Fused Glass - Wire Wrapped Pendants

A few months ago I attended a glass fusing class at Bedwas Adult Education Centre and spent a few hours learning a brand new technique that I knew very little about but absolutely loved having a  go at. My humble attempts can be seen at the end of this post but first I'd like to share the results of a joint effort. Ann is the talented tutor at Bedwas and she very kindly donated a few of her glass pieces to see what pendants I could create with them and some wire wrapping.

Of course I couldn't  just make pendants with such lovely pieces so I created finished necklaces, choosing beads and colours to complement the glass.

Autumn Mix

    

Secret Potion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glitter Bug

Electric Heart

Sweetie Box

These designs are now on display at Bedwas Adult Education Centre. I am currently offering workshops here in a range of jewellery making styles and if you are interested in learning a new skill, take a  look at their Facebook page for what is on offer or email me. Future workshops I am taking include a bead and chain necklace & dangle earrings, charm ring & brooch. A wire wrapping class is also planned and 2013 will hopefully see a longer, accredited course available for those wanting to take their skills to a higher level.

Glass classes with Ann and other beadwork sessions are available with various tutors,

I hope you are inspired to join in. Here's my attempts, waiting to be turned into finished designs.

AUGUST WORKSHOP:Glass & Wire Pendants, Y Galeri, Caerphilly

Saturday saw me teaching a workshop at Y Galeri in Caerphilly. Six ladies (all with either none or little experience of  making jewellery) joined me to make their own glass and wire pendants and I couldn't have asked for better students! In just 2 hours everyone learned about a range of basic tools and materials, how to make loops and went on to create fantastic, individual designs for their pendants. Well done all of you :)

I'm delighted with the results and it was a pleasure meeting everyone and helping them use their creativity.
Y Galeri is a great venue and a warm welcome from Jan is assured for everyone who comes through the doors. If you haven't been there yet...why not!?? You can get all the latest information on their Facebook Page, click here.
I'm looking forward to further workshops and if anyone is interested in attending a similar event with me, please get in touch. The ladies on Saturday all said they are interested in learning more skills so I will be planning a follow on workshop soon.

PTLLS Certificate Arrives...Yay!

So after all the hard work (and some stressful moments) my certificate for passing the 'Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector' course has arrived and it all seems worthwhile.

Good excuse too to meet up with some of my fellow learners from the course and so a lovely lunch was had today and we hope another will be taking place soon for today's absent friends.

I will soon have to put these new skills to good use and I'm looking forward to developing workshops and sessions for jewellery making.

Carers Day Event

Last Friday I had the pleasure of joining carers from the Caerphilly County area at an event set up by the local Council. The day was held at The New Cottage Dance Centre in Blackwood and involved lots of people offering pamper treatments and the chance to try some making skills.

I met some fantastic people who showed lots of patience with me as I had underestimated just how popular making jewellery would be! Things I learnt for next time: Everyone enjoyed choosing their own beads but I may need to focus on just one or two items to make so I can get around more people.

 

  I was really impressed with everyone's creativity 

and I hope they were inspired to do more. 

The ladies very kindly agreed to have some pics done and here are some of their designs.

 I've saved the best 'til last, special mention goes to the lovely Katie who showed a natural eye and talent for designing jewellery and produced these gorgeous designs with almost no help from me! Katie was great company and helped keep my feet on the ground when I was trying to work out how to split myself in five to get around everyone and bringing me a much needed orange juice as I'd not stopped for a break...thank you Katie :)

This event was organized by CCBC Carers Support and anyone looking for further info on their services can click here to check out their website page.

NEW STOCKIST FOR CHILICHIC!

I'm delighted to announce Chilichic Jewellery's latest stockist.... 

 Y Galeri (Yr Arteri Arts Centre) in Caerphilly. 

Officially opened just last week, the gallery already boasts an impressive array of original artwork, handmade jewellery and pottery. 

I have plans for a completely new collection of Chilichic designs for Yr Arteri and will be working on that over the next few weeks. In the meantime I've created a small selection of the Chilichic favourite...Semi-Precious pendants. Each one is different and can be added to the Sterling Silver chain of your choice. Chains available for the pendants are sold separately, so you could invest in one of the lovely omega chains and choose several pendants that can be swapped for a new look each time or if you are buying a gift one of the delicate, fine chains will complete the look perfectly. 

Here's a few of the designs available NOW at Yr Arteri and visit Chilichic Jewellery on Facebook for the complete gallery.

With the focus on Welsh based Designer/Makers including well established jeweller Mandy Nash, the exquisite pottery work of South African born Christine Gittins as well as new and emerging talent, artistic director Jan Pennell plans to provide the area with a much needed outlet for creative talent. I was particularly taken with some clever artwork with a  unique, witty use for maps...and a lamp created using items that were unrecognizable from their original purpose! Don't take my word for it though, If you love original designs and quality handmade artwork, get down to 8 St Fagan's Street (Opposite Peacocks), Caerphilly and see for yourself.

Floral Inspiration

I'm not a very good gardener and what has survived in mine says more about the tenacity of plants than any effort I've made! However, I do love to see beautiful blooms and with this gorgeous sunshine it was the perfect opportunity to take some pics of what is currently hanging in there, waiting for me to remember they need watering...