Tuesday 13 April 2010

Finger Print Jewellery Course is Launched

Forever moving upwards and onwards the newest addition is the finger print jewellery course. Learn how to make superb finger print jewellery and earn extra income from a very rewarding and lucrative art skill.

Combine it with a silversmithing course and learn to make your bespoke settings in precious metals.

With the launch of the 5 day craft extravaganza this is just one more in the line up of superb courses and workshops that take place all under one roof. Very low student tutor ratio to make your learning experience that much better. Acredited tutors in silver clay ensure on the best tuition and advice is available every step of the way.

I am now supplying silver Clay, Bronze and copper clay and paragon kilns and accessories. i also supply glass and silver by request.

Keep on watching.

It will just get better and better.

Tuesday 6 April 2010

CMJ Launches 5 Day Craft Extravaganza

With spring in the air and the poor euro against the pound more and more British folk are leaving thier suitcases well and truly under wraps and ignoring the call of the Mediteranean and trips to distant shores. With so many smart and talented people coming through my studio doors I have today launched a 5 day craft extravaganza which will be held at my studio deep in the Hampshire countryside.

So what is involved..well a different craft or skill will be taught on each of the 5 days ,we will cover silver jewellery making using sterling silver and cover all aspects including cuttingtting ,soldering, finishing polishing Day 2 will be spent Lampworking and creating glass beads from molten glass rods, Day 3 will be spent making fused glass pieces including dichroic glass to make elgant and very beautiful jewellery, Day 4 will be spent using silver clay, copper and bronze clay, Day 5 is spent exploring the wonderful world of handmade cards, from using cutouts to embossing and handpainting and much much more.

Come and see us soon.

Carl

Monday 5 April 2010

Handcrafted - Definately the way to go.

Having now settled into the new studio, and may I say I have had some very favourable comments. It certainly feels like home. Alot warmer too compared to the old studio.

So handcrafted items made by skilled craftsmen ( and women too ) is definately the way to go. It has been very apparent over the last few years that the buying trend has certainly favoured value rather than quality. Imported goods that are then assembled in minutes hardly constitutes handcrafted, handmade yes but there little craft involved and certainly precious little skilled craftsman ship involved.

I have noticed over the last 6 months an increasing awareness in both those that wish to learn new skills and those that wish to purchase goods or products that are handcrafted. By handcrafted I mean where a person selects raw materials and using skill and knowledge turns the raw item into something elegant and in my case wearable, and dare I say in some cases valuable. It's what prompted my venture into the world of teaching so that these skills aren't lost in the midst of can sometimes be described as "crap". Can you imagine if the trend had continued what would happen to antiques and family heirlooms of the future, there wouldn't be any. Antiques roadshow of the future - doesn't bear thinking about

So the thought for this week is seek out local crafts, buy wisely and if possible buy handcrafted.

You know it makes sense.

Carl