simpleblog RSS feed http://blog.8pixel.net/ An RSS feed for Simpleblog EN <![CDATA[See your work in the magazine!]]> Readers' Showcase. We have so many talented readers and this is our way of sharing the jewellery you make with the world!

This is a fantastic opportunity to see your work in print and share your website or contact details with others, so to submit your pictures please send us the following:

- High res images of four pieces of your work, these must be clear and completely in focus!

- A short description (10 words maximum) and a price for each piece

- Any contact details you would like included (website, email, telephone etc.)

It's as simple as that, so why not take part today! To submit your work or for further informtion simply email mj.readersshowcase@googlemail.com.]]> 8/13/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=187 187 <![CDATA[Competition results!]]>
Now for a bit of news, the results for the July web competition are in....

This time we provided you with the image below and asked you to take any aspect of the picture as inspiration to create a new design.



And the winner is........ Ashlynn!!

Ashlynn's design was a favourite with the judges due to the original way in which she used elements of colour, shape and texture from the photo to create this beautiful piece.



And the runner up is.... Skyblue!

We loved the original way that Skyblue used each bead to represent a different piece of the image (the flowers, leaves, wall etc.). A fantastic, wearable  design!



Congratulations ladies, prizes will be on the way soon, and thank you to everyone who entered.]]> 8/12/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=186 186 <![CDATA[June web competition results!]]>
We gave you the following image and asked you to use it as inspiration for a new design and we have chosen two winners who we think used it best as a starting point for a unique piece.



And the winner is.......

Tobeadornottobead!

Congratulations on a fantastic piece of jewellery, a lovely interpretation of the colours and shapes in our photograph. We also loved the styling of your final image, a fab touch!



And the runner up is..........

Skeblue!

Congratulations. You captured the colours and textures of our image well with your polymer beads. Thank you also for sharing your work in progress photographs!



Lastly a big thank you to everybody who took part. As always it is great to see so many entries in such a diverse range of styles and mediums.]]> 7/12/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=185 185 <![CDATA[Finally HELLO from your new editor!]]>
Here at the MJ office we are working hard on Issue 18 and sweating a little or as we ladies say perspiring slightly! Though I have no complaints about the beautiful weather we are having as we sure have waited long enough for it. The amazing weather is a great excuse to get outdoors and start looking around at all the incredible inspiration that nature provides for us as designers and jewellery makers. It's a good time to go walking, in the country or on the beach (if you are near enough!) and to collect some interesting pieces to making into jewellery or as props when taking photos. I'm always on the look out for great textures to mould for metal clay or polymer use, it's wonderful the amount of different textures you see when you stop to look, even just at the pavement you walk down daily. Whether it's bright green leaves or clear blue skies the colour inspiration is there for the taking too.

So if you have been inspired to make something new and would like to show your like minded Making Jewellery friends why not log on and post it in the forum gallery or email us with your pictures for the readers showcase in the magazine. The forum is accessed from the same drop down bar as this blog or send emails for the readers showcase to mj.readersshowcase@googlemail.com remember when sending images for the magazine that they need to be sharply in focus and at least 300 dpi.

That's all for now folks, I look forward to seeing your summer makes!

Sian ]]> 7/2/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=184 184 <![CDATA[May competition results!]]>
After much deliberation, the judges have reached their decision. Yet again it was a tough one with so many diverse entries and a fantastic standard of work.

The winner of our necklace competition really impressed us with her bold design and the way that she has combined different components to create such a striking and unique piece.

Congratulations Naturesmagick!







And our runner up is Kokova!

We love her unique method of linking, simple style yet effective and very pretty!



Thank you to everybody who entered. If you haven't  entered June's competition yet don't forget to check it out. We have given you an inspirational image to help kick-start your design ideas, so take a look and use your own imagination to create a unique piece of jewellery!]]> 6/10/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=183 183 <![CDATA[Welcome Sian Hamilton, our new Editor of Making Jewellery]]>
All the best, Joan]]> 6/7/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=182 182 <![CDATA[Here comes the sun]]>
Things are busy as ever here in the MJ office, we're currently working on the August issue which is tribal themed and features projects inspired by jewellery and beads from around the world. There are some fab statement pieces that range from easy stringing projects using wooden and ceramic beads to the more advanced silver smithing techniques.

In the meantime subscribers will be receiving their July issue by the end of the week and it will be available in the shops the week after. This issue features even more projects than ever and there are 31 pieces of jewellery in total for you to make!

I'm going to be doing a bit of online shopping this evening to get a few supplies ready for the weekend, there's something about the sun shining that makes me want to use turquoise or coral. I don't always find the time for jewellery making but my sister is staying at the moment and we have great fun attempting to perfect our techniques. Last time we made pairs of earrings (one earring each) then asked the men in our lives to decide which was best! Dangerous game....

Joan held her steampunk workshop with the talented Jema Hewitt at the weekend, I was disappointed not to be able to go but I'm sure she will fill us in soon and share her latest creations. Joan found some great pocket watches in an antique shop recently so I can't wait to see what she has done with them.

Well I had better get back to work. I hope you all have the chance to get out and enjoy some sunshine, this might be the only summer we get! (oops, there's the cynical Brit again....)

Bye for now,

Jen]]> 5/24/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=181 181 <![CDATA[Ring competition results!]]>
So here's what you have been waiting for.... the results for April's forum competition. And what a tough one it has been! Throughout April we set you you quite a challenge and asked you to post your favourite ring designs. Picking a competition winner is always difficult as the many styles and mediums used are too varied to simply pick 'the best' piece. So our judges have picked out two designs that they feel are particularly worthy of recognition.

And the winner for April is.....



Cornish!

We all loved this  ring. Such a pretty shape, detailed but very wearable. And what we loved most was that it was Cornish's first ever attempt at making a ring! Very impressive! Congratulations to a well deserved winner.



And our runner up is.....

Kaela!

Kaela's pretty copper ring was textured with tin foil and then oxidised and sanded. Everybody loved this fantastic looking effect, it's a really unusual ring and a beautifully finished piece. Congratulations to you too!



Your prizes will be heading your way very soon.

Thanks again to everyone who entered the competition. Yet again there was a really high standard and some wonderfully varied entries. Rings are often perceived as tricky to master but it was great to see so many of you rise to the challenge and we were pleased to give you an excuse to bite the bullet and give it a go!

If you haven't already entered this month's competition there's still time, just log on to the forum and post your best necklace designs. I think the judges are already in for another dilemma this month.........]]> 5/14/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=180 180 <![CDATA[Issue 15 correction]]> Making Jewellery and are finding some inspiration for your special occasion jewellery. Jema Hewitt's beautiful crystal earrings have proved very popular, however a couple of the items on the materials list were not doubled up to make a pair. To make both earrings you will need:

- 2 filigree connectors (Jema used Vintaj fanned trellis filigree)

- Chain (Jema used Vintaj petite etched cable chain and 2mm delicate curb chain)

- 4 connectors (Jema used Vintaj 3 x 18mm 2 hole deco bar)

- 4 head pins

- 2 x 5mm crystal

- 2 x drop crystal

- 2 x large pendant drop crystal (1”)

- 0.4mm brass wire

- 2 fishhooks

- 8 x 4mm jumprings

- 2 x oval jumprings

Apologies for any confusion caused by this error. Enjoy making your earrings and don't forget to share pictures of your finished pieces in our forum gallery!

