Edinburgh jeweller

I'm sure I've mentioned in a previous blog post that I have become somewhat obsessed with podcasts!  What is a podcast? A podcast is an audio file, similar to a radio programme, that is available to listen to online via your computer or to download onto your smartphone or tablet device to listen to offline. There are thousands of regular podcasts out there and I got into listening to them through the award winning crime podcast Serial, series 1 (if you were also hooked on that I highly recommend you listen to Undisclosed which looks at the same case in much more depth). I tend to download podcasts onto my phone to listen to when I am commuting. I currently regularly listen to the following (non-creativity!) podcasts - Undisclosed , Science for the People , VibeRide , Quiet: the power of Introverts and Breakdown . Here are some of my favourite podcasts on creativity and how you can listen to them. Recommended podcasts for creativity Happier with Gretche...

I was asked to write a tool review for working with metal clay for the London Jewellery School blog . One of the great things about metal clay is that you don’t tend to need expensive tools to get started so for this tool review I decided I wanted to choose something people might not have thought to use. UK metal clay artist Joy Funnell was the one that first got me into the idea of using baby wipes for working with metal clay. Baby wipes are inexpensive and easy to get hold of in shops and supermarkets (for environmental reasons, I do recommend you buy biodegradable wipes). You might be surprised at how versatile they are! Source Keeping your clay moist When you’re working with clay and have some lump clay out of the packet it is always best to wrap that lump clay up before continuing in order to keep it nice and fresh. However, you don’t always want to be wrapping it up and opening it, wrapping it up and opening it etc. So, put the clay onto a plastic mat and drape a ba...

The premiership season may be over but we are in a championship year so there is no rest from the football this summer! UEFA Euro 2016 is on the way and this got me thinking about patriotic jewellery! Over this two part blog series I’ll be looking at jewellery for men and women to show their national pride. Now, we know that England, Wales and Northern Ireland all made the finals. Unfortunately Scotland did not (a sore point for me!) but I'm not missing Scotland out of the feature! This post features patriotic jewellery for England and Northern Ireland. Look out for a future post featuring Wales and Scotland. England Handmade England outline cufflinks from Hannah Louise Lamb Paracord bracelet from Cobraband St George's cross cufflinks from The Cufflink Store England flag brooch from Butler and Wilson England flag hamabead earrings from Jlicious Northern Ireland Sterling silver I love Northern Ireland necklace from Silvers...

As I have previously blogged about, I am now sharing a jewellery studio in central London with a fellow jeweller. This week all the flat packed furniture arrived and Penny and I spent some time building a table, drawers, shelving and a chair! Penny had already built two jewellers benches. There was a lot of cardboard, and many allen keys! But we got there very efficiently! I think we work well together! It's definitely all coming together. We are now getting the workshop ready for the Made in Clerkenwell open studios next week. I'm getting some stock together to display and sell. You can get a free ticket by registering here (it'll be £5 on the day).

In honour of the rapid approach of father’s day, I have been looking at inspiration for men's jewellery for the London Jewellery School blog . I have previously looked at cufflinks but have turned my attention to other forms of men's jewellery. Bracelets Men’s bracelets tend to be chunky, made of leather or thick chain Black cord and bronze bracelet from Principles Hamsa bracelet from Principles Play hard bike chain bracelet from Katie’s bike Necklaces Titanium necklace from Super Monde Necklace from Pearlatplay Chainmaille necklace from Destai Details Tie pins Mountain tie clip from Alison Moore Silver deco pinstripe tie pin from Louy Magroos Bat tie pin from Kevin Coss Designs This blog post was originally written for the London Jewellery School blog

I now have the keys for my shared jewellery studio at Craft Central ! At the moment, as you can see, it is looking a little empty and bereft as the previous occupant has moved out! But this week Penny and I have the furniture and equipment coming in ready for the Made in Clerkenwell open studios event so there will be lots of building of furniture happening this week. I will be posting the after photos soon!

With father’s day rapidly approaching in the UK (19th June in case you need to mark it on your calendar!) I've been having a look at some of the trends in men’s jewellery. Cufflinks are a traditional form of men’s jewellery for those that choose to/have to wear formal shirts. However, they are a great way to show a little personality! Which of these would suit the fathers in your life? Traditional Sterling silver oval cufflinks by Douglas Spell Link: Personalised Personalised cufflinks by Oh So Cherished Initials Initial cufflinks by Penelope Tom Hipster Hipster beard cufflinks by Iron + Oak Skulls 18CT Yellow gold skull cufflinks by Theo Fennell Tattoo inspired Silver ASOS swallow tattoo inspired cufflinks Steampunk Vintage watch movement cufflinks by Steampunk Jewelry Designs Traveller Silver coordinates cufflinks by Sally Clay Sport Football cufflinks by Jewel Co Patriotic ...

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am renting a jewellery studio at Craft Central as of today! I am really excited about it and I'll be sharing my progress on the blog over the coming year. I am fortunate that I will be in the studio on time for the next open studios event, Made in Clerk enwell . I'd love to see you there. Here is what it is and (most importantly!) how to get free tickets! What? Made in Clerkenwell ' is a bi-annual celebration of Craft Central resident designer-makers and Network members. Held across two Victorian buildings, this is an opportunity for the public to 'behind the scenes' and explore the studios of our renowned design community. You'll find jewellery, fashion, interior products, ceramics, accessories and traditional crafts by over 100 UK designer makers. Choose a gift, commission a unique piece, find a bespoke design service or just browse ... this shopping treat is topped off by meeting the maker.' I will be i...