Carl Martin & Wibbly Wobbly Glass

It's all moving to Faborto Glass Art

2010-12-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

From the 1st December 2010 this blog is moving to my new blogger location - "fabortoglassart"

Please also follow me on facebook to keep up with all the daily happenings...

I look forward to seeing you there.. :)

September Specials

2010-08-17T13:23:00.001-07:00

September Specials

In line with regular quarterley specials the September Special is here.

Confirm your booking and payment before 31/8/10 and receive 20% discount. (Conditions apply contact me for details).

For beginners, 1 ,2 or 3 day courses designed with the beginner in mind,bring along a friend or a couple of friends for a day out of relaxation and creativity. You can learn how to work with silver and make a fabulous solid sterling silver ring ... for the more adventurous you can have a go at making your own glass beads or be totally creative and spend a day making fused glass pendants ,small suncatchers and glass windchimes.

The choice is yours, relaxing and stress free days are our prime aim.

For Intermediates / Improvers - Take the next step in creative design. 2 days spent looking at the various aspects of design and also looking at colour. Practical exercises culminating in turning your design into reality. Choose silversmithing / lampworking or fused glass.To release more of your creative flair. 2 day course, contact me for full details.

Remember when comparing to other courses... there is no comparison. Chosen as one of the Daily Telegraphs Top UK courses for 2010 for a very good reason.

This and a whole lot more coming in September.

Kind Regards

Carl

Wibbly Wobbly Glass New Range of Lampwork Jewellery

2010-07-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Having taught solidly for the past 15 months I have decided to dedicate some time on some designs I have been working on for the previous 8 months. It's along time, seems to be forever, since I have released a range of jewellery that is not only sought after but also affordable.

Here's an insight into whats coming :

Turquoise Hand sculpture Heart with ivory and fine silve inclusions And accompanying beads.

Borosilcate All Glass Pendant with implosion design.

I hope you enjoy :)

New Collection on the Way

2010-07-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

I really cannot believe that a month has passed without me writing something. Well It's been a busy month thats for sure. I've spent a lot of time in front of the torch and at the the silversmiths bench getting a new collection together.
For the next month the tuition has been restricted by me to mainly monday, Friday and Satruday, although I do have pre booked lessons midweek and complete weekends.
The regulars now amounting to 12 who come on a weekly basis are really making some nice pieces. Superb designs and phenominal standards of workmanship.

So whats the new collection about ~ well it's about a collaboration of silver and glass, emphasis to glass but without the years of silversmithing skills, lampwork and fused glass I'd be in no position to actually put this collection together. I'm pretty excited and i'm looking forward to tomorrow to get things moving.

I'm going to be posting up some pictures over the next few days to show how it's coming along with the final unveilling being made early September.

Bye for now

Lampworking Demonstrations Goes Mobile

2010-06-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a hectic week. This week has some movement in future events and exhibitions. Some of you may be aware that I have been asked now to run my courses at other establishments around the UK. Next week see's me in Essex for most of the week and next Month I'm down in the West Country.

What has also transpired this week is the need for some more equipment in order to cope with the demand of the lampworking courses and the fact that from August I'm piloting a brand new approach by taking the demonstrations to you. !! I can provide full lampworking demonstration at your venue I'm already talking to certain establishments to get my passion and knowledge out there into the wider audience so look out for Wibbly Wobbly Glass at a venue near you soon.

So in the furture you will see extra lampworking stations being installed to cope with the demand.

You can book the mobile service in advance and I will come along with all the gear and show you how it's done in the comfort of your venue. Contact me for full details.

Something else in the pipeline is bringing handcrafted works again the the forefront of British small businesses and putting handcrafted items further up in the ranks of "Things you must do or try" I'm planning on a massive launch of a new studio concept, This studio will be in addition to existing one, sorry it's a bit cryptic at the moment but there are certain things at this moment in time I just cannot divulge but it's going to be a whole new experience and I mean something that has never been done before. What it will mean is great new courses and workshops taught so that you can actually make whatever you wish, again, please contact me for details.

With the wedding season well under way I have been inundated with request for couples to come along and make their own wedding rings. With this and other courses I'm booked right up to the end of the year, there are obviously still some places available but I'm fully booked well into July and half of August has already gone.

