http://www.silverfusion.co.uk en-gb silverfusion.co.uk 2011-9-5T00:00:00Z silverfusion.co.uk http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#101856 Ive got the website back online at last Have a look round at the new galleries and workshops pages and tell me what you think theres still some work to do I know but Ive a very busy few weeks coming up... Friday this week Ill be in the Wulfrun Centre in Wolverhampton with West Midlands CraftersSaturday Ill be at Kenilworth at the Handmade Market for those who have been before please note the new time and venueSunday Ill be at the Staffordshire Bead Fair clear here for the discounted admission offer.On top of that my jewellery will soon be available at Blue Gallery in Shifnal and Ill be taking part in their 10 year anniversry celebrations.And Ill be teaching see workshops page and working on new classes all suggestions welcomeTill next time Rach x 2011-9-5 16:21:04 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#98658 As well as a busy few months at Craft Fairs and working on new jewellery collections Ive also been working on some jewellery making workshops.... beadmaking with polymer clay and some traditional chainmaille bracelets... The first set of workshops are being held at Creative Open Workshops 1st Floor Studio no lift 53a Frederick Street Jewellery Quarter Birmingham B1 3HS. Ring 0121 212 9132Dates so far... Wednesday 20th July 7 9pm Byzantine Bracelet Wednesday 6.30 9.30pm Bead shapes and CanesThen later on in the year at Silvar Design 111a High Street Wolstanton NewcastleunderLyme Staffordshire ST5 0EP Dates so far...Saturday 3rd September 10.3012.30 Box Chain Bracelet Saturday 22nd October 10.302 Polymer Clay Shapes amp Canes Saturday 29th October 10.3012.30 Byzantine Bracelet Saturday 26th November 10.30 2 Polymer Clay Stamps amp TexturesPictur... 2011-7-18 20:43:46 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#91738 Hallmarking as a legal requirement is once again under scrutiny and threat. The UK Governments current drive to reduce regulation was launched on 7th April under the banner of The Red Tape challenge. httpwww.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk.The Red Tape Challenge has started by examining the Retail Sector and asking the electorate for their views on topics as diverse as Sunday Trading and Trading with the Enemy. You only have until 5th May 2011 to reply. PLEASE ACT NOWThe Red Tape Challenge aims to reduce regulation which stifles enterprise and industry. The message from the Government appears to be that every regulation highlighted will be abolished unless visitors to the website express sufficient good reasons to convince Ministers that this particular regulation must be kept.Hallmarking is among the eight key topics on which the population is invited to air their views from now until 5th May 2011. There are other important topics there too of huge significance to retailers ... 2011-4-14 16:01:04 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#90812 This Sunday 3rd April Ill be on the Bead amp Banter Stand at the Beadwork Fair at The Centennial Centre in Birmingham. Well be showing off our fab designs and booking jewellery making parties for you at home If you cant make it just contact me directly for information and to book your party . 2011-4-2 12:37:57 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#89941 My good friend Bonnie McGough will be in the Midlands to sign copies of her new book The Wonder of Polymer Clay. Bonnie McGough artist and tutor has been working in the field of polymer clay for many years. This book is to guide and inspire polymer clay artists of all skill levels starting with the beginners. There are wonderful picture contributions from some world known artists as Kathleen Dustin Klew Marie Segal Barbara McGuire Sue Heaser and my not yet famous friend Angela Smith. Here are the times and places Waterstones bookshop High Street Solihull on 2nd April Sat. from 2 pm Hobbycrafts Marshall Lake Solihull on 23rd April Sat. from 10 am till 4pm Hobbycrafts Marshall Lake Solihull on 21st May Sat. from 10 am till 4pm At all the signings there will be a demonstration of how to work with polymer clay. However if you cant make any of those dates or you just dont live in the Midlands you can buy the book direct from Bonnie though her website... 