K S Jewellery Designs

Genie Drop Earrings x 4

2012-01-27T16:47:00.002Z

I was procrastinating about which of my current projects to finish and I found myself doodling some shapes in my sketchbook. This led me to want to create one of the shapes with wire. The shape of these earrings reminds me of a genie bottle and feels quite Arabesque.

GENIE DROPS

Sterling Silver Arabesque Spiral Earrings

Once I had got the technique sorted, I wanted to make more earrings. All of the earrings will be available for sale in my online shops very soon.

Scapolite Spiral Circle Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

2012-01-25T11:35:00.002Z

Scapolite Spiral Circle Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

Following a number of requests to create a tutorial based on my Amethyst Spiral Circle Frame Sterling Silver Pendant , I decided to make another circle frame pendant to see if I could recreate the design. This time I used delicate yellow scapolite and tried to make the frame fit the bead rather than find a bead that fitted the frame (as I did with the amethyst pendant). This was the first lesson I learnt.

I also tried a slightly different way to coil the inner part of the frame. I was doing this late at night (when I am not at my brightest!) and only realised when the pendant was completed and photographed, that I had crossed the wires at one point (can you spot this?) - second lesson learnt!!

In summary, I'm so happy I learnt these lessons as hopefully I can make sure the tutorial is as clear as possible. I am currently working on an earring variation with a square frame - watch this space!

(This pendant is available for purchase at a reduced price (to reflect the slight error) in both my Etsy and Folsky online shops.)

Beautiful Etsy treasury - please take a look!

2012-01-23T17:09:00.000Z

Today I have been featured in this beautiful Etsy treasury:

'Purples from the UK' by purplewyvernjewels

Amethyst Spiral Circle Frame... KSJewelleryDes... $72.00	Purple and Lilac Lavender Ca... IndigoDaisyWed... $55.00	Wedding Cake Topper - Lilac/... crystalcaketop... $60.00	Long Felted Scarf purple vio... feltersjourney $33.00
2 TWO NEW Ginkgo ( Pair of )... pipdesigns $26.00	Purple with Pink Flowers Cro... HanJanCrafts $2.99	Purple berry Lara satin clut... EmmaGordonLond... $74.00	Purple Rose Bracelet beadingshaz $8.50
The Nature collection. Large... PrettyPetalJew... $43.00	Personalised Purple 3D Flowe... SarahFordTexti... $35.00	Purple Satin Tulip Choker - ... OCDesignsJewel... $12.50	Purple Flower Earrings by Ga... Galavant $10.00
Lava Stone Necklace Purple N... TheLaughingBut... $30.00	Billfold leather wallet purp... BeeChen $58.00	purple sunset 20 x 24" ... wildatartshop $190.00	Set of 4 quilted purple coas... Katiedidonline $15.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Amethyst Spiral Circle Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

2012-01-07T23:36:00.000Z

Amethyst Spiral Circle Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

New in my Etsy and Folksy shops.

Tassel Drop earrings (another variation)

2011-12-17T00:07:00.000Z

A variation of my tassel drops but instead of tassels, I added gemstones to the bottom of the frame. Crimson garnet diamond briolettes, golden citrine pan cut briolette, shades of orange carnelian and delicate yellow scapolite faceted rondelles blend together perfectly to form these sumptuous earrings with handmade teardrop shape frames made from sterling silver wire which I have shaped, hammered, sanded, polished and coiled and embellished with hammered swirl loops within the frames.

Citrine, Garnet, Carnelian & Scapolite Sterling Silver Tassel Drop Earrings

Now available to buy in my Etsy and Folksy online shops.

Prasiolite Spiral Bells Earrings (a simplified version)

2011-11-14T22:41:00.000Z

A simplified version of my Spiral Bells design. These beautiful earrings are now for sale in both of my online shops: Folksy and Etsy.

GREEN SPIRAL BELLS

Prasiolite Sterling Silver Earrings

K S Jewellery Designs now on Facebook

2011-11-05T13:54:00.000Z

Yes, I know I'm slow on the up take... people keep saying I should have a Facebook Fan Page, so finally, I have. Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-S-Jewellery-Designs/128806170529492

I still can't figure how to add the Facebook button to my blog (am getting help from a friend about this). In the meantime, please click on the link above.

Chrysanthemum pendant for my mum

2011-10-11T00:20:00.000+01:00

I made this flower pendant for my mum's birthday. It was my attempt to go bigger and bolder, so I made it with thicker gauge wire.

BEE'S CHRYSANTHEMUM

Natural AquamarineSterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

This pendant is a variation of my Jewelled Flowers tutorial with double petals. I shaped the petals around my round nose pliers and coiled very pale blue/green aquamarine beads around the centre. The pendant measures approximately 6cm in diameter.

Heather's jewellery

2011-10-05T10:18:00.000+01:00

This post isn't about me. It's about Heather, a lovely customer of my jewellery tutorials. She recently sent me these photos of some of the jewellery she created following a few of my tutorials and I wanted to share them with you. I get such a kick out of seeing what others create from my instructions and Heather's work is so beautiful and perfect.

Thank you Heather for letting me share your work.

New Tutorial - Spiral Bells

2011-09-25T20:21:00.000+01:00

I have been stuck at home for nearly a week as I tore a muscle in my calf when playing tennis last week. So I made the most of not being able to move around much and got on and wrote a new tutorial based on my latest design.

It is called 'Spiral Bells' and is now available for purchase in my Etsy and Folksy shops.

Also for sale are these Spiral Bells earrings that I made during the tutorial:

SKY SPIRAL BELLS

Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Earrings

And so is this Spiral Bells pendant which is a variation of the design (also explained in the tutorial).

CRYSTAL SPIRAL BELL

Crystal Quartz Sterling Silver Pendant

Amethyst Spiral Bells

2011-09-19T16:01:00.001+01:00

SPIRAL BELLS

Amethyst Sterling Silver Earrings

Although these earrings looked a simple design when I drew them in my sketchbook, they were actually quite tricky to create, especially making them symmetrical and an identical pair. I had several failed attempts (fortunately with silver plated wire!) where I tried to work out where to start, how much wire to spiral and where to bend. These earrings have been made from sterling silver wire (shaped, hammered and polished to a high shine).

Despite the frustrations, it felt good to be creative again after a long summer's break and I'm pleased to announce that these earrings are now available for purchase in my Etsy and Folksy on-line shops.

Tassel Drop earrings - another version

2011-09-06T13:07:00.000+01:00

Here is another version of tassel drop earrings. This time the tassels are made from hammered wire.

Lemon Quartz Sterling Silver Wire Tassel Drop Earrings

I have had some time off from jewellery making this summer, however the kids went back to school today (boo hoo!) so I am looking forward to exploring the idea of tassels further.

Please note: Neither of my tassel drop earrings shown on this blog are for sale yet as I am developing my designs with the aim of writing a new tutorial. I hope to include some new jewellery creations in my online shops very soon.

Indian Summer - Tassel Drop Earrings

2011-07-12T11:27:00.001+01:00

These earrings were inspired by a range of different earrings I saw worn by ladies attending an Indian wedding on TV recently. As I watched, I thought "Ooo... tassels! I've never made anything with tassels before". My version of 'Indian earrings' are made with amethyst and rhodolite garnet and the tassels are left over pieces of chain from various necklace projects.

