The Upcycling Has Begun

After a few emails and announcements, we received quite a lot of unwanted and broken jewellery for upcycling.  Here it is all laid out on the bench in my lab.

My pupils had loads of fun rummaging through the Aladin's cave of items to find what they wanted.  I have taken before and after photos so you can see what the item was and what it is now.  It is so nice to think that someone's unwanted jewellery has now started a new life and will be worn again.

Sorry the photos are a bit green, I forgot to change the settings - doh!
Sam x

Items on Etsy

At last, I have done it - I have actually got five items on Etsy!  It has taken me all day to take the photographs, write the descriptions and uploads it all.  See below for photos and let me know what you think.

Sam x

Wire Style by Denise Peck

Paperback: 120 pages
Published: 2008
ISBN-10: 1596680709
ISBN-13: 978-1596680708

The first part of the book contains useful information on wire and tools, followed by a brief ‘how to’ section on techniques, such as; straightening wire, making simple, wrapped and briolette loops, coils and spirals, making jump rings, making hooks and earwires, piercing and oxidising.

This majority of the book contains fifty jewellery projects from eight jewellery designers and incorporates a range of styles and techniques.
The breakdown of the projects is as follows:
Necklaces and Pendants – 22 projects
Bracelets and Bangles – 16 projects
Earrings – 12 projects

The projects are graded at three different levels: 1, 2 and 3, although no explanation is given on what these levels mean. 
The breakdown of the levels is as follows:
Level 1 – 26 projects
Level 2 – 18 projects
Level 3 – 6 projects

I picked this book up because I fancied doing something different and there are quite a few projects that I liked the look of.  There is a large, detailed photograph of each piece with a list of techniques, materials and tools used and detailed instructions, but there are no ‘how to’ photographs, which might make it a bit difficult for an absolute beginner to follow.

I would say that this is the perfect book for those who have experience of other jewellery-making techniques and want to try wire-working.  It gives a good overview of what can be done with wire, as there is a good range of techniques, including four projects on wire-wrapping and seven on chainmaille.  I think I will probably try one or two techniques and then buy a more specialised book on that technique, but for me, it is a good general ‘starter’ book.

Sam x

Upcycled Jewellery

This week in my upcycled jewellery class, my pupils have been learning how to use crimps and clasps.  They are going to browse some shops over half term, and come to the next class with loads of idea and inspiration about what beautiful things we will make from old, unwanted and broken jewellery.  I hope you enjoy the photos.

Sam x

My jewellery

Jordan and I spent a good few hours on Sunday taking photos of my jewellery to go on my Etsy page.  I still need to crop them and tidy them up, but they should be on here soon.  Thanks Jordan for all your help.

Sam x

Upcycled Jewellery

We started our upcycled jewellery course with a session on skills.  This week, my pupils have been learning how to make a headpin and how to open and close jumprings without distorting them.  They got on really well and everyone had made at least a bracelet by the end of the session.  I hope you enjoy the photos.

Sam x