2011-3-23 10:20:32 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#89277 Ive done it My first exhibition Today Ive taken a selection of my silver and glass jewellery over to the Lock Works Cafe Bar at the Lighthouse Wolverhampton where it will be on display and for sale until 26th April. Even though I say so myself it does look good 2011-3-15 19:30:35 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#88568 Twice Ok First thing check out page 41 of the current issue 214 of Craft amp Design Magazine my polymer clay bobbin beads Ok so Ive a bit to learn about photography another addition to the todo list but I dont think its too bad Secondly my exhibition dates have changed its now 15th March till 26th April at the Lock Works Cafe Bar Light House Media Centre The Chubb Buildings Fryer Street Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Just to let you know if you do want to buy a piece of jewellery from there you will be able take it away with you theres no waiting till the exhibition finishes Until next time Rach x 2011-3-6 18:48:01 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#86451 Confirmation has now come through Im going to have my first solo exhibition in the cabinets at the The Lock Works Cafe Bar at the Light House in Wolverhampton Dates are Tuesday 8th March till 12th April with both jewellery and beads on display. You will be able to take away your purchases there and then as I will be replenishing stock as it sells. 2011-2-7 20:21:54 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#86450 Ive just started booking Art and Bead Fairs again check out my Dates for your Diary page for more details. 2011-2-7 20:10:50 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#85420 Well I think Ive broken most of my resolutions by now apart from one to promote myself more. To that end Ive entered this years Erewash Open Exhibition at The Beetroot Tree in Draycott Derbyshire. Heres what Ive entered... The necklace is some hollow lampwork glass with pearls the bracelet is silver and lampwork glass links and the earrings are fine silver wrapped lampork beads with a bit of chainmaille. The exhibition is on from 29th Jan till 13th Feb 2011. Do go and have a look at all thats on display oh and dont forget a visit to the cafe 2011-1-25 16:23:20 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#83317 Id just like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2011. Thank you for your custom friendship and support throughout 2010 and I look forward to meeting up again in 2011 Rachel 2010-12-24 16:14:22 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#81207 I have just realised Ive forgotten to show you the jewellery Ive made with my newly made hollow beads as mentioned in a previous post... Not the best pictures I know but Im working on it As Ive been a little snap happy lately I thought you might like to see my stall as well... Id like to say a big Hello to all those people I met at Broseley and The Red House Cone last weekend. This weekend Im looking forward to Saturday at the Christmas Gift Fair at The Collingwood Centre and Sunday at Handmade Birmingham in the Bullring Markets. Then no rest for the wicked Ive the Seasonal Sensations in Wolverhampton next week as well as St Phillips Christmas Market in Birmingham. I hope to see you there Rach x 2010-11-25 16:38:31 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#80040 What can I say Must try harder For the last few weeks Ive let myself get a bit distracted been involved with a local quilt show worked for Fiskars at the recent Hobbycraft show and suffered that flu thing again... Anyway hopefully normal service will now be resumed. Ive recently joined BeadampBanter who organise jewellery making parties at home. Im all set up now so click across have a look and book a party. We can spend a great evening together with some friends making jewellery either for yourselves or for gifts The jewellery is great quality else I wouldnt have joined and Ill be at the craft fair at Pelsall Community Centre this Saturday promoting the parties so why not pop along and check out the quality of the kits Then its fair after fair for the next few weeks I could do with some of Santas little helpers 2010-11-11 10:06:54 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#78831 Hello to everyone that braved the rain to come and see us at the Apples amp Pears amp Crafty Wares in Nottingham last Saturday. It was so nice to see new faces and make new friends This weekend is Handmade Birmingham Edgbaston Street in the Bull ring 11am till 5pm where therell be halloween madness and facepainting Before then I need to get more beads down to the Birmingham Bead Shop and get my new page for jewellery making parties set up. Ill let you know when its done so Im back off to creating now.... 2010-10-26 18:44:35 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#78343 How long has it been Doesnt time fly Apologies for not keeping you all up to date. First things first Handmade Birmingham has had to cancelled this Sunday 24th October due to the Birmigham Marathon so dont go there expecting lots of lovely stuff therell be lots of people running instead Ive been so busy since my last blog... A big HELLO to everyone that I met at The GBUK Bead Fair Handmade Birmingham Artisan and Miniatura Ive also done some papercrafting work for Osbornes Stationers and been invloved