Jen]]> 5/14/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=179 179 <![CDATA[Greetings,]]>
Yes, I have resigned my commission as Editor of Making Jewellery magazine. I am sad to be leaving as this magazine has been my baby from it's conception and I have very much enjoyed being involved in it's growth. I will certainly miss my team here at MJ, they are an outstanding group of people with whom I feel a very close bond. Together we have produced a quality magazine to be proud of and had a lot of fun along the way.

My decision to resign is due to my father's ill health. I need to return to Australia for 6 months as I won't have Dad with me for too much longer and it's time to put family first. I will stay involved in the magazine as a contributor, if time and space allows, but will be handing over my Editorial position on the 10th of June. This will coincide with finishing my last issue which will be issue 17. My association with GMC will continue as my new Lampwork Book will be published in Spring 2011 and I hope to write a jewellery book for them whilst in Australia.

Interviews are currently in place for a prospective new editor. The applicants to date are of a very high standard and I feel confident that you will soon have a new editor who will take on the magazine and continue to grow and develop it further.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help and support over the past 18 months and I hope that we will continue to remain in contact.

Warm regards
Joan]]> 5/10/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=178 178 <![CDATA[Earring Comp]]> Congratulations to all our forum members on their entries sent in for the earring competition. There are so many gorgeous designs that I wish were in my jewellery box!
I've just been browsing the forum and would like to thank our more established members for being so warm and welcoming to our new jewellery makers. You are without a doubt a generous and kind group of folk, we're so lucky to have your support.
I'm looking forward to getting into some jewellery making myself - it's 8 weeks since I touched any tools - that's far too long. Will catch up soon,
Cheers Joan]]> 4/27/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=177 177 <![CDATA[Earrings Competition Results!]]> The results are in, and after much deliberation we can now announce the two winners for last month's competition. You gave us judges here at MJ a very difficult job indeed. We thank you all for your fantastic efforts - we just loved the variety of styles and materials and were really impressed by the standard of entries.

Our winner for March is...


Pips!

We loved her clever use of polymer clay and the colours used - very skillfully made and lovely for spring!



and the runner up is...

Beccy!

We thought these were so pretty, and loved the fact they are interchangeable - great idea Beccy!



Your prizes will be on their way to you shortly...

Thank you so much to everyone who entered. We love seeing your beautiful work. Check out this month's ring competition if you haven't already - there's still time to enter!



]]> 4/13/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=176 176 <![CDATA[G'day]]> Hope you all had a great Easter. Thanks to Jen and Phil, we are keeping the mag ticking over and despite what they say I may still be working but I’m also having some quality time with my family.
Thanks to all my jewellery making friends who have been in touch via Face Book. I’m having to stay in OZ a little longer than I had intended so I’m sad to say that I’ll be missing the Flame Off this year and am most disappointed. I hope it’s a great success for all those participating and I’ll look forward to seeing some pictures of your creative work on my return. I was especially interested in the glass fusing and enamelling workshops that are on offer this year. If you’re going to the show, please post some pics on the website so I can sit here green with envy and share in the excitement.
I hear from my daughter who lives near London that you’re experiencing some lovely spring weather and that she, hubby and my little grandson are going camping this weekend. So… it must be warming up! I guess after the 32c temps we’ve been experiencing over here I won’t be feeling too cold on my return. And, I’m told the daffodils are out, I do so hope I don’t miss them. Spring and Autumn are my favourite seasons in the UK.
Well it’s almost 3pm and the storm clouds are gathering which means I need to turn this computer off. With living at the base of a mountain the lightening storms are something else here on these hot afternoons. The countryside is looking very beautiful. Our 11 year drought is well and truly broken and the lakes/ dams are 100% full. The bird life is spectacular.
By the way…I’m sure I don’t work as hard as Jen. In fact I heard that since I’ve been over here, Jen now lives in the office. Outdoor Photography, the magazine team who share our office space, have set up a tent and camping site for her, luxury babe style – just like the one you see in ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’! Is that true Jen? Now that’s what I call true dedication!! I saw the biggest red belly black snake on the road the other day Jen, shall I see if I can catch it and send it over to make your new campsite more realistic and add some excitement to the office....

Have fun and take it easy,
Joan

]]> 4/11/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=175 175 <![CDATA[Welcome Claire!]]>
Things are very busy at the MJ office as always. Joan is in Australia at the moment but is still working every day like the workaholic that she is! How did people cope before the internet Joan?! We're in very different time zones but have just about figured out the overlapping couple of hours where I am in the office and she is still awake.

Subscribers will be getting their May issue very soon and it will be hitting the shelves shortly after. It's packed full of spring projects, inspiring designers, giveaways, fashion ideas and lots of tips and techniques. UK readers will also receive an exclusive Beads Unlimited supplement with a further 6 beautiful projects, shopping pages and fantastic goodies to win!

Well I must get back to work, there's lots to be done and a four day weekend coming up so I am told......

Hope you are all well,

Jen]]> 3/30/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=174 174 <![CDATA[A brief introduction!]]> ]]> 3/23/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=173 173 <![CDATA[Don't forget to log in!]]>
This is just a quick reminder to log in once in a while when you use the forum. From time to time we may want to send you private messages and you will only receive these if you are logged in! It's our main way to contact you and request addresses to send prizes to or ask you to feature in the magazine, so it's worth checking your inbox regularly.

Thanks!

Jen]]> 3/22/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=172 172 <![CDATA[Bracelet Competition Results!]]>
Our winner for February is.....

Lynne Glizzard!

Her beautiful lampwork and silver beads are combined to make a wonderfully stylish bracelet. An elegant, professionally finished piece, congratulations Lynne!





Our runner up is.....

Whiskey 9890!

Thanks for your two pence worth... what a truly unique design concept! A very inventive, unusual and beautifully executed piece.



 

Your prizes will be winging their way to you shortly...

Thank you again to everyone who entered, we are already enjoying your entries for March's earring competition! And by the looks of it, it will be another very tough competition to judge.....

Jen]]> 3/15/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=171 171 <![CDATA[Apologies: Project Page 44-45, Issue 13]]>
This is the correct image. We do our best with every issue but occasionally human error does happen. I hope all our lampwork folk enjoy making these cheerful spring flowers.

Cheers Joan



]]> 3/9/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=170 170 <![CDATA[Issue 13 giveaways deadline]]> 12th of April and NOT the 15th March as stated.

Please accept our apologies for any confusion caused by this error. You still have plenty of time so send in your postcards and you'll be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes!