Today was the usual monthly studio open day with some great people turning up to enquire about the courses and of course the regulars who come down nearly everymonth to just socialise with like minded people, those that wanted to have a go made some beads in front of the torch, very impressed to as a first attempt by everyone. I look forward to spending much more time in the coming weeks with those that not only booked the lampworking courses but those who booked for silversmithing courses too.The next open day is 9th July , which is a Friday so come along for a few hours and enjoy the atmosphere.

Bye for now regards

~Carl

Sculptural Glass Courses Now Offered

2010-06-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

As things are moving along quite nicely as we now are mid way through the year i've added a new course to the line up .

I've been doing small scale sculptural work in an open flame for some time. I've now offered to incorporate an introduction to this and also for those who would like to take their lampworking to another level can learn how to create complex encased twisties and ribbon stringers.

Here's a sample of what you can learn. Check out http://www.wibblywobblyglass.com/ for further info.

Hope you enjoy them.

"Hand Sculptured Cobalt Blue Fish created by Carl Martin of Wibbly Wobbly Glass"

"A selection of encased twisties by Carl Martin of Wibbly Wobbly Glass"

Lastly some beautuful tourqoise beads with the addition of an encased twisite through the middle.

Bye for now .

Glass Takes Over !!!

2010-05-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well , April came and went and already we are half way through May. In the last year my focus has steered into the world of glass more and more, Experimenting with lampworking and flameworked glass has suddenly developed into an obsession with texture,sculture and most of all colour. For the past 15 yrs i have devoted my skills and creativity to silver and other precious metals - It's now all about glass, sure i still love teaching silversmithing and silver jewellery making from the studio in Hampshire but colour has just added a whole new dimension. For the past month i have been trying to put a collection together of unique lampworked pieces and fused glass art.

At this rate I'm going to be moving to a bigger studio . I think this will last for the rest of the year but 2011 I'll be looking at moving along the corridor.

This months studio open day was fantastic for those that don't know ~I hold a monthly meet for lampworkers,fused glass artisans and silversmiths, all free to come along but of course you must bring cake.After last Saturday I now have a cake mountain. There were a total of 27 came along throughout the day the furthest travelled was a little under 300 mile round trip, and thats the second time she's made the trip in the last 6 months.

The lampworking tutoring has now been taken over fully by me as my very good freind Denise has been very poorly of late and will have to give the torch a miss for a few months. I have to say teaching lampworking is incredibly rewarding and the people who are now queing up to come along certainly appreciate a decent commercial studio with all the facilities that it has to offer.
I have found there is a huge increase in those wishing to learn this great art. My studio is fully equipped and beginners can learn all the basics, I can even supply a decent starter kit for those that wish to proceed at a far greater pace. For those unsure or wish to rent torch time I can accomodate that too.
If you have the basics why not come along and learn how to make some encased twisties these can make the difference from a nice bead into a truly stunning one.

I've also been asked to produce 200 Pandora style silver cored beads for a retailer so I'm going to be extremely busy in front of the torch for the next few weeks completing that order.

The silver jewellery courses are really in full swing and over the last 8 months I have seen some great developement in some of the students, they are now really producing some fine pieces.

The fused glass is almost as popular as the silversmithing and the lampworking, I've recently added some stunning Dichroic work to my portfolio and there are soon to be some glass art on sale.

Anyway appologies for not blogging for a while and don't forget you can add me to twitter as well http://twitter.com/CarlMartinGlass

Finger Print Jewellery Course is Launched

2010-04-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

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.

CMJ Launches 5 Day Craft Extravaganza

2010-04-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

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

Handcrafted - Definately the way to go.

2010-04-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

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

The New Studio is now open for all jewellery, lampworking and fused glass courses.

2010-03-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Well the move is now complete the past week has been a bit hectic but it now done and I'm now all ready to start of with some new courses which start tomorrow.

I've realised that people appreciate good tuition and as such are prepared to travel some large distances. In the past year I have had people from all over the UK come along. They have travelled from the Midlands, Sheffield,Norfolk,Kent,Essex,Hampshire,Dorset numerous people from London and the home counties and tomorrows attendees are no different as they are both travelling across from Bristol.

