For those that don't know, stone setting is quite a tricky business... First you make the bezel (the bit that goes round the stone) - this has to be a good fit, you cut it to length then solder it to make it into a continuous piece. Then you solder the bezel to the back plate and then spend hours filing and sanding to get the bezel and back plate to be flush. Then you attach the bail or the ring or whatever you need to make it into a functional piece of jewellery and then, and only then, you put in the stone and rub the bezel over the edge of the stone to hold it in place. Phew! You can see why it's taken so long for me to make these pieces!I'm really pleased with them. The rings won't be on the website for a little while as they are going off to be hallmarked (my first hallmarked items! - very posh!).
Talking of posh, I've also completed a commission this week for a spectacle chain, bracelet and earrings set... but this was no ordinary set. Have a look:
Yes, lots of freshwater pearls and loads and loads of Swarovski Crystals. Very, very twinkly!This one was the one the customer went for, the one below was my first attempt which wasn't quite right. The spectacle chain and the bracelet will be on the website shortly.
On the home front, Martha got excellent results in the GCSE modules she took in January. Tom didn't do quite as well as he hoped, but hopefully this will encourage him to work really hard for the summer exams.I heard this week that a friend had died from a brain tumour. She was way too young and full of life to be taken. A beautiful, vivacious lady with whom I shared many, many laughs. Rest in peace, Polly.
Tomorrow is the first of the new craft markets in Weston Super Mare. I'm doing that one with Brian and Tom while Sarah is doing another event in Nailsea. This is one of the very few times that we've split our stock and done separate events. Fingers crossed it will work out well!
Then straight after the market, we're up to Leicester for the rest of the weekend. Out with friends on Saturday night and then with my mum, brother and sister-in-law for Chinese on Sunday lunchtime to celebrate Mothering Sunday. If you are celebrating, I hope you have fun!
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Much love to all.
xx
11 comments:
Gorgeous work Lesley, beautifully finished! x
Thank you, Maz.x
Wow they are stunning Lesley - you must have lots of patience
x chris
Thanks, Chris. I'm not usually known for my patience! And I enjoy making these so much that it doesn't feel like I need it...
Much love
xx
Lesley i'm loving all the new pieces, i have bought some pieces that i want to make into rings, but i have not tried this before, but i will have to bite the bullet as to spoke and give it ago, i wish i could do a silversmithing class like you but they don't have much classes up here. I see you are doing a market fair in Nailsea, this is where we are going on holiday in August, down to see my Auntie for the week.
Thank you, Eve. Do have a go with your rings. If you have another look at mine, you'll see that I've cheated a bit, and used Sterling ring blanks for the actual bit that goes round your finger, I've just made the top and soldered them together. I could make the ring bit, but it was easier to buy them!
I'm sorry there aren't any classes you can get to, our class is being axed after Easter (bloody government) but our tutor is setting up some private classes... I'll have to see how much they're going to be.
When in August are you about? Nailsea market is on 21st... or if you're about earlier than that, you could come to the Balloon Fiesta - it's a brilliant event and FREE to get in!
If neither of those work, then perhaps we should meet up for a coffee... or a pint!
Much love
xx
That would be great lesley, i'm of work the last week july first week august, so will go down one of the weeks, will let you know. thanks,x
Look forward to it, Eve xx
Your silver settings are gorgeous Lesley! I think they would be perfect for polymer clay. Would really be a stunning combination!
Thank you, Cindy. I'll look out for some polymer clay cabochons - great idea.
Take care
xx
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