A picture of My Stall at Glasgow Lighthouse

All avaialable in my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/EncantoJewellery

Antique Copper Wire Necklace,Bracelet and Earring set

Antique Copper Set

My Copper set with gemstones was very popular, so I have made a similar set,handmade jewellery is never the same, each piece unique. I have used the same purple stripey agate gemstones.What do you think?

Every part of the set is handmade including the copper beads,the clasps and the ear wires.

This is going on sale in my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/EncantoJewellery

Back View of Antique Copper Necklace,Bracelet and Earring Set, with  purple gemstones

Front Detail, Antique Copper Set, Handmade

Back Detail of Handmade Clasp,Swan Clasp,on Handmade jewellery Display

Antique Copper Necklace Front View

Earrings, Completely Handmade

Easter Sunday Encanto at Fair at Lighthouse

Hi all, if you are fed up with too much chocolate on Sunday, drop by the Lighthouse where I have a stall at The Crafters Roadshow where there are 40 tables and the stall fees are going to Yorkhill.
I am quite excited to be taking my new jewellery to the fair and hope you can come along and see it.
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=20f212891ef8a671ff0cd7fe6&id=2a8cf76590
Its open from 12-5pm at The Lighthouse Mitchell Lane  Glasgow.

Wire Weaving practice

My practice results,woven wire

Weave Three-Practice

Weave one

Finally got the hang of weaving

Weave two

Steam Punk Inspired Necklace

Steam Punk

This is my steam punk inspired Necklace,its big chunky and in antique copper wire with lovely Green Agate Gemstones. It has  a Celtic knot in the middle which I then twisted.

It was not easy to create and took far longer than you would think. I  usually  create neat detailed wire work necklaces and this necklace has a different theme with thick wrapped beads,chunky clasps etc. 

It was a challenge but I am happy with the result. It could also influence ideas for jewellery for men since I think it has  unisex appearance (great for a chunky  bracelet, wrist band). I could make one to order if anyone wants to order a specially made gift.

Any comments anyone?   I welcome feedback. https://www.etsy.com/shop/EncantoJewellery

Antique Copper Necklace with Green Agate Natural Gemstones

Plaited and twisted centre,gemstone details and handmade copper beads

The beads at plaited section have lots of chunky wrapping

More Designs made with copper wire and gemstones

Necklace with copper and pink agate gemstones

Gemdrop Necklace,loaded with pink agate gemstones

50 meters of copper wire used today

My local jewellery making supply shop has a sign in the window saying that Jewellery making saves money.This is not my experience I have never spent so much on jewellery before but nor have I had so much jewellery to wear.Its the addictive nature of learning that keeps the momentum going.

Bracelet -copper with stripey agate gemstones

I thought I had a great treat 50 meters of copper wire and six strands of gemstones arrived in the post.Not only have I got through the 50 meters today I have used other wire from my stash too. I have made two necklaces (one nearly finished), a bracelet and a pair of earrings. I think one set is for myself, I made it to fit just in case I changed my mind. What do you think of my designs?

Another trip to beach for sea glass

Today I went to the beach with two friends who were new to sea glass beach combing.  We enjoyed a couple of hours walking on a rather windy beach,dressed against the elements our task made us oblivious of everything else. It must have been beginners luck since we found some interesting pieces.
One piece of white glass rather like a paper weight and lots of aquas. Also one lovely piece of brown glass which  is being wrapped with copper wire into a pendant. I shall post all the photos below shortly.

Our haul,new  treasures

This is not a nose,its brown sea glass found on a Scottish Beach

The Treasure

Brown Sea Glass (a new find) wrapped with copper wire into a pendant for myself,with leather cord and handmade clasp

I think I will be using up all my wire soon with this  treasure. I also have a large piece for a bold statement pendant.

Links to interesting wire work sites

Rachel Norris who tutors for Jewellery Maker and has wirework DVDs I love her wire flowers.
Her website is http://www.jewellerydesignbyrachel.com/page18.html

I subscibe to The Beading Gems journal on email and facebook, the posts daily appear to read my thoughts and you can find information on all types of jewellery making including lots on wire work.
I always read these posts since they are interesting and appear to hit the mark.http://www.beadinggem.com

I wish I could attend Lonely Soldier workshops but they are too far away. I like the wire work.
http://www.lonelysoldierdesigns.co.uk/workshops.html

I also like the distinctive style of Louise Goodchild. I bought one of her tutorials and adapted it to make some nice winter tree of life pendants. http://www.louisegoodchild.co.uk/

Wire wick jewellery have great wire weaving tutorials which I must start as son as my wire order arrives http://wickwirejewelry.blogspot.co.uk

I have  just bought the Feb/March edition of wire jewellery magazine.The instructions are clear to follow. There is a fantastic pair of earrings called silver swirl by Marlies Blaauw which are wire woven. I like the unwoven stage very much and think they would look great with a purple gemstone.I intend to try both weaved and unweaved versions and cannot wait to start.http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com

Setting up a stall at craft fair for first time

My table at a successful sale at home for Unicef last summer

Paper Beads displayed on the book they were made from on my table.

I have my first stall at a craft fair tomorrow  So far I have had a couple of charity sales at home. However I really need to get tools and materials so I am taking first steps into the craft markets. I am moving in small steps having booked a stall at a busy church craft fair (apparently lucky to get a space) which has low costs for the table for the day.I thought this would keep it stress free and casual but it stills feels like a big event since I am unsure how my   jewellery will be received and if this is where I will find the right market. On the other hand if it works out I can have a regular spot and I could work away at my projects with the knowledge that I have a means of selling the finished product on and can then buy more materials and learn more.
Things I have learnt from attending other craft fairs and running charity stalls

- Have good visible prices. I was at a fair where the prices were on red tags and I could not see the price. So I have large cream price tags tied on with string to each piece.

- consider lighting- a fair I attended in a pub with candle light meant I could not see the lovely handcrafted items for sale on the tables. So ask in advance  re table light etc.

-Display- I am having to use a portable table which is light so I am leaving behind my heavy display items I used for my charity sale at home.However I have a few specially chosen pieces to fit in with the theme including a lovely white iron framed mirror for customers to see how well the jewellery suits them.
-What to take and display- I learnt  from running charity stalls at big events. I use to donate my books and beg loads from friends.Its the hardest thing to take due to the weight.At one event I had no control over the distance of my car to the stall and it was the last time I took books to this type of event. Books are more suited to a car boot event where you can avoid the lifting and carrying of heavy loads.

-Arrive at the earliest time you can access the stall. I learnt from charity stalls that it all takes time,finding the person to point you to your space,unloading your products from the car and the setting up display. The display side is always as long as you have,it takes time and you want to ensure you are ready before people start to arrive.Having everything ready to lift from boxes straight into a prepared table plan is essential.

-It is the important to enjoy yourself. If you look happy and relaxed them people are more likely to approach your stall.Do not pounce on customers it can be off putting and give them time to quietly take in your stall answering questions when required.

- Remember you meet lots of different people when working in public some will like what you are selling some will not, remain confident in yourself and take in sensible constructive feedback re pricing etc.

A display from my Unicef sale at home last summer with paper beads displayed on the books they were made from. Note the love hearts. These are a must for my stalls,they look nice and I love to give them to children with their parents permission.
You also need a helper, so you can move from your stall for refreshments etc without leaving your precious work unattended.