Another change

I've been struggling with a crisis of confidence recently regarding my jewellery work. My polypropylene range seemed to be what I was looking for and for a while it was great. For about a year I have been concerned that even though I used recycled polypropylene, I was still putting small pieces of plastic out into the world.  Yes, it is fully recyclable but this relies on my customers disposing of it responsibly when it comes to the end of it's jewellery life. The problem is that it is out of my control.

I have come to the conclusion that there is just too much plastic in the world.  I certainly have no wish to contribute to the problem, hence my year long search for a new material for my jewellery.  It had to be biodegradable to ease my concience.

My new work is made from horn, antler, pearls, gemstones and silver... All natural materials!

I look forward to sharing my work in the future, and here's to getting my mojo back!

Recycled Materials

Some of the plastic items I recycle in my work; veggie boxes, drinking straws and old note book covers.

I really wish these items were not made of plastic, as we all know there is too much plastic in the world. However, until the manufacturers make more environmentally friendly products I am glad to be able to transform them into jewellery.

Summer Exhibition

I am currently showing a small selection of work with the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, as part of their Summer exhibition, "Choice". The show is hosted by the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham, Surrey and runs until 21st July. I am very grateful to the ACJ for giving me this opportunity.

Zero Waste

My process is a zero waste technique. Every minute scrap can be incorporated into a new piece of jewellery, including these tiny 1mm hole cut outs.

Bangles

I've been making bangles recently. They take ages to make, but very satisfying.

More experimentation

I've come to realise that it doesn't matter how happy I am with a technique or style, I always want to try new things with my work. I think this is probably a good thing as it means there will always be something fresh round the corner. This week I am working on different ways to connect my pieces. This sample is articulated and I love the way it moves in a snake-like way.

Why Polypropylene?

You don't have to read back too far through this blog to see that my work has changed quite a bit over the last couple of years. I used silver and resin for several years and my work seemed to do quite well. I sold through galleries, online and through craft fairs. Things were ticking along quite nicely. After a move to Scotland in 2013 I had a break from making while the family settled into our new surroundings. Eventually I was ready to start working again, but I began to question my old practices.

Like most people, I try to live and eat as healthily as possible, I avoid unnecessary chemicals as much as I can. I began to think about the impact that working with resin could potentially have on my own health and that of the environment. I had to face the fact that my studio health and safety was a bit sloppy (could I honestly say I always wore gloves and a mask?). Even though I mixed up small batches, there was always a tiny amount of waste material in the bottom of the cup which would end up in the bin...landfill...oceans!

I started playing with different materials...polymer clay...leather...wood...mother of pearl...acrylic...I eventually discovered polypropylene! Yes, it is still plastic, but I love the vibrant colours offered by synthetic materials and unlike resin, this plastic is recyclable! Commonly used for stationery, food packaging and even bank notes. My new process creates absolutely no waste as every tiny scrap can be incorporated into a new piece.

Pretty in Pink

I'm starting to look forward to Spring now that Christmas is out of the way. Although I think I've got a while to wait before the Scottish winter gives way to Spring. The first sign on my street is the cherry blossom. So, in the meantime, here is a rather blossomy brooch pin while we wait.

madebyhandonline.com

I am pleased to be selling my work through the lovely madebyhandonline website. There you will find lots of beautiful work by talented makers in many crafts.

Recycled Plastic?

I use recycled polypropylene as much as possible, mainly in the form of note book covers and drinking straws. Polypropylene can be recycled many times, so at the end of its life it can easily be recycled again. The technique I have developed makes it possible to use every tiny scrap of plastic, so it is a "no waste" process.

Fair

My next fair will be with Tea Green Events on Sunday 11th December. The exhibition is in Kibble Palace (one of the glass houses) in the Glasgow Botanical Gardens. This is a lovely venue and there will be loads of fantastic makers over the weekend.

Stronger Than It Looks

My new process allows me to make paper-thin layers of fused plastic, which I put together to make my jewellery. The raw material, polypropylene, is extremely hard wearing and waterproof. Although my pieces appear fragile, they are actually stronger than they look.

Raw Material

From this....

To this....

I start with coloured polypropylene sheet and use a heat process to blend colours and make my shapes into jewellery. I love experimenting with this technique

Three Dimensional Clusters

Recently I have been drawn to making three dimensional pieces in my jewellery. I like to think that there is no right/wrong side and the pieces look interesting from all angles. Although the individual discs I make using this technique are two dimensional, I like to put them together at unusual angles to create three dimensional clusters.

On-line Shop

I have finally reopened my etsy shop, where you will find many samples and test pieces at reasonable prices. I will be offering a 10% discount until the end of October, while I'm settling in...just enter AUTUMN 2016 at checkout.

Earrings

Craft fair prep going well at the moment. Making lots of these little layered earrings. Paper thin layers of fused plastic on sterling silver wires. They're stronger than they look!

Tea Green Events

I'm busy preparing for a craft fair at the moment. I am exhibiting with Tea Green Events at the their event at St Andrews in the Square, Glasgow. This is part of the Glasgow Doors Open Days festival, a celebration of Glasgow’s architecture. Many interesting buildings will be open to the public.

Busy!

I'm totally absorbed in my new work at the moment. The possibilities are endless...

New Work

I have been working on developing my fused plastic range recently. The different opportunities for forming the shapes are really inspiring me.

Polypropylene

Although I love working with resin, there are times when I am just too impatient to wait for it to set and I need to work on something with instant results.  Recently I have been playing with polypropylene which I melt and squash into new colours and shapes. I love experimenting with materials and this has been really satisfying.