'Roamin' Rockets' Charity Event postponed

Unfortunately, due to high winds and bad weather, the 'Roamin' Rockets' Charity Event tonight has been postponed until January. Will let you know when a new date is decided.

Bye for now xx

Open Studios update

As usual, I didn't manage to take any photos of our preview on Friday night! Mainly because it was too busy and we were enjoying ourselves too much! I did however, take some pics (above) of my display yesterday.

A great weekend was had by all! I even started my christmas shopping. There were so many lovely things to buy as Christmas presents! I can't say what I bought as it's a secret santa! This is something we do amongst some of us jewellers at Coburg (past and present) every year. I'll let you know once it's opened!

Now that that's over, I'm getting myself prepared for the 'Roamin Rockets' Charity Event at Cargo on Thursday evening (earlier post). I'm also making up orders from the Open Event and a few on-liners. So, better get your Christmas present orders in quick!
If you couldn't make it down to Coburg House on the weekend, come and visit me at Cargo on Thursday or feel free to contact me, if you'd like to make an appointment to see what I have in stock.

Hope you're all enjoying the real start of the Festive Season now! I'm looking forward to our Coburg Studios party in particular! :)

Enjoy your week!
D x

'Pretty Prices' & 'Black & Gold Bargains' at Coburg House Open Studios Event!

'Corolla' earrings

silver

was £95

now £35

Find them in the 'Pretty Prices' Box

Next weekend, the 3rd & 4th December, Coburg House Art Studios opens up it's doors to the public. You can come along and visit the artists and makers in their studios and see and buy their work on show.  We will be open from 11am both on Saturday and Sunday and closing at 5pm. Those of you who have been before will know how much wonderful jewellery, ceramics, paintings, textiles, and prints there are to see.

Exclusively at the Open Studios I have an 'End of Line' sale box. This time I will have two! My 'Pretty Prices' box will have items with up to 70% off! I'm also having a clear out of some of my oxidised silver and gold ranges, so a visit to my 'Black & Gold' Bargain box is a must!

I will also be selling embossed prints for £10 each! Each print was made by myself at the ECA print making department in 2002 while studying my Post Graduate diploma. The prints were developed by embossing my flat silver sheet designs into the paper. Sorry, there are no pictures of these, so you'll have to just come and see for yourself! One would make a great Christmas present! You could even get it framed by our in-house framer, also the Coburg Boss, John Gibson!

Hope to see you all there!

D xx

The Roamin' Rockets

'Scale & loop' earrings

silver

£135

The Roamin' Rockets are four lovely ladies who are raising money for Breast Cancer Care. In the past they have organised Bake sales, sponsored leg waxes and raised money at Car boot sales. Next Thursday, 8th December, is the special event of the year where there will be many local businesses, music and stalls.
Frances, one of the 'Rockets' has kindly invited be to take part and have my jewellery on show. The big fund raiser event takes place at Cargo, Edinburgh, from 7.30 until 10.30pm. Tickets are £6. I hear there will be a free glass of bubbly too! Hope you can make it along!

The earrings above are a kind of old and new design. Sometimes it's good to go back to ideas and create new pieces! They will be on show at Cargo, unless they are sold at the Open Studios at Coburg House next weekend! There is only one pair, so better be quick! No need to worry though, as there will be a wide range of new designs on display!

More info on the Open Studios coming up! xx

Onliners!

With Christmas approaching so quickly, I have barely had the chance to set up my website. I'm hoping to now set this up in the new year with a shop. Very exciting!! This will make it quick and easy for you to order. In the mean time, you can contact me (details above right), if you'd like to enquire about or order anything you've seen on here.

I also have my work on the following selling sites if you are looking for that simple and quick purchase. Lovedazzle, THE online designer jewellery store and two which are new! Trove Jewellery and My Solution Gifts have recently added my work to their websites. Trove Jewellery was founded by a good friend of mine, Sally Moore, who studied Jewellery & Silversmithing with me at ECA. You can find some of her own jewels on there along with guest artist Alex Monroe, who has designed pieces for celebrities such as Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse.

Tammy Woods, a lovely lady who has just set up her own online shop, recently invited me to sell on her website. She came to meet me at my studio last week to discuss the collection we would put on the site. My Solution Gifts not only has jewellery. There are gorgeous bags by Edinburgh maker, Katherine Emtage,  amazing chocolate hampers by Hot Chocolates, scrumptious soaps by Planet Soap and opportunities to commission a painting or be taught by Dylan Lisle, who is also a Coburgie!

Soremi Jewellery has been an online seller for me for a number of years and my work is in the middle of refreshment as we speak. I'll tell you more once the jewels have been updated.

