It's A Giveaway!

Hello folks, hope you all enjoyed looking at Corinne Carr's knitwear last week and if you're ever down near St Ives do go and visit Gallery Latitude 50.  It's in a stunning location with great views and they serve lovely coffee and cakes! mmmmmmmmm.........cake......

Sorry, where was I? Oh yes this week has felt a little bit intense, well a lot intense actually!  I've had my nose firmly glued to my laptop as I work on revamping my website with a new shopping facility, didn't realise that I had so much stock!!  I spent two hours patiently adding items, clicked and it disappeared!! I nearly cried, but somehow it was all okay, don't know what I did to lose it or even to get it back!! Hoping to relaunch maybe next week, but my existing site is still up and running for anyone wanting to buy.

Monday and Tuesday were also pretty intense days as I waited for the results of my daughter's degree.  She already has one degree but has been studying whilst working to be a Dispensing Optician and she passed with flying colours whilst arranging her forthcoming wedding in a months time.  Just call her Superwoman!

Anyway, on to another exciting thing!  This week I have decided to give away a pendant.  It's from my Fiery Sunsets And Jet Trails Collection (I know they're crazy names, but I name the collections after what they remind me of when they're finished!).  This pendant is a new variation for me and you could be the very first person to own one.

So would you like to win it? If you do win it there are matching cuffs on the website.

All you have to do is tell me the name of the collection that I use as the tiled background for my blog.

Easy!!

You may need to look back through but the answer's there somewhere! You could also check my website www.slicksilverjewellery.co.uk

Post your answers in the comments box and I'll pick a name out of the hat on Monday 22nd at 8pm.

 
Last night I went to watch the second evening of the Plymouth Fireworks Championships.  Three companies each evening stage mega displays to find an overall champion each year.  It's free and it's amazing.  The fireworks are set off on an embankment so are reflected in the sea.  We watched the first night from the bedroom - not quite the same but ok. Well worth a visit next year!

Well I'm off to search out another interviewee for another collaborative blog.  It's nice finding out what inspires other people!

Colour & Texture Collaboration 2

I would just like to open this week's blog with a word of thanks to our emergency services and police for their stirling work, a hearfelt saddness for lives and livelihoods lost, deep thanks for the social media's tea and broom gangs cleaning up and a profound hope that we can turn all of this horror around.


When I came up with the idea of a collaborative blog featuring the work of artists I admire, I wasn't sure whether it would work or not, but I hoped that it would at least bring those people together in a common cause. I'm pleased to say that this week I have another fabulous knitwear designer's work to share with you.  I first came across Corinne Carr's designs at Gallery Latitude 50 when I was on honeymoon in St Ives in June and was instantly drawn to the colours and textures she uses.  I asked her about her inspiration.

1. Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

My inspiration for a new design usually comes from wanting something different to wear, going into shops and not finding it. I find that is the trigger for a new shape. People will say, 'Oh I really like that jumper/jacket/cardigan' and it will become part of my collection. Then in terms of colourways, I draw a lot of inspiration from the Cornish countryside. My studio windows overlook the moors of Zennor and I find that the changing colours of the seasons filters through to my knitwear.

2. Is there a craft medium that you've always had a hankering to try your hand at?

I'd always wanted to do printmaking and finally a few years ago I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a printing press and experiment. I fell in love with the process - the alchemy of it. Of course, you have control when you put the ink on the paper and place in on the press, but then there is a magical moment when the print is free from the pressure of the press and the final image emerges. That transformation that takes place beyond your gaze - beyond your control - is the fascinating part. Unfortunately, with the gallery and my knitwear business growing so much over the past few years, I haven't been able to return to printmaking and develop further. But I have every intention of doing so as soon as I have the time. I have not ruled out trying my hand at painting either!

3. If you could see one famous person wearing your designs, who would it be?

I can think of a few (if I'm allowed)

Ines de la Fressange because she is the epitome of French style and makes everything she wears look absolutely fabulous.

