Filligree wannabies....

I had finished these earrings earlier this week and forgot about them, they are quite pretty and remind me of my, dare I say it? Portuguese roots which is, ok, I'm enjoying them quite a lot and might just delve into some more Portuguese looking pieces like the filigree work and maybe even the gold plating.
It really feels like there is not enough time for everything, or maybe I'm just a really slow worker and cant keep up with what I think of..... which quite easily makes me loose the thought in the first place and then I land up not doing much........

An afternoon of "setting" around....

I just have to include this post today as I'm really chuffed I managed to finish setting both these pendants!My setting is OK to say the least so I am quite proud of them!I would like to set all my work but cannot promise that I will as sometimes I get it wrong!Mental note to self : Make sure the settings width is a perfect size i.e. 0.5mm all around , no more just winging it!!
Success!I can taste it!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this piece its exactly what I wanted to make!

A little preview of what Im working on.....

I took this quick shot this morning to show the various pieces I have been working on for my showing next month.I seem to work on at least four different pieces at a time and jump from them quite a lot this way I don't get bored and work much faster.I have also noticed that my designing has changed as before I would sit and draw until I found something I like that would ultimately end up at least a little altered during the manufacture process but now I like to fiddle around with lots of different elements and stones etc and see what appeals to me,what strikes me and catches my eye.This process is quite rewarding as you can work for a couple of days just tinkering about ,then all of a sudden you have five pieces made up that just need to be set and polished!!!Oooooooh the sheer joy!

Lotus flower earrings..

These earrings although very simple have had quite a lot of success I always get compliments when I'm wearing them and as a result have sold quite a few pairs.I could solder a few tiny balls in the centre of each flower but I don't think it would make much of a difference and therefore don't see any ways to improve them,besides from shortening the ear wires so that they sit directly bellow the earlobe which made a difference in their appeal to the public.

Forged flat "snowflake" Neckpiece.

Here are some great shots of this bold neck piece,it sits asymmetrically on the body and is molded and hammered according to the size of each individuals neck.I'm not bothered by its flat appearance as I think it works quite well in suggesting detail through silhouette as opposed to actually being an intricately decorated piece.I also love the Lace like effect made by the overlapped and forged elements.

"basket "earrings with brio crystals

Before I get onto the things I have been working on recently I need to still post some pics of a few more pieces.....
These earrings are a favourite of mine as they are so eye catching when worn. I'm really happy with them and wouldn't change much.I had initially made a pair that had ear wires that didn't work too well,the wire was soldered straight onto the basket instead of being attached to a jump ring for more movement.So they had to be re done and now they are great.I would like to make another pair for next months showing but without the Briollette and gold plate them!Stunning!!!!

Feels good to be back.....

well its been far too long that Ive been away and quite shocking too.... there is so much to add now and update I dont know where to begin,I unfortunately cant post any pics today so this is just a note to get back in the swing of things!

up coming preview:

Pics of my trip to switzerland and experiences in the amazing freezing snow!
New additions and designs for my next showing!
Scans of various journal pages!
thoughts and test pieces (eventually actual items of jewellery) on FILIGREE jewellery and techniques!