tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14252195467710788002011-12-19T10:44:30.973ZA jeweller's blog. Mostly.Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-10714906359606029632011-11-23T20:46:00.002Z2011-11-23T20:49:14.964Z

I was allowed a huge heap of self-indulgence this week. Brenda (Lindecise) asked me to blog about my work space for the Etsy European Street Team. It gave me the excuse to clean the windows ( nice view of a golden football) and sit back and look at all the odd little things that have found a home in my workshop. Everything in my shed has a story for me and every tool is well loved. Here are a

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-56706683798296249912011-10-16T18:07:00.004+01:002011-10-17T09:10:58.865+01:00

I’m very proud to be  part of the online metals guild, etsymetal – it's an international group of skilled and talented independent jewellers. This week to celebrate 5 years of etsymetal we're having an anniversary sale.  Many of our members are participating and it’s a fantastic opportunity to start your Christmas shopping or treat yourself to something new and handmadel. There really is

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-84694823293205776062011-09-04T08:58:00.001+01:002011-09-07T21:11:47.580+01:00

This month the etsymetal team challenge lends it's support  to World Heart Day on September 25th. Their message is "One World, One Home, One Heart" and you can see more etsymetal interpretations of this theme on the etsymetal blog here. I chose to make a simple, graphic pair of earrings in square sterling silver wire.. I  decided  to make a logo for the cause. expressing the feeling of

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-13227799646263745362011-09-04T08:23:00.001+01:002011-09-04T08:25:22.229+01:00

I was delighted to find my sapphire blue earrings featured on the Etsy front page today. They were in this gorgeous collection by Zrinka. document.write (window.ccvault_widg.framehtml(22949,4,3,2,1,0,0));

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-52300445494433659812011-08-11T18:27:00.000+01:002011-08-11T18:27:02.528+01:00

Alexander Calder Like many other etsymetal jewellers this month's challenge produced a glut of ideas. Pendulum Earrings Alexander Calder's work perfectly expressed form, balance and joy and with this in mind I went searching for his beautiful mobiles. When I saw this perfectly poised piece I instantly saw a pair of kinetic earrings. Bench cleared, radio turned up  - BBC Radio 6 is my

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-25141627858715895292011-08-11T17:53:00.000+01:002011-08-11T17:53:34.514+01:00

Well, the challenge is where to stop! The etsymetal monthly challenge for August was to make a jewellery piece inspired by the work of Alexander Calder, sculptor, artist, jeweller and and all round prolific talent. ( btw etsymetal is a team/group of like-minded metalsmiths) mid-piece and sketches Calder wire sculpture I was delighted by his wire sculptures and this tempted me into

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-85203271836915959392011-07-11T13:01:00.001+01:002011-07-11T13:04:13.627+01:00

Artist's Work That Has Influenced My Own This is a short spin around my virtual gallery of inspirational artists I turn to  when I need to feed my creativity. Perhaps they don't  influence my work in an obvious or direct way but they are there in the background, always. I could happily add so many others  artists -Terry Frost, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson. jewellers - Wendy Ramshaw, Nora Fok

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-91486038117558602412011-06-07T22:23:00.000+01:002011-06-07T22:23:06.333+01:00

Ahh, c'mon! you do it, too don't you? Or, should that be "don't do it"? Procrastinate- an overlong  word for whittling time. The art of the mundane At best procrastination is such pure self-expression it's almost an art form. All those little things you do to evade the task at hand, so intimate and personal to the procrastinator,  cleaning  hammers, winding clocks or re-arranging spice jars. You

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-64383082655805893372011-05-05T20:06:00.000+01:002011-05-05T20:06:18.736+01:00

Ring 100 by Victoria Takahashi Ring a Day 65 artists. 1 year. 365 rings. May 5 - 29, 2011 Opening Reception: 5 - 8pm First Thursday, May 5, 2011 Tonight is the opening night of the Ring a Day exhibition at the Punch Gallery in Seattle. If you can get there, do, please and take a picture for me. I have 6 rings in the exhibition which is just amazing but a sneaky picture or two of the

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-53686540706138407252011-04-09T23:38:00.002+01:002011-04-09T23:48:36.559+01:00

