The Wasp Nest

This image is from my studio! Yes, that's right a wasp had built this nest in my old tool box. I noticed a wasp enter my studio and fly into a very small hole in my old tool box which houses tools I use occasionally and supplies of emery papers etc. I noticed over the next few days the wasp returned...normally I just open the door and usher them out, but this one persistently came back and looked very determined to use my tool box as it's hang out spot, so I decided upon drastic measures...Raid.

I then found this nest hanging from the ridge inside my old tool box. I was amazed at how truly beautiful it was. It is incredible that a small creature like a wasp can make something so accurate and perfectly formed, I have to admit I do find it a bit sinister too.

ACJ, Diamond Jubilee Exhibition

I got a lovely surprise email from Zoe Robertson earlier in the week, she sent me these images from the ACJ show in Birmingham. It is always a strange thing when you pack work off to an exhibition, but you have not been able to visit in person to see it. So this was lovely to be able to see what the exhibition looked as a whole and also how my work had been displayed.

Zoe is also showing work at the ACJ exhibition and is Course Director for the BA(Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing at Birmingham Uni where the exhibition is being shown first.

Thanks Zoe!

New silk yarns

I have some new yarns I have been working with, coloured silks. I am still at the test piece stage at the moment, so too soon to share with the outside world but thought I would share some images of the new yarns with you all. Am working with much smaller crochet hooks than I normally would and am using double strands. They have a very fine quality which I like and the test pieces feel very precious...more soon...

Happy Spring!

I love this time of year...everything is growing like mad in the garden and all the spring bulbs are popping up and jostling for their space. The prospect of another summer ahead...

Here are some of my favourite flowers at the moment from my garden. Cowslips, helebores, primroses,lupins, and my favourite pulmonaria.

Diamond Jubilee Exhibition

Here is a new image of my work for the ACJ Diamond Jubilee Exhibition. David Withycombe took the images for the exhibition.

I can't wait to see the catalogue for this exhibition and all 32 makers work.

NEUTOPIA: Sarah Narici's winning design

"Made are delighted to have teamed up with Central St. Martin’s to offer one 2nd year jewellery student the chance to have their design hand-made in our workshop in Kenya."

"Sarah Narici’s design caught the eye of all three judges due to her beautiful drawings and unusual design. The necklace is focused around the 2012 apocalyptic premonitions and Sarah’s creation explores the idea of new life and growth after obliteration. From the collar of bells around the neck, which represent new bulbs, flower petals cascade down the chest symbolising new life, rich with colour."

NEUTOPIA @CSM

Some images from the CSM NEUTOPIA show. I felt very fortunate to be invited to NEUTOPIA too see the work of up and coming jewellers at CSM. They are in their second year, so they still have a year of study left. I can't wait to see how their work develops over the next year!

I thought overall the works were bold, some playful, others dramatic and all presented in a very professional show. It was also great to see such diversity of design and character...obviously each students individual way of working has been encouraged which is such a positive thing for the future of jewellery in the UK. Congrats to all the students and staff involved in the project.

I have chosen five of my favourites from the show. The images are taken from the csm fashion blog I Granary, which tracks the work of students and is completely student led.

Images from the top: Go Un Lee, Claudia Rice, Momi Momii, Lola Elario and Percy Lau.

See more images from the show and behind the scenes here