Above are some pictures of the new studio in Droxford Hampshire.

Bye for Now.

Carl

Carl Martin Jewellery Moves to the New Studio in Droxford Hampshire

2010-03-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend saw some frantic moving of all equipment and furniture to our new home in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. Since CMJ and Wibbly wobbly glass came into fruition in the early part of 2009 as a full time business we have literally gone from strength to strength.

The new premises at The Old Hambledon Race Course Centre , Wallops Wood , Droxford is certainly in keeping with the image that I wish to convey. Set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside callers can now not only experience exceptional standards of teaching in silver jewellery manufacture and design but also lampworking and dichroic fused glass all under one roof. I couldn't do this without the help of some very important people namely my family and Denise Thereza, who I work with on a daily basis. Denise's speciality is fused glass and lampworking and has perfected her knowledge an skill after graduating from university some 8 yrs ago.

My own expereience has been well documented from the silver and gold that i have continued to explore for the past 14 yrs for the last year or so I have been experiementing with glass both lampworking and now fused.

There is a studio open day set for the 24th April so it would be nice to see old friends and new.

bye for now.

Carl

Carl Martin Jewellery AKA Wibbly Wobbly Glass

2010-03-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Not sure if all my followers are aware but for the past year I've gradually got heavily into glass. By glass I mean flameworked glass both in soft glass fir making beads and small sculpture but also borosilicate glass. I have found working with glass as enjoyable as precious metals but with the added dimension of endless colour combinations. Alot of my work, both in the production of Jewellery and the teaching aspect of my business now combines both mediums. what else could one want for but the inclusion of glass and silver together.

I've recently become an authorised distributor for Lauscha and Reichenbach glass and the recent addition as an appointed distributor for Glass Alchemy products which is a borosilicate glass with a coe of 33. I am extremely enthusiastic with working with Glass alchemy as the colour pallette is really the best in the world, not only that but the company has done a great deal of research into the way in which their glass can be worked.

March 22nd see's a move to a brand new studio deep in the heart of the Hampshire countryside in a villiage called Droxford. The setting is more in keeping with my work and can see this as being a permanent home for Carl Martin Jewellery and Wibbly Wobbly Glass for some years to come.

The courses are becoming increasingly popular and somewhat due to the inclusion in the Daily Telegraph as one of their chosen top 50 UK courses in January 2010 has emphasised this. I have the pleasure in meeting some fantastic people and seeing them develop into not only superb designers but also jewellery makers in their own right.

In the months to come I will be writing a project for a top UK jewellery magazine so keep your eyes open for that one.

Bye for now.

Regards

Carl

New Studio for Silversmithing, Jewellery Making, Enamelling, Silver Clay , Lampworking and Fused Glass all in Hampshire.

2010-02-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

Well boy have I been busy over the last few weeks. Early February saw me move into the new studio. Still got loads to do to get it how I want it but the important thing is that it is warm comfortable and in a much more high profile position.

The new Studio is now home to a great many courses. Silver Jewellery, Silver Clay. Enamelling, Lampworking and Fused Dichroic Glass.

Since the review in the Daily Telegraph I have now got advanced bookings till the end of the year and things are really beginning to gain some real momentum.

I'm also now a supplier of Lauscha glass, Reichenbach glass, Sievert torches, National torches and I have at long last produced a range of brass lampworking tools for the lampworking artisans. I will have a range of brass marvers by the end of the month too.

So do look in

Look at the updated websites at :

www.carlmartinjewellery.co.uk
and
www.wibblywobblyglass.com

Carl

Are the trends changing at last... ?

2010-01-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

After 14 yrs of working with precious metals and dedicating time and effort into producing truly handcrafted items in Silver and Gold I think peoples mind set are beginning to change. The courses and workshops held are becoming recognised more and more as times go by. I'm hoping that the general public are beginning to actualy look at what they are buying. For a long time people, not everyone, have purchased items especially from jewellery outlets that are little more than massed produced items that in the main look the part but can hardly be classed as precious. That's one of the reasons , since the late 90's infact, that I have always described the pieces I produce to be "As Individual As You".