22 silver lilies The etsymetal team, as I've probably told you already,  is a pretty close-knit group of international metalsmiths with a healthy obsession with metal and we like to share. So, twice a year we hold  a charm swap. We each make 22 charms,  donate 2 to raise money for the team and charity and exchange all the others. I've been involved in 2 previous swaps and have a glorious

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-83464164423221653522011-03-06T21:06:00.003Z2011-03-07T19:16:46.229Z

These questions form this month's Etsymetal Blog Carnival. Etsymetal is a group of independent, rambunctious jewellers I am delighted to belong to. My well-blinged left hand What jewellery do you wear everyday? Rings are my thing - you may have noticed - and the rings I wear everyday on my left hand are traditional but very special to me. My simple wedding band I had made when I was living

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-13712566320393533072011-02-28T22:07:00.001Z2011-02-28T22:35:31.163Z

In the gardens and hedgerows around Bath the daffodils are just about to burst out in all their golden glory. I don't know about you, but they always make me smile. I have a bunch on my kitchen table now. I've had enough of tasteful, muted winter colours and I need something fresh and and blousy. Like those hosts of daffs. this season's  citric yellows will lift your spirits. Bright yellow is not

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-52168828237961129772011-02-06T17:23:00.005Z2011-02-06T23:36:20.215Z

superbowl Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverCan't resist a challenge, me! When I heard about the Super Bowl Challenge 2011 on flickr it seemed like a good excuse for an excursion into trinket bowls. I wanted to make something free form and a little rustic, so I didn't make a mold. I just showed my rolling pin to some paper clay and set off on the journey. painting on size before gilding

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-4639387000955247652011-01-23T17:48:00.003Z2011-01-23T19:48:10.204Z

RAW 3/52 Dark Spiral Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverWell, today I've been helping my son with his homework. He wanted to make a barrage balloon-just a model, I hasten to add! - from steel and paper and it's taken forever and we are both covered in glue and varnish. model barrage in the making Sooooo, this simple but very long spiral ring is made from leftover steel wire. This weekend

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-71725825383023501522011-01-18T17:47:00.002Z2011-01-18T21:15:24.258Z

raw 2/52 - Corner - Explored Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverThis ring is my second for the "Ring a Week" challenge. It's a simple square of sterling silver with a square wire band. My inspiration came from the pocket of my work apron, which often hides odd bits of half-finished jewellery. I imagined a precious stone, wrapped in a handkerchief for safe keeping.. The setting is quite

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-16047281466927944182011-01-16T15:16:00.002Z2011-01-16T15:21:47.989Z

RAW 1- Sails Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverRing a Week is a development from the exciting explorations of Ring a Day last year. Hmm, you might have noticed, it's week 2 and already I am behind - what can I say? I like a deadline.. This ring is made of 2 lengths of steel wire fed through a sliver tube which I lined with rubber tubing. The Japanese koji paper is glued and sealed in

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-79747989421323666162011-01-04T11:04:00.002Z2011-01-04T11:06:26.481Z

RAd 142 The Last Waltz Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverThis ring, in paper, steel silver and gold marks not just the end of 2010, but the end of the Ring a Day Challenge on Flickr. I enjoyed the fun of making a new ring everyday from any material any method. I made 142of the 365 and used everything from business cards and leather scraps to gold and steel. Some, a very select few, made it

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-73733069464617716712010-12-11T20:23:00.000Z2010-12-11T20:23:15.485Z

I am so proud that my cufflinks were featured on The Storque Blog on Etsy. Ron, of Projector - a fabulous hand-printed tie shop -described them as "the epitome of cool"  and I'll hide my blushes, but it did make me grin. If you've still got blokes to buy for, this article makes great reading with shopping ideas from penguins and bears to rice bowls and dog pillows. Read more here

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-29673340387743735102010-12-07T17:03:00.003Z2010-12-07T17:08:38.882Z

Leather Ruffles Earrings Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverYou've seen the ring, now meet the earrings. A real surprise to me this year has been the popularity of my leather rings, like the Ruffles Ring. They started out as experimental ideas from the Ring a Day challenge using silver and recycled leather. Now I have designed a cute pair of ruffled earrings to match. Like the rings they

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-59023715810882715952010-11-19T18:02:00.002Z2010-11-20T12:09:22.467Z

