An increasing number of my making hours have been taken up with commissions in recent months. I love the sheer variety of the silvery requests that appear in my inbox. A silver wren, a Rowan tree-themed disc to go with a silver fingerprint, a miniature apple, a cluster of little enamelled bluebells, a tiny silver hazelnut. Many of them are nature inspired, and, of course, this makes me very happy.
Another lovely element of making to order is the creative process of finalising the design. Emails fly back and forth, sometimes with sketches or images of works in progress in them. I especially relish receiving pictures of gardens, flowers, treasured items or even people who have inspired the idea or for whom the piece is to be made. Sometimes I am making something to cheer someone who is ill, sometimes as a surprise or simply as a gift to themselves. Whatever has driven the person to contact me the story behind the commission is one of the elements that makes the process such a joy.
Sometimes I am asked to seek out a tiny vintage treasure like the one shown above, and make and source a collection of treasures to go with it. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw the little curlicues and decorations on this tiny 1940s sewing machine.
The three dimensional enamelled bluebells mentioned above are today’s challenge. First I have to get the design of the flower itself right before I add the colour. Aswell as being slightly unseasonal they’re also tricky little so-and-so’s (I’m really not sure whether to put an apostrophe there or not. Apologies if it doesn’t belong). Their petals are causing one or two explitives but I think I’m getting there.
Whatever the design or the story behind it I’m always honoured to be asked for a commission. I think it’s my favourite part of this whole making lark.
It’s always tricky to know when to stop taking Christmas commissions but this year I’ll be closing my festive order book around 1st December to allow me to get everything finished in time.
And to have time for your own Christmas preparations! Loving the blog as always, Emma, thanks.
Alice Auperin
Now I imagining a silver quince -although a golden quince would perhaps be more appropriate.
Everything you make is so beautiful! I adore my forget-me-not necklace, I wear it all the time. Now I have my eye on the earrings as well! And with Christmas approaching… Who knows? 🙂
I loved reading this post (and enjoyed recognizing a couple of the pictures)! Working with you on my sister's necklace was a delight. Your work is stunning and I look forward to purchasing from you again sometime! Thank you for showing us your projects. It is such fun to see what people request and what you are able to do. I can imagine your joy in finding that adorable sewing machine! What a delight.
Thank you again! 🙂
Love the windmill and the little sewing machine, such gorgeous pieces!
Victoria xx
Beautiful work as always Emma. It's lovely to hear the joy you get from your work. 🙂
Vivienne x
You've made some truly delightful pieces here – well done to both you and your clients!
Emma, your designs are so full of magic! They really have a unique spirit and I can easily see why folks would wish to present you with commissions.
I also love your way combining your own designs with vintage gems like that tiny sewing machine.
Perhaps with the New Year, I might wish to enter into a commission-related correspondence with you. Meanwhile, it's grand to see just how busy you are, and how wise you are to know just how much to fit into a given amount of time.
xo
So beautiful, Emma! I love every piece you make but today pinwheel is my favourite – it's so happy! x Teje
I will always treasure my commission from you Emma, I love my sewing necklace, I have worn it every day 🙂 your very talented as there is a lot of imagination in your designs, I love that silver acorn! And the sewing machine necklace!!! I want to ask you for another commission in the future when I've saved some money up to make something for my sisters birthday 🙂 keep making your wonderful jewellery, I love it! safxxx
Your beautiful jewellery shows your love for what you do, I think. Karen x
It is always a joy to see what new things you have made. Although you didn't make the tiny sewing machine, it really is a pretty little thing.
It is hard to know when to say you are fully booked isn't it – I find I get carried away with peoples excitement and just say yes. I have also had to close my order book now to give me time to make my own family's pressies 🙂
Hi Emma, I adore seeing all your silver creations. Now that I I've made a few things using pmc, I have even more respect for the things you make! ((hugs)), Teresa 🙂
I love that windmill and the little bird … and the acorn, and the bluebells-in-progress….
Hope your Festive Order Book is just full enough! 🙂
Gorgeousness as always Emma! And your knitting in your earlier post is most impressive!! Lucy xxx
Such beautiful things!
I think I might just leave my computer open here for the Mr to stumble across 😉
Hi Emma. There are some really lovely pieces here. Great photos.
Best wishes, Alex
Absolutely gorgeous Emma, you are so clever, I love the little windmill 🙂
Twiggy x
I don't know the answer to the apostrophe question. I HAVE FAILED.
Just beautiful.
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