Jen]]> 3/8/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=169 169 <![CDATA[Good luck, Heather]]> I said goodbye to Heather two weeks ago and whilst we were having a drink we discussed her contribution to the magazine. I was delighted to know that she was still very keen to contribute to Making Jewellery. As Jen has said, we will not only have our Fashion Diva keeping us up to date with our Colour & Style pages, but when she has the time, Heather will also contribute feature articles on classes, workshops and jewellery exhibitions in London.
I feel excited for Heather, in her decision to head for the big city to make her mark in the world and pleased that Jen and I will still have an opportunity to catch up, (get into mischief) and enjoy time with - her bubbly self.

Warm regards
Joan]]> 3/5/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=168 168 <![CDATA[Goodbye Heather!]]>
What am I going to do without my partner in crime? Who's going to point out when I've thrown hors d'oeuvres down my dry clean only top after one too many glasses of bubbly?! Or spend all afternoon slaving over the mood board? Happily she has agreed to keep bringing us all the latest fashions in Colour & Style so she will still be a part of the magazine but we will certainly miss seeing her every day.

However we do have a new editorial assistant joining the team so stay tuned as I'm sure she will be introducing herself very soon!....

On a different note, thank you to everyone who took part in the February bracelet competition in the forum, what a fantastic  range of designs! It's going to be very tough to judge but we will bring you the results very soon...

In the meantime why not take part in the next competition? Throughout March we want to see pictures of your earring creations, so get into the forum, post your pics and win some prizes!

Jen
]]> 3/4/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=167 167 <![CDATA[London Fashion Week AW10 feature preview...]]>
Well fashion week is over for another season! We had loads of fun, met plenty of exciting designers and got to grips with the trends coming through for A/W 2010.

We'll be bringing you a special feature in issue 14 (May) sharing all our highlights but in the meantime we thought we would share a few pictures with you.



Jen and Heather at Somerset House



Paul Costelloe opening show



Tributes to Lee Alexander McQueen



Industrial statement necklace from the exhibitions



The Orla Kiely presentation

Stay tuned for more sneak peaks from LFW. We're already looking forward to S/S2011!

Jen and Heather]]> 2/25/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=166 166 <![CDATA[London Fashion Week]]> 2/24/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=165 165 <![CDATA[London fashion week begins!]]>
It's been a while since my last blog entry, things have been even busier here in the MJ office than usual. We've just finished putting together the April issue which comes complete with a free tools supplement for our UK readers - plenty of tools to get you in the mood for shopping and 7 bonus projects!

I'm pleased to see so many of you are enjoying the current issue and am very impressed by what you have created with your free beads. We're going to be featuring a few pieces in Readers' Showcase so if you would like to see your creation in the mag please email me at mj.readersshowcase@googlemail.com.

Heather and I are off to the first day of London Fashion Week tomorrow to see some of the Autumn/Winter 2010 collections and find some exciting new designers. We'll let you know how we get on very soon!

In the meantime keep sending us your emails and pictures, we always love to hear what you've been up to.

Take care,

Jen]]> 2/18/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=164 164 <![CDATA[Re photographs]]> Please take your photos as high res, 320dpi best quality and save as tiffs. If this sounds too difficult then read the instruction manual that came with your camera and find the section that shows you how to set it for best quality or raw settings. If your camera has a macro lens or macro setting on the camera select this for close up work. Light the subject with white light or take it outside and use natural light. It is best to set your jewellery on a plain background if possible. Please do not send in images that are taken with a phone camera as the quality is too poor for publication. Please do download your images onto your computer and check that they are in focus before emailing them to us.

Looking forward to sharing your work!
Warm Regards
Joan

]]> 2/17/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=163 163 <![CDATA[Making Jewellery]]> The reader response to Andrew Berry's Naked Jeweller feature article is also pleasing to see. As is the popularity of his and Clair Wolfe's projects. If there is a technique or skill that you want featured in the magazine then let us know. We'll do our best to meet your needs. Jema Hewitt's projects are always a winner as is all our contributors. Their aim is to produce work of a high standard that is both original and achievable.
We've had great feed back on the contents of our new issue. With this and several future issues we are featuring the work of UK and US lampwork artists. UK artist and designer Sabine Little, has used her lampwork beads in some of her linking and stringing projects demonstrating some clever pieces that can be made using these beautiful handcrafted beads. Buy beads from your favourite lampwork artist and use them in your jewellery creations. They add value and individuality to your work. Our American lampwork artist is Dawn Lombard, I linked up with Dawn whilst doing research for my lampwork book. Dawn is an amazing artist with whom I hope to meet up with on my trip to America later this year. Check out her website, the details are on page 44.

Catch you later,
Joan]]> 2/10/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=162 162 <![CDATA[New competition]]>
By now you'll have the new issue of Making Jewellery? I love the polymer pendants made by Jema Hewitt, they are so bright and cheerful. They certainly make one want to get into the workshop and try one's hand at cane making, it's such a clever technique. I also hope you've enjoyed the bead kit as our free give away this month. The kit is ideal for the novice jewellery maker who is looking for something easy to make or for adding to your ever growing - 'bead soup'.

It's good to see several new folk joining our forum. A warm welcome to you. You'll find this is one of the friendliest forums on the net.

Have a great week! Cheers Joan]]> 2/7/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=161 161 <![CDATA[Enter February's Bracelet Competition!]]> 500 Bracelets courtesy of GMC Publications - a really beautiful book bound to inspire you. A runner up will also recieve a selection of Sharpie markers, so regardless of  your level of experience you can get involved! It doesn't matter what medium you use or what your style is, we just want to see your handmade bracelets.

So whether you want to enter something you have already made or want to make a brand new bracelet just for the comeptition, start posting your photos today!

Visit our forum for more details and to enter:

www.makingjewellery.com/forum/forum_topics.asp





]]> 2/1/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=160 160 <![CDATA[Competition time!]]>
Each month we will ask you to design and create a particular piece of jewellery, then one lucky winner and one runner up will be selected to win a prize. The winning design will also be featured in the magazine, in a future edition of Readers' Showcase!

So keep your eyes peeled, put your thinking caps on and get ready to share your jewellery with the world.....

Jen]]> 1/28/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=159 159 <![CDATA[MJ11 course giveaway]]>
Just a quick note to say HAPPY MONDAY to all and I hope you've all had a fab weekend. It was Deputy Editor, Jen Burgess' birthday on Sunday, so I hope you'll all join me in wishing her a jolly one! One year older, how does it feel Jen?

I also wanted to clear up an error on the giveaway page for all of you who love to enter. The star giveaway, two places on a taster course from Barbara Mason at www.glass-beads.co.uk, is based in Swindon, Wiltshire and not in the West Midlands (as the title states). So please bear this in mind when applying, as you will have to provide your own travel and accomodation (if necessary) if you're lucky enough to win a place.

Cheers

Heather]]> 1/25/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=158 158 <![CDATA[Good news]]> Cheers Joan]]> 1/20/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=157 157 <![CDATA[Creating polymer samplers]]>
This free bonus project is a polymer 'pattern sampler bracelet'. For those of you who are new to polymer you won't have created samplers before. Basically there are lots of exciting patterns to try when using polymer, but just like in knitting or weaving it is best to test them out first as a 'sampler'.