Camila Batmanghelidgh because she loves colour as much as I do and because she is such an inspiration with the work she does for children and I admire her greatly.

And maybe Annie Lennox because she is so stylish and she sang songs I danced to when I was just starting out in design. And because my aubergine 'Feather' cardigan would look amazing with her platinum hair!

. Where can fans buy your work?

My full collection can be found year round at my studio gallery Latitude 50 just outside St Ives and knitwear can be ordered online at www.corinnecarr.co.uk. In Cornwall and the Scillies: Gallery Tresco, Trelowarren Gallery; Trellisick Gallery; Guild of Ten Truro; The Round House Gallery Sennen; The Square Gallery, St Mawes; Wave 7 Gallery, Port Isaac; Mid Cornwall Galleries, Par; UK wide: The National Trust Cotehele Gallery, St Dominc; Heart Gallery, Hebden Bridge; Blue Duck Gallery, Reading; Blue Ginger Gallery, Malvern.

I'll also be exhibiting at these national craft fairs for the first time this year: The Cornwall Design Fair, Trereife House later this month, Made11 Brighton in November and Made by Hand Wales in Newport in December.

 I'm sure that you will agree with me, that Corinne Carr's work is stunning.  Walking into her gallery is like looking at an open packet of Fruit Pastilles - your mouth literally waters at the array of coloured cones of wool lining her work area! Make sure that you visit the gallery at www.gallerylatitude50.co.uk or check out www.corinnecarr.co.uk and start writing that Christmas list.


I asked Corinne to think about autumn colours and I love what she's supplied.  I think that her designs would work really well with some of my own pieces.
The collection on the left is called Stained Fingers from Blackberry Picking and the collection of the right is called Nighttime Reflections in Inky Water.  Both collections are available from my website at www.slicksilverjewellery.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

I've also included a few images of some other pieces which are available from me on request.

This wide cuff is from the Andromeda range and is £39.00 It is approximately 5cm wide.

The choker pendant on the right is also from the Andromeda collection and is £29.00.

I hope that you've enjoyed my blog and that you will add Corinne Carr and Mhairi Wild to your list of 'must haves' (and me too if you like my designs!!)  I shall now toddle off and ferret out another top designer to share with you in the not too distant future.

Gifts and Friends

Well hello again! I hope you're enjoying my ramblings because I'm really enjoying doing them.

I hope you all visited Mhairi Wild's website following last week's blog and have made out your wishlists for xmas!  I had a lovely surprise the other morning when I had a parcel from Perth.  It really was like Christmas as I opened it.  There was a layer of hand dyed silk and inside was a stunningly beautiful skinny scarf from her new range in colours that had been scraped straight off a Scottish glen.  See what I mean? Apparently I'm the first person to own one and I'm very honoured. 
If you would like to own any of Mhairi's accessories then she informs me that Concrete Wardrobe, Edinburgh on 0131 558 7130 will be happy to help you or you can contact www.mhairiwild.co.uk

So what I have been doing this week?  Spending far too much time on my laptop if truth be told, but it's allowed because my shoulder is still healing and I can't drive or work yet.  I feel that my time has been productive (if you don't count the internet shopping!!) and I now have very active Facebook and Twitter accounts.  I can also now be found on UK Handmade. http://ukhandmade.ning.com/profile/SlickSilverJewellery

The more time I've spent on social networking the more I've realised what a great community we have in the crafting world. Facebook is great for keeping up to date with friends, especially my closest friend who happens to live in France (she's my French agent!!) and Twitter has allowed me to make a whole host of new friends whom I chat to on a daily basis (you know who you are girls!!). Becoming a member of UK Handmade is another level of professional networking as I immediately realised that there were local groups of like-minded people, some living in the same city as me. Old friends that I've yet to meet.  I've certainly met some really lovely helpful people through my laptop and phone who are committed to their craft/art and to sharing it with others.