in a 2 day quilt exhibition... and this Saturday Ill be off to Nottingham to do the Apples amp Pears and Crafty Wares at Sneinton Market Ive also applied for some commissions and am still applying to join other arts markets to keep me busy at weekends oh and Ive been setting up Jewellery Parties with Bead amp Banter. Watch this space for details Thats all for the moment Rach x 2010-10-20 10:15:22 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#76282 So here are the beads Ive spent hours cleaning and threading ready for the Glass Beadmakers UK beadfair tomorrow... as you can see Ive been playing with frit and a little bit of purple And here by popular demand my first hollow beads... maybe a bit more attention to the shape but they are getting bigger the first are on the left with the latest on the right 2010-9-24 17:49:51 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#76057 Well inbetween all the frantic beadjewellery making Ive finally got myself signed up for Handmade Birmingham . Ive decided to do the market every 4th Sunday of the month starting this Sunday 11 till 5 So for all things locally handmade dates for your diary 26th September 24th October and 28th November to start off with. Do pop along and say hello Also a very belated Hello to all the nice people I met at the Colmore Business District Art amp Craft Market and Hello to everyone that stopped by at the Staffordshire Bead Fair. Its a busy couple of weeks coming up... 2010-9-22 08:20:56 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#75060 Ill be busy today sorting things for the next few days Ill be at the Colmore District Arts amp Craft market tomorrow the British Polymer Clay Guild open day and AGM on Saturday and the Staffordshire Bead Fair on Sunday dont forget to print out your cut price voucher for you and friend I think Ill take the day off on Monday 2010-9-9 07:45:27 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#74755 Last weekend Heather and I went off to Stourbridge for the International Festival of Glass. While we were there we popped into Plowden amp Thompson to buy some glass... and Denise kindly took us down to the wharehouse to choose What a sight we were like kids in a sweet shop Anyway later on that day we went on tour round the Dial Glassworks with Richard. What a fascinating tour we were shown round all areas and Richard never tired of answering questions Thank you Richard. 2010-9-5 18:31:39 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#73769 I was looking for something cant remember what and I came across a watch face waiting to be beaded... but beading wasnt on my mind... 2010-8-25 19:29:01 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#73563 Blues and greens Greens and blues All annealed and clean waiting to be strung onto ribbon ready for the bead fair this weekend 2010-8-23 19:08:29 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#73430 Well Ive got my new tank of gas got it last week actually and have been working like one of santas little helpers all week making beads for the Stourbridge Bead Fair next weekend. However today I was at home doesnt often happen on a Sunday so I thought to myself what shall I do today So I started looking through books magazines and the Internet sorted through my stash of glass more of that later and decided to award myself some technique time Today Ive used some glass from CiM not my usual effetre Ive tried some different ideas and Ive even been pulliing stringers Stringers are thin rods of glass that you pull from a regular rod of glass those on the right. My previous efforts are the real thin not much good to manorbeast ones on the left and todays more substantial though shorter are in the middle... cool eh I can start start doing more delicate work and swirling now. I have done some experiments but the beads are still in the kiln so watch this space 2010-8-22 17:17:37 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#72703 Hmmm... a bit dramatic maybe however the mica powder has nothing to do with my crisis. Only 2 weeks to go to the Stourbridge Bead Fair and Ive run out of gas No more glass bead making till tomorrow when Ive been down to the hardware shop and bought a new tank Anyway before that I was experimenting with some mica powder Ive got and never used Sparkle Silvery White Satin. You make your basic bead and while its still pretty hot roll it in this shiney powder and heat again to set the powder being very careful not to burn it off .The effect is almost ethereal and doesnt show up very well on my photo but I thought Id show you anyway... in real life the beads have a subtle pearly lustre... 