Time for a Ring

I've finally pierced out the copper and have used the leaf I etched on a ring. Well this would be my first attempt at a ring. I used some Sterling Silver wire, the copper and I got to use my ring mandrel for the first time.

I soldered the copper leaf to part of the silver wire I had flattened slightly, the solder didn't take so I pickled the pieces and started again, I had the same result so I cleaned off the borax cone and dish, and remembered to heat the whole of the wire not just where I was soldering and success this time. Then it was shaping the ring it seemed to go well and I soldered it in position and popped it in the pickle and then had to dash to get it out, I had left some binding wire on the ring and now the ring was all copper coloured OOOPPS. But it was saved with sanding down and polishing.

I wear the ring all the time and feel pleased with my first attempt.

Holiday Time

Yes the sproglets are off school for a couple of weeks so I haven't had so much time to create. Mind you the weather the past few days has been lovely & sunny so the sprogs have been out, either terrorizing our chickens (the wee lad) or out all day on a bike (the girlie).
Luckily in between the egg hunts I was able to get out and have a play at etching Copper with a salt water solution and a battery.



I used some black electricians tape to cover the copper and a waterproof pen for the design. As you can see the pen wasn't really up to the job and the etching was a bit blurry. I think I will certainly use this method again and try nail polish or even beeswax for the image. It certainly beats using an acid.

While waiting for the copper to etch I used up some old beads and made four bracelets, I like making things that don't take too long to make.

They will go on the website soon as I'm going to have a bit of a revamp on there.

Expensive Weekend

Arghh I had to make an expensive purchase at the weekend, I noticed that on my digital compact camera something weird was happening with some of the images. Well I've had the camera for 6 years now and I thought I would find out the cost of repair and look at a replacement.

I spent most of Friday evening looking at and comparing Digital cameras, I got very confused and ended up with a big headache. So Saturday was spent in our nearest big town looking at the camera shops.

If you heard a big thunk that was my jaw dropping on the floor it would cost from £175 to repair my camera. The whimpering later was me paying out for a new camera Ouch. I shouldn't begrudge it really as it is handy with work as I do need to take photos of my finished jewellery to put on my website and brochures.

The rest of the weekend was spent in my shed making a necklace and a few beaded hearts.

Lowen St Piran's dydh

or happy St Piran's day, yes it's a day all the Cornish celebrate the patron saint of miners.
The story of St Piran is interesting he was an Irish saint and the Irish King was not happy that he was more popular than himself. So he had Piran thrown in the sea with a mill stone round his neck. the millstone floated and Piran was washed up on the beach at Perranporth. He was also credited with discovering tin in Cornwall so became the patron of Tin Miners.
The Cornish miners moved to place all over the world like Australia, Canada etc that is why some countries have Cornish town names. The miners even went to Mexico and helped mine the Silver there and apparently even now in certain parts of Mexico they make a version of the Cornish Pasty.




Well I decided to have a go at making some mini charms out of polymer clay to celebrate the day and came up with mini Cornish Pasties and Mini St Piran (Cornish) flags. And later tonight I shall raise a glass of Cornish Mead.

Lowen st piran's dydh.

Brrrrrrr!

Crikey it has been very chilly here it has put me off going out to my shed and I need to finish off a copper bangle. But I have put my time to good use as I have done some watercolour Dark Faeries which I will turn into cards later on.

Raven , Anya & Lyssa

I have so many ideas brimming in my head, I have lots of jewellery ideas as well as some ideas for the Elves I make. I'm definitely looking at my dark side as Punk Elves seem to be something I would like to try out, tartan hats and lots of safety pins etc.

Well Here I am.

I never thought I would ever get round to writing a blog but here I am starting one.

This will be where I will put my pics and inspiration of my Jewellery and a lot more besides.

Last week I was busy making this bracelet out of reycled copper pipe. I love using copper it has a nice colour which patinas lovely with age. the only thing I hated about making this was drilling the holes in the copper, but I feel it was worth it.