCFhZJA3ob2XL_kHLXJ89Cy3md5_zHWlbLcZXNM/s320/redhotswirls2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jvE7nTU-OdpNj3-wUZwhw8VbK_8qg657K1rGtPPDlNT3BKOLrFiKyysdmW9dgkmrMdaNO_9hEzHxIHUHRtWSePl9uFNFL9oQIvuhxghNDy6v49EU0S4OWuxYhtlHJ8SYGxxtDyr8_pzX/s1600-h/cylindersbracelet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236303058141405138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jvE7nTU-OdpNj3-wUZwhw8VbK_8qg657K1rGtPPDlNT3BKOLrFiKyysdmW9dgkmrMdaNO_9hEzHxIHUHRtWSePl9uFNFL9oQIvuhxghNDy6v49EU0S4OWuxYhtlHJ8SYGxxtDyr8_pzX/s320/cylindersbracelet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br />Polymer clay is a new thing for me and I keep practicing the swirly lentils but can't always get them consistent so I'm really pleased with this one. Red is not normally my colour either, but I think this has really worked. As for the silver and gold bracelet, this is where I'm more comfortable, but I like building in a challenge so the clasp is my first try at a box clasp and just to make it extra tricky, it's a cylinder as well. Again really please with the outcome. I'll have some more to add in a couple of days.</div><div></div><div>I've also added to the blog links to my two favourite forums. The UK Beaders quenches my need for all things beady (as well as other media). Girls being girls, I've been on other beady forums and found them to get quite caustic at times, but I can honestly say that I have never seen a truly cross word on here. There are girls and guys from all walks of life, beginners and the unbelievably talented such as <a href="http://www.ejrbeads.co.uk/">Emma Ralph</a> and my favourite critter creator <a href="http://www.beadenvy.co.uk/">Emma Green</a> . I've learnt so much from here and have hopefully been able to help others. In addition <a href="http://www.kitschkitty.co.uk/">KitschKitty</a><br /></div><div>runs the main <a href="http://www.uk-beaders.co.uk/">UK Beaders website</a> which has a huge suppliers list.</div><div> </div><div>The Craft Forum covers all crafts and is again a really friendly place. It helps give a general perspective on us (soon to be) struggling artistes and broadens my world past jewellery. I expect that I'll be on these more and more in the next few months.</div><div> </div><div>Wow! Looks like the gift of the gab has come back too! I'll shut up now!</div>ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242710833455611871.post-47330151014435603892008-08-18T19:28:00.003+01:002008-08-18T19:44:49.517+01:00Er.... Welcome!!Well this is the first post so I guess I'll say hello to those that find it.<br />As my profile says, my name is Nettie and I make jewellery, which, by the end of September is going to be my living. When I say jewellery I mean both silver metalwork and beadwork (did you guess from the title?) and making stuff has become more and more of an obsession over the past few years. It was always my dream to do this full time as, to sound a bit cheesey, I'm really not happy unless I'm doing something creative. Having said that, life has always gotten in the way until now and in an eventful year, I've got engaged, been made redundant and hopefully started a successful business. How's that for a kick up the bum?<br /><br />So anyway, hello to everyone. I hope I have something interesting to say over the coming months, years etc and should you be interested, here's <a href="http://www.ngjewellery.co.uk/">my website</a> where you can see some of the stuf I have made.ngjewelleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317112550733933215noreply@blogger.com1