What is the first word that comes to mind when you see this (a thing I created ):

I need to name my product and think of a way to advertise so your opinions will be helpful and much appreciated.

Today, I finally started the making of my final pieces, after a couple of weeks wasted due to a small miscommunication.  Hey-ho, I’m just happy to get going.

Here’s a CAD of my final pieces, these are the high end ones by the way:

The black frame is silver but oxidised, whilst the coloured tags inside are made from anodised aluminium.

I also plan on making the affordable editions, where the aluminium tags will be substituted with paper.  More practical for things like images.  It’ll also allow for the consumer to change the tags to whatever they wish.

All I can do right now is keep myself busy with other projects, whilst I’m waiting for my metal to be laser cut and marked.  Good thing too, I need to get pieces ready for the final exhibition.

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.

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]