2010-8-12 19:27:09 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#72597 Yes you read it right purple beads Although I do like to keep to my limited palette of blues and greens Ive decided to bow to public pressure and do more purple... I forgot to show you so here are some of the beads that I took down to The Birmingham Bead Shop for sale last week 2010-8-11 18:24:05 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#72486 To all those stubborn beads anyway the ones that refuse to come off their mandrels... I will win in the end. Well OK I just lose my patience and break them as I need to use the mandrels. I did trawl the internet for new methods of removing them and asked at our local meeting of Glass Beadmakers UK but the beads remained on the mandrels so I simply put them in bag and took a hammer to them... They may not be completely wasted as I can fuse some of the bits in the kiln and make them into cabouchons 2010-8-10 12:31:12 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#72361 A quick Hello to everyone that came to visit the stand today so many friendly faces and genuine interest. As you can see the website is an ongoing project I have plans for a gallery and a shop Ill be sending myself some beads and jewellery soon to test how they survive the postal system Please sign up to the mailing list for my newsletter so that I can keep you in touch with developments and keep an eye on my blog to see what Im up to. Dont forget you can contact me if you need a special piece of jewellery as I can make things to order. Till next time Rach x 2010-8-8 17:34:57 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#71857 Just received this from the organisers of the Staffordshire Bead Fair 12th September. Print out the downloadable voucher and present on arrival and you and a friend will both get in for 1635 Saving you 1631. ENJOY 2010-8-1 16:33:10 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#71365 Well the fused glass has a fairly flat surface ideal for engraving on The effect is quite subtle and difficult to photograph but even so look what I did All I need to do now is think how Im going to incorporate this effect into some jewellery designs Till next time Rach x 2010-7-26 17:43:46 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#71093 Ive got quite a collection of remnant bits of glass rods... these are the left over bits where my fingers start to burn when Im getting too close to the flame when making beads. Its a shame to waste them such pretty colours... How can I use them What about fusing them in the microwave kiln The little pencil marks are where theres holes on the base of the kiln leaves a lumpy bottom so I try to avoid those spots... After 12 minutes in the microwave heres what they look like Result well with a bit of tweaking of a few sharp points Now what can I do with these Until next time Rach x 2010-7-23 14:04:21 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#70960 Last Friday my friend Heather and I drove down to WaterPerry House near Oxford for the Art In Action Festival. What a treat The place was bursting with artists and craftsmen metals glass textiles wood ceramics much of it for sale and most of it being demonstrated by the artists themselves. And the weather was kind to us this year mainly dry We took some time out to do a workshop most of those were already booked by the time we got there so we plumped for glass engraving with the Guild of Glass Engravers. Heres Heather doing her stuff... We were a bit nervous at first we were presented with a drill and a drinking glass and told to stroke the glass with the tool.. It was a bit strange at first working on a curved surface was a bit odd but once we got going the ideas and possibilities began to flow how easy would it be to engrave beads My test glass was mainly textures some interesting effects but heres my finished masterpiece apparently the plan... 2010-7-21 18:09:32 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#70675 Ok so I went on holiday forgetting all about my gravity swirl frit beads leaving them soaking for a week in the toilet cleaner... they still looked ok thank goodness but still stubbornly sticking to their mandrels... This is turning into a battle of wills so to teach them a real lesson I put them in the freezer... so they could think about what theyve done maybe reconsider and become lovely beads... That was Monday so theyve been in there for the best part of a week and guess what theyre still stuck Anybody got any ideas 2010-7-18 17:26:25 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#70668 Yesterday I made loads more beads ok 42 ready to take down to Kate at The Birmingham Bead Shop. I made plain glass ready to be etched sea glass some transparent swirlys some transparent bumpy urchins and some new gravity swirl stormy seasfrit beads.... All of the former beads came fairly happily off their mandrels and have been treated cleaned and strung.... But the new beads just WILL NOT COME OFF Theyve been soaked overnight on water and had their madrels bashed but they are sticking... So their next ordeal is to spend the night in toilet cleaner.... 