Workshop Tour

My unassuming workshop means the world to me. It's my space. My office/ studio/ workshop. My workshop was once a very ugly bar area in a rented house that had seen better days. That's how I first saw it, when I came to view our home during the pest and building inspection. My husband and I were both so over looking at houses at that stage. We'd sold our last house and were living with family, I was pregnant with Emerson, and we just wanted to find our new home. But the right home eluded us. We knew where we wanted to live, we knew what we wanted to find, it was just a matter of finding it. We thought we had found it a couple of times, but highway noise and gigantic cracks had put us off a few properties. In the end my husband viewed the house without me, on his way home from work. He put in an offer and signed the paper work before I had even seen it. But I trusted him.

The first time I saw my workshop I was a little in shock. We had wanted a house that was a fixer-upper. But I had not bargained for a home that was full of asbestos and needed a new roof and ceiling. As the building inspector pointed out all the faults, I walked around the weed filled back yard with it's millions of pot holes from a bored staffy, thinking I might cry. Dave was enthusiastic, despite the fact that we couldn't move in until the asbestos had been cleared, carpets removed, floor polished, walls painted and so on and so on.

When we viewed under the house I saw my workshop with it's marine grade carpet, large wooden bar and brick walls. And I saw it's potential. Dave and I argued discussed in the car on the way home as to who had rights to the bar area. Dave saw it as having great man cave potential, and had mentally relegated my tools to the garage. I on the other hand had the financial argument on my side - that my workshop was capable of returning money, while his man cave was not. My husband is a good man, and I got my workshop. 

Many thanks to the lovely Trudi Le Brese for coming and photographing my unassuming, well loved space. 

Finding Balance - In The Workshop

1. What's in front of me at the bench

2. What's behind me in the workshop

There's been a lovely balance between life and work lately, a great rhythm to our days and weeks, that allows me to work and parent without guilt. As a stay at home Mum with a small business my time and energy is often pulled between my little ones, the household and my business. I'm so often asked how I fit it all in. Finding a flow that works for us is the key to juggling it all, and finding time to do the extra things, like a yoga class one night a week, a solo movie trip, a monthly book club meet up. While I can't fit in long stretches of time at the bench, by aiming to do 1-2 hours of bench work 2-3 days and 2-3 nights a week, it adds up and I am able to accomplish what I want to accomplish. Some weeks I do more, some weeks I do less. Having the freedom to be flexible, as well as staying organised, mean I am better able to go with the flow and face any challenges.

Being happy in myself is at the root of all of it though. It falls apart when I do. When I'm sick, when I'm overwhelmed, when I'm feeling negative. But I find I am able to return to a place of calm and happiness, thanks in part to age, and in part to the marvel of anti-depressants and the reduced anxiety I suffer as a result. With a clearer head I am able to experience more joy and feel gratitude for all my blessings (in a non-religious way). And with age and a little wisdom, I find I have let go of many of the things that concerned me in my twenties. My focus has shifted, I know myself better and I am more comfortable in my own skin.

So, here is a snap shot of our days lately.

6.30 - 8.15 Nice slow mornings with breakfast, morning pages, getting dressed and ready for the day, tidying up the house and washing a load of clothes - then the last minute rush to get all three children out the door!

8.15 - 10.30 After walking Cohen (6) to school and hanging out the clothes, we do something just for Emerson (3) and Oscar (1). Perhaps a trip to the park, the library, the duck pond, a play date, or sitting around in the nursery building up blocks and letting the baby knock them down in fits of giggles, like we did this morning.

10.30 - 12.30 Oscar has a nap and I get to work on the things that are more difficult to do with a baby crawling around, while Emerson joins me or fulfills her love of Doctors and Pirates with 'Doc McStuffins' and 'Jake and the Neverland Pirates'. Quite often she brings her dolls to my workshop for tea parties, pram walks, or drawing time, while I try to fit in 1 - 2 hours of bench work each day, three times a week, (plus 1 - 2 hours a night, two to three times a week.)

12.30 - 2.00 We make lunch together and play some more, paint, read, jump on the trampoline, garden, I squeeze in some blogging, emails or web work and another quick tidy up.

2.00 - 6.30 The walk home from school is followed by homework, play time and baths. Then it's time to prepare and eat dinner.

6.30 - 9.30 Bedtime stories are a must, and once everyone is tucked in it's time to tidy up again, spend some time with my husband, make Cohen's lunch and our breakfasts for the next day, and then head down to the bench to do another couple of hours of work. I make sure I'm in bed by 9.30 as I know that Oscar will wake to feed three times during the night (more if he is teething or ill).

Here's to balance and rhythm. May it last! xx

Pearl Threading Workshop - Recap

I think there was no better place to be Saturday morning than sitting in the sweet BrisStyle workshop space, threading pearls with a group of lovely ladies, as the rain poured down outside. There was tea and biscuits, cake and coffee, and eight pairs of hands threading and knotting their very own strand of fresh water pearls.

