Saturday, January 29, 2011

January Blog Carnival - what is your favourite material and why

The subject for the the Starving Artists team blog carnival for January is What is your favourite material and why.  At first I thought this would be an easy subject to write about until I had to actually decide what my favourite material was. Here are some of the materials that I use - I'll let you decide ....

Stones have a major influence on most of my designs.  When I pick up a stone, it tends to talk to me.  I love the colours and the depth within a stone as each one has its own story to tell.  I'll select the type of wire that I will use and other materials that I may draw upon to enhance and capture its beauty.

 
I have also incorporated Swarovski crystals within my work - more often as an accent to a piece.  The intensity of each colour, elegance and flawless cut speak for themselves - my favourites are 4mm bicones.



Another material that brings out the visionary artist within me is metal clay - whether it be precious metal clay (PMC), bronze or copper clay - each one lends itself to being moulded and sculpted into wonderful individual designs.



Resin is another material I bought a couple of months ago and after sitting and pondering on what I was going to do with it - I bit the bullet one afternoon and made my first pendant - I was hooked and now look for objects I can incorporate within its glossy embrace.



Towards the end of the year I started to use ribbons and leather in my creations incorporating flowers featured with stones and wire.  This unusual mixture is complimentary to each other - enhancing each medium, each piece stands out on its own whilst on a whole, they come together beautifully.



Recently I was introduced to the world of looming which meant using seed beads which is something I thought I would never do.  I always wondered why someone would want to utilise thread, needles and those itty bitty seed beads to create a piece was something that alluded me until I gave it a go, it was oddly empowering to to overcome this fear and I'm now planning my next piece.



Each time I discover a new material - it quickly becomes a favourite, now you know why it was difficult to pinpoint one!  So which one do you think is my favourite?

Check out the favourite materials of the other members of the team

Galadryl Design

O'Refined

Island Girl

The FamiLee Jewels

Monday, December 20, 2010

Why did I start making jewellery

The subject for the Starving Artist Teams blog carnival is "Why did I start making Jewellery?".  I have always been involved in craft and my first love was knitting, picking up my first pair of knitting needles as the age of four. Whilst at school my creative side was nurtured, taking Art as an elective learning about the Masters and developing many artistic skills.


Fast forward a few years and I started to become interested in some of the costume jewellery displayed in the shops and magazines.  However being a one income family with two small children I couldn't afford this luxury.  I was introduced to a friend who was making her own jewellery and she kindly offered to show me some tips on  how to string and finish off my pieces.  She made recommendations of places to go and online sites to visit to develop my skills.


Initially I just strung bracelets, then expanded into necklaces - playing with colours and design.  From there I took a class in wire wrapping - and I was hooked, my journey in the world of jewellery had commenced.


The pictures attached are very early examples of my work. 

To view other blogs from this talented team - check out:

Bead Sohpisticate

Island Girl

Galadryl Designs

Musings of a Northern Girl

The Familiee Jewels

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Artist Profile - My Daughter (Thurs 7 Oct 2010)

I have been featuring people who are close to me, and you couldn't get closer than my very own daughter! Tayla started making jewellery about 2 years ago whilst I was still doing the weekend markets. She would string up these gorgeous bracelets, even doing the crimps and findings herself.  Since then she has started to play with wire (yep, my tools are now no longer my own!). She is self entirely self-taught - watching with an eagle eye when I create something and adapting the technique to her own style. Looking at her fabulous style and flair - you wouldn't know that she was only 14 - her sharp eye for colour and creativity  ... I can't wait to see how far this takes her.  She now sells her creations to family, friends and at school (and does very well!). 

Here is an example of Tayla's work.