RAD133 Embrace Blue Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverUh oh! The pull of the Ring a Day Challenge has proved to much. Having missed months and months, I've joined again for the final jog to the finish line in Decemeber. So may beautiful creative rings have been produced for the challenge this year, and such a great community of compulsive ring makers has grown up, I must admit that they are

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-7046863150736920022010-10-11T17:14:00.000+01:002010-10-11T17:14:57.920+01:00

I had to share this vibrant Etsy front page, The collection, mostly of fellow Artisan's Gallery members, was made by Michele of steinschmuckdesign and is full of energy, don't you think? I was delighted that my new indigo cuff links were here, too. For more about the Artisan's Gallery Team on Etsy check out our blog.http://artisansgalleryteam.blogspot.com/

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-25758536794707552502010-10-09T20:13:00.000+01:002010-10-09T20:13:53.909+01:00

As  you  know I'm a very proud member of that illustrious Etsy jewellers' team known as EtsyMetal. We are  celebrating our 4th Anniversary this month and to celebrate this in style we  will  be having 4 $50 gift certificate giveaways the last 4 Fridays of October.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathrynRiechert http://www.etsy.com/shop/Fluxplay For all the info on how to join in there's a Facebook

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-9615792743630631492010-09-12T21:21:00.001+01:002010-09-12T21:38:56.370+01:00

I was delighted to be featured twice this weekend on the Etsy front page for all to see. It's great visibility for my shop, of course, but I am also really proud to have been in such beautiful treasuries by 3Dots and  MQuin .

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-9533898998603491622010-08-25T20:22:00.000+01:002010-08-25T20:22:16.448+01:00

It seemed like a great idea. A group of 10 local artists, designers and makers getting together to open a gallery in an empty shop. Most of us hadn't met before, but we'd all studied at Bath Spa University or Bath City College and wanted to showcase our work. The local council were willing to rent a three roomed shop in a good location, just off the main shopping street. We could have it for

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-34389178390854711502010-07-22T12:22:00.000+01:002010-07-22T12:22:38.962+01:00

Memento silver and gold brooches Now the hullaballoo of the end of course exhibition is over I can look back at my City and Guilds Design and Craft course through a pair of rose tinted, funky spectacles.  All that drawing-painting-printing-sketching-cutting-sticking-piercing-filing-soldering-pickling-enamelling-etching-gilding-polishing and polishing and polishing seems worth it, after all.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-22491820724246152432010-07-17T12:18:00.002+01:002010-07-17T12:18:26.765+01:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-54752423587604299552010-07-16T19:06:00.000+01:002010-07-16T19:06:44.562+01:00

Shhhhhh! Please don't mention it to my boys, but it's Christmas in July. At least it is on Etsy.  This is a  great annual event for finding summer sale bargains and runs from July 15th to July 22nd. I'm offering free worldwide delivery on all my handmade, contemporary silver and resin jewellery.That's free shipping across my shop, including custom orders. Oh, yes and I nearly forgot to mention,

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-19437910532230489802010-06-15T11:09:00.000+01:002010-06-15T11:09:21.252+01:00

Are they cuffs or bangles? I tend to call them bangles, cos I like the word. My carved skinny bangles were really popular last summer and I wanted to add some bigger, chunkier designs to my range. They've taken a while to develop, so I thought I'd share a little of the process with you. Back in April, having sketched out the shape and dimensions for my design, I made a mold from plastic - I used

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-66379457764284720302010-05-15T11:47:00.000+01:002010-05-15T11:47:30.548+01:00

Indulge me and allow me a minor swank, if you will. My Urban Square cuff links were in the Etsy Voter for Grads, this week. Sadly, with my usual efficiency, I only found our when the lovely Clare of ClareBears told me! I'm very proud to say, they did pretty well - many thanks everyone who voted -and were featured on the front page. I love making cufflinks, and I like to think of them going off

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-39881678601113572362010-05-12T20:09:00.000+01:002010-05-12T20:09:37.502+01:00

How Happy am I? This week I received the most beautiful  original art print from Jo Bradford of GreenIslandStudios.  Jo is a talented art photographer and I've hankered after one of her prints for ages. I was delighted when I won this evocative image of a Cornish harbour in a competition on her blog . Cornwall is a very special place to me. Every year my family spend some time on the beautiful

