Jewellery Design course...

I recently completed a jewellery design course with the lovely ladies at Irish Design Shop, and I have to say I have a new found respect for these metal working geniuses. I really didn't know what I wanted to do and they were very patient! After two days of sawing, filing, soldering and relentless sanding, I came away with three pieces. Two rings and a brooch. I really enjoyed the time I spent there, and can't believe that I did so much in just two days. Well worth it!

Their blog for the courses can be found here.

Dome ring - I made the ring, the domed a piece if silver, soldered them together and spray painted the dome.



Square ring - I made the ring, soldered on a rectangle piece of silver, cut out the inside circle. Repeated for other side, soldered on the sides and filled it with resin.





Piglet Brooch - sawed the piglet out of copper, soldered on the pin and spray painted him.

New year, new resolutions!

Well we are halfway through January and I have not broken my resolutions yet! I am off the smokes for good (and booze for a month) and feel pretty chuffed with myself. I decided that giving up stuff is well and good, but this year needs to be about learning new skills. So I am booked in with This is knit for a beginners knitting course in February. I used to love knitting when I was younger, so am looking forward to it. Another course I am booked into with the lovely ladies in Irish Design Shop, is a beginners jewellery course. I'm doing this in March. So that should keep me busy for the next few months.

I bought five bibs in Mothercare and embroidered them for my beautiful niece Rose, for her first birthday. I never took any photos though, so will have to ask my sister to get a few snaps! Santa was very kind to me this year and I got a Cath Kidston sewing box. So it's been put to good use!

Sandy Connolly...

My friend Sandy Connolly has started designing and making costume jewellery - necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, brooches, spectacle cords, Christmas decorations, phone charms, etc with a view to starting up a business (home based) if things go well.

If any of you have Christmas pressies yet to purchase and might be interested in jewellery as a pressie for yourself/sisters/girlfriends/nieces/mother-in-laws/future mother-in-laws, it would be great if you'd have a look-see at her blog.

She makes custom pieces as well as hosting jewellery party nights – contact her at sandyconnolly@gmail.com