Use your polymer clay to experiment and make up small squares with different colours and patterns to see how they look. This means that you can practice a new technique or choose the best colour combinations before committing time and money to a large project.

This bracelet is a great way of using up the sampler squares you have made. Simply create a selection of different patterns as 3 by 3" samplers, cut out leaf shape pieces and use them to create this striking design! For pattern ideas see contributor Jema Hewitt's projects in previous issues of Making Jewellery or use an internet search engine to find loads of examples.

Have fun and post pictures of your results on the forum!

Jen]]> 1/18/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=156 156 <![CDATA[What' new]]> Today the MJ team have been putting together some really exciting new ideas for the magazine which you will soon be seeing in the coming months. I haven't forgotten the request for a some web competitions and am working on prizes etc. So keep and eye out we'll have some news for you in the next two weeks. It's late in the day or should I say evening. Time to find some where warm to sit and relax for a bit. Take it easy, Joan]]> 1/14/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=155 155 <![CDATA[Snow Bunnies]]>
I'm fed up with being house bound with the flu and have spent the last 1/2 hour on the forum checking out what folk are making. Wow, Emma R your earrings are stunning and I love what you're doing with the ceramic clay. I've also been checking out the work of several of our other forum members who have posted, 'show and tell' pics. I've dropped a few unsubtle hints requesting they contact me with view of sharing their skills with us in a future issue of MJ, do hope they can. There are some really clever folk in our forum, check out the gallery if you're looking for some inspiration!

Cheers Joan]]> 1/9/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=154 154 <![CDATA[Happy New Year!]]>
Well I’m afraid it’s apology time from Making Jewellery and Beads Unlimited for not including the number of headpins needed to complete your free 'Chunky Pearl Necklace' project from the January issue.

In fact you will need 2 packs (200) of black antique headpins (code HPBA from www.beadsunlimited.co.uk). I know many of you will already have a stash of headpins but for those of you who needed this info before shopping, please accept our apologies for the hold up. Now you can get cracking!

Jen]]> 1/6/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=153 153 <![CDATA[Leaving Model House]]> 1/4/2010 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=152 152 <![CDATA[Christmas and New Year Wishes]]>
I do hope that all who were traveling over the past few days made it to their destination without too many delays or hold ups. I can’t believe that it is Christmas Day and we have snow on the ground. For me (an Australian who has lived in the tropical state of  Queensland for most of my life), I'm enjoying a white Christmas which is something I have always dreamed about as a child but never experienced.

I drove up yesterday from Wales to my daughter and son in-law’s home in England. I was well prepared with hot drinks, food and a quilt in the car, should there be more bad weather or serious delays, but once on the road I couldn’t believe how clear the M4 was. The fog was very heavy in places but the drive was unexpectedly calm and without incident……… until I hit the M25 where the drive turned into a slow roll, however I made it. To be with family on Christmas Eve was warming and exactly where I needed to be.



Where ever you are, alone or with friends and family, my wish this Christmas for you is, happiness, peace and good health.



A very warm hug from me to you, Joan x]]> 12/25/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=151 151 <![CDATA[Merry Christmas!]]>
Thank you all for your continued support - your enthusiasm knows no bounds and your feedback is invaluable. We are continually impressed by our readers' talent and creativity.

So goodbye for now and we'll see you on the other side, possibly a few pounds heavier and with slightly pickled livers...

Here's to another exciting year!

All the best,

Joan, Jen, Jooles and Heather x]]> 12/24/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=150 150 <![CDATA[Your jewellery making problems solved...]]>
I hope you are enjoying Issue 10 of Making Jewellery. As I mentioned last week, this issue introduces our very own 'naked jeweller' who will be bringing you the bare facts on making jewellery. Better known to many of you as Andrew Berry, he is a professional jeweller based in Wales and will be offering our readers expert advice.

If you have any questions for Andrew, from jewellery making problems to business questions, drop him an email at mj.readersshowcase@googlemail.com and write naked jeweller in the subject field.

This is a really great opportunity to gain some professional advice so don't be shy, get in touch! The questions Andrew selects to respond to will be featured in the magazine, so many other jewellery makers will benefit from your queries and his advice.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Jen

Please note: Andrew will not be able to enter into any personal correspondence with readers through this email address, he will respond to selected letters only that have been chosen for publication in Making Jewellery]]> 12/22/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=149 149 <![CDATA[Greetings from a very cold MJ office!]]>
Well I've been back in England for a week now and things have been non-stop. Did anyone else sense a bit of sarcasm from Joan when I was away?! To be honest I wasn't sure what I was going to make of Vegas, but it's hard not to enjoy a place where the sun is shining, the shops are amazing and you can have your first cocktail of the day with breakfast!

Since my return we've been putting together your February issue. It's definitely too early to be talking about Valentine's Day but I will say that there are some great gift ideas for you to look forward too.

There are less than two weeks until Christmas now so I know everyone is busy, but keep sending us your entries for Readers' Showcase and letting us know what you think of the magazine. Issue 10 goes on sale Thursday and is packed full of new projects, techniques and features. Oh and we introduce the Naked Jeweller! He's going to be solving all your jewellery making dilemmas and will probably be a familiar face to many of you....

Have a good week,

Jen]]> 12/14/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=148 148 <![CDATA[It's almost Christmas]]> Take it easy,
Cheers Joan]]> 12/9/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=147 147 <![CDATA[Jen's on holidays]]> Hi all, Jen is on holidays in Vegas, so you're stuck with my blogs for now.............I'm not jealous, no I'm honestly not, I'd much rather be here in Wales, with the wind shaking the windows from their frames, sleet and rain falling from the heavens. My car is only a 1/2 mile walk away, so hey what do I care if Jen is enjoying the sunshine, lights action and fun of Vegas. I personally like cold, grey dark evenings and ducks, yes I really love ducks because they like me, they enjoy freezing cold weather, yep that really gets me excited! I was thinking that I should send her a postcard to cheer her up. What do you think? Maybe the whole forum should send Jen a 'wish you were here, look at what you are missing' postcard. Hmmm I'm sure she's be jealous.


Here I am in my studio, pumping out another issue of Making Jewellery all on my lonesome............with no one to tease or have fun with or share the work load.........yep, this is just what I enjoy..........funny how two people can be so different.....and as a special treat I'm saving a massive pile of proof reading just for our Jen. I thought it would be kind to give her something to really enjoy and relax with when she gets back because I know that she'll need a rest after all the excitment.


Talking of excitment, isn't our Christmas issue a sparkler? I just love this issue and we all had fun putting it together. The gift guide was seriously dangerous. Every time a product picture came in we wanted to add it to our wish list. I hate to think how much the Making Jewellery team spent on gifts for ourselves from the guide!