INDIAN SUMMER

Amethsyt & Rhodolite Garnet Sterling Silver Tassel Drop Earrings

Guess what? Yes, more flowers!

2011-07-05T23:41:00.003+01:00

I know it's been absolutely ages since I blogged. This time of year is always a busy time for me with lots going on at work, a number of family birthdays, the odd holiday and weekend away.... I could go on, but I won't. I'm sure you get the idea.

Anyway, I thought it was about time I shared some of my most recent flowers based on my Jewelled Flowers and Wire Flowers designs:

GENTLE DAISY

Prehnite, Fine Silver & Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

SOFT DAISY

Scapolite Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

PURPLE DAISY CHAIN

Amethyst Quartz Sterling Silver Wire Flower Necklace

PRETTY DAISY

Pink Amethyst, Fine Silver & Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

I don't make rings but I know a lady who can!

2011-05-24T12:58:00.002+01:00

Ros of Jumping Junipers has just made me this amazing set of stacking rings.

I met Ros through Jewelry Lessons and fell in love with her bright silver jewellery in her Etsy store. I don't make rings so I can still treat myself to jewellery now and again without feeling too guilty!

I really recommend you take a look at her shop or follow her on Facebook. Thank you Ros, I am wearing my rings with pride.

Flowers, flowers... and more flowers!

2011-05-08T13:32:00.000+01:00

Recently two jewellery designers: Bobbi (from My Wired Imagination) and Diana (aka Lady Mockingbird) made some wonderful flower jewellery as variations of a couple of my flower tutorials. Their beautiful creations inspired me to revisit my flower designs...

BLUE FLOWER TRIO

Kyanite Sterling Silver Wire Flower Necklace

VIOLET DAISY

Amethyst Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

My daisy flower was inspired by Bobbi's flowers where she has fixed a Swarovski sew on bead in the centre of the flower. It got me thinking how I could do this with a coin bead. These are Bobbi's wonderful flowers linked together as a bracelet. I love the sparkly centres and the clever way she has joined the flowers together.

Flowered Link Bracelet

by Bobbi (My Wired Imagination)

And here is a beautiful copper flower pendant from Diana. I love the way she has coiled the petals and the copper goes so perfectly with the green centre.

Copper Flower Pendant

by Diana (Lady Mockingbird)

Thank you to both designers for sharing their flowers with me. I urge you to take a look at their jewellery designs in their Etsy shops by clicking on these links:
- My Wired Imagination
- Lady Mockingbird

Lace Ups Tutorial - latest wire jewellery tutorial from K S Jewellery Designs

2011-05-07T16:28:00.000+01:00

I have just realised that I haven't yet blogged about my latest tutorial entitled 'Lace Ups' which is now available to purchase at Jewelry Lessons and in my Folksy and Etsy shops.

Spring Greens - Wire Goddesses Etsy Team Treasury

2011-05-02T13:26:00.000+01:00

I have been fortunate to be included in quite a few Etsy treasuries recently... so I thought it was about time I created a treasury of my own. This treasury I have entitled Spring Greens is a collection of the wonderful wirework of some the Wire Goddesses Etsy Team.

Flower setting on my camera (and others!)

2011-04-24T18:30:00.001+01:00

My new camera has a special setting for 'taking more vivid shots of flowers'

I thought I would have a go at taking some photos of the flowers in my garden today and see what they turned out like.

I'm not sure whether the 'vivid flower' setting is really anything more than just putting the camera on to macro but this camera does make me smile with all the possibilities it appears to offer.

It even has two separate settings; one for 'optimizing focus on the faces of dogs' and another completely different setting for 'optimizing focus on the faces of cats'. Who would have thought dogs and cats were so different to photograph!

Wire Goddesses - Etsy team and treasuries

2011-04-19T23:41:00.000+01:00

Recently I was invited to join an Etsy team entitled 'Wire Goddesses' and not only did the name make me smile and immediately intrigue me... but also look at the amazing collection of other wireworkers who have joined up so far...

I am honoured and excited to be among them and am looking forward to the journey with this team.

Two beautiful Etsy treasuries

2011-04-17T00:50:00.000+01:00

I have been included in two wonderfully beautiful treasuries today. The first one is entitled 'Green... with a splash of fire' and is curated by Jessi of DreamofaDream :

And the second one is entitled 'Love at first sight' curated by Aimee of Aimeesjewelry :

I feel honoured to be part of these collections and have been introduced to some very talented artists.

New camera... new earrings

2011-04-13T00:33:00.012+01:00

ALLURE OF THE SEA
Moss Aquamarine Sterling Silver Blossom Drop Square Frame Earrings

Disaster! My beloved camera suddenly stopped working and I have had to send it off to be repaired. When I was told it would be about 6 weeks, I went into an absolute panic wondering how I would cope. After a few days of sadness, I decided I needed an interim camera and went out today to purchase a new one... and I have to admit, probably a 'better' one. Here are a couple of photos of two of my latest pairs of earrings I took whilst playing around with the settings on the camera.

CRIMSON LACE UPS

Garnet Sterling Silver Circle Frame Earrings

It's going to take some time for me to learn how to use this camera to get the best photos possible but I think I'm going to enjoy it!

Both of these earrings are now available in my online shops (see links on the right of this page).

New designs from K S Jewellery

2011-04-05T16:17:00.014+01:00

It's been a while since I posted any new jewellery on my blog as I have been busy creating some new designs and working on variations. The first pieces come from my 'Lace Ups' range...

ROYAL LACE UPS

Amethyst & Rainbow Moonstone Sterling Silver Leaf Frame Pendant

OCEAN BLUE LACE UPS

Apatite Sterling Silver Circle Frame Pendant

PURPLE LACE UPS

Amethyst Sterling Silver Circle Frame Pendant

The other range I have been working on is my 'Blossom Drops' designs...

LABRADORITE BLOSSOM DROP

Oval Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

CELTIC LEAF DROPS

Peridot Sterling Silver Blossom Drop Leaf Frame Earrings

The last two pieces of jewellery have been sold (hooray!) and the Purple Lace Ups pendant was a present for a friend. However, the first two pendants are still for sale in my online shops.

Auction update - total raised by The Collective

2011-04-05T16:11:00.004+01:00

Yay! I have just found out we raised a fantastic £726.75 for the Oxfam's Japan appeal which is excellent news! Well done to Mel of Kookie Designs for organising it.

The Collective - Charity Auction for Japan

2011-03-28T11:57:00.010+01:00

The Collective are holding another fabulous auction to raise money for the Japan relief fund via OXFAM. The Auction will run from Monday 28th March 2PM GMT until Monday 4th April 8:30pm GMT. All of the money raised will be paid into a PayPal account which will then be paid onto the Japan fund via the OXFAM site. The auction has been efficiently organised by lovely Mel Poxon of KookieDesigns and this year we have some beautiful donations arranged into auction lots.

