Bespoke or Commission

Hello, me again!

I thought this week, I'd look at an aspect of my work which you might be less familiar with - bespoke creations.

What does bespoke actually mean?  Traditionally it's a term used to describe clothing which has been tailored to fit a particular customer ie a made to measure suit, however, it is a term often used to describe other items which have been made in line with a customer's requirements. It is often also known as a commission. 

Bespoke seems to suit my jewellery better than commission does as my end product is specifically to match clothing.  I work with bride's mums who also want to their outfit to look special, often want to compliment colour schemes and who don't really want to come face to face with a guest wearing the same! My journey starts with ideas from the customer on shape, style and design and will then include colour swatches supplied by them and if possible a snippet of material, but if not then some good photographs of the outfit in question.  I dye several samples of aluminium until I'm happy that I've got a good match and then work on a selection of pieces for the customer to choose from. I'm also happy to work with customers who are not mums of brides but do have a special occasion to dress for though!!

Of course, I'm also happy to work on commissions! I recently had a customer ask for a blood red cuff via one of my stockists and the customer was very happy with it, but that highlights the difference for me - yes I was making specifically for a customer, but as a commission, not bespoke to match a particular item.

Anyway, I shall be starting to work on the new website soon and hopefully that will be live from the end of June and I plan to launch with a whole load of new work so make sure you take a look.

This week I've been cutting up a sheet of blue aluminium which is covered in writing - a bit different to my normal work but I'm quite happy with it so far, but I might keep you in suspence until the new site is launched!

This gorgeous pendant will feature on my website soon

See you all next week!

Does it remind you of a Mojito?

Hello all, me again!

I enjoyed summer, we had a whole week of it this year! Last night sounded like Armageddon out there with wheelie bins being blown over and being sent rumbling down the cobblestones and it's mid May for goodness sake, we should be celebrating beautiful spring days, not putting the central heating on! Rant over....

Second rant.... 17 years of having to get up at 6.00am for work, you'd think now I work for myself I wouldn't naturally wake up at the crack of pip....wrong! I've also discovered that it's not much use doing your social networking at 6.30am because nobody else is up in the world, no-one!!!

So, what's been going on since my last confession?  Well, I've placed some of my work in another brand new craft venture. If you're in the Nottingham area then take a look at Nottingham Craft Mafia.

Does anyone else use Google+? I registered but other than having a profile and posting this blog on it each week haven't been particularly active.  By accident the other day though I discovered the 'communities' section and through posting a few bits and pieces in various relevant jewellery communities I've found a lot of new interest in my work which is great. If you haven't ventured into them yet, take a look, there's some interesting bits.

I have been making this week though which is good because I've been doing so much admin lately that I haven't had much time - oh, the irony...... Anyway, what do you think of my latest offering which is, as usual, made from handpainted and printed anodised aluminium? I'm sneakily quite pleased with how this has turned out.  For some reason it does make me think of a Mojito......

I hope you will forgive the fact that my quick snaps are taken on my iPad. There is a reason for this and it's the change in the law regarding ownership of pictures posted on social networking areas. My understanding of it is that unless the photograph is protected by being on your website or has links directly to you then it's licensed for anyone to use, therefore my good quality images will only be posted on my website. I don't know the full details of the law change but I do know that the changes were bought in over night with no warning.

The next week will see me at Crocadon Producer's fair on Saturday 18th so if you're in the area of St. Mellion, Cornwall come and say hello, mention that you read my blog and i'll give you 15% off!! How's that for an offer!

See you next week......

Planning and I need your input!

Hello again everyone!  Hope you've all been enjoying the lovely weather - sadly it's not going to be around after tonight but at least we've had a few days of sunshine to make us all feel better!

I feel like I haven't drawn breath since attending the Crafts Council Hothouse Taster Day! I keep waking up at ridiculous hours with ideas and the need to get things down on paper.  As a result it's been a pretty busy week! I've had some interesting meetings and scheduled some more, attended Tavistock Arts Market and generally had a great week, lots of sales and lots of interest. The type of week when I love working for myself, even though I work far longer hours now than I ever have before and it does feel a little bit like I'm spinning plates!

I'm planning a brand new website in the next couple of months so once again, I'd really like your feedback.  When I visit craft fairs I always dress my stand in black as it makes the colours in the aluminium jewellery really stand out and people often comment on how good it looks.  My question is black or white background for the website? Do you find one or the other easier to look at? Let me know what you think!

I'm looking forward to making some jewellery next week - I haven't had chance to make anything this week! I've got a couple of sheets of aluminium already dyed so I will have something to work with.

I can also tell you about a brand new gallery that have opened the doors this week and which has my jewellery on display - go and have a look at Porters of Station Road, Bovey Tracey, Devon if you get the chance.  It's a lovely shop and Ali will give you a warm welcome!

Have you ever thought about taking a short course in texturing/colouring metal or an aluminium taster day? I offer one to one half day courses in a variety of themes or if you prefer full day group courses I will soon be working with a couple of craft centres in Cornwall to deliver that training - do let me know if you'd like me to pass on your details.



Texture and colour on copper

The second and third pictures are examples of copper that has been heat treated in different ways - playing with texture and colour is great fun and the techniques learned can then be incorporated into your own style of working.

I look forward to your comments regarding the new website! Onwards!