Very nervous.  I just hope the traffic is kind to me.  No accidents, Wednesday and Thursday, please.

I thought I had previously written a post about this competition but can’t seem to fish it out.  Basically a piece of jewellery has been designed and we’re judged on how accurate our making is in accordance to the techinical drawing.  Measurements and appearance need to be done to the tee (correct spelling?), well, give or take half a millimetre in measurement.

So beautiful.  I will incorporate these into my projects.  One of my on-going projects, besides the knife, is a ring and I can’t wait to see what it will entail.  All I know is that we will require 1 gemstone, roughly 6-8mm in diameter and round.  I slightly went over board though.

Note to self: don’t go near a gem shop again.

Gemstones I purchased.

These gemstones weren’t purchased all together; I have bought them over the years. Gosh, that just made me sound old.   However, on Tuesday I brought quite a bit so the kind gemstone lady gave me one for free.  Yay to freebies.

So, you think you buy a more than decent product.  Let’s say, for instance, a jewellery cleaner.  Decide a couple of days later you’re going to try it…only to establish that it’s ineffective.  You then turn to your friend, Google.  Find a home made solution and, voila, it works a treat.

Here’s a tip on how to clean your jewellery (I’ve only tested it with silver):

1. Glass jar
2. Fill half way with warm water
3. Add a stripe of aluminium foil
4. Then add one teaspoon of salt
5. Put jewellery pieces in jar
6. Leave for a few minutes, although it works instantly
7. For any stubborn tarnishes just repeat the whole process

Ta-da, your home made jewellery cleaner: free of potent, offensive scent.  Don’t be an idiot like me and waste your money during these tough times.    Much thanks goes to katlnhats.

This post is late and I’m a little bit lethargic so apologies if it doesn’t make sense. 

I don’t personally think I’ve done well.  All the contestants will be judged on the piece they made to the design, it’s all very meticulous: from the size of the piece; wire; metal sheet.  To put it simple, every detail matters.  My piece, for one, is bigger than the technical drawing.  Secondly I only realised this morning that I had, in fact, misinterpreted the drawing and have made it wrong.  A few things didn’t look perfect but starting the piece all over again wasn’t going to be an option.

Even though it’s not my best work I can say I’ve given it my all.  I wish the other guys all the best. 

Phew! I mentioned in my previous post, Exhibitions that today was the family-friends viewing day. I didn’t think I’d be there, seeing as I had work and people who I really wanted to come couldn’t. I did end up going though, with my sister and my mum – my manager came as well. Unfortunately my best friend couldn’t make it (admittedly her invitation was very last minute), neither my brother nor dad. To be truthful I didn’t want to go because I’m not into award ceremonies or exhibitions.

‘Twas a good evening, it’s strange seeing my stuff on display, with my name next to each piece. Had to call for time off work just to finish my pieces for this but I’m making up for lost work time on Saturday.

A lot of people arrived, I really didn’t expect that many to turn up. Great atmosphere though and there was an amazing pianist. Who – not that it’s relevant – gave me a smile. There was a self-serving catering and free wine, orange juice and all that jazz. I would have pictures but trying to go above everyone else to take them would have been too much hassle, and even then I’d have probably got the back of their heads, hah. Being a short cake sucks sometimes.

Speaking of photos I’ll probably take them tomorrow since it’s my shift of greeting visitors. If that fails then I’ll try on Friday where I’m at uni. from 12pm until 2pm. If all fails then I’m sure the uni. will take pictures.

As for me…well I won’t have any jewellery bits to talk about until later this year when I start the higher level. Don’t know what things I’ll blabber about but I’ll find something.

Oh yes, and much thanks goes to Roger Moore who neatened up the setting, I was over the moon about my brooch. Although I can’t seem to get the finish perfect. Thank you!

[edit on 12.06 @ 15:55] No pictures available as cameras are prohibited. [/edit]