I was fortunate this weekend to be included in The Weekend Supplement of the Daily Telegraph - they ran a feature on top UK weekend courses, I was honoured to be included in this article, I was even more pleased when reading this over breakfast this morning to discover I was the only Silversmith and Jeweller to be featured in this article. The opening paragraphs on the front page predict that courses are certainly the way to go and that winter holidays and the like are a thing of the past as is buying products when there are some skills out in the big wide world that in we are not careful are going to be lost, so it was suggested that to actually "go on a course and make your own " is a fast rising favourite. Who can argue with that.

To view this article please look at :-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7093829/Top-weekend-courses-for-the-arty-crafty.html

Some of the people who have attended my courses and workshops, 6 have now been with me for the past 6 months, are producing some really fine and elegant pieces of jewellery.It makes me very proud of them as they put their heart and soul into making items that they are so proud of and when finished it almost brings a lump to your throat.

Next week see's the move to the new studio. I'm pretty excited about that may even figure out one day how to post some pictures up of the new studio, some students at work and the items they produce.

Thanks for Reading..

Carl

CMJ Goes All GLASSY

2010-01-25T14:34:00.001-08:00

Not been around for a while as the start to the year has been incredibly good.
Many new changes for the coming months I think the two biggest are the fact that with Lampworking running a very close second to Silversmithing and Silver Jewellery.

With the atrocious weather for the first part of January putting travel arrangements in total turmoil it gave me a chance to get some much needed work done behind the scenes.

As you will be aware Lampworking and all things glass is my second passion in life and with that in mind set about seperating the Silver and the Glass as they are completely different beasts and much easier for me to manage if they both had their own domain.

On the 11th January 2010 Wibbly Wobbly Glass was born to cater not only for my need but also the growing interest in flame worked glass.
So please check out www.wibblywobblyglass.com
You will find not only the hottest place in the south for this but also a good comprehensive range of tools and equipment.

16th January 2010 saw the 5th studion open day - this was the first time it had been advertised outside of the lampworking forum - Frit Happens. The attendance was nothing short of staggering. a total of 35 came through the doors , most stayed for the day to watch some of the best lampworking demo's available. We even had a a real nice guy from Australia who was visiting his son oon holiday pop by and give us a demonstration of his bead making.
In addiiton i also took 7 course bookings in both silver and lampworking for the coming month.

The end of January will see us moving premises, same business park , different number. So from the beginning of Feb we are moving to number 4 Brambles Enterprise Centre.

With this in mind February will see the official opening with a 2 day event on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February 2010. Come along have a go and see what your missing.

On

The First Day of a New Decade - Shop Now Open

2010-01-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

Well - a new decade a new dawning - the 1/1/10. I'd promised some time ago after many many requests for an online shop presence that i'd get one done for the 1/1/10. It's done , It's now open - and I'm pretty pleased with the way in which it has come out.
Go and check it out www.carlmartinjewellery.co.uk

Now looking forwards to the 4th of Jan when I can welcome back my students after the christmas break. Here to a fantastic 2010 to one and all.

Thats it for another Year

2009-12-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

Not posted in a while its been a very very busy December As we now fast approach 2010, to which I am looking forwards to greatly, see's the new decade and on that note see additional mediums to now being worked with. i have worked with gold,Silver and Platinum exclusively since the mid 90's. For the past 3 months i have been experimenting wih glass work, lampworking with soft and borosilicate glass. so the aim for 2010 in conjunction with a couple of superb glass artisans lampworking and glass flame work is now being taught in addition to the silver and gold smithing workshops.

For me 2010 will see an increase in glass being used in many pieces and taking a more sculptural track. Of course I'm still available to not only teach but also create fine jewellery in gold silver and platinum. With the new year approaching a full clendar of workshops are now published via the website . So check in and come along for a visit.

First open day for 2010 will be the 16th January starting at 10.30 am.

Regards to all.