So, it's Cyber Monday tomorrow! Who's doing their Christmas shopping?! If you're in and around Edinburgh next weekend, why not wait and see what's on sale at our Open Studios Event at Coburg House! More details to follow...........

xx

Bascombe Photography

Just had to show you a few photos taken by the lovely Mike Bascombe, professional photographer. Mike and his wife to be Kate, came to the studio for the day to make each others wedding rings with myself and Hannah Louise Lamb. His photographs were all taken on black and white kodak film. It seems the digital camera hasn't completely taken over! We like this :)
Mike has sent us a selection off the roll! To see them, visit our facebook page.


Enjoy x

Snow Petals

 Long Snow petal earrings

silver

Snow petal earrings

silver & 18ct gold

Snow flower brooch & Snow flower earrings

silver & 18ct gold

It's been a busy week, sending jewels off here, there and everywhere! The Bowie Gallery has received these lovely earrings and brooch as part of my new collection for them. The Bowie Gallery is a lovely place in Hereford. I used to supply Sara, owner of the gallery, with my work  for a few years. After a couple of years of absence, I decided to contact Sara once again and here we are! Sara has also asked me if I would make her some work for the Hay Festival next Summer which is great!

Kaz and I also sent off our big boxes of jewellery to DAZZLE at the Royal Exchange Theatre today! It opens the weekend of 19th and 20th November and is on until 1st January. The perfect place to get your Christmas presents!

If you are in the Hereford or Manchester areas, go check them out!

Well, better get back to some jewellery making! Gone are the days when the Coburg Dazzlers go to the pub after a big send off! We're just too busy! A well deserved glass of vino will be drunk when I get home tonight though :)

xx

Art of Gold

Floral Wing necklace

Silver, labradorites & smokey quartz

£210

I've been a bit of an addictive blogger of late! There just seems to be so much going on at the moment! I was telling my good friend, Sally Moore of Trove Jewellery today, how my 'to do' list is as long as a pier! It was the first thing that came to mind that was very long!!:)

Anyway, just thought I'd let you all know, especially you lovely followers from the Leeds area about an exhibition starting today! It's called 'Tinsel & Tiaras' and is at the Art of Gold Gallery. I have a collection of 10 pieces there including this floral necklace. The exhibition is on until the 22nd January. Hope you can make it along there :)

Have a happy Halloween weekend!

D xx

Follow me on Facebook!

Vintage Mirror Necklace

silver & iolites

was £180 now £144 (until 7th Nov)

Morning all! I am not the most technical minded of people, so when I managed to add a 'follow me' facebook icon to my blog (see top right hand side), I decided to extend my 20% off sale until 7th November! Any piece of jewellery you see here on my blog over £50 will be reduced by 20%. If you are interested in buying or ordering any piece, you can just e mail me or phone me before midnight on 7th November! Seems like a good time to get your christmas presents to me! :)

Oh, and if you haven't already, please click the facebook icon and 'like' my page!

Thank you!
xx

Ring project in a day

On Tuesday, A-level Art student, Mike spent the day with me in the studio. Mike came up from Kent for the day to do a ring project that we had planned back in August! Now that is dedication for you! Mike told me that although working with a jeweller or a maker of any other discipline, is not part of his course, he likes to set these kinds of projects to challenge himself and his teachers!

Mike wanted to make a ring in my stylised technique of fusion. As this was his first introduction to the art of jewellery making, I gave him a choice of two rings to make. He decided to make a flat shaped band (8mm wide and 1.2 mm depth) with a detailed flat wire which he fused onto the surface along the centre of the flat sheet, before forming it into a ring shape. I demonstrated and guided Mike every step of the way of the ring making process. However, Mike still added his own stamp to it with his extra reticulated surface texture and shiny finish. Here is the finished product and some shots of Mike making his ring!

Mike is a very talented, enthusiastic and patient guy, the recipie for a great artist! I wish him all the best with his A levels and studies to follow.

Dundee Delivery

 Clover bud necklace

silver & aventurine

For all my Dundee followers, I have new stock in at Dundee Contemporary Arts!
I have supplied their shop for a number of years with my work, and to my shame, I have never been along there. It's a little early to think about new year resolutions, but I think this has to be one of many. There'll be no time before christmas, but it is something I must do next year!

The rain has stopped now, so it's a good time to whiz around the corner to the studio!
Hope the weather is not too wet in Dundee either!

D x

No tricks! Just my treat!

