Angela Smith Jewellery: 'Magog' - An Oak leaf necklace

Friday, 12 September 2014

'Magog' - An Oak leaf necklace

This week I have been working on this statement necklace design, based on oak leaves, which is now complete. I have named her Magog after a fabulous old, I believe around 2000 years old, oak near Glastonbury - when I saw her about 20 years ago she was still just clinging onto life unlike her partner, Gog, which has now sadly died - just think what has passed in her lifetime - amazing!!!!

I used copper wire to make my oak leafs, freehand shaping so, as in nature, no two are identical, I then added finer copper wire threaded with Swarovski crystals and glass beads to each leaf by weaving and wrapping into a random pattern, then I linked each set of leaves together with a glass bead on copper wire and added a hand formed clasp again using copper wire.

handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

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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.

Friday, 12 September 2014

'Magog' - An Oak leaf necklace

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