Sunday 20 April 2014

A 2nd Bite of the Cherry......

Well, as I suggested in my previous posting.......thing were about to change......but at that time I couldn't specify until a few things were in place.

The first was to finalise the details of a new job.......less than my current hours, less money and less stress and draining of energy, thereby freeing up more time and energy to devote to my true love of jewellery.  This also means that I will teaching jewellery and working with metal clay again.  Yippee!!  That's all I can say on that.

The second was to hand in my notice at my current job, and as they had just advertised for new staff.....I thought it a good idea to do it sooner than later - so they now have 6 weeks notice instead of the desired 4.  But that does now mean it is public and I can talk about my plans.

Can't remember if I mentioned the Leighton Buzzard Market......but I shall be doing that regularly on the 4th Saturday of the month in the High Street.  This is in addition to the 2nd Saturday of the month at Bedford Handcrafted Market.  Click here for list of dates.

What I have planned with regard to teaching is a 3 hour Taster Session for Beginners and also full day workshops.  The taster session will be quite basic where as the full day workshops will be more technique based.
So if you fancy learning how to turn this 10g ball of Fine Silver Precious Metal Clay (PMC3) .....

 
Into 2 pairs of Solid Fine silver Earrings

 
Or 1 pair of earrings and a pendant in solid fine silver

 

Then give me a call on 07871 171 565 for more details or email me on jdlm@live.co.uk to register your interest.  Dates and Venue (in Bedford, UK) to be confirmed soon and the price of this Taster Session will be in the region of £36.

Details of full day workshops will also be coming soon, so let me know if this also interest you,

In addition to my own workshops - I have also been asked to teach metal clay again at Tudor Rose Patchwork - which I am really looking forward to.  I am hoping to include Copper and Bronze workshops but I am still in the process of devising the workshop with the appropriate copper or bronze - still looking for the ideal clay with a firing process that is best suited to workshops.

Another workshop I am planning is a beading workshop - not the intricate seed beading that takes so much patience.  I have had so many people buy my beaded earrings and comment that they wished they knew how to do make them, that I thought I may as well devise a workshop and teach them.....so watch this space.

Finally for this posting......here is the first JDLM Newsletter  I have produced in two years.  There is a special offer included for April/May so print one off and come and find me at an event if you want to benefit from the offer. 

That's All for now folks
Blessings to All
 

 

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Update.......Better late than never!!

Well it has definitely been a while since I have posted on here!! Apologies for that.  The necessary 'Day Job' has certainly got in the way of my jewellery and Me over the last 2 years.  Hopefully that will be rectified quite soon......so whilst I can't say anymore for now.......watch this space!!

Over the last year I have experimented a little with the Goldie Bronze clays.  I am still attempting to get to grips with working with the powders and mixing the clay myself.....and as for the very different firing method associated with Bronze and Copper.......this is very different to firing Fine Silver......and I have to admit to finding this a challenge also.  I will persevere though as copper and bronze clays are a lot more 'affordable' than Fine Silver, which means I can make the 'big pieces' I have had in mind for so long. 

That said, my love is still with Fine Silver - I prefer everything about it and I can't wait to get back to focusing on making silver jewellery again - time and day job allowing.

Since I returned to 'employment' I had to suspend teaching, but this is soon to be rectified - so I am back on the market for' one to one' tuition and hopefully (within the next 6 months) workshops will also soon be available again.

We have just had the first 'Handcrafted in Bedfordshire Area' Market of the season, so as a reminder it is the 2nd Saturday of the month.  Click here for dates.  I am also hoping to attend the Leighton Buzzard Handcrafted markets, to be held on the 4th Saturday of the month, but this has yet to be confirmed - so again, watch this space.

The Website (www.jdlm.co.uk) has been redesigned and, after a few hiccups caused by Windows 8.1, is now finally up and working as it should. Please take the time to have a look - I have simplified it so it should be much easier to navigate around.

The shop page on the website has been updated with new stock, so well worth a look.  Remember - I only make 'one of a kind' items so once it has gone - its gone.  that said I am quite pleased that after all these years I am still making individual items.

When I get time, I have also started dabbling in Polymer clay - just to make a few beads and to give colour and depth to some of my jewellery - I quite like using it with the bronze and copper, so this is something else I am having fun in learning and experimenting with.

I am also considering getting an Etsy shop, but this will not be happening for a couple of months as I want to make some items specifically for that 'outlet'.  Again - watch this space!

Well I think that is all for now......time for me to go to bed I think, as it is nearly 2.30am, but I wanted to quickly update the blog and get back into the swing of it.  So Night All and Sleep tight!

Bright Blessings
J x