We have beautiful Bespoke Jewellery kindly donated by:

Joy Funnell ; Izzy of Flame and Glass ; Barbara Lewis ; Emma Ralph ; Lush Lampwork ; Lori Anderson ; KookieDesigns ; Clair WolfeDesigns ; Kristin Smith of K S Jewellery Designs ; CeeGee Jewellery Designs ; C-Urchin , Anna Stassen Saukura Jewellery ; Jemima Lumley

Beautiful handmade Textile donations made by:

Mich Yasue My Furoshiki; Lisa Pidgeon of d harmaflyer; Bev Hicklin of Hattie Rae and Atelier Glass and Lazy Daisy Glass

And Stunning Artisan Lampwork beads have been donated by the following Artists:

Ray Skene, Annelyse Taylor, Glittering Prize, Rebecca Weddell, moogin, c-urchin, Emma Ralph, Chameleon Designs , Clare Scott , Cheeky Cherubs , Sublime Beads and Flame and Glass

These photos are only a taste of what's on offer... so please pop over to the Auction page and have a look. It is easy to bid, just follow the e-mail link and state your name, auction lot number that you are bidding on and your bid amount in £ sterling please.

Thank you for your continued support of all of The Collective Artists and our Auction.

Spiral Loop Frames tutorial instant download

2011-03-20T18:21:00.005Z

Just a quick post to inform you that my new tutorial: Spiral Loop Frames is now available for instant download at Corra's website: http://www.de-cors.com/product_info.php?products_id=132

There are lots of wonderful tutorials for sale here from a range of very talented designers. To see the different tutorials, click on the 'Catalogue' button at the top of Corra's website.

New wire jewelry tutorial - Sprial Loop Frames

2011-03-04T14:31:00.009Z

I am delighted to announce the release of my latest wire jewellery tutorial entitled SPIRAL LOOP FRAMES.

This tutorial is currently for sale at Jewelry Lessons, my Etsy shop and my Folksy shop and costs $5.00/£3.00. Please click on the links for more details of the tutorial.

These are the actual earrings I made as I created the tutorial. You can follow them being made in the step-by-step photographs:

SKYLIGHT DROPS

Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Earrings

Using the same techniques as the earrings, the tutorial also has guidance and explanations how to create a pendant like this one:

CRYSTAL PRINCESS

Crystal Quartz Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

Journey into the Centre

2011-02-25T15:41:00.006Z

There are two reasons behind the name to this blog post. Firstly, because of the beautiful beads in the centre of each pendant - a stunning faceted amethyst coin bead and a natural aquamarine bead which has a feeling of a mystical world with swirls of coloured mist.

PURPLE LEAF

Amethyst Spiral Loop Leaf Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

And the second meaning behind the name is to do with my recent journey into wirework where I have been making lots of different framed pendants and earrings with spirals and loops surrounding the frame. This time I have ‘journeyed’ into the centre of the frame with loops and spirals and have been inspired to do so by the wonderful wirework of Diny of Natural Jewels whose work I have admired for a long time.

MISTY SWIRLS

Natural Aquamarine Spiral Circle Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

Both of these pendants are for sale in my online shops: Etsy and Folksy

Starburst Earrings

2011-02-16T23:36:00.003Z

Based on my Starlight Drops earrings but this time with stunning pink amethyst pan cut briolettes.

STARBURST DROPS

Pink Amethyst Sterling Silver Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Earrings

Celtic Drop Earrings

2011-02-15T23:26:00.005Z

A simple design with sterling silver wire and mystic blue quartz. I was going to add more gemstones to the frames but after consultation with my nearest and dearest, I had to agree that 'less is more'.

CELTIC DROPS

Blue Mystic Quartz Sterling Silver Blossom Teardrop Frame Earrings

Spiral Loop Teardrop Pendant - Variation

2011-02-08T23:16:00.005Z

Another 'spiral loop frame' pendant with luscious deep pink rhodolite garnet faceted rondelles. Now available in my Folksy and Etsy shops.

Rhodolite Garnet Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

This is a variation of my Sea Maiden Pendant. I am really enjoying exploring and extending this technique/design, trying out variations. This pendant was planned to have a briolette in the centre of the teardrop frame but when I got to that part, I decided I liked it without.

As yet, this pendant has no name - any suggestions?

A Drop In The Ocean

2011-01-31T20:50:00.005Z

I had some time to play last weekend, so I picked up my hammer and some heavy gauge sterling silver wire and created wire dangles that I textured with my ball pin hammer. Initially I made a more simple necklace by looping the dangles over a snake chain. Then I decided to develop the design further by adding a teardrop frame and a beautiful blue mystic quartz briolette.

A DROP IN THE OCEAN

Blue Mystic Quartz Sterling Silver Teardrop Pendant

This pendant is now available in my online shops. Please click on the photos for more details.

A couple of Etsy treasuries

2011-01-30T09:42:00.005Z

Take a look at these two excellent Etsy treasuries I have been fortunate enough to be included in. Firstly this bright sunny lemon collection by LiciaBeadsVault, imaginatively entitled 'When life hands you lemons, make a gin and tonic'. Great title! This treasury features my Starlight Drop Earrings.

And secondly, my Wire Jewelry Tutorial Package has been featured in this unique treasury by samnsara entitled 'Wired'

Please click on the links and photos for more details.

Sea Maiden

2011-01-23T13:46:00.004Z

With shapes and colours of the ocean, here is my latest 'spiral loop frame' pendant. This Sea Maiden pendant glitters and sparkles.

SEA MAIDEN

Prasiolite & Moss Aquamarine Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

Now on sale in my online shops (please click on the photos for more details).

Starlight Drops

2011-01-21T14:45:00.006Z

Hooray, my mojo is returning! I have finally felt the urge to be creative and I have to admit the inspiration was these wonderful pan cut briolette beads I splashed out on. Not clothes buying or chocolate for me to help pick me up... but some beautiful sparkly beads!

STARLIGHT DROPS

Lemon Quartz Sterling Silver Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Earrings

These earrings could be yours - check out my Etsy and Folksy shops now!

Missing mojo!

2011-01-08T20:10:00.003Z

Hmm... I'm better now...
Hmm... Christmas is over...
Hmm... my birthday is over...
Hmm... New Year's Eve is over...
Hmm... the kids are back at school...
Hmm... I'm back to my teaching jobs...
Hmm... life is back to normal...

... so, why have I not picked up my wire and tools and made any new jewellery yet? My mojo is well and truly missing! All through my illness and the festive period I didn't worry as I was quite enjoying the break. But now it is getting silly!

Normal service will be resumed... shortly!

2010-12-17T10:28:00.003Z

Hello Blogworld

I have been totally under the weather recently, not only with snow and ice but literally laid out flat with flu for nearly 2 weeks. Phew! Flu really takes its toll on your sanity as I headed into a more depressed state wondering if I was ever going to feel normal again!

Well, the good news is... I am better and feeling much more normal (well, as normal as I'm ever going to get anyway!). As you can expect, everything took a back seat whilst I fought the bugs, but I am now ready to embrace my online world again and might even find time to write my next tutorial that has been spinning around in my fuzzy head but got no further.