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-50932851787967227932010-04-27T13:03:00.000+01:002010-04-27T13:03:47.832+01:00

Etsy has a new way to collect together and show off all your favourite things and it's called Treasury East.  You can create a kind of mood board of 16 pieces, on any theme you like. You just need to be signed up to Etsy  It's a great way to find new shops, themes or ideas. I love going through people's shops and choosing my wishlist, so I've already made 5 new treasuries. Take a peek and see if

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-14162017195807465682010-04-24T13:38:00.002+01:002010-04-24T22:32:48.527+01:00

Here's a sneaky peek at my new range of earrings. I've designed them in my favourite  abstract,not-quite-geometric shapes, for an effortless modern look.Perfect for summer parties they're made of lightweight, durable resin and my new fresh, breezy, grown-up colours with my signature speckled finish.They'll be available from my Etsy shop and my new UK online store over the next week. I'm also

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-45225635813333054822010-04-01T23:01:00.001+01:002010-04-02T09:48:18.862+01:00

Oh yes! It's time for the Etsymetal Blog Carnival. This month we're blogging about our creative process and our work spaces - I can't wait to see what my fellow jewellers have on their workbenches, are they neat and tidy or is there a weeks worth of dirty coffee cups? I confess, I'm a sketchbook junkie and most of my designs are visually led. When I start a new design I always start with my

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-41015849183968834752010-03-30T17:03:00.001+01:002010-03-30T17:03:22.269+01:00

Alphabet Rings Part 2Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverIt's no good, I just can't choose a favourite with these. I like the ergonomic, curling "J" and the simplicity of the "M" and "Q", but I also love the funky "L" and the impractical but playful "P". Taking a closer look at the shapes of letters has been great fun and could easily become an obsession. In fact, I'm starting to fret about

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-56735095226277588212010-03-22T19:57:00.002Z2010-03-22T20:00:29.916Z

I started this series of rings as part of the Ring a Day project, though the original impulse came from my college project - on letter and script.My idea was to take simple letter outlines and make them into wearable, interesting, rings.  I've designed them using capital letters and used square silver wire for a clean line and modern paired down look. The results so far are pictured here. At the

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-89463437265943803862010-03-07T19:56:00.001Z2010-03-07T19:56:59.323Z

RAD 64 UltramarineOriginally uploaded by Quercus SilverMy new blue is a rich and spring-ful ultramarine. When I was mixing the colour I was thinking of cobalt, but that is a lighter hue, I think. This is on the blue-violet side of things and I wish I had eyes this colour.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-48509883563409141812010-02-22T10:20:00.000Z2010-02-22T10:20:17.644Z

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EVENT TODAY To celebrate my exciting first 2 years on Etsy, I'm offering Free Shipping worldwide across my shop, today only - Monday 22nd February.   When I set up myQuercus SIlver on Etsy, I was really nervous about the whole process. Would people like my work? Would it be a happy experience? Could I work out how to use my camera?   I shouldn't have worried. I'm glad to say

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-52300588456268905512010-02-07T19:41:00.002Z2010-02-07T19:44:22.880Z

RAD - Mosaic 2 Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverAnother 16 done. I can't believe it! These are pretty speedy rings and I am often surprised by the result. They seem to grow from whatever material is to hand, from a bus ticket to a pot of unset resin. When I decide to make a ring in metal it's usually inspired by one of the quicker rings. I'm hoping to re-visit some of them and develop them

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-80657423399608700912010-01-31T18:33:00.010Z2010-02-03T10:47:34.623Z

The Etsymetal Blog Carnival, is in town again. This month the theme we're all blogging is our favourites from the Ring a Day project on Flickr, There's some amazing and inspirational work being made. Just how am I supposed to pick one favourite? Well, I'm going to cheat and share a couple of rings which are playful, interesting and made me smile. MikeandMary have produced some works of wonderful

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-4389765368280154342010-01-31T17:22:00.001Z2010-01-31T17:25:24.746Z

One of the most exciting new challenges, for me, so far this year has been the Ring a Day project on flickr. I'm a member of the Etsymetal Team, and a fine, creative bunch of metalsmiths they are, too.  One of the team, Nina Dinoff, started this project to make a ring, every day, by any means, in any material . Open to all, it's a real creative boost and has a wonderful buzz to it.  Pictured

