Decided to re-make my husband's wedding ring as a surprise for our anniversary on Monday. I made him one a few years back, but I was never too pleased with it really. But, maybe I was being over critical. We tend to do that with our own work don't we?!

Pete designed the ring really, I can't take the credit for that. He wanted a copper band around the top and a separate silver band around the base. Hope he likes this one cos I've added a bit of my own slant on it too.

Lets hope he doesn't read my blog until Monday eh?! - Don't think he's especiallly an avid follower ;)  

I did a training session with Jenny May today on her last day of work placement with me. I showed her how to make a plain silver ring, then solder a round disc with a large bezel cup. Then she chose a garnet stone to set in the ring. It was sad to see her go, it's been really lovely having her working with me in my studio for the past few weeks. She was chuffed with her ring though, said she'll be proudly showing everyone what she's made.

I've had a lady working with me today on work placement. She was sent here through a wonderful organisation set up to help creative people get back into work.

RiO says, "we invest all our profits back into developing our work with people; providing them with the opportunity and support to make change happen using their own ideas, energy and ability."

Jenny has been making ear-wires, small round domed units & flower charms since she's been with me.

Click here  to find out more about their programmes & how you could get involved.

"The Heritage Crafts Association is the advocacy body for traditional heritage crafts. Working in partnership with Government and key agencies, it provides a focus for craftspeople, groups, societies and guilds, as well as individuals who care about the loss of traditional crafts skills, and works towards a healthy and sustainable framework for the future."

I just wanted to promote this organisation today. They desperately need your support, so please sign up if you feel passionate about keeping the traditional crafts alive. (it's free) Click on the banner above and follow the instructions.

These were a bit of a challenge for me. I'm not used to designing & making rings for men. I like the mixture of silver & copper though, I think it looks quite earthy. I did an inlay of copper for the ring on the right and gave it a matt finish with a highly polished inside.

The ring on the left was a special commission for a celtic looking design.  I hammered & soldered copper wire onto the silver band to create the pattern.   

I absolutely love this bracelet! I want to keep it for myself ;-) A lady bought my african turquoise sail earrings and african turquoise wave bead pendant & wanted a bracelet to match. The shape of these oval beads work really well with the herringbone design - a technique I learned through eni oken's site . Well worth having a look if you're mad about silver wire wrapping.

 The orders have been trickling in nicely this month from Hidden Art.

 They're such a great organisation. I was gutted when Hidden Art Cornwall had to close down  last month. Their funding unfortunately ran out. I've exhibited at their Design Fair at Godolphin House for the last two years. I've done quite a few different craft fairs and shows over the past few years but this one was my favourite by far. They were so well organised and professionally presented, ran by craft people who had a passion for the crafts industry. And, it was only 5 minutes drive from where I lived, an added bonus eh!

 Click on the logo on the left to browse some amazing art & design created by some very clever peeps.

The picture on the left was taken last summer especially for a double page article I had printed in the Cornwall Life magazine. Click here to see the full article.

So, this is where it all happens! I love my space. I worked from home for nearly 2 years, so when I found this little studio it was heaven. It's situated in a small complex which includes a gallery, a potters studio and a photographers studio. The jeweller who I've worked with for nearly 3 years, sharing craft fairs & jewellery parties, Lucy Kemp, has recently moved in just across from me which is great. We can share ideas & get much needed feedback from each other while we're working.

Well, I pinned some new pictures onto my aboard first thing this morning. Trying to attract more people into the market and then 'drag' them upstairs to come and see me in my workshop. I'm tucked out the way a bit, but it's my space and I love it.

I've then been concentrating on building up my stock again. I've made some filligree pendants which will be available on my site soon. I've also made some more african turquoise wave bead pendants. I find these go really well so always need a good stock of them. And, also made some triple droplet earrings which are absolutely stunning and will also be available to buy on my site soon.

Sign up to my mailing list if you want to be kept posted. I'm going to be listing quite a few lovely new pieces within the next month or so.

I finished this commission today. The photograph doesn't show up the finish too well, but I sanded each silver link with a grade 240 paper, then used a stainless steel burnisher on each link to give a mottled matt effect. I also used the same technique to give the same effect on the chunky silver lobster clasp.

I was a bit worried that the chain wouldn't sit straight, but I found that the weight of it helps the links to sit flat on the neck. I really enjoyed the challenge of this commission.

I just can't believe this gorgeous weather we're having - and it's only March. Let's just hope it keeps going eh?!

I cycled into work again this morning. I only live about 20 minutes away, so tisn't a great hike but feels great. I can't help thinking of all the advantages - gets me fit (hopefully), saves on petrol money, helps the environment, gets me some sunshine before I start work & means I can avoid all the annoying traffic lights that are all over the place at the mo. Plenty of reasons I reckon.

Have lots of stock to make today, so best crack on...............

This pair of earrings was commissioned by a lady who bought the blue agate wrap ring from me yesterday. She wanted studs but with a tiny drop, especially to match the ring. I think these work quite well together.

Sorry about the quality of my photos. Gonna have to invest in a light tent me thinks.

I'm quite pleased with these. The lady who was bought one of my necklaces for her birthday wanted a pair of earrings to match. She wanted studs but with a slight dangle. I made a pair of silver double link studs, then attached a small disc of silver and set a 5mm turquoise stone on the disc. Hope she likes them. 

Been making all the links so I can assemble a few of these brand new leaf bracelets when they're all tumbled. Wow, I'm being so disciplined at the moment. ;-)

I love this design, I think the small Carnelian gemstones look so pretty.  I was recently commissioned, though, to make one with Tiger Eye to match a pair of earrings they'd already bought from me. It looked equally as gorgeous. These'll also be available to buy on my website soon too.

I was commissioned earlier this week for a pair of earrings to  match the Green Amber necklace I'd already made. I made them slightly different to the pendant as I thought this gave them more of a unique, exclusive appeal. My photographic skills leave a lot to be desired (sorry) but the Green Amber looks absolutely stunning!

I've also been making tons of links and jump rings today. Is it just me or does everyone else seem to manage to slice their fingers doing this?

I decided recently that it'll be more efficient for me to produce more than 1 or 2 of the same piece at the same time.  So, today I've been trying to discipline myself & have made enough units to make 4 of these silver triple disc bracelets, and a matching necklace which will also be available to buy on my website soon. I'd made a necklace a few months ago as a showcase piece & sold it from my workshop last week. 

I've just joined the online crafts forum. Found it yesterday. A fantastic site for all you fellow crafters out there. Full of fantastic advice and tons of suggestions for your crafting business.

Have a mooch around the site and see for yourself - craftsforum