Back to work!!!

I can't believe it .......after more than 6 months of not having a workshop, and feeling totally despondent at the lack of suitable available space in this village, I have decided to create my own little corner in our entrance hallway..... something I have resisted as it is a very 'public' spot in the overall plan of our apartment.

Initially I thought the idea might lead to divorce, but have been met with a significant level of enthusiasm and immense support ..... I think the need for me to be occupied is obvious!! I'm not yet sure how the practical implementation will work as our total space is quite small and we are both working from home for the moment..... And of course I will be limited to some extent in what I can do but will cross each bridge as I come to it.... I'm looking for alternatives to using rouge on the polishing machine as neither the machine or the rouge work well in a 'white' environment.... and I think I'll be using the small soldering torch..... but there's fun to be had with that...

So.... let the creative juices flow..... and hopefully I'll be posting some new and interesting work here soon!

Still no studio.......

It doesn't seem like 4 months since I packed up my workshop in the vieux village of Roquebrune Cap Martin but winter is almost over and the irises and wattle are announcing the coming of spring, and still I have not found a new place to work!

My 'old' studio is being renovated and rejuvenated - and a transformation is certainly taking place. It certainly won't be the place for mucky silversmithing when the work is completed in a couple of months. So, my search continues.....

There are lots of places sitting idle in the village but it seems owners are not very keen on renting them - my suspicion is that there is so much bureaucracy involved, so much paperwork, and after charges and taxes the small income earned is just not worth it.  And so I wait, with eyes and ears open.

Meantime, I am putting my time to good use and attacking some of the other 'things I would like to do', one of which is to revamp this website - watch this space! I am going to amalgamate this site with my emedee-silver blogspot, so there should be some changes soon - feedback will be welcome!

More naturally cast....

'Coral Sea', 'I can dance' and 'Paris in Spring' have been naturally cast - salt, rice, and pine needles create the silver shapes and the titanium is coloured to create the 'look'!

All are in private collections.

Paris in Spring

Coral Sea

I can dance

Naturally cast on Titanium

The silver on these pendants was cast by pouring molten silver over rice! Both are in private collections.

Naturally Cast

'Homage' was cast on pine needles, while 'Dinosaur on a Rock' was cast on salt. Both are in private collections.

This bangle is unusual - quite distinctive as is the 'mummy' on the right. 

This pendant was cast by pouring molten silver over fusilli noodles! Its in a private collection.

'Animal charm' bracelet was cast on pine needles!

The pendant on the right, 'Earth 3' is one of several in the same style - it also looks great on a black cord.

Earrings themed on gardens......

Its spring!

These earrings have all been made with spring and gardens in mind and the return of the sun, at last.

All are in 'The Conservatory' plant and gift shop, Laughlintown, Pennsylvania from May 1

Hooked on Titanium Pendant

I just love the colours in this one!

Private Collection

Extended Segments Pendants

Constructed from 5 segments of titanium, riveted onto an extended semi-circle of silver with brass rivets, this pendant is completed with brass detail around the edge. The titanium has been heated to give colours ranging from blue to purple to gold, which contrasts with the silver and brass. Photos show two different pendants, highlighting the differences in colour of the titanium.

The pendant is suspended with black cord with a sliding double knot to provide adjustable length. Chain is available at additional cost.

It measures approximately 2 1/4 “ (60 cm) across.

Private Collection

Graduated Byzantine Earrings

Graduated Byzantine style chainmaille earrings are finished with ironstone (hematite), pearls, or silver rings. All rings are handmade, and ear wires can be open (not shown) or secure, as in middle photo.

Earrings hang approximately 4cm (1 1/2")

Glossy Domed Sterling Silver Earrings

These domed earrings are approximately 2.5 cm across (1") and are polished to a high lustre. These are made for pierced ears, but fit snugly to the earlobe. They can be easily made into clip-ons. They perfectly match the domed silver bracelet.