2010-7-18 17:01:57 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#70404 Spent last week in a cottage in St Dogmaels just outside Cardigan Wales. Had a very peaceful time the main highlight being the boat trip where we saw dolphins Real dolphins just off the coast of Cardigan Island. Other than that we spent a lot of time realxing visiting castles galleries and artists. We drove out into the country to find Jewellery by John amp Victoria . I spent a good while chatting to John and appreciating their jewellery its good to be reminded sometimes just what you can do with metals. However the best thing I found was the folder of photographs showing where they get their inspiration thanks for all the advice John Then we moved on to Newcastle Emlyn where I came across a mosaic artist Gabrielle Dudley . Her work is stunning and handmade from scratch I know its not jewellery but you can sure appreciate her skill and hours of work. We then drove further on to Moriath Glass ... What a find A whole studio full of shimmering glass jewellery and sculptures... 2010-7-14 17:26:26 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#69424 Ok so somehow Ive corrupted my image file and this means all my pictures have disappreared Never mind when got a minute Ill sort that out but for the moment Im just going to carry on... Preparations have started for the launch of my new kits at Artisan I know it seems a long way off but theres lots to do and Im busy making beads for the 7th Annual Bead Fair at Stourbridge which just happens to coincide with the International Festival of Glass . Im also planning classes jewellery making polymer clay bead making friendly plastic.... let me know if theres anything you want. Meantime Ive been punching tags to put on my jewellery... and taking more beads down to The Birmingham Bead Shop Thats it for now Rach x 2010-7-2 18:34:37 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#64370 Well... since the bead cleaning extravaganza Ive... 1 Been to Flame Off the annual glass beadmaking festival had a great time watching demonstrations looking at other glassbeadmakers beads networking talking buying supplies but FORGOT TO TAKE ANY PICTURES... sorry 2 Had a stand at The Bead Fair at Towcester this is how the beads looked after all that cleaning and packaging 3 Had a stand at the Craft Fair at Hatton this is how some of the beads look made up into jewellery 4 Been to The Birmingham Bead Shop to arrange for my beads to go on display there Thanks Kate 5 Been off to Guide Camp in Worcester where I taught the girls some jewellery making... we made earrings phone charms and bracelets Well done to all the girls Apologies that I cant remember names but here are some of the finished pieces... 5 Put some jewellery on display with Pretty Vacant at The School of Art amp Design University of Wolverhampton 6... 2010-5-2 18:30:46 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#63096 Well here are the beads Ive made this week all annealed and waiting to be cleaned and packaged ready for the bead fair in Towcester on Sunday. I really need to get it all done today as tomorrow and Saturday Im off to the Flame Off a glass beadmaking festival therell be lampworking demos famous beadmakers friends beads and plenty of kit to buy cant wait 2010-4-15 17:37:46 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#62350 Well my bumpy beads arent quite the same as Rays but look what I made They are very sparkly and will look just great in a bracelet or a pendant. Im a bit addicted to making them now so watch this space to see what happens to them. Ive also aquired a couple of lamporking DVDs from Red Hot Sal and have been inspired to try frit very small pieces of glass. I love the random effects that you can get I wonder what would happen if I etched one 2010-4-6 20:06:05 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#62349 What I forgot to mention in my last post was that I took some beads plain clear etched for the bead swap and I was lucky enough to get Rays beads in the draw Thanks Ray 2010-4-6 19:54:15 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#59986 Sorry missed doing my blog again last week... Anyway to keep you uptodate last weekend I went to two glass events... one was an informal get together of the west midlands group of GBUK at Julie Fountain s house. I couldnt stop long because I had get off to a stitching thing with Kate in the afternoon but I met Charlotte the new chair of GBUK George who gave me a few tips about chainmaille and a couple of others whose names I am sorry but I just cannot remember. We had a good natter compared beads and Julie showed us how to use presses. Thank you Julie for hosting it and I look forward to the next one On the Sunday I drove off to Llantrissant just outside Cardiff to the glass event to celebrate the reopening of the Model House . Ray Skene glass artist hosted it all with demos from himself Lorna and Chris tea and homemade cakes and loads of hints and tips. Thank you Ray it was well worth the drive I also popped in to see Mike Cole whose silver jewellery summer school I went to ... 