"As Individual As You"

2009-12-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

For the first time in nearly a decade my jewellery will be on sale to the general public from 18th December 2009 from my studio. A range of some 20 styles and designs, all handcrafted to the highest of standards will be available directly from the studio. I have only worked to commission for the past 13 yrs but because I now have all the time in the world to devote to my long term passion I have had the time to develope a range to suit all prospective buyers. The studio preview date is the 18th December. These items will also be listed on the website in the shop category from 1st January 2010.

I am also working on designs for the second range which in my estimation will be launched at the end of March 2010.

Come along and bring your friends. Light refreshments will be available. doors open at 3.00pm till 8.00pm

2010 is looming on the horizon.

2009-12-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

December already, I was sat down thinking today how this year has flown by, I really really do not know where it has gone.
I have now had over a dozen students pass through my workshop.They all looked a little nervous to start with but I have to say 4 have re-booked and 2 re-booked again to come back, So by my estimation I must have done something right.Last week I have to be honest, was the first full week I have had, I ran a workshop on Monday, and Tuesday for 4 people and on Wednesday,Thursday and Friday it was a bespoke course for one person who desperately wanted to learn how to set stones. It really was a fantastic week.

The weekend has seen me up the advertising.

I have also promised myself at this stage to devote April and May to designing a complete new range, this wil be for sale both from the studio and website. I have never sold a designed collection before as my work to date has been for direct commissions.It's very exciting and I'm truly looking forward to it. All I know at this stage is it will be a themed collection and will incorporate various mediums including precious metal and glass.

Talking of glass, there will be some exclusive glass courses being run from January those being lampworking and fused dichroic glass.Take a look a the website , www.carlmartinjewellery.co.uk , to find out the new course dates.

I've been practising the lampworking side of things and although by no means a master I have got the hang of stringers and twisties and making critters and various sized and shaped beads. It is early days but having researched at great length I really like what "Boro" has to offer and can see me dissappearing down that path in the not to distant future.

I've now got a free few days to catch up on some lovelly pieces for christmas.

Bye for now.

Only the Positive Need apply

2009-11-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Well how are you all doing ? November drawing to a close with December on the horizon
been a very very busy Month. Still trying to get the workshop straight but as the old saying goes we are getting there.
Had a great day on saturday the "Frit Happens" forum members came down for the day for another open day free event. Had a whole day of excellent demonstrations From Kay and Jo. Well attended and I think went down very well.

I actually looking towards The new year and that it may offer. I hope in 2010 I keep going from strength to strength.

Got some great offers on for january on some course fee reductions for thos that want to come and learn the art of silversmithing.

If you wonderful "crafty" people out there want to get listed a s alink on my website then please go and visit and fill in the form only takes 20 seconds.

www.carlmartinjewellery.co.uk

Bye for now

A whole new line up.

2009-11-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well thinking ahead I have now got the old sales and marketing head on as despite what anybody else thinks I have had enough of the reccession and I've now decided I'm coming out of it.

The new calendar of workshops, courses and events is now published on my website.

The other fantastic news is that from January 2010 I have two skilled glass artisans teaching thier superb skills from my studio.

Denise is an accomplished artist with a Ba in Three Dimensional Design and specialises in fused dichroic glass.

Kay is an extremely experienced lampworker with some incredible skills and knowledge in this filed, she is also a pretty good silversmith.

Way to Go !!!!!!

2009-11-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

I'm still moving in the right direction and looking forwards to what the next few weeks has in store in the run up to the holiday season. I have 7 commissions to finish by next Tuesday so I think it may mean a few late nights. Never the less I never seem to tire of making beautiful jewellery and precious metal art . Another thing that's good is the diversity, I never actually know who is going to walk through the door and what they are going to request.

I also have the task of re-stocking the studio with items to sell. In all honesty I have almost sold out, which in it's self is not a bad thing but I don't think my studio has ever been so empty of my creations.

Today has been spent teaching and some wonderful pieces were made by both Liz and Carolyn.

One of the best moves forward is my collaboration with a very skilled glass artisan who is coming to work with me in January 2010. She is not only going to teach on a regular basis from my studio but were are going to work together on some fantastic designs.

I have added an extra page to my website, which includes pictures of some fine fused dichroic glasss work.