Whilst trundling through the virtual world I've also been looking for my next blog victim!! Seriously I'm looking for my next interviewee who's work really appeals to me.  I have a couple of people in mind so watch this space.  So far I have spotted a dress designer, a knitwear designer, a milliner and some others so I will put the feelers out.  Do you like the idea of me featuring, interview style, another artist on the blog every now and then?  I would love to know what you think so please feel free to leave me a comment below.

I thought I might show you some of my silver jewellery.
These are some of my reticulated sterling silver pendants in my Ghost Daisy range. They are hallmarked and are available to buy.  They are supplied wrapped in tissue and in my black gift bags. Please contact me on info@slicksilverjewellery.co.uk

I'd also like to end my blog this week by putting some beautiful artwork on my page.  Our house is full of paintings so I thought I would share some with you.  They are the work of my husband David Muddyman who has his own website. www.davidmuddyman.co.uk



Colour and Texture Collaboration

As an admirer of the work of many others I thought it would be a good idea to show you that of an artist I particularly like and whose work I feel has a synergy with my own and I really hope to make this a regular feature of my blog.

I recently did a mini interview with Mhairi Wild, designer of utterly beautiful knitted and felted accessories. I asked her the following and would like to thank her for taking part:-

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
The Scottish coastal communities that I have visited and researched form the basis for much of my inspiration.  The colour, texture and narrative all play a part.  A constant companion on these trips is the work of poet Thomas A Clark, more specifically, ‘Distance and Proximity’.  The visual patterning and imagery of the written word throws up inspiration in equal measure, and is a core part of my work.  So far the Island communities of Easdale, Seil, Mull, Iona, Harris and Lewis, are among the list of inspirational settings and more recently, Cromarty, Auchmithie, and Crovie on the East coast of the Scottish mainland.

Is there a craft medium that you've always had a hankering to try?
I’ve always fancied trying my hand at ceramics.  I’ve dabbled a bit in the past, but would like to develop my skills to perhaps incorporate ceramics and textiles in some way.

If you could see one famous person wearing your designs, who would it be?
Without hesitation, I’d say Tilda Swinton.  I’m a great admirer of her cinematic and community work.  She is well known for supporting the Arts, across the board.  I think she would like the flexibility of my ‘gather’ scarves as they work well as a statement piece and are just as happy worn with a big jacket and wellies.

Where can fans buy your work?
My work is available online from Papa Stour, and baffie.  My biggest retailer is Concrete Wardrobe, Broughton Street, Edinburgh, where I am launching a new extended range with homewares, and new gathers on 1^st August.  Sheila Fleet Gallery in Kirkwall is my Orkney retailer, with The Tayberry Gallery holding my work, a bit closer to home.  I’m diversifying into luxury handpainted yarns, inspired by the islands, and am working on a new woven textiles collection for Winter 2012-13.

These stunning designs from Mhairi caught my eye for the rich colour and texture and three dimensional quality she manages to achieve.  They are statement pieces.  The skinny scarf is part of her very latest collection. Please do make sure that you visit her website and either treat your self or make sure that everyone around you knows what's on your Christmas list!  You can find Mhairi
 Wild at www.mhairiwild.co.uk

The View From The Tate

Colour and texture have long been my inspiration and my anodised aluminium jewellery lets me fully explore that and you will see from the images below that I was naturally drawn to Mhairi's work as it similar in concept to my own whilst being in a completely different medium. It would be wonderful to think that some day both of our designs will be worn together.

Sandstorm In The Desert

As you can see, we have often used similar colours in our work and I particularly love to introduce a texture which I achieve by using layers of powdered pigments, alcohol inks, aluminium inks and aluminium dyes.