The other annoying thing that has been going on is intermittent telephone and internet problems in our house which is REALLY frustrating. It has shown me how reliant I have become of machines and all their technological do-whats and thing-a-ma-jigs. So, I am hoping that not only will I remain fit and healthy for Christmas, but also that all our connection problems will be solved.

Until the next time, stay safe and healthy my online friends and readers.
Kristin :)

Etsy treasury - Simply Ballet

2010-11-23T10:31:00.005Z

My Tourmaline Tutu Earrings have been featured in this classically beautiful Etsy treasury created by RindowDesigns that she has named Simply Ballet. Please click on the picture for a better view of the lovely items she selected.

Come and meet me in Beads and Beyond!

2010-11-17T12:00:00.007Z

I am so excited to announce I am in December's issue of Beads and Beyond as their featured artist in their 'Meet and Greet' section.

I felt very honoured to be invited to do this interview and was delighted to be given the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience. December's issue is out to buy now.

Princess Zara Pendant

2010-11-16T21:14:00.004Z

Following similar design principles to my Cinderella Pendant, I made this necklace for my friend, Zara's birthday. In keeping with the fairytale theme, the necklace found its name easily...

PRINCESS ZARA

Amethyst Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Sterling Silver Necklace

Cinderella Pendant

2010-11-15T11:44:00.008Z

Not all my jewellery has a name or even a story behind it but this pendant certainly has...

CINDERELLA

Pink Amethyst Spiral Loop Teardrop Frame Sterling Silver Pendant

... Initially, this started out as a much more simple frame for a smaller bead of a different gemstone. It was actually going to be one of a pair of earrings. Then I wondered what it would look like with more spirals and loops around the frame... I liked it, but then decided it was too much for an earring and better suited to a pendant. Then at the last minute, I swapped the bead to this plump pink amethyst briolette... it was a perfect fit... as if I had made it for that bead all along... It was just like Cinderella trying on the glass slipper!

Rose Pink Teardrops

2010-11-08T22:20:00.005Z

You may remember that back in the summer I made some vibrant blue Kyanite Teardrop Earrings. Here is an alternative version in pink but this time with a beautiful faceted coin bead fixed within the middle of the teardrop. This version was not as easy to make as I thought it would be as I had to find a way to stop the coin bead from spinning round. I'm please to say I succeeded!

ROSE PINK TEARDROPS

Rose Quartz & Rhodolite Garnet SS Teardrop Earrings

Colour Combo Pendant

2010-11-07T15:12:00.005Z

Last year I made a very colourful pendant I named 'Colour Me Happy' made from multi-gemstone rondelles woven around a handmade circular pendant. Here is an alternative version I have just made with a smaller colour palette of one of my favourite colour combinations: purple and pink.

COLOUR COMBO

Amethyst, Pink Amethyst, Rubellite Garnet & Rose Quartz

Woven Sterling Silver Circle Pendant

Garnet Swirl Loop Earrings

2010-11-01T12:32:00.007Z

I really enjoyed making this design (see my Blue Topaz and Crystal Quartz versions created back in September) and I decided to make another pair, this time with the deepest crimson red garnet briolette beads I have seen in a long time. They are truly luscious and ideal to co-ordinate with your autumn/winter wardrobe.

CRIMSON SWIRL DROPS

Garnet Sterling Silver Hammered Swirl Loop Earrings

Icy Leaves - a texture experiment

2010-10-31T13:46:00.003Z

I have been experimenting with texture on sterling silver wire and the finish on these wire leaf earrings reminds me of ice and frost.

ICY LEAVES

Moss Aquamarine Sterling Silver Hammered Wire Leaf Earrings

... and here's another pair of earrings with a silky smooth finish...

GOLDEN LEAVES

Champagne Citrine Sterling Silver Hammered Wire Leaf Earrings

Both of these earrings are now available to buy from my online shops: Folksy and Etsy.

Encircled Flower Pendants

2010-10-20T14:23:00.002+01:00

An alternative version of my Five Bead Flowers - these flowers have circular petals and are secured within a circular pendant.

The iolite and the peridot pendants are up for sale in my Folksy and Etsy shops but the garnet pendant is mine... all mine! However, if that one is your favourite too, fear not as I will be listing it soon as a 'made to order' item in both online shops.

Instant download of new tutorial now at de Cor's

2010-10-18T16:56:00.008+01:00

Good news! My latest tutorial 'Five Bead Flowers' is now also available for instant download from Corra Liew's website.

Here is the direct link to the tutorial:

http://www.de-cors.com/product_info.php?products_id=95

New tutorial from K S Jewellery Designs - FIVE BEAD FLOWERS

2010-10-11T16:41:00.009+01:00

This tutorial has been a long time coming and I am happy to present to you my seventh tutorial entitled FIVE BEAD FLOWERS. I just can't stay away from flowers and this tutorial shows you how to create beautiful flowers using five beads and soft wire which is shaped, hammered and coiled.

This tutorial is currently for sale at Jewelry Lessons, my Etsy shop and my Folksy shop and costs $5.00/£3.00.

Here are some of the Star Flowers I made in preparation for this tutorial. Now I have lots of flowers to incorporate into pendant and necklace designs - watch this space!

... and here are some of the variations I tried based on the same design process.

Isn't nature amazing!

2010-10-09T14:51:00.005+01:00

It's no wonder I get so inspired by flowers and plants and they seem to feature frequently in my jewellery designs. Look at this amazing plant that has been growing in my garden all summer.

I'm not sure what it's called but my mum gave it to me in the spring and it has been sitting in a pot on my patio. I was outside this morning photographing some jewellery and decided to take some photos of it using the macro setting on my camera. I love the way the centre spirals around and the bright green contrasts dramatically against the muted red.

Free wire jewellery tutorial - Spiral Adorned

2010-10-04T22:03:00.005+01:00

Not many of you will know but.... I have a free wire jewellery tutorial called 'Spiral Adorned' which until now has only been available on Jewelry Lessons.

The good news is that this tutorial has just been made available for FREE instant download from Corra's website (http://www.de-cors.com/) and here is the direct link to the tutorial: http://www.de-cors.com/product_info.php?products_id=92

Lilac Amethyst Five Bead Flower Pendant

2010-09-28T23:47:00.005+01:00

I've been working on this design for a couple of months on and off, in between all the other busy things that go on in my life, trying to work out the best way to secure the beads and petals. Then a few days ago I had a 'Eureka' moment and voila... my 'Five Bead Flower' design is ready to be shown to the world!

Lilac Amethyst Five Bead Sterling Silver Wire Flower Pendant

I've got lots of variations of this design to show you but just need to find the time to take the photos. My next project will be to turn this design into my next tutorial. Watch this space for further information about that...

K S Jewellery Designs tutorials at de Cor's

2010-09-21T22:06:00.006+01:00

I am very happy to announce that all my jewellery tutorials are going to be available for purchase and instant download from Corra Liew's website: http://de-cors.com/.

Corra contacted me recently and invited me to become a guest artist on her site. I was very flattered and am delighted to have my tutorials for sale alongside other jewellery designers that I greatly admire.

I urge you to check out her site and browse through the variety of amazing tutorials on sale there (click on the 'Catalog' button on the top her website).

