Angela Smith Jewellery: December 2014

Tuesday, 30 December 2014

A pair of ice earrings

With the frosty views from my windows at the moment, I just couldn't help myself, after a selection of new beads were delivered this morning, I had to make something along the theme of snow and ice and these new beads were perfect!
The earrings are made with clear glass oval drops and hang on silver plate ear hooks but as with all my silver plate earrings these can be changed to sterling silver if preferred at an increased price

on silver plate ear hooks £10
on sterling silver ear hooks £12
UK P&P £2.50
If you would like to purchase these please visit my earring page or contact me or leave a comment on this post thank you

handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

Saturday, 20 December 2014

knitted Christmas bauble

This week I have been enjoying a bit a 'me time; which still involved me knitting with wire and beads but this is for me for Christmas.
Having seen a few knitted Christmas baubles all with wool this Christmas, I then watched Kirstie Allsopp's 'Handmade Christmas' last week and seeing them actually being knitted I decided I wanted the challenge of attempting my own version,
.....and it was a challenge After three failed attempts to get it started thanks to the wire being too thin at first then the needles constantly slipped out of the stitches and then I started knitting too tightly to try and stop the needles slipping out!
I finally sorted through these problems and watched the bauble take shape
Oh yes did I mention I used 5 needles!!!

Happy Christmas xxx

Thursday, 11 December 2014

More crocheted two-toned earrings

These crocheted wire and bead earrings will be heading to Gallery at 12 this afternoon along with some other items of jewellery - If you would like me to crochet you a pair please let me know your colour preference - they are crocheted with silver plate wire and coloured enamelled copper wire threaded with tiny glass beads - I have a large choice of coloured wires to use so these are only examples of what I could crochet for you. I have added a Swarovski crystal pearl to the centre of each earring. The earhooks are silver plate but as always I can attach them to sterling silver ear hooks if preferred - the cost of earrings on plated hooks are £20 or £22 on sterling silver.

handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

Friday, 5 December 2014

Knitted wire and glass bead Christmas tree earrings

Hot off my knitting needles - These fab Christmas Tree earrings - I am definitely going to have to knit myself a pair of these for Christmas - the beads are threaded on randomly onto the wire so no two earrings will match - but I think that adds to the charm of them. These earrings hang from silver plate ear hooks, I can also make them on gold plate or even sterling silver hooks.

handmade jewellery by Angela Smith

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Beaded snowflake decoration making workshop

wow - what a morning at Lily's Secret Vintage Tea Rooms - with some fabulous ladies making wonderful beaded snowflakes -
I wasn't sure how this morning would go as I had never provided a workshop to make these snowflakes before, My poster said 'make up to 5 snowflakes' I knew I could make 5 comfortably in the time but I wasn't sure if that would be the case with ladies who weren't used to working with wire, beads and pliers - so I was very relieved when most made 4 - and one lady did actually manage to make 5 in the session!
I think the ladies were all very pleased with their makes - and what was fantastic was the amazing array of snowflakes created.
Some photos from today

and I have to say my lemon curd cake was spectacular - thank you Sarah!

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.