For further information see www.slicksilverjewellery.co.uk

Inspirations

This week, whilst still exploring and learning about online marketing, I have been thinking about the sorts of things that inspire me.  Really I'm yearning to start making again, but physically my shoulder hasn't recovered enough for that yet - so let's take a look at my inspiration board.  It sits obediently at the side of my workbench and I glance at it periodically, but I'm not entirely sure that I'm using it as I should.  It's covered in pictures I really like, postcards, odd ideas that I've tried (some of them really odd!!), love notes, business cards, application forms, a couple of little paintings by my husband etc, but does all that just make it a noticeboard??? When does a noticeboard become an inspiration board anyway? I feel like it needs to fulfill it's potential by being draped with beautiful swatches, colour charts and the like and perhaps I'm letting it down a little - holding it back as it were.



Reticulated Sterling Silver Pendant
 with Blue Seaglass



So here's the thing. I like having somewhere to keep the bits I don't want to throw away. If I'm really honest, my inspiration comes from what I see outside the house.  I can go into raptures over the colour and texture of an old stone wall, rusty metal, lichen (don't get me started!), the bark of a tree and whilst I don't always try to recreate those textures, I do believe that they show in my work, particularly in my reticulated silver. 

Recently on honeymoon in St Ives we spent a great deal of time in galleries, in fact, there were few we missed in the area.  There are a couple of places that I particularly love that we visited again and previous visits had led me to some designs.  The first is Barbara Hepworth's studio and garden.  Her amazing scultpures immediately make me wish I was at my bench. My other favourite place is the Tate overlooking the beach, particularly out on the rooftop coffee shop on a gorgeous sunny day.  I don't think there's a more stunning view.  Recently I was colouring a sheet of aluminium, and as I've said previously, I'm never quite sure what the final result will be, but as soon as this particular sheet came out of the dye bath I knew what it would be called.  This collection is called The View From The Tate and if you've ever visited the area and seen the amazing light you'll know what I meant.

The View From The Tate Cuff and Pendant (there's also earrings available) and indeed the silver pendant above are all available from me should anyone be interested in buying them by contacting me at info@slicksilverjewellery.co.uk

or through my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/SlickSilver-Jewellery/241037522592328 or you can contact me on Twitter at SlickSilverJ

One final shoutout this week to my lovely Twitter friend S L Jewellery and Accessories.  She wrote a great blog about me but she also makes beautiful wedding jewellery and button bouquets which deserve a look so check out her site at http://www.sljewelleryandaccessories.co.uk/

What A Week That Was!

Well folks, last week I promised to be a more regular blogger and here I am and what a week it's been! If you recall I wrote that I planned to get to grips with my online presence and I have since realised just how little I know. I started off by emailing my good Twitter friend http://www.sljewelleryandaccessories.co.uk/ to ask her what I should do.  She, bless her, sent two very detailed emails about increasing this and that and I didn't understand much of it at all so I realised 'Huston - we have a problem'!!! Now I know when I'm defeated and whilst we didn't have slates and chalk when I was at school, we didn't have computers either so I've acquired my skills through work and play (my greatest skill being shopping!!) so time for some more formal learning.  This came in the form of an ebook from Pete Mosley called Make Your Creativity Pay which I duly read and which was very good.  It explained the whys and wherefores of having a good web presence from a creative perspective. So far, so good. Another Twitter friend http://www.shellybobbins.blogspot.com/ asked me if I would like to be involved in a feature on her 20,000 visitor celebratory blog and of course I said yes and donated a couple of pieces of jewellery for her to give away as a prize.  This kind of took the brakes off!!! As a result my Twitter account was getting a lot of action and it was pointed out to me that I only had a Facebook group and not a page where people could like my work.  Oh dear I confess that I got into a bit of a kerfuffle and made things a lot more complicated than they needed to be which resulted in a telephone call from Shelly and her daughter who talked me through putting it all right - they shall be sainted! Anyway as a result I have a bright shiny spanking new Facebook page where you can 'like' me! http://www.facebook.com/pages/SlickSilver-Jewellery/241037522592328  Poppies Wide Cuff http://slicksilverjewellery.co.uk/A200.htm  I am now drowning in a weighty tome about online marketing which should keep me out of mischief whilst my shoulder continues to mend. Onwards and upwards with my jewellery though and I've been asked if I make aluminium rings and I didn't before but I shall in the future so look out for those and one of my cuffs was featured on http://www.guildedgems.co.uk/ so all in all an exciting but exhausting week!