Blog giveaway winner

2010-09-21T16:15:00.003+01:00

And the winner was.....

Congratulations to Sarah. She has won a $30.00 voucher to spend in my Etsy shop.

** Sarah - please contact me asap to let me know what you would like **

200 Etsy Sales! Time for a Blog Giveaway!

2010-09-13T17:07:00.005+01:00

At the weekend I was very excited to have made my 200th sale on Etsy... and to celebrate I thought I would have a long overdue giveaway. In the past, I have given away a specific piece of jewellery or an offer of a custom made item. However, this time I am going to giveaway a...

$30.00 voucher

This voucher can be spent on any item or items in my Etsy shop. With $30.00 you could get all my tutorials for free (Tutorial Package x 5) and still have $10.00 left towards something else... or you could get a free pair of Hammered Circle Earrings... or you could put the $30.00 towards the cost of a more expensive item. It's your choice.

All you need to do is leave a comment below this post, leave me your details and say what you might spend your voucher on.

I will draw a name of one lucky winner on Monday 20th September. Good luck and thanks for stopping by.

Swinging Leaves Earrings

2010-09-10T13:38:00.004+01:00

Recently I bought some fabulous faceted marquise briolette beads from my supplier. I haven't worked with this shaped bead for a while so I have various different designs buzzing around my head. I thought I would start with a simple design to show off the beauty of these peridot beads.

SWINGING LEAVES

Peridot Sterling Silver Hammered Leaf Earrings

Crystal Quartz Swirl Loops Earrings

2010-09-07T21:50:00.003+01:00

Another pair of 'Swirl Loop' earrings - this time with sparkling crystal quartz...

CRYSTAL SWIRL DROPS

Crystal Quartz Sterling Silver Hammered Swirl Loop Earrings

Blue Topaz Swirl Loop Earrings

2010-09-03T15:41:00.004+01:00

I have just listed these beautiful earrings my Folksy and Etsy shops.

SKY BLUE SWIRL DROPS

Swiss Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Hammered Swirl Loop Earrings

Kyanite Teardrop Earrings

2010-08-29T01:40:00.013+01:00

Whilst on holiday in Cornwall this summer, I found some time to create some jewellery. I only took a few tools and materials and here is one of the pairs of earrings I made...

BLUE TEARDROPS

Kyanite Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings

Available to buy from my Folksy and Etsy shops (please click on the photos for more details)

Chocolate & Cherries

2010-08-27T23:58:00.006+01:00

I pondered long and hard on what to call these earrings but I couldn’t stop thinking about chocolate and cherries when I looked at them!

Glossy round beads of rich brown smoky quartz are framed with coils of sterling silver wire, fringed with sparkling rondelles of deep crimson red garnet and tiny little sterling silver beads.

Available to buy from my Folksy and Etsy shops (please click on the photos for more details).

CHOCOLATE & CHERRIES

Smoky Quartz and Garnet Sterling Silver Fringe Frame Bead Earrings

Hammered Shape Earrings

2010-08-26T10:49:00.005+01:00

These earrings came from an idea I was working on a while ago by shaping and hammering sterling silver wire.

The earrings are named 'Little Shells', 'Little Leaves', 'Little Hearts' and finally 'Little Peacock Feathers'.

New pieces from K S Jewellery Designs

2010-07-22T16:11:00.007+01:00

Hooray! The school holidays start here.... and soon we will be going on our family holiday. Here are some new pieces of jewellery that will be listed in my online shops on my return from holiday.

Lapis Lazuli Tail Feathers Pendant................. Kyanite & Sterling Silver Loopy Hoop Earrings

Iolite Random Links Bracelet..................................... Hoop of Colour Pendant

Pink Tourmaline Tutu Earrings

Serenity

2010-07-13T21:05:00.005+01:00

I made this pendant a while ago but have just listed it in my Etsy and Folksy shops (please click on the pictures for more details).

SERENITY

Fluorite and Labradorite Sterling Silver Spiral Adorned Pendant

Time for texture

2010-07-07T19:51:00.007+01:00

Recently most of the jewellery that has been made at my work bench has featured smooth shiny sterling silver. I do love the result of hammering, sanding and polishing. However, I was very pleased last week to receive a commissioned order for one of my 'hammered circle bracelets' with a textured finish.

Green Aventurine Sterling Silver Hammered Circle Bracelet

And here's what the same design looks like with a smooth silky finish...

Carnelian Sterling Silver Hammered Circle Bracelet

Green Trefoil Pendant & Green Leaves Earrings

2010-06-16T23:29:00.009+01:00

Another trefoil pendant with co-ordinating earrings... this time with beautiful swirl glass beads made by Jenn of Kanna Glass Studios.

I am really enjoying 'drawing' with my wire at the moment and love watching the wire spread out when I hammer it. These beauties are now on sale in my online stores (please click on the photos for more details).

Playing around with wire - Encircled Trefoil Pendant

2010-06-14T10:23:00.008+01:00

After completing a number of custom orders, I had an urge to pick up some wire and just see what I could create. I have been inspired by the many talented artists on Jewelry Lessons and this pendant was particulary inspired by the lovely free flowing wirework of Ros and her Charmed I'm Sure bracelet.

Encircled Trefoil Pendant

Variations - tutus and tail feathers

2010-05-25T10:28:00.007+01:00

I have been playing around with my 'Jewelled Flowers' design... following the same ideas but with different shaped frames for the petal shapes. I didn't know what they would turn out like, but when I looked at their final shape, I instantly knew what I wanted to call them...

Tourmaline Tutu Earrings

Moonstone Tail Feathers Pendant

Look what just arrived in the post from Black Daisy Designs!

2010-05-05T13:04:00.007+01:00

Last Friday I got home from work, turned on my computer and these beauties jumped out at me from Black Daisy Designs' latest blog post. I loved everything about them - the circles, the flowing lines, the flowers... I couldn't resist them and after only a few clicks on my keyboard, they were mine!

'Hanging Lilies Earrings' by Black Daisy Designs

... and today they arrived, beautifully wrapped and, just as I had thought, they are totally gorgeous. Thank you Anna-Karin, you are a true craftsman (or should that be craftswoman?!) and an inspiration to me and I'm sure to many others as well.

To learn more about Black Daisy Designs and see more of Anna-Karin's unique jewellery, go to http://blackdaisydesigns.blogspot.com/

Jewelled Flowers - tutorial and jewellery for sale

2010-04-30T17:21:00.018+01:00

It's been a while, but here's what I have been busy with recently... my fifth tutorial which is entitled 'Jewelled Flowers'.

You can buy this tutorial for $5.00 from my Etsy shop or from Jewelry Lessons. It is also for sale for £3.00 in my Folksy shop.

Some of the jewellery that inspired this tutorial is also for sale in my Etsy and Folksy shops and will be listed over the next day or so.

GOLDEN JEWELLED SUNFLOWER

Hessonite Garnet & Spessartine Garnet Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

RED JEWELLED DAISY

Ruby Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

PINK JEWELLED DAISY

Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

LIGHT BLUE JEWELLED FLOWER

Aquamarine Fine Silver & Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

LILAC JEWELLED FLOWER

Amethyst Sterling Silver Hammered Wire Flower Pendant

DENIM BLUE JEWELLED FLOWER

Kyanite Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Pendant

It's going to be a tough decision on which pendants to keep, to give or to sell... any suggestions?