2010-3-7 16:32:57 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#59129 Today is a good day... My first glass Pandora Style Bead has come not so willingly off its mandrel in one piece hoorah I have tried to make others but the battle between them and me has usually been won by them notionally... firstly they get gently soaked overnight in water then if they refuse to leave the mandrel they get soaked in toilet cleaner the more stubborn ones get to spend time in the freezer and if that doesnt work they finally get a bit of mandrel bashing you see my glass beads have usually been abused by me far more than you can imagine before they find more caring homes... those that cant take heat prefer to stay on their mandrel or break get discarded ready to be melted and fused in the microwave kiln... its a harsh life for a young bead. Its next step is to have its insides cleaned out and then left in a kiln overnight to anneal so that hopefully it wont break due to thermal shock then insert the silver tube rivet without breaking it. 2010-2-24 16:15:48 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#58693 I know its a bit late and those of you who know me will not be surprised but I spent some of the money Santa left me on a new book Polymer Clay Color Inspirations by Lindley Haunani amp Maggie Maggio. Money WELL spent. The book is full of colour exercises to help you understand how to mix your own colours in polymer clay and develop your own colour palette. I have this idea in my head that I will use the book as a workwork and work through all the chapters.... Anyway the book is also illustrated using lots of artists work one of them a necklace by Cynthia Toops who made beads using metal sewing machine bobbins as a base... Well as an extextile person I was thrilled with this idea I have a number of old bobbins that dont fit my machine and what a great use for them So if by any chance you have any unloved and unwanted metal machine bobbins plastic ones react with the clay and become a gooey mess I can find a new home for them All contributions gratefully accepted. 2010-2-18 17:02:45 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#58037 What a blast we had on Saturday The day started off with the quiet stuff AGM and announcing the new programmes. The beading one looks pretty good soon to be published on the BPCG Website . Penny from Clayaround joined us with a great stock of clay and tools and as she is also our current webmaster told us all about the new BPCG website Janice Nina and Ange all had displays of their jewellery but just ask me who forgot to take their camera Anyway after lunch we had our round table event 3 tables of different demonstrations to move betweeen and have a go Bonnie Ange and me. It was all very relaxed lots of catching up as our January meeting was snowed off swapping ideas and experimenting. Some new faces returned from our last meeting oh and I must say hello to Sheila who travelled all the way down from Skipton Oh and Thank you Gaynor for organising it 2010-2-9 10:22:04 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#57606 This Saturday 6th Feb Ill be at the Midlands Region meeting of the British Polymer Clay Guild . We will have our AGM type meeting in the morning then a show n tell of work then Ange and I will be holding a round table event for the jewellery group Bead Rolling SimpleFlower Canes amp Skinner Blends Mokume Gane and Wireworkfinishing. We will also be looking for feedbackideas for our 2010 diary. The miniaturists will also be there but Im really not sure what theyll be up to... Youre welcome to along but please let me know so that numbers can be sorted 2010-2-3 14:05:39 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#57605 Ive just started my current listings on my where Ill be.... page more links and details as they become available. 