Angela Smith Jewellery: May 2010

Monday, 24 May 2010

Upstairs is now well and truly open

Welcome to the first floor of Gallery at 12, in Eccleshall, which we officially launched on May 16th,
Gallery at 12 has now been open for a year and is working well. We have recently welcomed 3 new artists into the Staffordshire Artists Cooperative making us 11 in total with 4 guest artists.
Our new artists are Noel Bennett - photographer, Steven Kirk - mixed media artist and Ray Sheldon -painter, and our new guest artist is Gillian McMillan - ceramicist.
Just thought I'd give you a sneak viewing of what was on display in the Gallery's first floor last Saturday. Hope you like!

May be one day I will see you here!

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

How long do you wear your earrings?

Firstly I have now totally moved out of my Seighford studio, so I guess I shouldn't refer to it as MY studio any more. The house is a tip and my work desk is so cluttered it isn't easy to work at it, I am sure things will get better, so I am not panicking too much about it yet!
Today I sat at my desk for the first time since I moved out and completed this necklace and bracelet set, I then went on to re string a necklace.

Secondly I know I promised a post about Gallery at 12 Open Day but I was so busy on the day pouring wines, washing up, making more blinis up and talking to people I didn't get a chance to take any decent photo's. What I can say is that we enjoyed a very successful day.
My blogging friend Maggi visited from Derbyshire and I have ended up with a beautiful book from her which I shall treasure always, thank you so much Maggi, it was lovely to see you again.

In my conversation with Maggi I started talking about jewellery I have brought home from Seighford, which I never take out to sales with me but I used to always have on display at the Seighford studio, such as some more knitted and crocheted items these earrings!

The first pair of these were made accidentally, in that it started off as a bracelet but as I held it up to attach the clasp that familiar question popped into my head 'What if I...?' and before I knew it I was holding up a super dupa long earring. which of course then needed a partner and then of course once you've made one pair you have to make others to keep the first pair company, so several pairs were made of which I now have 3 pairs left, I sell them individually or as a pair

Friday, 7 May 2010

Business as normal

Even with all the mayhem of emptying my studio / workshop I am still having to continue making up my jewellery orders.
Two of which were collected yesterday from the Gallery. I knitted these two smaller tiara's as a couple of bridesmaid gifts, they aren't for wearing at the weding itself, but the bridesmaids still wanted to have a princess tiara each so these were commissioned, I hope they will feel like princesses when they wear them.

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

Harper Adams University College - News - WiRE celebrates 10th National Conference (video)

Harper Adams University College - News - WiRE celebrates 10th National Conference (video)
if you look hard enough and don't blink you will see me on this, but I'm not telling you where, the jewellery is a bit of a give away though!

Welcome to Angela Smith jewellery

Staffordshire handmade bespoke jewellery Designer.

I have been designing and making beaded jewellery for more than 20 years now. It all started with a kit for 6 pairs of earrings, and I still get as excited about making jewellery today as I did then.

I use a variety of beads, including freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal, Venetian glass, dichroic glass, semi precious beads or any other type of bead that I feel is needed for the design I am working on.

I am constantly exploring new ways to incorporate these beads into designs and as a result my designs sometimes move away from jewellery into other slightly more 'off the wall' accessories

Jewellery Making Birthday parties

10 things I love, after my family

sitting on the cliffs watching the sea
Lord of the Rings, the books and the films
an open fire in the winter
Christmas
photography, although I'm still learning
earl grey tea preferably made with loose tea leaves in a pot, poured into a china mug
colour - life would be very boring in black and white
The Hebrides- I would move there tomorrow if I could, only problem would be choosing the island
my herb garden and most of what flies about in it
the dawn chorus and listening to bird song throughout the day

Gallery at 12, High Street, Eccleshall, Stafford.

I am a member of the Staffordshire Artists / Makers Cooperative.

In May 2009 we opened an Art Gallery in Eccleshall, Stafford to show case our work.

In May 2010 we opened our first floor gallery.

As well as exhibiting work of member artsits, we also have several guest artists and provide monthly exhibition space for other artists to use.

Gallery at 12, High Street, Eccleshall is open
10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday.

Telephone 01785 850757

http://www.galleryat12.co.uk/

you can also follow us on Twitter @Galleryat12

Some jewellery tips

To keep your jewellery looking good, it is always best to hang your necklaces or keep them lying flat in a box.

Earrings are easier to find if hanging in pairs instead of being thrown in a box or drawer along with a multitude of other earrings.

All of my own earrings hang from a cork board covered with felt and painted to compliment the surrounding decor.

It is also best to apply any perfumes, hairsprays etc before putting your jewellery on, this will help to prevent your jewellery tarnishing.

If your skin has an intollerance to certain jewellery metals, try painting a varnish onto your jewellery, watches and belts, . You can buy jewellery varnish at most department stores, although nail varnish works equally as well.

Always remove jewellery before washing unless items are gold or sterling silver as other metals can react with soap and water

If you have pearls, wear them, this is the best way to keep them in good condition, after wearing it is recommended that you gently wipe them with a damp soft cloth before putting them away.