A Creative Weekend

Just had a brilliant weekend.  I had hoped to get this posted sooner but the weather has been so bad there hasn't been a decent window of sunshine to get some good shots of my goodies and it doesn't look like there is any improvement on the horizon.

I spent the weekend with my mum in Malvern at a workshop by Julie of Lush Lampwork, and George. This was a workshop with a difference, day one was spent making some lovely beads and day two was spent making the beads into some beautiful jewellery. 

All of the pieces are a real departure from my usual 'style'.  First off we have a heart pendant.  I have never made a heart shaped bead before, this one was done using a press.  We also used silver foil, silver leaf, silver wire and made a silvered stringer all of which are new techniques for me.  The use of copper is also a first. 

This ring was really fun to make.  I am no stranger to making buttons but this one is bigger than the buttons I've made in the past.  The colour is slightly washed out in this shot, its a lovely purple/pink which was then encased in clear with the murrini and stringer applied on top which gives the button a real depth. 

Next up is a fibula or shawl pin.  We made a barrel bead for this one.  Again this is a shape that I haven't made before.  We also used some 'special'glass that I haven't used before to make the wrap on the blue side of the bead.

This is the largest piece.  I am really pleased with how this one turned out.  The large bead in the middle is the biggest bead I've made for a long time.  The heart-shaped beads on each side are free-form ie, I didn't use a press.  I wasn't sure about these beads when they went in the kiln but I am so pleased with how they have turned out.  I also love the dangle on the end of the chain.

We also made a pair of earrings but I couldn't get a good picture to do them justice so I might try again when the sun is out next.

All of the copper elements have been made by hand, including the diddy spiral beads!  We learned so many new techniques and I have been desperate to get into the studio to put some of them into practice alas this week has been so hectic I haven't managed it yet.