Snow petal & diamond loop pendant

silver, labradorites & citrine
was £110 now £88

To celebrate Halloween this year, I have a treat just for you! I am offering a 20% discount on any piece of jewellery over £50. This offer ends on the 31st of October and is only open to my blog readers. So if you do fancy treating yourself or being a little christmas early bird, then just contact me either by phone or email and quote this blog post.
If I don't have it in stock, I can make to order :)
Speak soon
Dxx

Jewellery Making Private Tuition

Hello lovely potential jewellery makers!!

I am now taking on more private tuition students! From beginners to the more experienced, I can tailor a course to suit your needs. A course would usually consist of five two hour sessions, costing £200 plus your cost of materials. Single sessions can be booked thereafter at £40 each.
One day projects are also available. For example, making a simple ring or pendant. For full use of my expertise and my lovely studio in Leith for the day, it would be £100 plus materials.
Maybe you know someone who would like this experience as a gift. Vouchers can be given on request.

If this is something you might be interested in, then give me a call and we can discuss what you might like to do.

Think about it! :) x

My Stockbridge Stockist

Clover bud necklace

silver & moonstone

I love Stockbridge! So I wasn't complaining this morning when I had to wander down to the Sarah Dallas Gallery to deliver a wee parcel of new goods :) The necklace above was one of them! A light and simple necklace. This is one of my favourites and for a change, I would be tempted to wear it! I know it's a bit peachy, but apparently peach is back in!

There was no time for mooching about the charity shops today, as I had to head back to the studio pretty sharp to get on with work!

If you live in Stockbridge or it's surrounding areas, check this lovely little gallery out. It is mostly a fine art gallery, however, you will find some real gems in Sarah's gorgeous little vintage cabinet!

xx

Calling all Dazzle lovers!

Blossom bud & loop earrings

silver & labradorites

I hate to say it but Christmas is coming!!! I can't believe it myself, but even I have started my Christmas shopping list!
Therefore, as early as it may seem, I have been busy working on new pieces to send to my stockists. Ruthin Craft Centre received a refreshing new winter collection just last week from me. The 'Snow bud' necklace with labradorites and citrines (pictured below in the previous post) has already been sold before even making it to the cabinet! 

My Lovedazzle page has been updated with some new pieces also! Take a look here. Lovedazzle has an Autumn offer of 20% off any piece of jewellery over £50 up until midnight 17th October! So why not save some pounds and start your Christmas shopping early!

Oh dear, I sound like an advert!!

Best be off!

xx

New Necklaces

Snow petal and twisted wire pendant

silver, labradorites & citrine

£130

 Snow bud Neckpiece
silver, labradorites & citrine
£700
SOLD

Long Snow bud Neck piece with chain
silver, rainbow moonstone & turmolated quartz
£1150

Zephyr on Portobello Beach

I've been working on some new necklaces recently including two new 'Snow bud' neck pieces. I wanted to create something more simple and easier to wear than my usual cluster pieces. I began with matching the stones up and seeing what shapes and colours work together. The silver snow buds in both pieces are generally the same, but the stones and added chain to one of them give them a different look from each other. The long 'Snow bud' neck piece can be worn at different lengths, according to the size of the wearer and the neckline they choose to wear from day to day.
Take a look down the right hand side where there are some other new necklaces just designed and made by moi, just waiting to be snapped up!

I recently sent some work off to two new stockists, SH Jewellery in Morningside, Edinburgh and Kalo in the Shawlands, Glasgow.

SH Jewellery was opened four months ago by a friend of mine, Sarah Hutchison. This gorgeous shop/gallery has some lovely and interesting jewels, mixing it up with designers from all over the UK, many being from London. Award winning silversmith and jeweller, Sarah also works at her bench at the back of her shop and is available to chat to most days. There's not another place like this in Edinburgh. If it's interesting, unusual, bespoke jewellery that you're after, then this is the place to go......well apart from Coburg Studios of course!!!
Ooo.....and Sarah has a lovely wee spaniel named Ruby who will greet you at the door! :)

The image above is a pendant now on sale at SH Jewellery. Again, loving the greens/greys/blues that the labradorites create in different lights, working well with the yellow/gold citrine and silver.

Making some new pieces for Sarah Dallas Gallery in Stockbridge, so watch this space!

The studio has a cute little visitor today. It is Donna Doggie Day care around here once more. I'm very distracted, but I don't mind :)
Picture above :) Merryn is getting used to him slowly!
xx

Go on 'Like' us!

We now have a new facebook page for 'Make Your Own Wedding Rings'!
The bookings are coming in now, and we have some lovely couples lined up over the next few months. Follow us on facebook, and if you are getting married and think this could be just for you, then please don't hesitate to contact us.