Go check out the website.

www.carlmartinjewellery.co.uk

Moving Forwards

2009-11-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have a had a busy few days, mostly on the computer designing the new site. I've also changed my email address so for those that haven't been informed, I can now be found at carl@carlmartinjewellery.co.uk .

Bye for now .

Websites !

2009-11-19T03:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent most of the day trying to revamp my website as folk had said it was not very appealing. So having spent the best part of 9 hours trying to tweek it I then set about getting some feedback so placed a request on one of my favourite forums to get just that.What I didn't expect was the response. Now I am not nor do I proffess to be a website guru, infact computers and me don't come to naturally, However, having started from scratch it was my first effort to have some sort of web presence since 2001. The feedback was very to the point and no one liked the colours, content was ok but colours did not go down well.

I'm a terrible insomniac and if I'd tried to go to bed a 12.30 am I would never had slept so at 0100 this morning I decided I'd better have another attempt. At 3.45 this morning It was pretty much done and totally different having taken on board the comments that in reality were just what I needed.

Now at 11.00 am, been working on it again since 8.00 am I think I've got it about right. If any of my followers would take the time to go have a look at the new website I'd be very very grateful. www.carlmartinjewellery.co.uk

Regards

Fantastic Day

2009-11-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

I think I have had one of the best weeks so far. I have organised a free social get together type demo day for those that are interested in making jewellery and fellow artisans that are interested in a different aspect to their normal activities. This weeks was simply superb we kicked off at around midday on Friday and two well known lampworkers turned up to give a fantastic demonstration of their art and skills. I have to say I have been interested in Lampworking for some considerable time and what transpired was litterally woth its weight in gold. Two very skilled and known lampworkers came along, complete with full oxycon setup, glass and a whole array of different tools. They demonstrated their skills for over 6 hours almost without a break. The work they produced was simply stunning. I think the 15 or so people that attended got invaluable tuition in varying aspects of this delicate glass work medium. I for one made two beads and to be honest I'm now hooked. So watch this for some up and coming updates of how I am getting on.
In addition to the day I gave a few demonstrations on silversmithing which also went down very well.

Anyhow I'll update next week as I have 6 booked in throughout the week for some full day Workshops.

Best regards

Phew ...What a week.

2009-11-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

I have to start off by saying that the more I do this the more I am enjoying it. Well i have had another fairly busy week, not as perhaps as productive as I'd like to have been in terms of designing and making but none the less i still making good headway. The workshop and studio has been open a whole 5 weeks, seems like 2 minutes to be honest, anyhow, This week I have been sourcing materials and supplies as my website is now starting to sell tools and accessories. It's very early days and I'm learning as I go. I have added a range of Lampwork and glass bead mandrels. I have been fortunate enought to find a good supplier and therefore offer some pretty good prices. I'm adding Jewellery tools to the website when I get chance so be sure to pop along the website and have a look, http://carlmartinjewellery.co.uk .
Tomorrow see's the second in a long run of open days and events. I held one last Saturday and saw a good selection of people turn up, I was really pleased with the attendance. Tomorrow is specifically for a great group of lampworkers and dichroic glass Artists. We have a number of lampworkers doing some demos as well as yours truly on hand for some Silversmithing.
I'll Keep you all posted as to how it goes and maybe get some pictures too.

Upwards and Onwards

2009-11-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

To some i probably always sound positive, Well i'll let you into a little secret - It's because I am. I'm very much the sort of person who see's the positive in even the most adverse of situations, I can't help it, infact in many ways I see it as a bonus without being dillusional. The begining of the week kicked off with a full day workshop in silversmithing, Tuesday saw another morning of teaching, Wednesday was a catch up day, Thursday was spent running round trying to stock up on supplies, Friday was a very pleasant day designing a new range of jewellery and Saturday the doors opened for the first time as i had arranged a local meet at the workshop for a great group of lampworking and dichroic glass artists. i say artists as their pieces that they brought for "Show and Tell" were truly amazing. Not knowing a great deal about glasswork myself the conversation, which I have to say was 99% glass talk, went on to discuss Demo days so Next Friday the day was booked for another forum club social but this time with a nice kinda twist. The group that came along Saturday, some of which had travelled over an hour and half to visit, said that because most were relatively new would like further info and possibly instruction. So without further adoo Next Fridays meet will include , live demonstrations in Silversmithing care of yours truly, Lampworking by Kay and Dichroic Glass work by Denise. So far I have all ready got approximately 15 coming along but I have posted on 2 other forums to see exactly what interest is generated by this. I'll keep you posted. If you are a follower of my Blogg ( tell your freinds ) and you fancy a day out next Friday then please come along.