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-5652313766488625952009-11-19T11:48:00.000Z2009-11-19T11:48:41.720Z

Way back in August in the chilly, rain lashed days of an English summer, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Kira Wither-Jones. This week it appears as a full page in the Christmas issue of Making Jewellery Magazine, here in the UK. I'm so proud and delighted they chose me for the Inspirations page It's taken me 3 days since it arrived to pluck up the courage to read it! In fact I got my

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-29863288160551516872009-11-12T19:17:00.000Z2009-11-12T19:17:21.820Z

The Festive Season starts here. This weekend only, from Friday 13 until Sunday 15th Quercus Silver (that's me!) and many other members of Etsymetal Team are joining in  the Weekend Deals offers on Etsy! You'll get a mahoosive 10% discount in my shop if you follow these simple steps~ 1. Choose your jewellery. 2. Add your items to your cart. 3. When the "Message to Seller" window comes up at time

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-84431221254398101022009-10-30T13:40:00.000Z2009-10-30T13:40:42.820Z

I have a secret passion for buttons. My mother's button tin was a source of stories and wonder when I was little. There were army buttons leftover from my Dad's uniform, beautiful crystal buttons from my grandmother's flapper dresses and big bold Bakelite buttons from Mum's old suits and edge to edge coats. It  all seemed so glamorous and exotic,The button box itself was covered in faded,

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-68659056431376444672009-10-21T18:18:00.001+01:002009-10-21T19:30:54.072+01:00

Now, in my family, no-one is allowed to mention the "C" word til after October. If my boys even so much as hum a carol or "ho-ho-ho" before November they're in big trouble. However, in the spirit of parental hypocrisy, I have been doing a little preparation on the quiet. Christmas, Christmas, Christmas. There, I've said it. I think buying jewellery is very intimate and beautiful wrapping is an

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-67074420394786827122009-10-04T11:23:00.005+01:002009-10-04T11:29:30.007+01:00

Conker Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverWhy do the English collect conkers? Why did my eldest son collect 4, yes 4, kilos of them this week, leaping about under the trees in delight at every treasure found? In October, our parks are overrun by a scrabbling of children (and parents) under the trees, And for why? To collect the smooth brown wonders of the horse chestnut tree - conkers. The

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-80041616866610604652009-09-12T11:06:00.016+01:002009-09-12T11:50:44.819+01:00

Just so you know I have FREE WORLDWIDE shipping across my Etsy shop this weekend. September 11th to 13th. So, if you love handmade and original jewellery, please come and have a look at my colourful sterling silver and resin pieces all designed and made by me in this lovely World Heritage city of Bath. I'm also chuffed to bits that my Treasure Box Ring is featured in the Etsy Weekend Deals

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-22011903407922850472009-09-06T23:17:00.023+01:002009-09-07T22:33:31.433+01:00

Etsymetal Team are asking their members about their first ever piece of metal work (see links below). This was my first piece of metalsmithing, some years ago now. It's a bangle made of copper wire soldered and polished.This was the test piece and I then made it in silver. what did it mean to you? It took a lot of courage to sign up to the course and walk into my first class. I really thought

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-22659608025202898892009-08-13T22:10:00.009+01:002009-08-13T22:26:43.969+01:00

Share the joy. 34 of Etsymetal's finest jewellers from all over the world are offering Free Shipping in their Etsy shops this weekend. I'm joining in, too. with free worldwide shipping on all jewellery in stock, including sale items. Then, my luvvers, I'm off to Cornwall to recover from the excitement where I shall be follwoing the old adage. "Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-86668465588153146122009-08-05T09:58:00.019+01:002009-08-05T10:48:40.064+01:00

The blue treasure box ring pictured here was the my first piece of resin work. I made it as part of a college project and barged in with all the bravado ignorance can bestow.Obviously, it has a million faults. The band is too thin, I didn't key the surfaces and had to rebuild it and it's over filed. But it was enough to make me fall in love with the material,Resin allows me to play with scale,

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-85403704842397445692009-07-17T10:25:00.002+01:002009-07-17T10:29:16.366+01:00