Objects of Status, Power & Adornment

'Snow Bud Cluster' Neckpiece
silver, iolite and rainbow moonstone

It's been a busy month with the Edinburgh Festival in full swing, Open Studios and 'Dazzle'. Even though it's an exciting time, I'm glad it's over! My evenings are my own again! Phew :) I have been up to this and that but will tell you more later.

For now, here is a an image of one of my 'Snow bud cluster' Neckpieces. This amongst other pieces has just arrived at Mobilia Gallery in the States for their exciting exhibition 'Objects of Status, Power & Adornment' which starts on the 6th September and ends on the 22nd October. The brief was to make some new pieces with this title in mind. As I have been using semi precious stones over the last couple of years, it seemed to fit in quite well. We were also asked to include an older piece of work, so I revamped an old 'Feather petal' Brooch made from silver and 18ct yellow gold into a fairly large ring! As I was in a rush to send off the work, I forgot to take a photograph. We will just have to wait until it comes back, unless it is sold of course! That would be nice :) So if anyone is around and about in Boston, then go and have a look. I'm sure it'll be an exhibition you won't want to miss! There is also talk of this being a travelling exhibiton, so will keep you updated.

Right, I'm off to the studio. I have some rather scrumptious necklaces on the go at the moment. Watch this space!

Look what I found!

'Clover Bud Cluster' Brooch
Oxidised silver & 18ct gold 2006
was £455 now £180

'Blossom Bud Cluster' Brooch, silver 2006
was £395 now £155

'Criss Cross' pendant

oxidised silver & 18ct gold 2003
was £160 now £65
SOLD

'Criss Cross' Brooch
Oxidised silver & 18ct gold 2003
was £350 now £140

While I was rummaging through the pre Open Studio rubble and through a drawer I hadn't been in for a very long time, I came across these two lovely 'Bud Cluster' brooches, 'Criss Cross' brooch and pendant! Both bud pieces are made up of separate units and soldered together in stages to create these solid but delicate clusters. The 'Criss Cross' pieces are made up of hollow ovals made individually, and fused together to form this patterned sheet. For some reason or another, they all must have been put away to fix in the future as they don't seem to have any pins on them. The far in the future being now, I have decided to fix them, spruce them up and put them in my 'end of line' box! As I have done the past couple of times at Open Studios, this is a '60% off' treat for only Open Studio guests! Many more end of line jewels (smaller pieces too) to be had, so don't miss out! The 'was' prices are the actual prices they were at the time, so with silver and gold going up as they have done recently, makes them extra special bargains that are also one off pieces!

I guess if you do see it here first, I can make an exception and give you first dibs! :)

xx

xx

And now for Open Studios!

Do come and visit us at Coburg House! For you regulars, you know what it's all about and for those of you who don't, pop down and see some of Scotland's award winning artists and makers. A hub of 70 artists including a gallery all in one building! Jewellery, ceramics, textiles, painting, prints and more. Check out the Coburg House website for a taster! Hope to see you all there!

If you want to know what's happening throughout the year at Coburg House, Open studios, workshops, new artists etc, become a fan on Facebook!

So it's off to the studio I go to make beautiful jewels especially for you :) x x

Dazzling at George Square

'Snowpetal & Square beaded loop' pendant
silver, rainbow moonstone, tourmalated quartz & tourmaline

'Vintage Mirror' dusty ring
silver

Edinburgh Dazzle is almost here once again! This year it has moved from the Traverse Theatre to George Square Theatre. As usual, there'll be a diverse range of jewellery from 50 jewellers to suit everyone's taste buds!
My big box of jewels are ready to send off, including these new pieces!
I'll be there most days during the festival! Looking forward to seeing you all there!
xx

The Wynn Wedding

Mr & Mrs Wynn

The Bride
'Butterflower Drop' necklace, silver

Half Daisy earrings, 18ct yellow gold

Lisa on her wedding day 2008
'Blossom bud cluster' necklace and Blossom bud earrings, silver

'Butterflower' bracelet, silver & 18ct gold

The Rings
'Anglesey Coastline' ring, 18ct yellow gold
by Hannah Louise Lamb

Apologies once again for not having posted for a while! It has been a hectic couple of months, but not all work I have to say! Vegas and San Francisco had been a well kept secret for six months and last month flew in and flew by just as fast! So my mum and the lovely Michael got married. It wasn't your typical Vegas wedding. I know you're all wondering if Elvis was there, but no, he wasn't. Neither did they get married down town in a white chapel. Mr & Mrs Wynn, funnily enough, decided they would get married in the beautiful wedding suites of The Wynn Hotel! A fantastic day was had by all, well all six of us!

