I LOVE the idea of a handmade Christmas (Kirstie's Handmade Christmas is my favourite TV shows ever and I have learnt of soooo many crafts that I had never even heard of from that show!!!) Every year I try to make more and more things but don't ever really feel that I manage to make very much as Christmas is just so busy, but this year I started much earlier and managed to get a lot more done!
The biggest problem I had was trying to photograph every thing as there was just next to no day light and very little time before finishing a piece and having to package it up to post it off in time, so some things I made I have no photos of!
This necklace was one of the hardest pieces I have ever worked on! The opal was on a base of sand stone and it kept crumbling away as I was fitting the bezel. Half way through the top half of the opal broke off and I almost gave up, but the stone ended up looking so much better with out the inclusions at the top so I filed it round and kept going, and I am glad I did as I really love this one.
This one I kept! Its an Andamooka opal with a trilobite on the back, handmade chain and I intend to make a trilobite clasp to finish it off.
There was so much more things I made but I think I will need to invest in some kind of daylight lamp and a better camera as the photos did not make the cut!
I can't wait to see what everyone else created....
AE team:
Guests:
I am glad you kept one of your necklaces. Your metal work is so wonderful. Wear it proudly and enjoy the compliments on your work. Have a happy 2020!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous jewelry. The recipients of your works are very lucky. Lighting for photos is always a challenge. Especially with bright silver and sparkly stones. I hope you find a perfect lamp to show off your spectacular work.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about the light being so poor (see the jellyfish in my post!), and I hope you can find a way to share more as your work is so amazingly inspiring! Opal is my birthstone, and I love how you were able to really highlight those beautifully with your work. I hate that you had so much trouble with that one, but your persistence paid off in the most gorgeous way. Have a really wonderful new year!
ReplyDeleteNiky, I agree with the previous comments that your metalsmithing is inspiring! I love how your bail is set into a tube at back. And some silver handmade chain is on my list of projects for 2020!! In the U.S., Sis got me two daylight lamps with shades a couple of years ago & they are perfect with a lightbox! Don't know if you can get them in UKor if they make them with Euro/UK plugs, the brand is Proxelle, I'm sure she found them on Amazon. I won't be taking them back to France come January, the plugs & voltage are different. But daughter will be able to use them here in the meantime. Alysen
ReplyDeleteYour metalsmithing abilities always blow me away. I adore both of the opal necklaces. I am glad you kept one for yourself!
ReplyDeleteLove all of your pieces. I am glad you kept going with the opal because it turned out amazing!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work Niky!! You have such great patience and tenacity which speak well for how your work turns out. Not even a rambunctious opal can get the best of you!! I love seeing your work and being awed. Have a great 2020.
ReplyDeleteWonderfull metalsmithing, gorgeous jevellery.
ReplyDeleteI love opal and these are beautiful pieces.
ReplyDeleteThat opal with the trilobite on the back, oh wow, I love it!
ReplyDeleteOOOH opals. You are awesome. Who were the lucky recipients? Those silver fossil ear studs are sparkly fab!
ReplyDeleteWow Niky - your work is so beautiful. Just lovely. Happy 2020!
ReplyDeleteYour creations are always so beautiful! I'm glad you kept that one for yourself, it's fantastic!
ReplyDelete