I've been developing my jewellery making for nearly 2 years now but not many people know that I used to teach Jewellery Design back in the mid 1990's when I co-ran HND Design Crafts at Barnsley College [thank goodness for wonderful technicians who supported my design input]. Over the years I've attended numerous evening classes here and there, but now it's become an obsession!!! I have attended the Alchimia Jewellery School in Florence, there's a jewellery showcase exhibition already booked at Fair Trader Holmfirth [July & August '23] and have a collection of brooches, earrings and neck pieces selling well from my webshop
I have felt an overwhelming pressure to incorporate my embroidery into the jewellery creations.
At first I tried it and couldn't find anything I was convinced by. Then I worked against it and explored everything other than an integration with textiles!
Now I've found a place I'm happy with.
Done of this means that I won't be creating textiles as well - for me creating and making, drawing and designing [in whatever medium], well...its my 'happy place', as they say. While a painted scarf is drying on my print table, rather than literally watch paint dry, I can turn my attention to soldering; when I need a break from my threads, I can pick up a file instead!!! It's a win win!!
I've made a series of oval silver frames to hold snippets of my stitches - they are open at both sides so you have two different views of my work & I've 'fussy cut' stitched gems to adorn these precious metal frames Oxidisation of the silver sets off the stitches beautifully...what do you think?
I shall have a small collection ready to take to my next event: Cheltenham Craft Festival 10-12th March at the exquisite Town Hall. There will be an array of colours and moods of pendants - all hallmarked from the Sheffield Assay Office. I'm making new hand painted scarves for Cheltenham too :-)