I’m increasingly realising that the garden and the things that grow in it are an essential part of the jewellery that I make. I stand washing up at the sink and can see clumps of forget-me-nots, cowslips, primulas, bluebells, miniature narcissus and pulmonaria. They’re like tiny pastel fireworks. The urge to mimic their shapes in silver is very strong.
The flowers that pop up at this time of year are some of my favourites and, excitingly, my new enamels echo many of their colours I’ve still got a good deal to learn about enamelling but the buzz of bringing a newly enamelled piece, red hot, from the kiln and watching as it cools to see how the colours look is hard to beat. It’s a mysterious business, a little like alchemy, but it’s a good feeling when it works.
As well as my kiln-based antics I’ve visitied a few antique markets recently. My eyes are always searching for lockets and charms. You may remember the little heart-shaped Georg Jensen locket I found a couple of years ago. These Georg Jensen pieces really are special finds and the detective work needed on their various marks and stamps is so exciting. This larger oval one was imported especially from Denmark into the Bond Street Jensen boutique during the 1950s. I’ve teamed it with a cluster of gems and a handmade silver forget-me-not that echoes the engraving.
This little birdcage charm was another favourite recent find. There’s something about the minute filligree silver wirework and the tiny birds sitting inside on their perch that brings back the utter joy of being in a dolls house shop aged 8 and seeing the teeny knives, forks and candlesticks.
All these new pieces are in my etsy shop and I’ll be adding more in the coming weeks. The necklaces below are also made from tiny found objects, each of which has a history of its own. They are waiting in the wings for a lull between commissions before they’re popped on the shelves.
In the meantime I am happy to take orders on the knitting necklace.
In other news:
- There is still space on my silver clay workshop on Saturday 5th May. We will be making SPring-inspired fine silver jewellery. Click here to see.
- There is a knitting design competition based on The Killing running at the moment. It’s rather a tight deadline but the winning jumper may end up on the show.
Beautiful, Emma – all of it, just beautiful. That birdcage is so sweet and I love the locket too. As for the knitting needles…sigh x
I'm drooling all over my keyboard!
They're just beautiful. How is it possible for your work to just keep getting more and more beautiful?
Why oh why can I not get your blog to update in my blog sidebar???? It dements me.
However, your works is stunning as always.
Hi Emma – they are all gorgeous and beautiful and 'wow'
We have masses of bluebells in the garden at the moment and I'm really itching to get my notepad out, but with all this rain it's impossible venturing two feet out the back door.
Have a lovely day
Nina x
Just too many wonderful choices! Everything is just so pretty. I'm saving my pennies.
They are all beautiful – I love how you mix the old and the new 🙂
nature and being amongst it sure inspires my illustrations…I think your heart is fully into your jewellery making and it really shows- such stunning lovely pieces ;0)
This time of year and all the new blooms and hedgerows coming to life is a real inspiration and beautiful sight x
You're killing me Emma! They're all so beautiful! I LOVE the beehive. And the knitting needles. And…All of it!!!
You're work is so beautiful Emma! 🙂
Vivienne x
I love those charms, the little birdcage and the watering can, and the beehive… all gorgeous! Your work is beautiful Emma xx
It's fascinating to see your work change as you incorporate the enamels – another string to the bow is always inspiring for people who make things!
Beautiful pieces of jewellery Emma!
Happy evening,
Madelief x
Your work is becoming more and more refined, such beauty. If I wore jewellery, I would wear yours.
Emma. I love every one of your designs, and think that the enamel is a lovely touch. Your silver jewelry really does sing of springtime!
I would so love to be able to be part of your workshop.
Best wishes. xo
I love all your designs.. I'm going to hop over to your shop and have a lookabout. I invite you over to my blog to see all the agates that my hubby found for me on the beach while we camped there this past week.
((hugs)), Teresa 🙂
They are all beautiful and finely executed Emma but my favourite has to be the little forget-me-not piece.
So good to hear things are going so well for you. Are you having an Open Studio this summer?
Jeanne
x
I have a feeling they won't hang around for too long! You have a real knack for unearthing treasures and them turning them into something even better, Emma!
Oh the knitting needle necklace is just lovely! Will you drop me a line and let me know how much they will cost please. Thanks – Justine
Dear Emma,
You are speaking my language: garden inspiration is truly the best in my opinion. Each of your creations is exquisite.
I cannot wait to give Héloïse's bell necklace to her on her birthday in two days time.
Warm hugs,
Stephanie
All gorgeous Emma! You have been busy xxx
Beautiful designs, and I adore that little watering can, it has my name on it!
All your jewelry is beautiful, Emma. You have made some very sweet new things too. I would love one of those button necklaces you have made….will keep an eye on your shop! (Still loving my beehive necklace from last year too).
Enjoy your week.
Helen x
Hello Mrs Pebble!!
I just LOVE all your new designs! They really are breathtakingly beautiful and you are very very clever :o)
How are you and those lovely little Pebbles doing?
xxx
Good morning, Emma!
Your silver bells are being celebrated on my blog today!
Stephanie
Hello Emma,
I'm your newest follower and I just love that Jewellery…at the moment I am stuck on the brooch but tomorrow it may be the wool and needles…dear me this is hard work,I just don't know where to look on your blog first everything is so interesting!!
Amanda 🙂
Dear Emma,
I live in Germany therefore my English is not so good.
I found your blog about Lucy from Attic24 and admire your jewelry. Oh what I would give for such a jewel. Maybe you're interested in a trade? My blog is: http://nach-stich-und-faden.blogspot.de/
Pay them a visit, so maybe you like my stuff: o)
Greetings Constance