V&A archives Padgett and Braham collection.

A couple of weeks ago we started a project with the V&A archives, looking into a collection of models and sketches taken from Padgett and Braham Ltd when they ceased trading. These objects and a brief history from Silversmith Gareth Harris, a former apprentice to the firm, gave us an insight into the origins of the company and what exactly we were looking at. Now there opens up a world of possibilities....

New collection....

.....And my first post since starting at Bishopsland, shows how busy I have been!

Since starting training at Bishopsland Educational Trust this October we were all set the task of designing a new collection for an exhibition taking place here last weekend.

I'm glad to say that we all rose to the challenge and here are the results, some selected images from my new collection of hand pierced spinning jewellery.

The floral designs are inspired by embroidered fabrics and hand made lace designs, incorporated into miniature, wearable frames. All pieces have a moveable aspect becoming playful whilst providing the wearer a changing perspective.

A wing and a prayer

First of all this is from a location I am thinking about for a new photoshoot. I have been looking around for interesting places like previous location I used at Islington Mill. This is from my favourite so far, I just have to get in there first, finish the jewellery, find a model..........

In the meantime I found to be inspired by. Including doilee street art and converted utensils

I came across NeSpoon and am amazed. I love everything she is doing (below).... particularly the eastern colours used with traditional doily patterns. Wish I had thought of this!

http://www.behance.net/NeSpoon

Photography finds

Trendhunter.com

Have you seen?....

Images of my work on show at the Getting Started, Have you seen? exhibition at Cox and Power. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the exhibition but have been very kindly sent these images. All of the exhibitors have a face to their work which i really like.

www.coxandpower.com

Henley High School

Today was my last day teaching a six week jewellery course at Henley High school. I managed to take a few photos of some of the pieces the students have made over before they disappeared. These are some of their pendant and ring designs. Having learnt how to make clasps, rings, friendship bracelets and recycled necklaces the last few weeks have been very busy.

Jewellery from the Esther Benjamin's trust workshop

Here are some pieces made in the Kathmandu workshop where I will soon be going out to teach from. Students are taught silversmithing skills that combined with their knowledge of mosaic construction make these beautiful pieces of jewellery. I cant wait to work with the project!

www.ebtrust.org.uk

Past to present

I've had these photos and letters in my workshop for weeks. Today I've been using them to develop a new piece of work. I've been looking at frames, considering the decoration, size and how they display the image. Mainly older frames and portraits because the images inside seem more important and treasured. I suppose they have lasted and been kept for a reason, even if they are a little worse for ware.

The letters document my Grandfather asking for permission to marry my Grandma and a congratulating telegraph. Very old fashioned, very polite, very English. The photo isn't of them but the bridesmaid is my Mum, it's quite strange that they all relate to marriage as I have actually only just noticed this! It was supposed to be more about keepsakes, self-expression and documenting family history.

Here are a few other things I've been looking at today that aren't related to weddings!

www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk

The Prince of Wales at Goldsmiths

On the 23rd of February I was invited to the Goldsmiths' Hall to attend a royal visit! His Royal Highness visited the Hall for an insight into how the company supports the future of the industry. Having just completed an enterprise course with the Prince's Trust I, along with four other designers (including Alison Macleod and Heidi Hinder) met HRH and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Esther Benjamin's Trust

Following an interview last Friday I am very excited to say I will be travelling to Nepal to start teaching jewellery in the beginning of May! I will be working with the Esther Benjamin's Trust to help train up new jewellers working on a social enterprise project in Kathmandu. The trust works helping victims of trafficking, former street children and vulnerable people specifically in Nepal.

I got to find out about Silversmith Nic Turnbull's time teaching with the trust at a talk she did last Friday at Bishopsland. Nic set up the workshop last August and the jewellery made in the workshop is already selling at tourist spots in Kathmandu and at events in the UK.

I will be visiting Nepal for three months with the charity so look out for more information and updates of the projects progress!

To raise money for the charity I will be doing a raffle of three pieces of my work so please get involved!

For more information about the work the charity does please visit www.ebtrust.org.uk

Ask ur grandma

I took a trip to the women's library last week to look at the instillation by Nicola Malkin one of my favourite makers. She has worked with the museum maker programme referencing the libraries information to inform new pieces that sit within it. Giant knitting needles and my favourite a giant medal.

Also on show an exhibition about women and crafts which I obviously loved. A collection of hand made things from different generations, that showed the skills involved in traditional craft and celebrating them. It was also really interesting to be able to see where each piece came from and the reason behind it being made which is not something I always know about within the materials I use in my work.

My favourite piece apart from the giant crazy crochet doilee was an embroidery reading "God Bless you both" a wedding gift from grandmother to granddaughter.

"It's a piece of joy and rememberance, of my origins, and my future. It reminds me of the first time I met my grandmother. She arrived in London two weeks before my wedding in 1990. It reminds me of how far away from each other we are, but also how connected." Rose Sinclair 2010

I thought that really summed up what I'm interested in when I look at hand made objects and textiles in particular. The story and interaction between generations and physical interaction from the maker. And of course grandmas are great.