Can we finally dare to dream of warmer weather and turning the heating doon? It feels closer and just as far away in equal measures this week, but spring is definitely on the way! Here's a wee update on my planned craft fairs and projects for the next couple of months....
Craft fairs are my go-to for selling my jewellery - talking to people is, by far, my best marketing tool, not to mention I love a blether and the inspiration it brings. If you jump into cannyellen.com you'll find a list of upcoming events which includes my Craft Fair home of The Yard Market where I will be at my usual place on the 29th March and 5th April. If you fancy a wander into the Perthshire countryside, I will also be at the Logiealmond and Glenalmond Spring Fair selling my jewellery alongside my father-in-law's wood turning. The bowls, pens, mice and porridge spurtles he creates are amazing but, unfortunately, age (he's in his 80's and only just conceded he can't be climbing on the roof to carry out repairs any more!) makes attending craft fairs too arduous for him. It's a real pleasure to show my wares alongside his skill and mastery. The Logiealmond fair is on Sunday 27th April at the Logiealmond hall in case anyone fancies an expedition!
Exploring new techniques
This month, I have finally pulled the trigger on purchasing a Vevor Rolling Mill (thank you payday!) and will be exploring texturised silver for rings and pendants, using whatever takes my fancy! I've also, after a bit of research, bought some silicon mould material to try and make a mould of the Cleopatra broken costume jewellery head that was donated to me after my modelling clay efforts were a bit... variable... in their effectiveness! Hopefully this material will make a good, clear mould to take silver clay. I also have a couple of other small jewellery pieces I want to use as templates for other clay pieces - I'm quite excited to see what is possible.
I've also started to try drilling my sea-glass to take sterling silver jump rings and I have to admit, the first effort resulted in a satisfyingly abrupt shattering. Whether I need specialist drill bits, or a bit more patience, remains to be determined. It's important to drill glass underwater, to stop glass fragments becoming airbourne, and my first attempt had a piece of artist sponge cradling the glass. I think my eager pushing with the drill ensured the piece broke under the give provided by the soft and bendy sponge, so I have taken inspiration from a Scottish YouTuber and bought plasticine to use for my second attempt. Gave odd flashbacks to primary school days, buying a pack of that ridged, multicoloured - hopefully this material, and a bit more patience, will help.
Lastly, I am biting the bullet and have put myself on the waiting list for an introduction to cast settings course at the Central Scotland School of Jewellery as I start to delve into sand casting and the slightly daunting realm of smelting and pouring metal. What...could...possibly...go...wrong?
Hope to see you all soon, and I hope you find a wee bit of time in your day to create something, no matter what it might be. Bye for now!
Comentários