Thats it for another Year

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"

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.

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

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.

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 !!!!!!

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

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 .