Sample Sale Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverWhen I make a new ring colour I tend to fall in love with it and want to look at it all the time. Of course, I also need to try to keep one ring as an example to show buyers in shops and at fairs Most importantly, I need to remind myself of the colour when I'm making a custom order. I only grind small quantities of pigment and the colour can be

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-78137438644361539402009-07-07T16:33:00.006+01:002009-07-07T17:08:07.410+01:00

I don't know. The Craft Fair at Winchester loomed large for months and I thought I'd never be ready and then, "whoosh" it was all over. Here's a collage of some of the lovely stalls and even lovelier people at the sale. Alice of Raspberry Fairy did a fabulous job orgainising it all.Can I send a "Thank you " to everyone who came over to say hello and biiiiiiiig huuuuugs to those who bought some

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-18260782134446094672009-06-26T11:08:00.009+01:002009-06-26T11:38:53.042+01:00

It started when I bought these pretty aquamarines from a lovely bloke in Bourton on the Water. He was completely non-plussed. Why would you buy semi-cut stones? Did I not want them faceted, polished? Nope. I love the smooth tactile finish, the little peaks and most of all the soft, soft blue. As I'd bought 2 and they matched, I guess I had earrings in mind, already.Something simple. Usually I

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-23324336649339284602009-06-16T09:25:00.028+01:002009-06-16T10:32:45.180+01:00

I was making a pair of spiral cufflinks this week and thinking how tricky such a simple shape is to get right . Looking them up for a mathematical clue , I discovered there are so many different types, from your neat Archimedean to my favourite "spira mirabilis" or miraculous spirals, named by Bernoulli for their mathematical beauty. A feature lost on me, but they look like ammonites, which I

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-44585460104818389492009-06-11T16:25:00.012+01:002009-06-11T17:24:48.117+01:00

Look! Look! Look! what I won! This gorgeous hand-beaded, intricate bracelet is from the talented Lynn in the sacred grove that is Nemeton. Lynn, as you may know, sets confounding riddles in her Treasuries on Etsy. I still can't believe I worked one out. Anyway, my prize arrived today and here I am, wearing it.Outrageous and improbable as this sounds, Lynn also admits to a secret ambition to win

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-2339514479374132932009-06-10T19:00:00.003+01:002009-06-10T19:06:07.481+01:00

Jewellers need more jewellery Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverMy lovley man bought me a present this week. How lucky(and spoilt)am I? A wire-wrapped, beautifully-made, perfect fit, gorgeous ring form Revonav on Etsy. He has a truly fabulous shop and I feel this may be the start of an interesting collection. Take a look for yourself. http//revonav.etsy.com/

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-47918196859788054472009-06-05T10:42:00.001+01:002009-06-05T10:42:00.299+01:00

coral colourblock earringsOriginally uploaded by Quercus SilverI was so inspired by the lovely coral poppy in my garden, that I had to make some earrings the same colour.It reminds me of Caribbean sunshine and long warm summer evenings. I wish! I am delighted with the surface texture. Mottled doesn't seem a nice word for it, though. Freckled, perhaps, as a sprinkling of freckles on my nose is

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-4924327510957081052009-06-04T09:55:00.001+01:002009-06-04T09:55:16.821+01:00

Orange Colourblock Earrings WIPOriginally uploaded by Quercus SilverYesterday, I realised I hadn't made any colourful earrings for ages. I love this new shape and I've made some coral ones, too.I can never resist this lovely energetic colour. I dyed my entire bedroom orange when I was 11. Curtains, bedding, rugs the works. So you can see this is a lifetime commitment.Perversley, I don't eat

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-70325735281259652282009-06-03T09:55:00.011+01:002009-06-03T10:12:01.398+01:00

June in an English garden, even one as small as mine, is full of explosions of colour. Every trip to my workshop brings fresh discoveries of beautiful half-remembered flowers that have burst from nowhere.This gorgeous poppy"Raspberry Queen" has given one perfect bloom this year and , you know, I'd forgotten it was there. How could I?