My first interview - WireWorkers Guild

2010-04-26T22:12:00.003+01:00

Recently I was contacted by Linda Jones who has founded the WireWorkers Guild and, not only invited to join, but also asked whether I would complete an interview for an 'Artist's Showcase'. I felt very honoured to be asked and you can read my interview HERE

If you would like to become a member of the WireWorkers Guild to learn more about this exciting craft, exchange ideas, obtain tips and knowledge, go to: http://wireworkersguild.blogspot.com

A walk in the park

2010-04-17T21:52:00.006+01:00

Spring Flower Necklace

2010-04-12T12:36:00.006+01:00

I have finally found some time to finish my 'Spring Flower Necklace'. This necklace is part of my seasonal collection of double petal flower necklaces (see my 'Autumn Flower Necklace' and my 'Winter Flower Necklace'). For spring colours, I have chosen apple green peridot and delicate green prehnite.

SPRING FLOWER

Peridot & Prehnite Sterling Silver Double Petal Wire Flower Necklace

This necklace is on sale in all my online shops (Etsy, Folksy and Dawanda).

Sitting Pretty Pendants

2010-03-13T00:01:00.005Z

It's been a while since I blogged but I'm still here! I have just started a new part-time teaching job and with that, and my other part-time job and all that goes with being a mum and a wife, my jewellery making has had to take a back seat. I still go to bed thinking about designs as I fall asleep (which I find much more relaxing than thinking 'What do I have to do tomorrow?') but those designs will have to wait a while, whilst my life settles down.

Anyway, here is a pendant I made a couple of weeks ago and have just listed in all my online shops (Etsy, Folksy and Dawanda). It is based on my 'Sitting Pretty' earrings I made last year but this time with a sparkling gemstone adorned in the centre of the fine silver flower.

SITTING PRETTY IN GREEN

Peridot Fine Silver Flower & Hammered Circle Pendant

Here's another Sitting Pretty Pendant I made for myself. I love rhodolite garnet. It seems to satisfy my need to wear pink without being too 'girly' and co-ordinates beautifully with my ever-growing purple wardrobe! (I have a current addiction to purple clothes - any shade considered).

SITTING PRETTY IN PINK

Rhodolite Garnet Fine Silver Flower & Hammered Circle Pendant

Kyanite Blossom Frame Pendant

2010-03-01T11:37:00.004Z

I had some fun at the weekend developing my 'Wire Blossoms' design to create this blossom frame pendant. It was quite a challenge for me to puzzle out how to thread the wire through and around the bead.

This pendant hasn't found it's name yet and is looking for one to go with the rest of my Wire Blossom range. Currently, I have already made Luscious Blossoms, Mystical Blossoms, Magical Blossoms, Divine Blossoms, Icy Blossoms and Golden Blossoms.... any suggestions for this one?

Winter Flower earrings

2010-02-26T23:24:00.006Z

Here are the earrings I have made to co-ordinate with my Winter Flower Necklace...

WINTER FLOWER
Apatite Sterling Silver Wire Flower Earrings

It's been a while since I've made a simple pair of 'wire flower' earrings and I really like the double spiral in the centre which is not alway possible to make with smaller beads. These earrings are for sale in all my online shops (Etsy, Folksy and Dawanda).

Winter Flower necklace

2010-02-21T22:47:00.005Z

Last month I bought some beautiful apatite faceted rondelle beads. They are a lovely neon blue colour and I have teamed them with a delicate blue aquamarine to make this Winter Flower necklace.

WINTER FLOWER

Apatite & Aquamarine Sterling Silver Double Petal Wire Flower Necklace

You may recognise the 'double petal' design from my Autumn Flower necklace I made last October with different shades of carnelian. This time I chose a winter themed colour palette. I am already planning a Spring Flower necklace – what colours do you think I should use for that one?

Wire Blossoms - jewellery for sale

2010-02-20T18:10:00.013Z

Following the promotion of my 'Wire Blossoms' tutorial, I also have Wire Blossom jewellery for sale at all my online shops (please click the links on the right-hand side of this page to see more information on each piece).

LUSCIOUS BLOSSOM

Amethyst Sterling Silver Wire Blossom Pendant

MAGICAL BLOSSOMS
Labradorite Sterling Silver Wire Blossom Chandelier Earrings

DIVINE BLOSSOMS

Pink Amethyst Sterling Silver Wire Blossom Chandelier Earrings

GOLDEN BLOSSOMS
Citrine & Hessonite Garnet Sterling Silver Wire Blossom Chandelier Earrings

MYSTICAL BLOSSOMS
Blue Mystic Quartz & Kyanite Sterling Silver Wire Blossom Top Earrings

Two new tutorials from K S Jewellery Designs

2010-02-17T14:13:00.004Z

Here is what I have been busy with over the last couple of weeks... my two new tutorials:

WIRE BLOSSOMS (Earrings and Pendants)

costs $5.00, £3.00 or €3.50

HAMMERED SWIRL LINK BRACELET

costs $6.00, £4.00 or €4.50

These two tutorials are for sale on Jewelry Lessons, my Etsy shop, my Folksy shop and my Dawanda shop.

However, until the end of February, I am also offering blog readers a SPECIAL BUNDLE DEAL to buy both new tutorials at a discounted price of $8.00, £5.00 or €5.50. To take advantage of this offer please contact me at kristinsmith66@gmail.com quoting 'SPECIAL BUNDLE DEAL' and I will send you an invoice via PayPal to your e-mail address.

The Collective Charity Auction - in aid of Haiti

2010-02-09T13:21:00.003Z

The Collective is holding another auction - this time in aid of Haiti via Oxfam. Included in this auction are some amazing lots to bid on (jewellery, beads, cuddlies), all donated by a whole hoard of talented designers. The auction has been kindly organised by Mel of Kookie Designs and ends at 8pm on Monday 15th February.

Please click the link below to be taken to the auction:

The Collective Charity Auction

I have donated a pendant from my new 'Blossom' range of jewellery (more to come on that later, including details of my new 'Wire Blossoms' tutorial).

ICY BLOSSOM

Crystal Quartz Sterling Silver Wire Blossom Pendant

Elegance Earrings - design combination

2010-01-23T15:05:00.007Z

Here is what happened when I combined my 'Hammered Circles' design with my 'Coiled Jewels' design... I am calling these my 'Elegance Earrings'. On sale in all my online shops - please click on the photos for more details.

RUSSET ELEGANCE
Shades of Garnet Coiled Jewel Sterling Silver Hammered Circle Earrings

PINK ELEGANCE
Pink Amethyst & Rhodolite Garnet Coiled Jewel Sterling Silver Hammered Circle Earrings

BOBBLED ELEGANCE

Coiled Bead Sterling Silver Hammered Circle Earrings

Sunshine Award

2010-01-23T12:45:00.004Z

I would like to thank Maz from Amari Jewellery for giving me a Sunshine Award. This has certainly helped brighten up my day (it is cold, wet and gloomy outside). It is a real compliment to receive this award from such a talented designer – go and look at her beautiful jewellery.

