Angela Smith Jewellery: May 2013

Friday, 31 May 2013

cool, grey and stylish

Another new jewellery set for this week -
A freshwater pearl necklace and matching bracelet

handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

Friday, 24 May 2013

It is always great to have my jewellery designs recognised so for one of my items to be chosen as the winning design in the Beads Unlimited Blog readers Flower Power gallery is fantastic news Thank you so much Beads Unlimited - I am thrilled!!!!!
this is the winning item a crocheted bead and wire chrysanthemum brooch

bespoke handmade designs by Angela Smith Jewellery

Thursday, 23 May 2013

Out of my comfort zone

I am always happy to try working with different materials and exploring new ways to string beads, sometimes it comes naturally and flows, other times, due to the materials I use, it doesn't - This necklace certainly took me out of my comfort zone, I am not used to stringing beads by just tying them in place and I chose not to add a clasp which then meant knotting the ends together and as the suedette was too thick to thread through the beads twice it meant I will have ends showing.
So the end result is a necklace much heavier in appearance to most of my designs and it may be more casual too. I do now have a selection of suedette in a variety of colours which I shall be including in my designs over the next few months - so this is the first of hopefully many that will stretch me a little bit more.

bespoke handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

Monday, 20 May 2013

Pearls and crystals

Are you looking for a necklace for a bride - how about this beauty?
Made with clear Swarovski crystals and Cream Swarovski crystal pearls along with small clear glass beads and a sterling silver clasp - this would compliment a traditional wedding dress beautifully.

handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

Thursday, 16 May 2013

New and unique - what more could a bride want?

I am still experimenting with ways to incorporate fabric chain into my designs and I am looking forward to trying out other ideas in the future but for the time being these two new matching items of jewellery were made this week using ivory fabric chain alongside cream Swarovski crystal pearls and clear Swarovski crystals - beautiful for a bride but could equally be worn as stunning accessories to any summer outfit . These are both currently available from Gallery at 12 in Eccleshall

unique handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

Wednesday, 8 May 2013

One thing leads to another

How many times does this happen, I make some jewellery, share a picture of it somewhere - either on here or on facebook or twitter and someone gets back to me loves the jewellery and asks if I can make something else to go with it!
Yesterday I shared these earrings on facebook

here are a couple of the pairs close up

Today I was asked if I can make a bracelet to go with the emerald green earrings - of course I can - always happy to oblige so here is the completed set which will be winging it's way to my client later today, in time to be worn at a wedding this weekend.

Anyone else want a matching bracelet or necklace???

handmade bespoke jewellery by Angela Smith

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.