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-58705207225107970212009-05-12T21:14:00.012+01:002009-05-12T21:51:20.196+01:00

Sometimes you get a reminder about what a priviledge it is making jewellery and how important it is to do your best. I got a mail the other day from Carrie, a lovely person who'd bought a pair of my orange resin cufflinks. I was really pleased to hear her husband-to-be was going to wear them to their wedding but I was absolutely delighted that she was kind enough to share some pictures from

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-26322869988654022732009-05-03T10:46:00.014+01:002009-05-04T11:45:55.682+01:00

Finished. It's all cosseted, wrapped and safe and in the hands of the World's posties as it wings it's way to Australia. I'm hoping my lovely client will be reassured and looking forward to seeing her ring. Truly, it never stops amazing me to think of my hand-crafted work having a fun time all across the Globe. I spent many years travelling and now my work goes global while I stay put!. lol

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-4782755468716140152009-04-30T11:07:00.014+01:002009-05-03T11:25:02.314+01:00

Confession time A desire for"Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes" was my real motive for becoming a jeweller. I love making rings and I like to share the process with my clients . However, it suddenly occurs to me that they may have serious doubts about my "skills" when I send them pictures like the one on the left. I remember, with horror, the first time I annealed a piece of metal and

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-82044480815122205242009-04-30T11:02:00.003+01:002009-04-30T11:05:45.850+01:00

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-42234579130978629862009-04-21T10:10:00.015+01:002009-04-21T16:24:49.487+01:00

Well, pendants really. It's spring and the high neck cosy jumpers are put away for a couple of months, hopefully. All that beautiful decolletage calls for more jewellery. So, I've been designing colourblock pendants to go with my geometric "Block" range of rings. I'm very fond of this green block pendant and I haven't stopped wearing it since "handm@de" Cambridge earlier this month. I like to

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-79857463112084567192009-04-17T15:21:00.017+01:002009-04-17T16:26:56.331+01:00

Have I mentioned this brilliant project? There's a group on flickr devoted to photos from the 'Find... Make... Wear' project by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and artist in residence Dame Dorothy Hogg (one of her stunning pieces is pictured left). Anyone can take part in this project but the jewellery must be made from recycled materials. It's well worth exploring as there's such a

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-73258049402994570782009-04-15T18:42:00.004+01:002009-04-17T15:15:05.711+01:00

Rose Pink ring Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverI've had a good day!My Etsy treasury featuring some of my favourite UK sellers was on the front page and, to my delight, my own jewellery was on the front page later, too.To celebrate I'm offering a 10% discount on any ring in stock (not custom rings) FOR ONE DAY ONLY.Please visit my Etsy shop for details and take a look at my latest colourful

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-84114561101005982792009-03-31T11:47:00.003+01:002009-03-31T11:50:19.400+01:00

Beautiful flowers from my sister. So fab, they're even came in a vase.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-86815245623299723382009-03-30T09:15:00.021+01:002009-03-30T09:59:20.751+01:00

No panic. Honestly! I'm preparing for "Handm@de Cambridge" this week. I'm looking forward to meeting loads of Etsy fans and sellers. Oh and doing some great shopping for handmade gorgeousness - well it is my birthday this week! I've got a mock-up of my table set out in the kitchen so the family are banished to the living room. I only have to ........Finish making bangles and pendants Polish

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-77390443912659533712009-03-23T21:12:00.019Z2009-03-23T22:15:29.028Z

I thought I'd share my latest project from the design and jewellery course I attend here in Bath The aim was to produce a piece of modular, articulated jewellery using reclaimed and alternative materials.Once I'd refined the construction, decided on shape, form, materials etc, I found couldn't stop.So, I made the whole set, earrings, bracelet and necklace.MakingThe little cones are made of

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-28191982102256319602009-03-11T19:49:00.030Z2009-03-11T21:01:13.417Z

It's spring and a woman's fancy turns to thoughts of .....hoops. Well, OK, mine do. I've been working on a few new designs to go with all those gorgeous fresh spring wardrobe colours. Something to lift your spirits in the morning. Cast resin forms these clean-lined "C" hoops curving around hand-forged sterling silver horseshoe shaped stud earrings. Similar in style but altogether more sinuous

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-26099388207403445932009-03-08T14:11:00.007Z2009-03-08T14:40:13.006Z