Keep an eye on this website for some new projects that will soon be on offer for you to download. They are projects from our New Year Calendar another little extra treat for Making Jewellery readers. I'm going into the forum now to check out what's going on and to pick up on some of your ideas. I'll publish them in Issue 11 on the Your Say page...........Catch you later. Joan

]]> 12/3/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=146 146 <![CDATA[Time for a holiday!]]> www.knittinginstitute.co.uk.

I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas issue of Making Jewellery, as always we would love to hear your feed back. And keep sending your entries for Readers' Showcase to mj.readersshowcase@googlemail.com. It's great to see so many of you sharing your work in the forum, so why not enter the showcase and see it printed in the magazine?

Well I'm saying goodbye for a week as I leave for Las Vegas tomorrow in search of good weather and good shopping! Since the wind blew down my front fence and consumed my patio furniture I've had just about enough of the English weather for now...

Have a wonderful weekend and i'll catch up on my return.

Jen

Ps. A big thank you to Rings & Things for sending us some fantastic jewellery making goodies to play with! I'm particularly looking forward to using their new mini perfume bottles and I know Heather's got her eye on the little hinged picture frames. Visit www.rings-things.com for their online store.]]> 11/27/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=145 145 <![CDATA[The C word!]]>
Along with this month's issue you will  receive a free Christmas Gift guide,  packed full of beads, tools, findings, books and lots more. So get out your marker pen, circle a few things and leave it subtly on the coffee table for Father Christmas to see!

There are lots of projects in the magazine that will make perfect gifts for friends and family, such as the beautiful silver holly leaf and crystal ring on the front cover. This piece by Lesley Messam is exactly what I like to see at Christmas, something that captures the festive spirit whilst remaining elegant and stylish. After all, Christmas tree earrings with flashing LEDs aren't for everyone....

So get stuck into the issue and let us know what you think. What are your favourite projects? What would you like to see in future issues? It's almost December now and I hate to be the one to say it, but it's time to face up to the truth... Christmas is well and truly on its way!

Have a good weekend,

Jen]]> 11/20/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=144 144 <![CDATA[Inspirational stories]]>
I just wanted to say thank you to Clair Wolfe for turning my last blog (Bitten by the jewellery making bug) into a thread on the forum. I had hoped to hear one or two stories about how you found your way into the jewellery making game, so I’m thrilled to see so many of you sharing your stories so openly and honestly.

It’s certainly very inspiring reading that I suggest you take a look at, and if you haven’t already please add your own story too. I think it will definitely make for a good piece in the magazine so we may well share one or two of your stories (with permission of course!) with all our readers who aren’t currently on the forum.

Well it looks to be a bit of a miserable rainy weekend. I’ve got an earring kit to try out so I hope I’ll find time to get stuck into that over a cup of tea! Keep sharing your work with us on the gallery and emailing mj.readersshowcase@googlemail.com if you would like to see your work featured in the magazine.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Jen
]]> 11/13/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=143 143 <![CDATA[Wish List and open studio]]>
I was just wondering if anyone has some feedback for us on issue 8? Did you like the tweezers? I think they're really neat and I have been using them with my pearls and have found the magnifier is very handy.

I've been making a lot of jewellery of late and am pleased to have some on show in the gallery in the Model House in Llantisant. Tonight we have our Wish List opening night and weekend where friends and visitors are invited to the gallery for a special Christmas shopping event.

Next weekend on the 14th, we have our Artists in Action open studio's, so if you're looking for something to do on the weekend come and say hello. I'm on the 3rd floor in studio 17 and I'll be there demonstrating and offering drinks and snacks to all who visit. Time to get into the swing of the festive season!

The address is The Model House, Bull Ring, Llantrisant, CF72 8EB We open at 10am and close at 5pm.

Hope you've started making your Christmas gifts! There's nothing better then receiving a handmade gift, especially when it's given by someone who lives a really busy lifestyle. It is a sure sign of affection.

Catch you later,

Joan]]> 11/6/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=142 142 <![CDATA[Bitten by the jewellery making bug!]]>
As some of you will know I'm fairly new to the jewellery making game. I've always loved jewellery -buying it, wearing it- but it wasn't until I began working for the magazine that I became interested in making it. It's impossible not to get enthusiastic about making jewellery with Joan around!

I've learnt so much theory from working on the magazine but never seem to have the time to put it into practice. I've dabbled in a few bits here and there but last week I finally sat down and made a pair of earrings. They're very simple, just linked beads, but I really am a total novice - I'm still trying to perfect the wrapped loop! Anyway I was really pleased with how they turned out, apart from anything it was incredibly satisfying to have made something for a couple of pounds that would  have cost me three times as much from the high street!

So I wore said earrings out to dinner with the boyfriend on Monday and half way through the starter one slid out and fell on to the table. I made a joke about 'shoddy craftsmanship' which made him laugh but now I think it's going to become a running joke where my jewellery making is concerned! (It was actually just because I hadn't put the earring in properly in the first place... honest!) Nevertheless I'll always be fond of these earrings as the first piece of jewellery I ever completed.

This got me wondering how all of you caught the jewellery making bug? What was the first thing you ever made and do you still have it?!

If you have a story to share then we would love to hear from you!

In the meantime I'm off to plan my next project...

Jen  (jenniferb@thegmcgroup.com)]]> 11/5/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=141 141 <![CDATA[Sunny Monday]]>
I don't know what the weather is doing in your part of the world but up here near London, the day is sparkling. Haven't had a chance to go outside but it's very pleasant seeing the sunlight shine in through the glass doors of my daughter’s home where I’m working from today. I've just been checking out what's going on in the forum. I'm constantly impressed with how the more experienced jewellery makers offer help and advice to our members. I've just pulled a few questions and answers to place on the ‘Your Say’ page for Issue 10 and the thread that I took was focused on how to exhibit your work. I thought the answers would be useful for all our readers.

 Last week I had a chat with Andrew B and he has agreed to be our problem solving jeweller. We are setting up a page that will hopefully solve many a jewellery making dilemma, so keep and eye out for it and if you have something you would like him to focus on drop me a line at jg.makingjewellery@googlemail.com



Cheers for now,

Joan]]> 10/26/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=140 140 <![CDATA[Magnifier-tweezers]]>

Making Jewellery issue 8 hit the news stands yesterday and for all of you in the UK, you will receive a handy pair of magnifying-tweezers to add to your jewellery kit - helping you with precision placing, detailing and finishing. 

Comment on our forum about how they've been useful to you, don't be shy, show us what you've made in our readers gallery.

I hope this early Christmas gift inspires you to create something special!

Hope you all have a fab weekend!

Heather x

p.s. thank you to Laura, from Swarovski, for inviting us up to their bejeweled offices to show us their beautiful collection for 2010/2011, it was inspiring and exciting to be dazzled by such impressive designs and creativity. We will be letting you in on all the insider info very soon, so stay tuned...]]> 10/23/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=139 139 <![CDATA[What's on where you are?]]>
We are currently compiling our What's On page for issue 11 so here's your opportunity to get involved....

