Some classes have been frustrating, mostly where my soldering hasn't gone to plan, some have been successful, but I've learnt so much from each one.
So I thought it was about time I did a quick update on some of my favourate pieces form recent weeks.
Firstly is my sliding necklace.
I was at West Dean earlier this year learning about fusing glass. When I set some pieces to fuse I added an off cut of plain glass just to see what it would do. Well it came out as a lovely rounded length of glass and I knew right away that it would be perfect for a sliding necklace.
It took me ages to get there, but I finally had time to make a little silver cap for it, along with a silver ring for it to slide through and to add some chain.
I was very pleased with how it came out. It's now on the possible list to wear at a big event happening next year, although I do have a few other ideas to try out too.
The other thing that I've recently worked on that came out very well was a spinner ring.
These are traditionally silver with two parts. The main core and then the spinner outer piece.
I wanted to know if I could do the same with a glass outer. So first I had to make a glass ring, before making a silver core to fit it.
This took a little work, but I was very happy how it came out with the texture of a leaf. Then came the nerve racking bit - fitting the two together and flarring the ends of the silver ring so the glass ring won't fall off.
It worked a treat. So now I need to see how safe it is. Glass and metal can be a bit tricky together, so I've been wearing it and playing with it to see if I can break it. So far so good.
I have loved working on these project. Not just the beautiful outcomes, but also the problem solving and learning new skills.
We've only got one more term left before Christmas, but I hope to have a couple more things to report on by the end of it.