It's no secret that I love to create. I just can't help it. I am currently making yet another hat with the fabulous Katty Janneh at her millinery workshop. My latest creation is a purple cloche of perfection that I've worn almost constantly since it came off the block. There is now a luscious leopard print sun hat in progress. It's an addiction for which I hope there is no cure.
At 17 I hastily dropped A Level Design and Technology after a particularly off-putting brief that involved designing a plug. Just, NO. Up until the day of reckoning I had completed some lovely projects. My absolute favourite was a resin and brass brooch in the shape of a womans pout (it was the late 70's...shush). Yet as far as I was concerned my foray into jewellery making stopped there.
Fast forward several decades.
I have been admiring Victoria's exquisite creations from afar and love the quirky take she has on her silver jewellery designs. When the chance to attend her new workshop in silver smithing arose I jumped at it.
I was going to make the necklace for myself. Again. But as every hat I've ever made has ended up on my own head I decided to make these tags as a gift for mama. *polishes halo*
- Instruments of torture or tools of the trade? You decide.
So one windy weekend we descended upon a quiet unsuspecting part of South West London. After a welcome cuppa (perfect) Victoria took us gently through our paces. We learnt to use a Band Saw without breaking a blade (oh yeah), work a bow drill (harder than it looks but so soothing once you 'get' it) and sand pieces of silver so that they glowed with pleasure.
We practised on bits of copper then moved swiftly (for us novices) on to the real thing. We frowned and concentrated and giggled and chatted whilst we worked (there may have been whistling) Victoria did an amaaaazing demonstration making one of her signature love heart necklaces that made it look so easy!
We drank more tea and then we ate Victorias delicious homemade cake. Lots of it. Seemed a shame not to really.
My tags stayed behind so that they could be machine-polished properly into their final shiny glory. When they arrived in the post a few days later I literally gasped with delight! Not only is it a beautiful necklace but I made it - with lots of help but even so - I MADE IT!
Yep.
So I'm hooked on creating. Again. That sense of achievement cannot be easily beaten.
If you want to book one of Victorias silver smithing workshops contact her here.
And/or if you want to try your hand at making hats with Katty Janneh try here.
What about YOU? What do you love creating? Is there something new that you'd like to try your hand at this year?
Do tell... *pats sofa*