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blog world. I haven’t found this difficult to pass on as I find so many blogs inspiring – it was only difficult to stop at 12!

The rules for accepting the Sunshine award
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post
- Pass the award onto 12 bloggers
- Link the nominees within your post
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

My Award Winners (in no particular order!):
Jewelry by Lucy
Kookie Designs
Silk Painting with Deborah Younglao
Reflections of a Glass Artist
Hand Knitted Things
Hot Rocks
Amadora Designs
Beverly Gilbert
Red Bird Jewellery
Shay Stone
Kanna Glass Studios
Dance of a Painted Lady
Rachel Lucie Jewellery Designs
Swiss Side Jewellery
Emma in Wonderland Photography

I LOVE reading these blogs and urge you to check them out!

New shop - old favourites

2010-01-18T11:10:00.008Z

I have now opened a Dawanda shop to hopefully draw in some European customers to K S Jewellery Designs. The first pieces I have listed are some of my Textured Disc Earrings. These are proving to be some of my best sellers, so over the Christmas period I made some more and spent some time with my new camera taking photos.

Here is where I need your opinion... in my Etsy shop my thumbnails (i.e. the little pictures that show up in the galleries and lists) are the cropped photos showing more detail of the texture but... in my Dawanda shop I have chosen the first photo to be the one that shows the full view of the earrings.

What I can't decide is which is better - the 'cropped' or the 'full view' thumbnail? The cropped shot is supposed to be a bit more 'arty' and attract your attention amongst all the other jewellery on offer from other sellers... but maybe they are too abstract and potential buyers dismiss them not really understanding the item for sale.

FLOWERS - Fine Silver Textured Disc Earrings

PUDDLES - Fine Silver Textured Disc Earrings

PEBBLES - Fine Silver Textured Disc Earrings

LINES - Fine Silver Textured Disc Earrings

LEAVES - Fine Silver Textured Disc Earrings

DIAMONDS - Fine Silver Textured Disc Earrings

CIRCLES - Fine Silver Textured Disc Earrings

We have a winner!

2010-01-15T23:45:00.005Z

Thank you to everyone who entered my latest blog giveaway for this Fine Silver Butterfly Pendant. In total, including extra entries for following my blog and blogging about my giveaway, I put over 100 names in my box!

The lucky winner is....

.... Jo (from the blog entitled 'Given to distracting others')

Congratulations Jo - please can you contact me with your details of where to send your prize.

Blog Giveaway - 100 Etsy Sales!

2010-01-08T12:21:00.004Z

At the end of last year I celebrated lots of things, including my Blogiversary (a year since I started blogging). Now I am delighted to announce I have another thing to celebrate... my 100th sale in my Etsy shop! So to mark this occasion I have decided to have another giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive this Fine Silver Butterfly Pendant from my new Bug range of fine silver handmade charms and jewellery.

To enter this giveaway - simply leave a comment on this post with your details
To double your chances - be a follower of my blog
To triple your chances - blog about this giveaway and send me the link

The winner's name will be drawn on Friday 15th January 2010 - please remember to check back to see if it's you!

Good luck!

BUGS - Fine Silver Charms and Earrings

2010-01-08T00:14:00.010Z

Before Christmas a customer of mine challenged me to make his wife some fine silver textured disc earrings with a butterfly pattern. This took me on a little journey into making more discs with other insects and began my new line of 'Bug' charms and jewellery.

In my Etsy and Folksy shops you can buy any of the following charms for your own jewellery creations ...

... or I have also made some earrings using the charms.

Click on the photos for more details.

I had lots of fun with my new camera today, not only trying out a new very shiny surface to display my jewellery on ...

... but also trying to capture the winter background of my garden in the snow. It has been a beautiful sunny day here - very bright and VERY cold!

SALE - Coiled Jewel Bangles

2009-12-30T16:45:00.003Z

In January I shall be reorganising my Etsy and Folksy shops. A lot of the jewellery currently for sale will be removed and reallocated to other selling venues. This will make space for my new jewellery pieces.

Before then I shall be putting some of my pieces up for sale... starting with these Coiled Jewel Bangles. These have been reduced from $65.00 to $45.00 in my Etsy shop and from £40.00 to £30.00 in my Folksy shop.

Happy, Happy, Happy and Happy!

2009-12-29T23:18:00.011Z

Happy Christmas (a bit belated), Happy Birthday (mine, on Boxing Day), Happy New Year (nearly) and finally... Happy Blogiversary (it's been a year since I've been blogging. Wow, doesn't time fly).

So to celebrate I made these 'Littles Earrings' (fused and hammered fine silver earrings with coiled jewels).

Rubellite Garnet & Amethyst Littles Earrings

(custom order for Christmas)

Kyanite Littles Earrings
(I made these to go with the top I wore on my Birthday)

Garnet & Rhodolite Garnet Littles Earrings

(Another pair I made for myself to wear over Christmas)

And to celebrate my Blogiversary... another Blog giveaway to follow shortly... watch this space!

Snow

2009-12-21T23:53:00.007Z

It's amazing how a little bit of snow can make things look so beautiful

We took the kids sledging but I got distracted by the scenery

Time to go home for hot chocolate

Phew!

2009-12-15T09:41:00.018Z

Like everyone else, I have been very busy recently. Good type of 'busy'.... with Christmas fairs and family gatherings and I even did my first jewellery party.

I have made loads of sales recently and am pleased to announce I am now 'solvent'! I'm not sure whether I have the correct use of that word but what I mean is that when I look at my outgoings (costs of materials, beads, tools, packaging, etc) versus my incomings (sales), I am finally making a profit (a small one, mind you, nothing for the tax man to be worried about!). However, as my husband keeps pointing out... my 'profit' is before I allow myself any payment for my time and if I did that I would be in a huge deficit. It's a good thing I'm having so much fun with this hobby!

I would love to show you some new designs but there has been no time to create anything new. Here are some of my recent custom orders (2 more to make today) and lastly some little 'Fun Flower Earrings' which I made for my Christmas fairs in a range of different colours (these are the frosted pink ones).

I am hoping to have some time over the Christmas break to create some of the designs that have been whirring around in my brain and finish my Hammered Petals and Flowers tutorial.

New designs - Hammered Petals and Flowers

2009-11-23T15:52:00.010Z

I thought I would share with you some of my new designs which have been evolving at my work table recently. I also have a tutorial on these in the pipeline but just have not had the time to finish it yet.

Hammered Petals Necklaces (all of these are sold but the last 2 are in my Etsy and Folksy shops as ''Made to Order' items or can be custom made with a gemstone of your choice)

I'm calling these 'Funky Hammered Flowers' (with curled back petals)

'Green Aventurine Hammered Flower' (a large pendant with rectangular petals - there is something quite industrial about this design)

'Garnet Hammered Flower' (another big flower with shaped petals - the two photos show the stages of before and after I added some coiled jewels of rubellite garnet rondelles)

I'm a 'Power Teacher'!

