Angela Smith Jewellery: October 2010

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

beads and wire

Another day in the Gallery gave me a chance to make some more jewellery.
Sitting at a small desk which needs to be cleared quickly when a painting or vase needs wrapping it is best to keep my jewellery making compact, so a reel of wire and beads is ideal.
I chose to sit and crochet a necklace first as I only have two crocheted necklaces left in the Gallery at the moment. Decisions decisions what length to make it, should it have a clasp or just be able to slip over the head, I opted for a longer length this time.

It would be good if we could decorate the windows up this year for Christmas so I thought I would have a go at a new design for a star, I am happy with this, no doubt I will adapt the design as I make more so no two will be identical.

Tuesday, 12 October 2010

Where in Staffordshire can you buy unique masks?

Look no further than Gallery at 12, Eccleshall.
Now we have Christmas fast approaching peoples minds are starting to focus on winter charity balls and many of these will be masked!
I have written about my masks before on this blog - Back in April I showed you this

This is a knitted mask, I do not have set patterns for my knitted jewellery, I just set to with a pair of knitting needles and see what evolves, so this is a totally unique never to be repeated item, I can make them in any colour, but I can't guarantee what they will look like, so although I make them to order, it is always a case of wait and see!
This one is on show in my jewellery cabinet in Gallery at 12, Eccleshall, Staffordshire.
This isn't the only mask on show in the Gallery, we do have a large selection of leather masks made by a very talented artist Steven Kirk. Below are a few of Steven's masks currently on display in the Gallery.

So, if you have been invited to a masked ball this season, please visit the Gallery in Eccleshall, there are plenty of masks to choose from and if you can't find something to suit your requirements, Steven and I are happy to take on commissions.
This Sunday, 17th October would be a great day to visit as the Gallery is holding an Open Day and most of the artists will be in attendance.
If Eccleshall is not within travelling distance I can also recommend you take a look at Masque Boutique. Where you can view some beautiful Venetian style masks online.

Tuesday, 5 October 2010

Simple on leather

Having spent the morning crimping crystal beads onto wire to make several floating necklaces this afternoon I had every intention to continue along the same lines, but for some reason I ended up making these instead, and I am really pleased with them. So simple yet really pretty. What do you think?

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.