Above is a photo of the rings. My mum's being a 'coast ring' by the very talented Miss Hannah Louise Lamb. The ring is 18ct yellow gold and is separated in two parts by the Anglesey Coastline, mainly Treaddur Bay where they live. If you haven't seen Hannah's coastline rings before, click on Hannah above. The perfect wedding ring. Each one is handmade specially and is personal to each and every couple.

Members of the wedding party including the bride herself were also wearing some familiar jewellery :) My mother's necklace and bracelet were both of the 'Butterflower' range and made from silver & 18ct gold.
My sister Lisa, was wearing her very own Donna Barry 'Blossom bud Cluster' necklace, that was specially made for her own wedding day, three years ago.
I was wearing a 'Daisy' Wrist corsage, silver & 18ct gold with gold satin ribbon and 18ct gold 'Half Daisy' earrings to compliment. And last but not least, the 'Long Bud' cufflinks worn by my partner, William Ancell :)
Above are a few pics of the day and of course the jewels!

So it's all work work work now! Holiday blues have been dealt with and I'm all geared up for the Open Studios which is 5th-7th Aug and DAZZLE 5th-29th Aug! More on these later. I have been working on a couple of new things which I'll post up next week too.
Have a good weekend!!
D xx

The First 'Make Your Own Wedding Rings'

Emma & Mick's rings

Last week, the very first 'Make Your Own Wedding Rings' took place at Coburg House Studios. Hannah Louise Lamb and I were excited and nervous to have Emma Walker, Director of Craftscotland and husband to be, Mick Pritchard, join us in teaching them how to make each other's wedding rings! Here Emma decribes their experience.

Thank you to Emma and Mick for putting their trust in us as tutors, and for being our first ever 'Make Your Own Wedding Rings' couple! You were great!

For more information, visit us at our new website www.makeweddingrings.co.uk

You can also check out our short film on YouTube demonstrating the ring making process below.

Butterflower Weddings

'Butterflower' Wing Drop earrings, silver

Butterflower chain Necklace, silver & 18ct gold

It's all about weddings at the moment. It's that time of year when Brides To Be are preparing for their big day! Clare Chandler, owner of Clifton Rocks in Bristol, sent me this link the other day! I was delighted to find my Butterflower Drop earrings being modelled on page 49!

If you'd like a wee look click here and then click on the online wedding magazine.

Today, I had a visit from Sarah Dallas, owner and manager of the Sarah Dallas Gallery, a lovely little place in Stockbridge (Edinburgh). She chose a collection for her gallery which will be on show as from the 5th March. There will be some similar 'Butterflower Drop' earrings there too if you feel the urge to make a statement on your big day or any other special occasion for that matter. The earrings above a different version again from that of the ones at Sarah Dallas and Clifton Rocks. They do however, have the same impact!

If you are looking for some special presents for the bridesmaids or mothers of the bride and groom, just give me a call and we can arrange an appointment at my studio. I have a diverse range of designs in earrings, pins, brooches, pendants and more. If you're not based in Edinburgh you can find your nearest stockist (scroll down on the right) or if you'd like to order something you find on here, get in touch and we can take it from there.

Last month, I also updated my Lovedazzle page. Amongst some new pieces, you'll find another special Butterflower piece! (as shown above)

So if you're looking for some unique handmade wedding jewellery or just simply want a lovely floral piece, you know where to look :)

And a little reminder.........'Make Your Own Wedding Rings'

Have a good weekend!
D x

Make your Own Wedding Rings

www.makeweddingrings.co.uk

Well hello! Apologies for not keeping you up to date with what's been happening recently. I have to admit I haven't really made anything since before Christmas. That doesn't mean to say I haven't been busy though! Amongst tax returns and planning the year ahead, myself and Hannah Louise Lamb have a new and exciting venture to share with you all! As you may have guessed from the title, we are setting up a workshop where couples who are about to get married can come and use our studio and our expertise for the day to make each others wedding rings! Check our new blog for more details! Bookings are now being taken!

www.makeweddingrings.co.uk

Over the weekend, I had a visitor over from the Isle Of Arran. Ann spent the day with me in my studio making wedding rings for her friends. She made a lovely pair of 18ct white gold polished rings! You can see her in action in the photos above!
Ann's request to do this with me was the source of inspiration that led myself and Hannah to our idea for 'Make your own wedding rings'! So thank you Ann! :)

I am also taking on one to one students now. So if you fancy learning the basic traditional techniques of jewellery making, or if you've had a bit of experience already and would like to learn more, please get in touch. We can discuss what it is you would like to do or I could set you a project! It's up to you! You can book for a five session block which is £200 (£20 an hour).

Have a good week!
D x