2010-2-3 14:03:43 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#57195 Well so much for the regular blogging resolution Ill just start again This week Ive taken some pendant and earring sets up to The Beetroot tree to be part of their open art exhibition What a cool place Theyve got exhibition space workshop space a fab shop full of all sorts of goodies paint mediums inks sample pieces of metals velvets etc etc AND a Cafe all in one place Also Ive been busy getting organised applying for craft amp bead fairs keep an eye on my where Ill be page. Otherwise Im just getting my books uptodate so that I can get my tax return in by sunday ...And one day Ill put photos into the gallery and open the shop There its out there in print now so Ill have to do it 2010-1-28 10:42:39 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#53660 A big Hello to everyone that came to see me at Highbury Hall yesterday The venue was fantastic Things are stepping up a gear here at Silverfusion...Ive been making up loads of jewellery getting it hallmarked scrubbed and polished ready for a huge photo session this week to load into the shop here on the site. Payment will be through paypal and postage may look high but it will be sent through the Royal Mail covered for compensation for lossdamage. Im also starting to look at marketing material to send off to Galleries so you can buy my work in person instead of using the net ... Im thinking about jewellery parties either for you to simply purchase finished jewellery or have a night in with the girls making your own... or even classesworkshops let me know what you think So if things are quiet on the bloggingfacebooktwitter front youll know Im just busy doing other stuff 2009-11-30 11:02:41 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#52489 Well this week has been quite exciting I took my first batch of work into the Assay office for hallmarking many thanks to the staff there for taking away the mystery and explaining it all to me. Ive got loads of samples to show you glass and clay so watch this space Ive made up quite a bit of jewellery and booked loads of fairs for the next few weeks check out the where Ill be page... Ill be sharing with my friend Heather so just come along and see us. 2009-11-12 21:16:44 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#51397 Today I have booked a table at The Pelsall Community Centre Craft fair on November 14th. Its open for selling from 10am till 4pm. The address is Station Road Pelsall West Midlands WS3 4BQ. Make a date in your diary to pop along and meet me and Heather oimillie www.lampworkglass.co.uk. 2009-10-26 18:52:34 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#51259 OK so Im a bad blogger I havent done Twitter or Facebook either... But I have got a new laptop so technical problems are a thing of the past just got to get into the habit Anyway done loads of stuff recently got myself onto the committee of the British Polymer Clay Guild www.BPCG.org.uk went to the AGM of Glass Beakmakers UK www.GBUK.org joined a new group PolyclayAddictsAnnonymous www.polyclayaddicts.blogspot.com but havent contributed yet... had a great day out at Tintern Abbey playing with friendly plastic rarelizzie.wordpress.com scroll down to Sept 29th entry been to a few craft and bead events only for market research you understand and Ive decided I need to get stuff on my website to sell amd get myself out there at craft fairs etc. I have applied to a few so watch this space. Ive also joined the ArtistDesignerMaker Community Creative Open Workshops at the Custard Factory click on www.creativeopenworkshops.com to keep uptodate. 2009-10-23 18:58:16 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#47587 Well Ive spent a lot of time cutting jumprings and assembling them into jewellery.... My first experiment was 4in1 chainmaille I have already made bracelets with the links going from end to end but I wasnt happy with the edges so I tried a sample with the weave going top to bottom ... Well the bracelet is still slinky the only word I can think of to describe the movement but now there are much better loops to add charms or it would sit nicely as a choker For my next project I have to thank Bead and Button Magazine for their excellent tutorial on the Full Persian Link. Ive also started making beads in earnest for the bead fairs see Where Ill be page. Ive started with glass and Im concentrating on just getting them round although there has been a foray into etching solution just love it Ive also got this idea buzzing around in my head of jewellery where you can have different components and change it yourself... watch this space. Well now its b... 2009-8-26 17:21:12 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#47063 Just pop over to my friend Heathers website to see a short video on how we make glass beads. 2009-8-17 19:32:02 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#47059 11th August I travelled across to Gillians Crafts in Derby for a Friendly Plastic workshop with Liz Welch . I have worked with friendly plastic before many moons ago and just wanted a refresher What a fabulous workshop Gillians Crafts is in the centre of Derby with a well stocked shop papers stamps videos and downstairs an open space for workshops. Liz was fantastic as usual and just couldnt help herself showing us loads of techniques for texturing our friendly plastic loads of samples andideas for using it jewellery embellishments for cards and scrapbooking we all came away bursting with so many ideas and things to try Thank you Liz and Ill see you