2009-11-22T17:24:00.004Z

A few days ago I got such a lovely surprise when I logged on to Jewelry Lessons and found out I had been given an award of 'Power Teacher - November 2009'. It is a real compliment especially as I am in the company of some excellent teachers on JL who have also been given this award this month.

The last leaves of Autumn

2009-11-10T11:45:00.006Z

During a recent clear out and tidy up of my work area, I found these sterling silver leaf charms in my collection. I have had them for quite a while and when they arrived from my supplier, I thought they were a bit uninspiring (flat-shaped, cut-out charms with rough edges).

So I got out my sanding pads and started to sand and polish them to a lovely shine... they started looking better already. Then I decided to give them a more realistic 3D shape by creasing them in the centre and curling the edges a little.... yes, much better. (This photo shows the before and after.)

Feeling much happier with them, I think they are now worthy to be included in my jewellery for sale (Etsy and Folksy). I have teamed them with beautiful deep orange carnelian nugget beads to make these delicate, dangly earrings. They remind me of the last leaves of autumn waiting to fall.

AUTUMN LEAVES - Carnelian & Sterling Silver Leaf Charm Earrings

Flowers in my garden... but it's November!

2009-11-09T22:24:00.006Z

I was out in my garden this morning taking some photos of my latest jewellery pieces, in the best light I could find on such a misty day. After I had finished, my eye was drawn to all the flowers still surviving in my garden - in fact, I think some of them have got a bit confused and shouldn't be flowering at this time of year! It is probably due to the mild autumn we were having up until the cold weather came to the south of England this week.

I even found one of my dead-looking raspberry plants had few raspberries on it! They are not quite ripe yet and the birds will probably get to them before I do. I suppose their needs are greater than mine.

Ice Maiden - Tanzanite and Crystal Quartz Coiled Jewel Pendant

2009-11-08T22:49:00.004Z

I was rummaging through my stock of gemstones the other day and re-discovered these tanzanite rondelles I had bought ages ago. I had forgotten how special they are - such a beautiful lilac colour, almost iridescent.

This is my Ice Maiden Pendant and I have teamed the tanzanite with a perfectly clear and sparkling briolette of crystal quartz. For more details please click on the photo or head over to my Etsy or Folksy shops.

Earrings on a budget - Duo Earrings

2009-10-31T00:16:00.005Z

Preparing for my recent table sales and up coming Christmas fairs, I have made some lower priced earrings. I have them displayed on a stand I call 'Pick 'n' Mix Earrings' and offer reduced prices for buying 2 pairs or 3 pairs together. The idea of this stand is to draw the attention of customers to my stall and hopefully they might browse around my other jewellery.

Here are 3 of those earrings which I am called my 'Duo Earrings' (Amethyst Duo, Rose Quartz Duo and Kyanite Duo) which I have now listed in my Folksy shop.

Autumn Walks & Carnelian Wire Flower Necklace

2009-10-29T23:36:00.010Z

We are having a beautiful autumn in the south of England at the moment with some fantastic weather this week, which is just perfect for those lucky ones on half term holidays. I love walking in the local countryside at the best of times but autumn walks have to be my favourite just for the sheer beauty of all the different colours on show.

I also love the beautiful shades that carnelian comes in, from light shades of orange to deep russet red - a true autumnal gemstone. Here I have adapted my 'Wire Flowers' design to create this double petal flower with wrapped and coiled gemstones around the central bead.

As usual, you can find this necklace on sale in my Etsy and Folksy shops.

Jewelry Lessons - front page feature and my tutorials at sale price

2009-10-28T11:19:00.014Z

I'm feeling dead chuffed today. For international readers, 'chuffed' is an English expression for feeling pleased and gratified. I don't know how the word originated... anyway, I digress!... I switched on my computer this morning and logged on to my usual sites and there on the front page of Jewelry Lessons is a feature on my Coiled Jewels tutorial... there it is halfway down, under the heading 'RECOMMENDATION'. It doesn't get much better than that!

The other good news is that following my Weekend Sale on Etsy, I have now put both of my tutorials at a SALE price on Jewelry Lessons - click on the pictures below to be taken direct to their page.

Whilst you're there, take some time to have a look around the Jewelry Lessons site. There are some great articles, a Q&A section, a huge gallery of jewellery pieces and lots of tutorials for sale by some very talented jewellery artists - just what you might be needing to inspire your next creation.

The Collective Charity Auction

2009-10-27T22:44:00.004Z

This week I donated a pair of my 'Fine Silver Flower Textured Disc Earrings' to The Collective charity auction. Every penny bid will go directly to the 2 chosen charities Headway and Royal Free Hospital Kidney Patients Association.

There are some amazing auction lots available with jewellery from Beady Pool, Beverley Hicklin, Kookie Designs, Ray Skene, KS Jewellery Designs, Flame and Glass and Kebo Jewellery, as well as beads from: Laura Sparling, Tina Scott, Emma Ralph, Moogin, Cheeky Cherubs and Pixie Willow Designs. There are also 2 sets of Mini Moo business card that the lovely Moo people have donated.

Please do take a look at the Charity Auction page to see the details of each lot to bid on. The auction closes on Monday November 2nd at 8:30pm GMT.

The Weekend Starts Here! - 15% off Everything in my Etsy Shop

2009-10-23T13:58:00.007+01:00

I'm in a good mood.... I have just got home from work and, as far as I'm concerned,.... THE WEEKEND STARTS HERE!

I have decided to have a SALE in my Etsy shop giving everyone 15% off everything in my shop (jewellery and tutorials). Please purchase and pay as normal by PayPal and I will refund you 15% of the original price of the item (shipping remains the same).

The sale begins NOW! (Friday 23rd October) and will end at midnight on Sunday 25th October (UK time).

So... if there's anything you've had your eye on for a while, now's the time to buy.

Orange Littles - blog giveaway winner's choice

2009-10-21T21:50:00.009+01:00

Carol Ann (one of my latest blog giveaway winners) told me her favourite colour was orange. Here are her custom made pair of my Littles Earrings with shades of carnelian.

Orange Littles - Carnelian Coiled Jewel Fine Silver Hammered Circle Earrings

This pair is winging their way to her as I type (although a UK postal strike has just been announced!). I have also listed these earrings in my Etsy and Folksy shops as a 'made to order' item. I will, of course, take custom orders if you have a different colour in mind - just ask!

Colour Me Happy - Multi-gemstone Woven Circle Pendant

2009-10-20T11:49:00.007+01:00

I'm busy, busy, busy with 2 commissioned orders for lovely customers and making the Littles Earrings for my blog giveaway winners from last week, but thought I would do a quick post about this colourful pendant I made in preparation for my table sale last Saturday (it was pretty disasterous to be honest - 4 sales, 1 commission but I managed to cover my costs with a little extra - anyway, enough said, move on!!!).

I have called this multi-gemstone pendant Colour Me Happy. I'm sure I'm not the first designer to use that name in memory of Julia Roberts' outburst in 'Pretty Woman' but it just suits it and suits my mood at the moment. I have decided that when I have finished my current projects.... next week I am going to go CRAZY WITH COLOUR!