If you have any information on courses, events, news items etc. for February or March that you would like included in the magazine, then send an email to Joan at jg.makingjewellery@googlemail.com by the 13th of November. Please write 'What's On Issue 11' in the subject field as poor Joan is inundated with emails and needs to recognise it at a glance!

Well I hope you all have a good week. Heather and I are off to Swarovski tomorrow for a sneak peak at the Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 collection, so we'll be back with plenty of information on exciting new trends and products for you.

Take care,

Jen

Ps. Yes we did celebrate Christmas last week and yes Joan was the last man (sorry, woman) standing! Thanks to all who came and celebrated with us....]]> 10/19/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=138 138 <![CDATA[Christmas in October!]]>
Due to the way the world of publishing works we are currently putting the finishing touches on the Christmas issue. It feels a bit strange thinking about Christmas in October, in fact I'm normally that person you see running around like a headless chicken on Christmas eve because I've forgotten to buy someone's present or I've just realised a vital ingredient is missing from the Christmas dinner! Thank goodness for M&S....

Jewellery makers are in a great position to make some wonderful unique gifts and when the Christmas issue finally reaches you I'm sure you will find plenty of ideas and inspiration. As we are finishing the issue at the moment Joan has decided that we should be having Christmas drinks this week... Any excuse to crack open the bubbly hey Joan?!... Not that I'm complaining!

Well I hope you are all having a wonderful week and that the sun is shining where you are.

Take care,

Jen]]> 10/13/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=137 137 <![CDATA[A Weekend in Wales]]>
After that I listened to the London Philharmonic orchestra playing big numbers from musicals.......it kept me going. I can recommend this music channel if you're at a loose end on a Friday evening.

Over the weekend I went up to my studio and finished 6 pendants I'm making for my Christmas collection to put into the gallery at Model House. I was inspired by Helen O'Neill's technique for making a pendant using broken china which you will see in Issue 8. One of my favourite china bowls fell off my window ledge and smashed into several pieces--oh so sad-- so I used some of the shards and set them into PMC bails. I will have to wait 'till this Friday before I can see how they fired as I had to journey back up here to sunny Lewes to finish off Issue 9. The drive up was very beautiful this morning, I saw the sun come up and the autumnal leaves were really stunning in the early morning light especially around Windsor and down near the junction off the M3 as it hits the M25. I had plenty of time to enjoy nature as the usual traffic congestion had me driving at all of 0 miles an hour for at least 40 minutes. In my next life I will be a travel writer!

Will catch up in the next few days, hope all is well in your world.

Cheers Joan]]> 10/12/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=135 135 <![CDATA[New Readers' Showcase contact email address]]>
I hope you had a relaxing weekend. I spent mine in London indulging in a little retail therapy with my sister, it was lots of fun but Monday seems to come around very quickly for some reason!

The weather here in Lewes is fairly grey and miserable, I think winter is finally setting in. But what better excuse to stay at home and make jewellery?!

Thank you to everyone who has sent in their work for Readers' Showcase. It has in fact been so popular that Joan's inbox is completely full up! So apologies if you have tried to get in touch and your emails have bounced back. From now on please send any entries for Readers' Showcase to mj.readersshowcase@googlemail.com.

Have a good week and we look forward to seeing more of your work soon,

Jen]]> 10/5/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=134 134 <![CDATA[An interesting email from one of our readers]]> I was sent this email a little while ago and thought I would post it on this page. It would appear that this is a problem that is faced by many jewellery makers. I am a great believer in the power of the written word. Perhaps if a petition from those most affected by this issue was sent to the Imitation Food Regulation Board then they would be forced to at least address the matter? I look forward to your comments.

Cheers Joan

The Email that was sent:

I am writing to you as the editors of the 4 UK beading and jewellery making magazines in the hope that magazine can help bead makers and jewellery makers.

It seems that as popular as they are, we are not allowed to sell beads or jewellery made with sweets and foodstuffs made from polymer clay, this is due to the Imitation Food Regulations 1989.

Now with regard to liquorice allsorts and dolly mixtures, there is a valid point about children mistaking it for the real thing and therefore trying to eat them and so presents a choking hazard, but a lot of us also make miniature cupcakes, ice creams etc. Some Trading Standard offices say that if the beads are made into jewellery then they are ok, others are saying nothing at all can be used/sold, including inch high ice cream shaped beads.

Obviously this is causing a lot of confusion, with some people still selling, and some having their stock confiscated, is there any chance that any, if not all of the magazine can try and get a definitive answer for us, and if it’s a no, is there anyway that we can campaign to have the beads and jewellery recognized for what they are, for decorative purposes only.

This is being discussed on a few of the beading and craft forums, and I hope that in some way there is something that can be done with regard to this, that is why I approached all of you on this matter, as this is something that affects a lot of your combined readerships.]]> 10/1/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=133 133 <![CDATA[Readers Showcase]]> I've had several emails re Readers Showcase. Please don't be offended if I don't get back to you straight away when you email me. I get over 150 emails an hour and with editing the magazine at the same time, I can only cope with so much. I've even had an email stating that the offended person wasn't going to purchase the mag again because their work hadn't been published. Now that's a shame, surely the magazine is about making jewellery and that's why our readers buy it?
Every now and then I forget to take my Wonder Woman pills, [must have something to do with the last lonely brain cell that's rolling around in my head] and if I miss a message it's not because I don't want to communicate with you, I just get caught up in the manic rush that goes hand in hand with publishing a monthly magazine. There is only so much space in the magazine to print readers work and if I gave more pages to this section, other readers would be screaming that the content wasn't meeting their needs in terms of projects and interesting feature articles. So I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. We talked about this at a meeting yesterday and maybe we should set up a competition on the website for our readers to showcase their work and win some neat prizes as well? So, get back to me and let me know what you think.

Take it easy,
Joan

PS My grandson now has his first four front teeth......so cute!!!]]> 9/23/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=132 132 <![CDATA[Fashion Week]]>
Hope you've all had fab weekends! Me and Jen made it to London Fashion Week (LFW) on Saturday. It was my first time at LFW and Jen's first time there as press, so the excitement was hard to contain.

Our  mission was to scout out all the latest jewellery news and designers to see what materials, colours, shapes and styles will be represented in their SS10 ranges to report back to you all.

There was plenty to see and amaze us and we will be featuring some of our findings in MJ9, so stay tuned on the blog, forum and magazine to find out more!]]> 9/21/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=131 131 <![CDATA[New Issue!]]>
What projects are you going to try? Do you follow the design exactly or change the colours or style to create something unique? Share your finished pieces with us  by adding your pictures to the gallery in the forum. It's a great way of getting feedback from the many members of our online community. You'll find plenty of fellow jewellery enthusiasts who are available day and night (you know who you are!) to answer your queries, offer advice or just have a chat.

This month we've also brought you a fantastic supplement featuring seven fine silver & mixed medium projects that are sure to encourage experimentation. I love seeing what our talented contributors come up with each month, and my personal highlight from the supplement is the polymer & metal clay compass pendant by Robert Dancik. It's striking and like nothing I've seen! After all that's what making jewellery is all about, creating new designs, experimenting with techniques and making something that is truly yours.

