Edinburgh jeweller

I wrote a blog post a few weeks ago about the finalists for the Saul Bell Design Award , a jewellery design competition which awards design, ‘an original vision, a fresh take on traditional methods and materials and a mastery of your craft’ The award is split into six categories, with five finalists per category (seven finalists in the emerging artist category). The six categories are Gold/platinum Silver/argentium Metal clay Enamel Holloware Alternative metals/materials Emerging artist The award winners have now been announced! For the first time in the history of the award, one man has won in two categories. Kent Raible won both the Gold/platinum category and the Holloware category. What talent. Gold/platinum Kent Raible, winner of the Gold/platinum category Holloware Kent Raible, winner of the holloware category Metal clay Ivy Solomon, winner of the metal clay category Silver/argentium Andy Lucas, winner of th...

From Design bolts

I'm happy to announce that I will be teaching two additional jewellery making classes this term at the Mary Ward Centre, London Beading projects Mondays 3-5.30 starting on 1st June 6 weeks Course code 1854CS Image from Three Little Bears We will be focussing on more formal occasion jewellery for events, weddings etc including beaded hair combs and pins; necklace and earring sets and tiaras. The course is perfect for beginners or those with some beaded jewellery or wirework experience. Silver clay projects Fridays 10.30-5.30 Starting on 3rd July 2 weeks Course code 1852CS Hollow bead example, Art Jewelry magazine This silver clay projects class is designed for those with some experience of working with silver clay. The projects will focus on making silver clay beads and focal pieces for necklaces and bracelets. Alternatively, if you have your own projects in mind you can use the time as bench time with tutor support and kiln firing Please...

From Design bolts

I look forward to the Saul Bell Design Award each year because of the beautiful designs and artistry of the shortlisted pieces. The award is split into six categories, with five finalists per category (seven finalists in the emerging artist category). There will be one winner per category with awards given for design, ‘an original vision, a fresh take on traditional methods and materials and a mastery of your craft’ The six categories are Gold/platinum Silver/argentium Metal clay Enamel Holloware Alternative metals/materials Emerging artist I have picked my personal favourites from each category (it’s a bit difficult in the metal clay category as three of the finalists are friends of mine!) You can see the jaw dropping work from all the finalists here Gold/platinum Kent Raible, finalist of the Gold/platinum category What a stunning piece, I love the asymmetric design   Silver/argentium Andy Lucas, finalist of the Silver/argentiu...

What I'm in to this week 1. Serial and Undisclosed One of my students told me about Serial , a podcast that investigated the case of the murder of Hae Min Lee. I, like millions of others, have been hooked on the story. There is now an additional, unaffiliated podcast on the same topic called Undisclosed . The format is different but in some ways I prefer it. And I was blown away by episode 3 Jay's day.  They're well worth a listen and have really got me into listening to podcasts while I'm travelling 2. Speaking of podcasts, I have also started listening to Gretchen Rubin's podcast about being Happier . I got a lot from her most recent book on habits called 'Better than before' Photo of St Katherine's chapel and Chesil beach by Gary Ullah 3. Some bragging! My partner Gary entered the Telegraph's big picture travel photography competition with this photo of St Catherine's chapel and Chesil beach and came in the top ten! I understan...

From Design bolts

This blog post is adapted and was originally written for and published by the London Jewellery School and can be seen here 3D printed jewellery Jewellery from Fathom and Form Navette pendant from Silberneum Jewellery from Shapeways 3D printing is the process of making a 3D object from a digital file. The objects are typically ‘printed’ in layers from a plastic filament or resin. To see how 3D printing works have a look at this youtube video . Although 3D printers are still relatively expensive it is suggested that at some time in the not too distant future we’ll all have one in our homes. I was able to understand more about this when I visited an exhibition on 3D printing at the Science Museum (which is now on show at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester ). The exhibition showed examples of objects that can be printed now and possibilities for the future. I was struck by the possibility that, if our washing machine broke down, we could print a ne...

From CleverApple on Etsy

Once a week the writer and artist Austin Kleon sends out a newsletter with links to his blog and things he has found interesting that week. I really enjoy following the links so I've decided to give it a go myself.  1. I went to a service at St Pauls cathedral , London this week. I am not a religious person but adore visiting buildings with such beautiful architecture and mosaic work. It's also lovely to hear a choir singing in a building that was meant for voices (not to mention that you get in free, saving £18!) 2. I tend to read books on the kindle now but bought Show your work by Austin Kleon in paperback as I love his images. This is a great book from the author of Steal like an artist (also highly recommended). It talks about the importance of sharing your work if you want to be known as an artist 3. I laughed out loud (and felt the need to read copious quotes to Gary) at this article by Tim Krieder called The referendum . It's about how we look at the liv...