Getting There

2009-11-04T01:23:00.000-08:00

First blogg update for over a week due to being incredibly busy with the new advertising campaign. In this the end of the first month the new website has attracted in excess of 1800 visitors, not bad considering it is the first website I have designed and also a bit of a steep learning curve when it comes to SEO.
Last week saw a re-arrangement of the workshop again, I'm pretty happy with the workshop area now but the front Gallery section is still needing a bit of work to make it ..well... a bit like a gallery would help!!
I saw an incredible in flux of new faces come through the door.I have to say that some were very inspirational, especially one artisit who is a very experienced lampworker, thank you Jo for taking the time to come and see me and look forwards to working with you in the future.
The courses are going well and I'm now occupied for November, I even have a booking for a party of 20 on the 2nd December, who are coming along to a taster evening with live demonstrations of silversmithing.
Thats all for now but come back soon.

Good Start to the Week

2009-10-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well Monday morning came bright and early,having spent the weekend sorting out materials and supplies and also trying to design more of a collection I am working on. This morning saw another 2 enquiries for some silversmithing courses and the finishing of a rather striking hammered bangle. This afternoon I spent two hours with an advertising and marketing professional who I have to say on first meeting certainly knows what they are talking about. So why was I talking to this person , Well, I want to reach a specific target market and in order to do so need some help. I think that I probably learnt more about marketing my business that i ever imagined I would. What it has taught me is this person is probably worth their weight in gold in the long run (please excuse the pun). She explained how and why my simple efforts have not reached the people for which it was intended. In all honesty the advertising fees are incredibly reasonable for the exposure my business will receive. I'll keep you posted as to the success in the coming weeks.
This afternoon also so another commission request come in through the door. So all in all a good start to the week.

The End of Another Entertaining Week

2009-10-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Friday again...whoosh where do the days go.anyhow another busy week. I think this weeks word is be positive It sure has been six months of highs and lows but a bit like the UK economy I think I'm climbing out of it and can clearly see the top now, not sure whats on the other side but I can definately see the top.

This week I've placed 3 Newspaper ads to generate some interest, I've got some more advertising coming next week and the Exhibition / Demonstration nights are now booked till the 19th November. I've decided to do one night a week until christmas.

I got 3 more students starting classes next week and another 5 that are interested come payday.

Had a nice commission too, guy came into the studio this afternoon and asked if I could make a 20" triple rope chain. Very nice , Thank you James.

The end of the week saw a bit of re-arrangement of the workshop space to make it a) more appealing and b) easier for me to work.

Anyhow I'm in for the weekend to try and catch up on some back orders.

I'm now also on Twitter .. CMjewellery ..

Thanks for watching.

In the Beginning

2009-10-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Well First ever Blogg.... So better start somewhere near the beginning , without of course boring you to death. In the mid nineties I had formal training to be a jeweller and silversmith for 4 yrs and had continued despite a full time career doing something that I was not only considered good at but also madly passionate about. I had regular commissions and was always busy producing something out of Gold ,Silver or combination precious metals , my decision in the early years was that I never wanted to do it full time because then there is pressure to have to make it work as a full time business.I needn't have concerned myself as it's been the best 14 yrs of my life and continues to get better.

Having taught on a one to one basis for the last 8 years I decided due to the lack of anything around my location that offers the traditionally taught way of silversmithing and jewellery making to expand this and pass on some experience and knowledge in a very relaxed and informal way..

An opportunity in March 2009 saw me move into my now full time workshop and studio. 750 sq foot , a designers dream. I hold regular, infact becoming weekly, hosted party nights where not only an informal talk on jewellery and silversmithing takes place but also live demonstrations. to date its gone well I have a number of students and the enquiries are coming in thick and fast.....................