When someone asks me to make a custom piece it’s an exciting process – the best part of jewellery-making. Ideas fly back and forth until we hit on a plan. This design was to be based around a silver ring with a collection of gems and silver shapes hanging from it, building on the theme of one of my seaside necklaces.
The customer, a fellow blogger, had asked for three charms, one to represent each of her children. To denote one of her boys, who is passionate about reading, I made a little silver book. The other little lad is excited about space travel so his charm is a fifties-style rocket (with echoes of Wallace and Gromit’s spaceship). Her little girl is represented by a poppy – it’s a frequent nickname for her. To give an idea of scale, the rocket is 15mm long.
By pure chance, the children’s three birthstones, and two more gems with special significance, turned out to be complimentary tones of blues and greens. There’s a little uncut rock sapphire hanging beside the poppy and I added a rice-Krispie-ish tiny vintage freshwater pearl as a highlight.
This necklace gave me the making buzz that Tania blogged about recently. Starting with a lump of precious silver clay and knowing I needed to make a rocket had that plunging feeling about it. It was like the slightly scary high of being on a zip wire. I just had to jump off and get on with it. After I’d finished the rocket I confess I danced around a little bit – it was part relief, part giddiness. It was good and not a square of chocolate was in sight.
Massive thanks to Forestpoppy- I’ve heard that she’s received the necklace through the post just now and will be opening it in a quiet moment later, when her littlest is asleep.
Eeep: nearly forgot, the winner of the little wreath is Kristina – could you send me your address and I’ll pop it in the post. Congratualtions!
Designing to commission is always a little like leaping off a cliff not knowing whether you can fly. Having the client move involved than simply paying for it helps enormously!
That is so beautiful and the thought and inspiration – oh my I'm feeling a little tearful…so lovely Emma.
Nina xxx
Oh, that's so adorable I'm not sure my eyes can take it (in a good way!)
LOVE the Wallace and Gromit rocket. Just love it.
That is so beautiful and I love the way the children have been represented!
Vivienne x
Lovely lovely work.
I'm just wondering which object I would choose to represent my three.
Emma, I love it. I'm very lucky. Will struggle to take it off when I go to bed! Many thanks, again. Juliex
Thanks for your comment – yes the little reindeer are great, I couldn't resisit bringing some home!
I just love the silver rocket. What a lovely piece of jewellery.
commissions are cool and this is a real little teasure; bet you enjoyed making it and hope the lucky owner will enjoy wearing it, as much, too…
The charms are beautiful. I'm sure they will be passed down throughout the ages :).
I was thinking the same as Itchin' Stitchin'……… in time, this will be an heirloom piece.
Very sweet Emma!
xx
It is so beautiful Emma, no wonder she is delighted!
Dear Emma,
The necklace looks beautiful! Love the faded blues in combination with the silver.
Enjoy your evening!
Lieve groet, Madelief
I think you should make an entire W&G-themed item, complete with Wensleydale and trousers.
(But this one is gorgeous, too.)
I love the necklace! It's so beautiful! The rocket is so sweet! 🙂 x
Oh I would have been dancing a jig too! Spectacular! The rocket is just amazing.x
Beautiful necklace. I especially love the idea of a single charm representing each child.
What a very special and beautiful necklace – you are so very talented Emma. The rocket is perfect and the little detailing on the poppy and book is beautiful. It must be a nice feeling for you knowing that it will be so very treaured too.
It's beautiful Emma… especially that dear little rocket. No wonder you were dancing about!
Oh it's absolutely lovely in every way. And I'm so excited about the wreath. Thank you so so much!
K x
I love it, you clever thing and I'm sure it will be treasured very much. I love the December mosaics too, sorry I've just been too busy to join this time.
x
What a beautiful necklace. It is so special.
Oh, Ms. Pebble — it's just gorgeous! Love, Love, Love it — and all the sentimental touches just make it perfect. Congratulations!
DAMN I LOVE THOSE MOMENTS! I have a large smile on my dial, cos I'm imagining you doing a little celebratory dance wiggle. And guess what, love? The cherry on the top is that it is BEAU-TI-FUL.
What a wonderful way to represent your offspring. And I'm so pleased it's Kristina -can't think of a more lovely winner.
Hi Emma…I think your charm neclace is exquisite! Those beautiful subtle colours and the children's charms are amazing. I lost you in your move to blogger and have just found you again so I have become a follower…Merry Christmas with much joy and laughter!
Beautiful jewellery and beautiful blog….I am now following!
Julie x
What a wonderful necklace and a wonderful gift, for a fantastic lady. You are ever so talented
Emma, I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a very happy New Year
Best wishes
Carolyn
This piece is beautiful Emma and will become a treasured heirloom I'm sure. The thought and attention to detail in each of the charms is outstanding. Your customer will be delighted!
Congratulations to Kristina for winning the little wreath.
If I don't get to blog or comment in the next couple of days may I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!
Jeanne
xox
Merry Christmas, see you in January! x
Wishing you joy this Christmas with the adorable Miss Pebbles and looking forward to sharing all your madly talented projects next year.
Alicex
Oh, i love it! especially the rocket, what a great idea. You certainly rose to the challenge!
It is absolutely delightful! What a beautiful piece. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas day.
I have just found your blog and am so in love with your beautiful work. I am joining your Splash of Colour. Happy New Year! Betty