Enjoy the issue and happy jewellery making!

Jen]]> 9/17/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=130 130 <![CDATA[Greetings from Down Under]]> Hi there,


Sorry I've been out of the loop for a little while but I've been visiting my family in Australia. In fact I have been over here helping to organize and celebrate my son's wedding. Because so many of us had to travel long distances, Dan and his beautiful wife Sharon invited us to stay at a resort in Port Douglas for several days so as we could really enjoy some quality family time. Even my 90 year old Dad managed to fly across from Western Australia which made it all the more special. The wedding was held on the beach at Port Douglas which is about an hours drive, north of Cairns on the East Coast of Queensland.


The wedding was so romantic. The beach was fringed with palm trees, the sky a perfect cloudless blue and the ocean was that perfect turquoise colour typical of coral reef beaches. Dan and his five groomsmen wore dark blue jeans with tailored shirts unbuttoned at the neck. He had given each of his friends a crocodile tooth set in a silver bezel and hung from a leather thong. The jewellery was representative of where he lives in far north Queensland.


Sharon his bride wore an embroidered white gown and looked every inch a princess. Her five bride maids wore red silk chiffon, handkerchief, bias cut dresses. Her jewellery gift to the girls was a pearl drop which represented the pearl industry in Western Australia where she is currently working as an engineer. I don’t think there was a dry eye on the beach. Even the locals gathered around and applauded when they were pronounced man and wife.


Unfortunately like all good things, time went too quickly and I am now on my journey back home. I’ll be in touch in the next few days and will catch up with the forum news and what’s happening in your jewellery world.  Till then, take it easy, Cheers Joan


 

]]> 9/14/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=129 129 <![CDATA[Our first Time!! PMC virgins...]]>
It wasn't all plain sailing and we learnt very quickly that for the best results you need to work fairly quickly and handle the clay as little as possible. Once we had that figured out though we were like big kids 'ooh-ing' and 'aah-ing' at each others creations.

The next challenge will come tomorrow when the pieces are dry and need to be filed. Sadly I won't be here but I'm sure Heather will let you know how it goes!

Many of our talented readers are already very skilled at this medium but for those who haven't tried it yet I would definitely recommend it. Look out for an easy pair of PMC earrings in the November issue that would a great first project.

Have a great weekend!

Jen

Here's a picture of our creations so far......

]]> 8/20/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=128 128 <![CDATA[What's on and Readers Showcase]]>
Readers'Showcase is fast filling up so if you haven't had your work published in MJ then send in three high res pics, 6 word descriptive for each, price of each piece if it is for sale and your contact details including a phone number for publication to: jg.makingjewellery@googlemail.com. I can't promise it will be published but I will always do my best to support our readers.

Tomorrow I am giving 7 of our Making Jewellery team their first session in working with silver clay.....play time for the big kids in the board room. The supplement we put together for Issue 7 is focused on silver clay and mixed mediums. The jewellery that has been contributed was so interesting it has caused considerable excitement hence the request for the lesson. We share an office with the photographic team for Outdoor Photography so I'll be asking their editor to take some pics and we'll post them on the forum. Thanks so much Helen [PMC Studio Amersham] for donating the PMC3, I hope you are impressed with their efforts.

Cheers Joan

]]> 8/19/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=127 127 <![CDATA[Issue 6 20th August]]>
We’ve got some fantastic great giveaways this month so make sure you send in your postcards!

Cheers Joan
]]> 8/17/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=126 126 <![CDATA[Greetings from Joan in her studio in Wales]]>
Thanks to all our forum contributors who are sending me pics of their work for the Readers Showcase. The response has been excellent and it's helped me to find new contributors for future issues.

Where ever you are I hope the world is treating you kindly,
Cheers Joan]]> 8/10/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=125 125 <![CDATA[Hi all]]>
I'm part of the Making Jewellery team and just dropped by to say hi before I go to enjoy my weekend - it's been a busy week in the office so I'm praying for some much needed sunshine to wind down!

I've started a new topic on in the forums that might be of interest to a few fashion forward makers out there. Go on to forums, fashion hints and tips and then Fashion trends for A/W '09 & S/S '10.

http://www.makingjewellery.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=381

I'm interested to see what's your take on A/W 2009 and S/S 2010 jewellery and fashion trends - insider info, colours, textures, materials and designs. Don't be shy, post us your take on trends for the next two seasons.

...but for now, have a great weekend!

Heather]]> 8/7/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=124 124 <![CDATA[Indian Summer]]>
I really like the cover we created for this issue of Making Jewellery, the coral combined with the green remind me of juicy watermelons, it's really zingy and fun. This was a great issue to put together. There are several projects that have inspired me to explore techniques that I haven't tried before. I'm certainly going to have a go at embedding zircons into glass and I'm really buzzing with ideas after editing Debbie Carlton's project on page 68 where she combines polymer clay with PMC3. In fact my pasta machine that has been gathering dust in the pantry is about to be put to good use in my studio. Our contributors just keep coming up with new designs that really give the old grey cells a good work out. Jema Hewitt's Vintaj filigree and polymer clay necklace is an interesting project and a great one for the crafter who uses stamps. It opens the door to new and decorative ideas for creating simple, inexpensive yet stylish jewellery.
Hope you like the glass supplement! There have been so many requests for more lampwork projects, we decided to create a supplement to show case some of our talented UK artists. I'm working on a silver clay and mixed medium supplement for Issue 7 so don't panic if glass is not your medium of choice over the next few months we'll continue to create resources to support a variety of skills.

As I write this the breeze is blowing in through the office window, it's Friday afternoon and with the sun shining I just have to get out doors and enjoy the countryside. Time to turn the computer off!

Take it easy!

Cheers Joan
]]> 7/22/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=123 123 <![CDATA[Time flies when you're having fun!]]>
I will have some news for you from Austria next week as I am about to fly out to meet with the team of designers from Swarovski and am looking forward to being involved in a workshop with them. Will take my camera and save some shots of their designs for all those who like me, love crystals. The supplement attached to this issue also focuses on Special Occasion jewellery so make sure you check out the projects in there as well.

The weather over here in Kent is just perfect at the moment we've had 3 weeks of real summer weather! May it continue, I'm looking for an Indian Summer this year and have focused Issue 5 projects along that theme.

Let me know what you think of the mag, your comments are really helpful in our development of it.

Cheers for now!]]> 6/15/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=122 122 <![CDATA[Lovely weather and birthday celebrations]]>
Speaking of celebrations, Issue 4 is going to print today and it looks beautiful. In this issue we focused on celebrations of all kinds and the jewellery that was contributed is stunning. We also made another supplement which offers even more creative ideas and projects. You'll be spoilt for choice on what to make, I can assure you. By the way, thanks to all of those clever folk who have been sending in pics of their work for the readers showcase. The feed back has been brilliant.

Catch you later,

Joan]]> 6/3/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=121 121 <![CDATA[Apologies]]>


Sorry I've haven't update in a while, been so busy with Making Jewellery and jewellery making that I've barely had a moment to sit still.



