The Trials & Tribulations of a New Design!!
Stage One
Inspiration
I wanted to support The Haven Women's Charity; a local charity that works with women & their children, who have been victims of domestic abuse.
I know how important it is for charities to keep fund raising at this time of austerity.
Which crystal would be suitable?
Courage, Trust, Self-Belief, Perseverance, Time;
all these things are essential if some one is going to change their situation.
After much research, I felt this was the best choice.....
Amazonite
Green is the colour for the Heart Chakra. It is also the colour used in The Haven logo.
Amazonite is believed to have been named after the river Amazon, and the strong and powerful Amazonian women.
I felt that this crystal had just the right mystical meanings to be perfect for my necklace:
Amazonite is said to bring peace, sooth emotions, worries and fears. It has often been called the Stone of Courage ( I thought that was perfect!). Like the river, it keeps the wearer moving strongly and steadily forwards on their journey in life.
And I thinks its beautiful!
Stage Two
Design
My design process is a rather holistic approach; firstly, it has to be designed around a circle.
Circles are really important to me in my designs; The Circle of Life, What goes around, comes around, Give and you will receive.
Then I will often go for a walk. Nature is a great inspiration for many artists.
This necklace idea came to me quite quickly.
Once the design is on paper, I then take it to my jewellers in Birmingham.
Stage Three
Manufacture of Sample
To me, this is the most exciting stage. This is when I first see my doodlings and pictures come to life!
It's at this stage the designer (all great ideas and high aspirations ) can meet with a little bit of a challenge from the manufacturer (practical and process based)!
This particular design, we found out, had a basic flaw; it was causing scratching when the two elements were put together.
I was very focused on certain aspects of the design that were important to me; I wanted to keep the movement of the two pieces, it symbolises how, in life, nothing stands still.
It took us quite a few months to come up with an answer!
But we did it!!
Stage Four
Production
All my jewellery is hand made by British craftsmen.
This is what Charmingly British is all about.
I ONLY use British manufacturers; it costs more, but I know that I am getting the best.
I can work with my jewellers, share ideas and keep a very close, hands on approach.
Each stage of the hand casting and finishing is done by professional craftspeople; often with many years of training and experience behind them.
Argentium
I love working with silver, but it does tarnish so easily.
That is why I have chosen to use a more expensive option - Argentium.
This gives my jewellery a tarnish resistance that will keep it looking beautiful.
I know my customers will appreciate the quality choices I make with my designs.
Stage Five
The Finished Product
This is not a professional shot, because as I write this, I am waiting for a date to shoot. However, I did want to show what it will look like, so I got my trusty iPhone out.... It may not show it off to its best, but it gives you an idea....