I was a ball of nerves beforehand, despite having learnt and practiced this technique for the past ten years. But my fears melted away as soon as I entered the space. My love of making jewellery and the joy of sharing my passion soon replaced those butterflies. It was delightful to meet each member of the group, hear a little about what had brought them to the workshop that day and their current creative pursuits. From jewellers to beaders, to those with a collection of personal jewellery that need re-threading, each participant was able to learn a new skill that they can use to express their creativity and also put to practical use.

I had so much fun working with these ladies, going over the history, creation and types of pearls, as well as tips and tricks for care, and a secret resource list of suppliers too. Can't wait to do it again!

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I will be hosting another pearl threading workshop with BrisStyle in the next couple of months, so sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date, or keep an eye on their Craft Workshop page.

Brisbane Pearl Threading Workshop

A reader let me know about this lovely write up on the Weekend Notes website! Thanks to the wonderful Kath for the write up. There's still a few places left in the pearl threading course, so if you are close to Brisbane, hurry over here and get your ticket!

 Give grandma's pearls a makeover or complete a new set

"I know I've had a lot of strings of pearls in the past which have sadly broken and languished in the jewellery box forgotten since the thought of restringing seemed beyond me. With this special class from Christina Lowry, you will be taught the basics of stringing pearls securely and finishing them with a clasp ready to wear out to dinner.

Traditionally knotting freshwater pearls is a great technique to learn for those who love pearls, beads and jewellery as you will be able to use the same techniques in other projects.

The workshop will equip you with pearls, thread, clasp, beading needles and gimp to create your first necklace, as well as a kit to take home in order to practice the new techniques. You will also receive a workbook, wholesale contacts, resource list, tips and tricks, as well as details on charging out rethreading to clients." Kath Chown

Unexpected Guest

Living in Australia, one does get used to living side by side with native animals. Wallaby's on the road side. Possums on the roof. Huntsman spiders in the toilet. Geckos on the eaves. Frogs on the deck. 

However, this blue tongue lizard was pushing the friendship a little to far when she took up residence in my workshop. Her head poking out between two boxes just a few centimeters from the baby swing Oscar was occupying.

She has since been evicted to the backyard. (Much to the toddler's delight.)

Brisbane Pearl Threading Workshop!

My lovely Brisbane-ites, join me for a crafty morning, Saturday 21st February at Newstead, as I teach traditional pearl threading and you create your own knotted pearl strand.

If you love pearls, beads and jewellery, this workshop is a must. Perfect for beginners, makers wishing to learn a new skill, or those wanting to add a new service to their business. The workshop will equip you with pearls, thread, clasp, beading needles and gimp to create your first necklace, as well as a kit to take home in order to practice the new techniques. The workshop will provide you with step by step instructions, wholesale contacts and resource list, tips and tricks, as well as details on charging out re-threading to clients. 

I encourage you to bring along any pieces you would like advice on, whether it's Grandma's pearls or a broken strand of beads. After completing the workshop you will have your own strand of traditionally knotted pearls, and the know how to thread pearls and beads like a professional.

An additional selection of pearls and clasps will be available for purchase on the day.

Places are limited so Book Now!

I'm so excited! Can't wait to share my years of experience with you. xx

Month In The Life - Workshop

This month I am joining in a behind the scenes photo challenge for creative people, hosted by Jess at Create and Thrive. The daily prompts are over here if you'd like to join in too. I'll be sharing my photos here and in Instagram, so be prepared to see a little more of the tools, techniques and inspiration that make up my jewellery business.  

My and Didi's work benches, and my rolling mill and polishing bench - which is also home to my pickle and ultrasonic.

Somewhere to sit, write, draw, wrap packages, and for the children to play while Mama works.

My humble and much loved workshop, which was once a brick walled bar. My husband and I both wanted this space when we brought the house, but he kindly let me have it. (Which is one of the reasons I love him. He got a garage and shed instead however.)

Notes From the Workshop

New tools - spoon stakes for the project I mentioned.

New postcards - I love new stationary.

A production line of Silver 'Beryl' Necklaces in preparation for Finders Keepers.


Working on a new collection of handmade drop earrings.


My dear Cohen, who keeps asking if he can make jewellery too. How could I say no?


Packaging up orders with a few of my favourite things.

I'm still here, keeping myself occupied in the workshop and waiting for baby. 39 weeks and 3 days today. I really am ready whenever baby is! It's a strange sort of limbo, this waiting business. 

Should baby keep us in anticipation, you can expect to see a few new pairs of earrings in the shop soon. Either way, the shop will remain open, with my sister taking over posting out orders in my absence. Only custom orders will be put on hold until I am ready to pick up my tools again after the birth.

Thanks for all your support and lovely comments here and on instagram lately. I hope to be sharing good news with you all soon. 

xx

The Process - from sketch to finished piece

The 'Joy' Pendant and Earrings are the final pieces in the 'Sentimental Collection' and they are now in the shop. For those not familiar with the process of making jewellery, I thought I would run through the various stages of creating these pieces. If you are anything like me, you may enjoy a peek behind the scenes of a jeweler at work.

Initially, there were several designs sketched in my sketchbook as I slowly built on my ideas for a doily inspired collection featuring drilled and punched details. I developed a set of stacking rings, a pendant and necklace, a pair of hoops, and of course the 'Joy' pendant and earrings.

