Chasing and Repousee

 I love learning new techniques in art and in silversmithing. 

I booked in to a weekend workshop with Bryony Knox, Edinburgh, a few weeks ago and absolutely loved learning about chasing and repousee. As I have just retired from teaching it was brilliant to be a student and learn from an expert. There were five students tapping away in her cosy studio, heating up pitch, setting in the copper and drawing our images, then chasing them in to the metal.

Because I enjoy drawing so much, it is a wonderful extension to be able to raise shapes in metal by tapping stakes and pushing the metal around. 

I also learned how to make my own tools which was a real bonus as this is a crucial part of the process. Bryony is such a calm teacher, nothing was too much for her and we produced a lot in our two days there.

I bought silver when I got home and made two bowls using this technique - for the CraftNI Xmas exhibition, The Gift. I ordered more pitch and worked away on a Thorn bowl and a Japanese Quince bowl.  I also made a necklaces and earrings which have now been hallmarked and are on their way back from the Assay Office in London, having been hallmarked. 

Deep Dive into Pearls

I learned how to knot pearls in silk thread when I was in Hong Kong. I love the meditative and repetitive process. It shows off the pearls beautifully and gives a beautiful movement to the necklace. 

I love the lustre of pearls and especially when they are combined with precious metals such as gold and silver. 

I've been listening to the pearls podcast from the V&A and understanding more about their history and cultural significance. Worth purchasing if you are fascinated by pearls as I am. Beautifully presented by jewellery historian, Beatriz CHadour-Sampson. 

Here is jewellery featuring pearls and bamboo by Silvia Furmanovich, one of my favourite designers.
 

Nicolas Varney is an incredible designer who has made this intricate bracelet featuring conch pearls which are the rarest pearls you can find. 

I saw some beautiful pearls jewellery on my  recent visit to the V&A at the Bollinger Gallery with its amazing collection of jewellery. 

 

entering the gallery                                       pearl jewellery from the 1600s

 

Waterlilies at Kew

I enjoyed my trip to London seeing friends and visiting Kew Gardens for the first time in ages. I went to the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of botanical art and I loved the waterlily house of course. I'm so pleased to have already sold a few pieces from my new collection which will soon be on my website.