I designed these bangles to go with my rough hewn resin rings. First I make a master of the bangle, in this case in epoxy resin. Then I make a mould, cast the resin and then carve and polish them by hand.Anyway, as you can see, now I've started I can't seem to stop. They do look good in threes and you can mix and match them for an instant change of look. I'm delighted to say they've been

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-10799168780778561482009-03-03T09:34:00.002Z2009-03-08T14:37:07.216Z

Etsy Front Page 3/2/09 QuercusSilver Originally uploaded by Etsy Front PagersI'm really flattered to be a new member of the Etsy Metal Team. Talk about a jury of ones peers! how scary is that? So, as a thankyou, I made a treasury of just a few of Etsy Metal Teams many talented members. Well, I'm proud to say, they made the Front Page of Etsy.Read more about etsy metal team here http://http://

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-21813120944344862532009-02-27T09:48:00.004Z2009-02-27T10:02:28.706Z

Yup! I've been on etsy one whole year. It's been a huge and positive learning curve. I really have found some kindred spirits, which is essential when you work on your own out in a garden shed! And lovely customers,too who are so fantastically supportive. To celebrate I've designed these acorn earrings. Y'know how sentimental I am about oaks, so much that I named my company after them . I hope

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-37494444074530905902009-02-24T17:04:00.008Z2009-02-24T17:25:21.889Z

I'm so excited! The brilliant Kerry Wilkinson of pennydog has included some of my work in her new book. "Create your own Resin Jewellery" is an inspiring step by step guide to making 12 great new resin projects. The e book is available or you can now pre-order a proper paperback to have and hold. So if you've ever fancied trying out resin now is your chance to join in the fun.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-20208317998641384742009-02-21T20:35:00.002Z2009-02-21T20:59:57.468Z

All I want... Originally uploaded by spoonergregoryThis is Sarah's print. It's so lively and it makes me smile.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-51700786402936385702009-02-21T20:33:00.002Z2009-02-21T21:04:50.324Z

Cutting Originally uploaded by spoonergregorySarah Spooner and Jon Gregory http://www.spoonergregory.plus.com/ create lively prints using woodcut and lino-cut techniques. I'm proud to say Sarah is wearing one of my rings in this shot.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-50982161748997898892009-02-19T13:58:00.009Z2009-02-19T16:59:08.528Z

Last night I went to see the fabulous Bellowhead play in Bath. These 11 fantastic and distinctly individual musicians produce a charged, energetic party atmosphere and their folk songs have macabre lyrics that would make a goth blanche. They're on tour, go on , you'll dance your heart out. And there was hardly a beardy weirdy in site. http://www.bellowhead.co.uk/

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-29345920481597235572009-02-18T16:11:00.001Z2009-02-18T16:11:50.037Z

Denise's RingOriginally uploaded by Quercus SilverOK. It's purple and almost there. After polishing and wet and dry papers and more polishing.It takes so much longer to finish than to make these rings, or any jewellery.You spend hours removing every mark you've made,

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-87092278990776276612009-02-15T21:01:00.001Z2009-02-15T21:01:20.763Z

Denise's ring stage 1Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverI wear one of these resin rings most days. I love the joyous chunkiness I've had great fun making them in many colours . This one is a commission and is going to be.....wait and see.At the moment it's soldered and waiting to be pickled to remove the black oxides.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-4518635144908814872009-02-14T22:35:00.001Z2009-02-14T22:35:53.726Z

Office closed? View from the kitchenOriginally uploaded by Quercus SilverSo this was the view last week. I have a heater but it takes ages to warm up. I need at least 2 cups of coffee, one woolly hat and a pair of mittens before I'll brave it.It was pretty though.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-79285954916044182952009-02-14T22:24:00.002Z2009-02-14T22:26:47.203Z

resin rings in progress Originally uploaded by Quercus SilverMy workbench was made by my lovelybloke. I love the way it's filling up with tools and pots and artwork and detritus. I'm in the middle of some resin making here.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1425219546771078800.post-10298744888916935682009-02-14T22:21:00.001Z2009-02-14T22:21:05.986Z

my shedOriginally uploaded by Quercus SilverThis is my beautiful workshop at the end of the garden. It's under an old apple tree (you can see some windfalls in this pic) and I am very happy when I'm working here. The prayer flags were made by my boys.

Quercus Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06288951079780976493noreply@blogger.com0