The next step is to start realising these drawings in metal. This means sketching out the designs on sheets of metal and saw them out, filing and shaping them, and then in this case, drilling and punching them. Because I planned on making more than once of each piece, and in order to keep each piece identical and lower production costs, I made 'Masters' for each piece from copper. These masters were then sent away to be professionally moulded and cast in Sterling Silver and 9ct Rose Gold, before being returned to be hand finished.

This is how the castings return. They have the remains of the sprues on them, where the metal was poured in to the moulds, and a slightly rough textured finish. The next step is to saw and file off the sprues, emery (jewellers sandpaper) the surfaces and hand make the findings necessary to complete each piece - such as the ear wires and jump rings. These fittings are then soldered on and the entire piece is polished - first using a goats hair polishing wheel with tripoli compound to remove the scratches remaining from the emery, then a cotton polishing mop with rouge compound to create a high shine finish.

You can see the pieces in the middle have had the sprues removed and have been emeried. They have also been stamped 925 on the reverse - which is the standard mark for Sterling Silver and means that the piece is 92.5% pure Silver. They are now ready to have their ear wires, jump rings and pearl posts soldered on.

Wires, posts and bails in place, the Silver pendants and earrings are ready for another touch of emery before being polishing. First though, I check that the pearl posts are the right length and trim them down to size to fit the half drilled round Freshwater Pearls.

Ta-dah! The finished product. Polished, a satin finish applied with a fine emery, and pearls glued in to position on the posts with a two part epoxy. 

I hope that gave you some insight in to the process of a piece of cast jewellery from start to finish, and that you enjoyed this peek in to the workshop. I'm more than happy to answer any questions you might have. 

If you have ever fancied trying your hand at making your own silver and gold jewellery, there are some great courses out their run through private schools, TAFE's and Universities. For me, nothing beats the satisfaction of designing and creating a piece of jewellery.

Eight Good Things

1. Making custom orders for birthday gifts

2. An up to date 'Project Life' album - I love seeing our weeks come together like this

3. Cheeky workshop assistants

4. Brown paper packages tied up with string - la da de da dah

5. Tea and knitting - always always a good thing

6. My gorgeous print by the talented Kylie Hunt of Paravent - and her equally beautiful packaging

7. Learning new skills and making the first part of my table displays for Finders Keepers - my first ever attempt at wood work and I loved it

8. Gathering and foraging in the side streets and on the footpaths on our daily wanderings

What are your Eight Good Things today, or this past week?

Leave a comment or make a post and let me know! It's a lovely way to take a step back from a busy day and notice the little things - the little moments you might otherwise over look, and savor them.

Studio Tour

Before

After

A colourful clutter of inspiration and necessities 

My new Frieda Kahlo doll. A birthday gift from my sister, handmade by Jennie.

Tools of the trade - My ultrasonic (for cleaning jewellery) is hiding behind the polishing machine, in the middle is my pickle (a heated acid solution that removes flux from heated metals), as well as my rolling mill (for rolling the metal to the desired thickness of plate or bars, or preparing the metal to be drawn down in to wire.)

One would hardly guess, when looking at the 'before' photo of my bench, that I am usually a 'place for everything and everything in it's place' kind of girl, especially when it comes to my tools. I like to tidy up and put everything away when I've finished working, so that I sit down to a clean bench the next time. Only, it wasn't quite feasible during the rush of market prep. Tidying up seemed like a bit of a luxury. My table became a dumping ground of tools, half finished projects, packaging, and general craziness as I tried to get as much done as possible as time ran out. Working amongst the mess has reaffirmed for me why I tidy up at the end of the day!

Yesterday I pottered around the studio cleaning up and sorting out, while the children played, swept the floor and made more mess. Once I have sorted out their pile of toys on the floor, and the pile of mending on my sewing table, all will be well in my studio again. But at least, for the time being, I can now sit down and work on some custom pieces with room to move and think. And a tidy bench.

What does your work space look like?

Are you neat or messy, or both?

I just noticed that I need to fix the date on my bench clock.

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PS. Happy birthday to my dearest darling twin sister! And happy birthday to me! 32. Oh my! 

Resin Ring and Bangle Workshop

Bangle mould filled with resin.

Smaller silicone moulds for jewellery.

Pouring resin into moulds.

Dying resin.

My completed pieces - two bangles, two rings and a cameo.

Mylene's display bangles, in translucent and opaque jellybean like colours.

I had a lovely time at the Resin Ring and Bangle Workshop today. It's something I've always wanted to do. So it was the perfect 30th birthday gift from my darling husband - who picked up my hints nicely. 

Mylene skillfully taught several of us how to mix, colour, cast and finish resin in her purpose built workshop. We imitated her practiced movements - stirred, scraped, poured and eventually removed our new treasures from their moulds. Pulling away the silicone to reveal the finished colour and shape beneath.

It was wonderful to be able to add to my knowledge of resin and leave with finished pieces, as well as the inspiration and materials to make many more. I love the look and feel of the bangles in particular. And I see further experimentation in incorporating resin into my existing jewellery practice.