at Tintern 2009-8-17 19:18:33 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#47056 On 8th August I travelled across to The Model House Llantrissant just outside Cardiff for a day course with Mandy Nash making aluminium jewellery. After welcoming us Mandy was straight in with all the information she showed us that we could draw on the anodised aluminium with permanent pens then dye it WOW what an effect We all set to making a couple of samples to see just how the pens and dye reacted with each other. Heres the results... Then before lunch we coloured our main piece and when we got back set to sawing and filing and making it into jewellery. Mandy was very patient and laid back nothing was too much trouble and she answered so many questions Just go the link above to see her work so detailed dainty and colourful... Thank you Mandy for a great day 2009-8-17 18:59:13 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#45514 Well its been a busy week but not too sure what Ive achieved... Just remembered to post my projects off to Mybeadsclub.com but youll have to pop over there and have a look I got my fused glass back thank you Kate for adding the findings and posting them dont they look good I must do more out in the workshop but with all this rain we have a leaking gutter that is pouring down onto the corrugated plastic roof and deafening me Instead Ive been working on some polymer clay techniques courtesy of Cindy Leitz but they need some finishing before I photograph them as usual watch this space... 2009-7-24 16:58:27 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#45251 Ok so Ive been a bit slack keeping my blog uptodate but Ive been busy... Sunday 12th July Midlands Branch of the Polymer Clay Guild Our workshop was with the very talented and generous Bonnie McGough We started the day making Rose Canes Bonnie gave us each some samples so that we knew what we were aiming for and a new tool each for poking and prodding the clay. Bonnie showed loads of diffeent caning techniques and in the afternoon to finish off a new mokume gane technique. Ive just realised I forgot to take pictures of my finished cane Also last Wednesday 15th July I went on a glass fusing workshop at The Red House Glass Cone . Katy was our tutor and set us cutting the glass. We had a great time layering up the glass but had to leave it behind to be fired and collected later... my samples are being posted back to me so watch ths space. On Friday 17th July me and Heather Oimillie ... 2009-7-20 18:37:13 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#44577 Weve been down the coast for a few days relaxation now back to work Ive been doing more sampling.. This is what happens when you put 4in1 chainmaille into a frame...it keeps its movement and now has the potential for taking rings out and embedding beads... I managed to enamel silver for the first time without melting it Its a shame you cant really see the texture underneath the colour... And I did a pendant for my friends birthday Hmm... note to self sort out picture sizing before loading up to website. Ill get the hang of this sooner or later maybe later as I have more jewellery to create 2009-7-8 16:03:26 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#44057 I know its a bit late but just a quick word about my day at the Creative Open Workshops Handmade Saturday Market... what a great day I met loads of other creative folk. Most were new businesses and most of us work on our own so it was good to meet up with people having the same issues. Sarah Roberts www.sarahroberts.co.uk was next to me. She screen prints stationery and pictures her work is somehow very calming yet crisp. She told me lots about herself and how she has developed her work very inspiring... Danuta I hope Ive spelt your name right from www.lemonaide.co.uk had some wicked graphic prints on tshirts bags etc she was so bright happy and enthusiastic Also Richard www.richjohnson.folksy.com with his photography and paintings Laura www.lauracameron.co.uk who did jewellery another Sarah sorry I didnt get your card who did beaded jewellery and baked some yummy cupcakes Gosia with her leather goods and Emma with her rustic stuff. I think Francine the organiser deserves a big... 2009-6-29 10:45:23 http://www.silverfusion.co.uk/page11.htm#43427 At last Ive finally taken the plunge and published my website What a swift learning curve. Getting good photos was harder than I thought and what with my laptop and memory stick conspiring against me... anyway never mind its not set in stone and I can change it any time I like lol Have a good look round and tell me what you think. Now Ive got this sorted I need to get on with some work a new project for My Beads Club a couple of commissions oh and some funky stuff for the Creative Open Workshop Saturday Market next week eeek. Watch this space 2009-6-17 16:07:14