A Learning Adventure

Last night was the first session of an 8 week Creative Craft Skills - Jewellery course at Bedwas Adult Education Centre. Nine lovely ladies joined me (3 more to follow) to work towards a Level 1 certificate worth 3 credits. Over the next few weeks I plan to post updates on our progress and give the learners a chance to check on tasks, ask questions and hopefully get to know one another better.
As three ladies were unable to make the first session, I'm going to mention some of the things we did so they can catch up a little before next week.

The first night is always slow with lots (and lots!) of paperwork to get through. Workshops don't require this level of formality but as I delve ever further into the tutor's role, it is without doubt the most intense aspect and one we have to adhere to. In order for me to prove each learner's progress through the course, we must ensure every area of criteria is met, recorded and dated. Each learner has a workbook covering the areas and will be required to complete these as well as producing evidence of work and a  final design piece.

The learners have varying degrees of skills in jewellery making ranging from zero knowledge to confident and experienced. It will be my job now to ensure everyone is comfortable and competent using the tools and are familiar with the materials before we embark on the main design.

Last night we discussed how jewellery is not just an object but can be something that invokes strong feelings. Learners were asked to close their eyes and picture a specific item of jewellery, this could be a piece they own, have bought for someone, would like to own, used to own, anything), they were then asked to open their eyes and give one word to describe how the item looks. Some great words were given describing style, shape and material. They were then asked to close their eyes again and picture the same item. Upon opening their eyes this time they were asked to give one word that described how they felt about this item. 'Love' was a popular one and it was interesting watching many of them automatically smiling while they thought of their word. Jewellery just an object? I don't think so! This exercise was to show that as well as jewellery having a visual impact, it will generally have some meaning behind it and hold memories. Learners are asked to recall this when planning a design and use it to incorporate personal elements into their jewellery.

Sketch books are an essential tool for any designer and all learners are asked to keep an on going record of their ideas and the task as it progresses. By keeping notes and drawing ideas, you can come back to it again and again, altering as ideas flow and boundaries are met - if something didn't work write down why and sketch an alternative. These are important points as you will be expected to show these processes in your workbook as well as submitting the sketch book as evidence. There are no rules as such with a design book, if you see a pattern or colour you like in a magazine, cut it out and stick it in, found a pretty flower? take a  picture and put it in or dry it out/laminate it and place in the book for inspiration. Get used to noting down measurements too, I usually have a  dressmaker's tape measure draped around my neck for checking sizes. This is also important as all accredited courses must include embedding skills - maths and English etc

I showed how to create a 'mood' board by collating a selection of images that promote a particular 'style' or 'look'. For example if you wanted to create a 'Vintage' effect, the ladies were quick to volunteer 'brown's, 'creams' and 'antique metals' as examples of how to achieve this look. Gathering SOURCE MATERIAL like this is a great way to spark ideas and can include original images/magazine cuttings or rubbings of patterns even. Start looking at buildings and nature to see shapes/beautiful patterns and think about how they could be used in designs

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 I've asked the learners to do a little bit of homework for next week and taking what they have learned about design to create at least  a  page of ideas for a name tag/brooch. It's a fun project and just to start everyone off with getting used to using the sketch books as well as working towards the required criteria. Using a range of mixed media (EG paper, feathers, ribbon, cord) leaners are to design a tag that doubles as a brooch and shows their names clearly. Large safety pins are supplied and the overall size is to be no more than 3"x 2". I must observe the learner cutting and laminating so preparation can be done before next week and we will be laminating them at the start of the session.

Laminated Paper Jewellery

 

Next week we will be introduced to the various tools and materials we will use over the duration of the course and we may even start making some jewellery!

If anyone attending is unsure of what they may need please email me at info@chilichic.co.uk and I can answer any questions. If you have access to Facebook, look up Chilichic Jewellery and 'Like' it to get updates.

See y'all next week!

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.