A proper blog update is coming very soon, promise.]]> 6/2/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=120 120 <![CDATA[April 16th 2009]]> Greetings, hope you all had a great Easter break and didn’t over do the hot cross buns or eggs………….ha, who are we kidding? I’m still eating hot cross buns for my breakfast and have hidden my egg so I can nibble at it when the urge comes on. It’s a particularly nice organic chocolate, if I put it in the fridge that would be the last I ever saw of it in my house. It’s funny when I was a kid we only ever had Hot Cross buns on Easter Sunday. Now you can buy them all year round they are no longer a treat. Seems a shame. Caught up with my daughter, husband and little grandson for a fantastic lunch in London on Saturday then travelled down to Wales to my studio.

Issue 2 is out - I’m really pleased with this issue. It looks bright and beautiful - hope you enjoy it and the projects etc. We have more and more folk wishing to contribute which is fantastic! Each issue will offer more opportunities to feature new designers and showcase their ideas and techniques.

I spent Sunday in my studio making jewellery. What a treat. Rarely have the time these days. The crystal pendant I made is for Issue 3. I made it using some old earrings and bits I had left over from other projects. It’s very rewarding to be able to make nice pieces that don’t cost anything to produce. Also took the time to make some lampwork beads and several pieces of PMC. What a luxury to sit and relax and fiddle about. I may put the leaf necklace that I made into Issue 4, it’s easy to make and if you’re not a lampworker there a lots of lampworkers who would happily make and sell one to you. I wired the one I had with fine silver and attached a semi-precious button strung with fresh water pearls. The result is sort of vintage looking. You’ll see the leaf I’m talking about in Issue 3 Retail Therapy.








I’m going to the Flame off on the weekend to take some Pics and meet lots of creative folk. If you’re up there, please say hello to me and maybe share a cuppa and some ideas. Hope to be doing the PMC class with Emma Baird on Saturday morning – should be fun!

Till later, take it easy,

Cheers Joan

]]> 4/16/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=119 119 <![CDATA[After the first issue]]>
Thanks to all our readers for such fab reviews, emails etc., re the launch of Issue 1. The response has been very encouraging and I can assure you Issue 2 is looking even more exciting.

As with all new babies it didn’t go to bed without some teething problems. Firstly Project: Ribbon rose wire choker on page 42 – serious apologies to Emma Brennan. The project images are in the wrong order.

Step 1 is correct

Step 2 is Step 3

Step 3 is Step 4

Step 4 is Step 5

And Step 5 is Step 2

I’m sure many of our readers will want to try their hand at this lovely vintage choker so please take on board the changes before you commence work. If wirework is your jewellery passion, do have a look at Emma’s book titled ‘making vintage jewellery’ it’s packed with brilliant projects and some very handy hints for the novice jewellery maker. Despite our mix up Emma is joining us in a future issue with a polymer clay project, which we look forward to publishing.

Yesterday I was looking through the supplement as I am a keen silver clay maker and I noticed that step 7 isn’t complete on page 5 Project Lacy Pearls! Ahhhhh it doesn’t rain it pours! No matter how hard we try something always falls through the net.

Step 7 should finish with:

"Create the loops and thread the disks into the looped wires, then finish with the wire wraps."

On a more cheerful note I’m going down to my studio in Wales next week with the intention on making earrings inspired by the Folded Earrings on page 19 of the supplement out of PMC. I’ll let you know how it went.

Have a great week!

Cheers Joan]]> 4/3/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=118 118 <![CDATA[Happenings this week]]>
As I write this my grandson is kicking his little legs, smiling up at me and distracting me from my work. I became a Granny 5 months ago and I must say it’s one of the most exciting changes in my life. This Mothering Sunday I will share with my daughter [now also now a young Mum] her husband and my grand-son, it’s one that I am very much looking forward to.

The whole weekend commencing with the 19th will be a celebration. Friday week is the launch of Making Jewellery, it’s been a frantic time pulling it all together but after seeing the copy go to print, we all breathed a sigh of relief and now that the first copies have come back, the office is buzzing with excitement. All the hard graft has been well worth it. The magazine looks really stylish and sharp.

Today we are finishing the raw copy for issue 2 and some of the projects for issue 3 are already filtering through. It’s all systems go now. For the past few days I’ve been working down in my studio in Wales. Only managed to make two lampwork beads as I’ve had so much magazine work to do, but at least they were round which was a surprise given I haven’t lit the torch since November. I’m looking forward to spending 2 or 3 days down there doing nothing but making jewellery from PMC and lampwork beads. Perhaps the week after next when the 2nd issue goes to bed will see me creating again. I’ll post a pic on the forum if I make anything that looks OK.

Apparently I have 3 students to date booked in for June for a lesson in making clasps from PMC – am very much looking forward to teaching again and hope to do more over the next 6 months. By the way, I was most impressed with some of the work posted to date on the forum. It’s great to see what stunning beads etc are being produced, please keep sharing your skills!

Hope all is well in your world, keep in touch,

Cheers Joan]]> 3/13/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=117 117 <![CDATA[Welcome to Making Jewellery]]>
We are constantly exploring new mediums, techniques and concepts. With Industry input, we can keep you up to date with new techniques and trends. With stylist links in New York, London, Paris, Sydney and Milan, each month we give you the latest fashion forecasts, six to twelve months ahead. Our experts provide you with global information on the colours, shapes, patterns and textures that will be seen on catwalks and private couturier showings, sure to inspire you.

Making jewellery from recycled materials is fast becoming a fashion tread. As a jewellery maker and teacher, my passion is working with semi-precious stones, fine silver clay and lampwork. My current focus is recycling champagne bottles for christening and bridal gifts, I call this range 'Celebration Jewellery'. After smashing the bottles I put the shards in a tumbler for about five days. The result is very much like sea glass which is becoming quite rare to find and expensive to buy. The tumbled shards are made into pendants decorated with fine silver clay bails made from leaves and shells. To date, this jewellery has been quite a success and I hope to extend the range to include other forms of recycled materials.

In each issue of Making Jewellery we offer projects focused on various different mediums. Our jewellery contributors provide innovative ideas on how to work with lampwork beads, silversmithing, wirework, cold linking, resin, mixed mediums and more. The jewellery is very much on trend and wearable.

Our aim is to make this website relevant, topical and vital to your needs and ambitions. So do contact me with your project ideas and tips, tell me what inspires you, ask me where you most want help and I'm sure that together we can make it happen.

I hope you enjoy this website and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

joan]]> 2/16/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=116 116 <![CDATA[A big hello and welcome!]]>
This is just a quick first blog entry to say introduce myself. I'm Joan (the editor), and here is where you'll be able to find regular blogs from me about the magazine, day-to-day happenings and - of course - jewellery making.

We're all very excited about the first issue coming out on the 19th of March and hopefully you are too!

That's all for now, please keep checking back for new updates and be sure to sign up for the forums.

Bye!]]> 2/13/2009 http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=115 115