Learn Something New - January

I have set myself lots of little things to do throughout the year, one of them being design a new piece each month and the second is learn something new each month.

Well I had intended on a spot of wax carving but I have misplaced my saw blades so I tried a bit of reticulation instead.

Reticulation involved heating the metal several times to bring a layer of oxidised copper to the surface. when this is polished it leaves fine silver behind! 

I have seen the results and they can look absolutely beautiful, I however have a way to go yet until I am controlling the flow of silver!

This is what can be achieved

Image from http://www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/art/galleries/myers/img/myers008_2.jpg

and this is what I achieved (no laughing)

It does still need cleaning up. whilst I don't normally do very organic styled silver jewellery I think this style once perfected would look great against crisp polished silver.

Full Steam Ahead - 2012

I have set myself and my business a few challenges over the next year. (A lot actually!)

One thing has already been crossed off the list though - Exhibit at a wedding fayre. Its all booked for March!

I have also set myself a challenge to get new stockists this year and I have already managed two in January which isn't a bad start!

I really want to get the house sorted too and I have started by re carpeting my bedroom (yes myself!). I'm trying to have a clear out too so whilst moving bits out of the room I had the opportunity to chuck a lot of things.

Part of my clear out involves me selling the fashion jewellery I used to sell before making my own. It is all brand new and for sale here in turn it will help me pay off my credit card.

And last but not least I have a BIG meeting next week, a bit nervous and I'm not getting my hopes up but I will keep you updated.