The Frustrations Of A Recovering Designer/Maker

Hello world, 

A lot has happened since I last blogged and it is my intention to be a more frequent blogger from now on! The most major change since last time is that I got married and anyone who wants to see a picture, scroll down to the bottom of the page for a sneaky look!  As you can probably tell, it was for the second time but it really was the most fantastic sunny day to get married by the sea to a wonderful man with our families and friends around us.  Following the wedding we had a honeymoon in a former artists' studio in St Ives and spent all of our time wandering around galleries, partly getting inspiration for new work, partly meeting inspiring people and just occasionally thinking that our work was ok after all!! An hour or two peace and quiet in Barbara Hepworth's garden led to some new ideas for jewellery being sketched out for trial at a later date.

The second major thing to happen to me recently, just two weeks ago, was planned surgery on my right shoulder and yes I am right-handed!  I sadly oiled my tools, tidied my bench and shut the door on my studio for a while.  I know that it will be some time yet before I have enough movement and little enough pain to be able to venture in there again.  Because I knew that I would be having surgery I worked hard beforehand to build up a store of new designs.  Part of my plan for my recovery time has been to work on my online presence and to convince myself that marketing is fun.  Like most creative people I would much rather make jewellery than try to sell my work, however, my bank balance does not approve.  As I've now got to the stage where I can move my arm from the elbow down ok, it's time to get on with some laptop based work and to resist the urge to buy things!

At the bottom of my blog you will see where you can buy my work from and whilst I do hope that you will take the time to have a look, it caused me to ponder whether people like buying jewellery online.  I'm always open to ideas about how to best present my work so please let me know if you have any suggestions. 

So, for the rest of this week I shall continue to rest and be waited upon whilst my reluctant mind absorbs computery stuff and I pick the brains of my long-suffering other half and Twitter friends.

See you here next week!

Pulling In Different Directions

I have a minor problem - I want to make lots of different things.  Great, you might think - but no, because you see I get most of my ideas when I'm driving to and from my day job and as it's an hour each way, I've often forgotten part of the idea by the time I could do something about it!  I find myself thinking through a process to try or part of a design or a technique but when I get into my studio - pouffff - gone!! I don't know if I've always been that way, or whether too many ideas are crashing around inside my brain or whether, in fact, it's an age thing (hopefully not, I prefer the scatty idea!).
On a slightly larger scale my pull comes from wanting to spend all my time working in anodised aluminium because I love the painterly aspect of the way I use it and the feeling that I owe it to my roots to continue to work in silver and other metals in a more traditional way. Hmmmmm, a thinker, because I still love creating a beautiful piece of silver jewellery, but I feel excited by the unpredictable nature of dyeing aluminium.  There's something about creating a design, whether it's freehand painting, digital images or a mixture, dyeing it and then watching it take on a luminosity when it's cut and shaped.  I sometimes end up with a bit of an uninspiring dyed sheet which suddenly comes to life when made up into jewellery.  It never fails to surprise me.  The only time I get the same buzz from working with silver is when I reticulate it, because again, I can achieve some really beautiful textures that are seemingly out of my control.  Scientifically I suppose I am in charge of the processes which result in these happy surprises, but I have learned to recognise that I work best when faced with material I've created.  I've tried having a formal design and then working to it, but I've generally been much happier cutting up my material, silver or anodised aluminium, to make the most of the process I've used on it.
Well, onwards and upwards, maybe I'll go and reticulate some silver or perhaps dye some aluminium - you never know what I might come up with............