Hertfordshire School of Jewellery

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-12-23T14:01:00.002Z

Our featured artist this month is Anastasia Lovisetto.

Beautiful Butterfly Necklace

What Anastasia has to say about her jewellery: " I love creating wearable art. My goal is to make women feel beautiful and happy when they put on one of my jewellery pieces. I want them to experience that same dream-like state of being that I envision when creating my jewellery. Romantic designs are my specialty and passion. The materials I use to create my necklaces vary but I prefer to work with semi precious stones, glass beads, artificial leather, and linen thread."

Collar/Necklace Detail

Check out Anastasia's work along with 20 other artists, makers and dealers in craft and vintage wares at the Hertfordshire Craft Collective.

Open Tuesday - Friday

10 a.m. - 5 p.m, Saturday 10am - 5pm & Sunday 10am - 4pm.

www.hertfordshirecraftcollective.co.uk

Stunning Colours!

From Everyone at HSJ & HCC we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T14:00:00.004Z

I would like to start by saying a huge big thank you to everyone who attended our fantastic Christmas Shopping Evening. Thank you to everyone who's support and help when into making the evening an extra special one.I look forward to Next years Annual Christmas Shopping already!

If you missed out on our Christmas Shopping Evening on the 24th of November - do not worry! Here at HCC we have a fantastic range of handmade and vintage Christmas Tree Decorations like these gorgeous vintage glass chandelier tree charms still in stock! As well as gifts for all ages and budgets! Pop by and check us out at Battlers Green Rural Shopping Village in Radlett. And we're open Christmas Eve - so there still time for those last minute presents!

Christmas Opening Hours:

24th Dec - Open 10am - 3pm

25th Dec - 2nd Jan - CLOSED

3rd Jan - Open as normal (9.30am - 5pm)

January Sale Begins 3rd January!

Don't forget that our fantastic January Sale begins on the 3rd of January. Much of our gorgeous stock will be marked down with up to 25% off! Many items will be on sale including: handmade silver and gold jewellery, gorgeous vintage homewares, vintage colthing, handcrafted stained and fused glass and much more!

Make sure you start 2012 off with and bang (well and a bargin) and come and visit us at Battlers Green Farm, Radlett!

Christmas Shopping Evening Success!

2011-11-30T12:18:00.000Z

I wanted to express a huge thank you to all who made the Christmas Shopping Evening a fantastic success last week! we had a great turn out - thanks to everyone who turned up to support us and also to the Craft Collective for the fantastic mince pies, mulled wine and more!

Here are some photos of the special night, taken by Emma Golding of Oh Sew Vintage:

If you missed us on the night we still have lots of gorgeous Christmas gifts, decorations and more available at the shop: www.hertfordshirecraftcollective.co.uk
We're open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm!!

FEATURED ARTIST

2011-08-25T13:29:00.002+01:00

Our Featured Artist this month is Liz Black from Apple Jack Crafts. Liz is a new member of the Hertfordshire Craft Collective and makes gorgeous items using different decorative paint effects. You can see Liz's beautiful range of homewares at our brand new craft collective. Some of her items on sale include handpainted chalkboards, decoupage glass, signs, mirrors, clocks and much more.

Hand painted Platter

Gorgeous Decoupage Glass

Stunning Paint Effects

Check out Liz's work along with 20 other artists, makers and dealers craft and vintage wares at the brand new Hertfordshire Craft Collective.

Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm.

New website coming soon:

www.hertfordshirecraftcollective.co.uk

We're just mad about beads....

2011-08-25T13:22:00.002+01:00

Here at the Hertfordshire School of Jewellery we're just mad about making jewellery. To compliment our fantastic jewellery making workshops and also our brand new Hetfordshire Craft Collective we will now be stocking a gorgeous array of beads! HSJ has had a range of stunning glass beads made especially for them from venice!

Stunning glass Lentil Beads - all handmade and hand blown.

Also a selection of beads by the string and 1930s vintage murano glass.

My favourite - small flowers and petals in venetian glass from the 1940s. They come with a copper wire attached, like a headpin. Gorgeous for all kinds of projects!

If thats not enough to get your creative juices flowing....then don't forget many of our Craft Collective members sell crafting items like vintage knitting patterns and needles, ribbons, vintage thread, trimmings, fabric, buttons and much more!

Dont forget to join us on Facebook! Search for: Hertfordshire School of Jewellery and Hertfordshire Craft Collective!

Featured Artist

2011-07-17T11:18:00.002+01:00

Our featured artist this month is

Xuella Arnold

who is a precious metal clay and silver art jeweller.

Xuella's jewellery is individual and very personal, she likes to create wearable imagery with a talismanic feel, pieces that creates an emotional response. Some of her designs are influenced by and incorporate song lyrics and poetry. She uses silver, bronze, gold, copper, pearls and enamel in her work.

Xuella has also written a book on metal clay jewellery.

New Workshops online NOW!

2011-07-17T11:17:00.002+01:00

We have just up-dated our workshop list for the remainder of the year. Details of the new workshop dates are now all online ready for you to book.

We have some new workshops and some familiar, old favourites, so whether you are looking to learn some new skills, brush up on your old ones or to just try something completely new, take a look at what we have on offer, you are sure to find something of interest.

All workshops are bookable via our secure online booking system or if you would prefer, just give us a call on

T: 07946334498 and we can take your booking by phone.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our workshops very soon.

HERTS CRAFT COLLECTIVE

2011-07-17T11:16:00.000+01:00

As some of you may already know the Hertfordshire School of Jewellery has taken another step into the world of retail. This week saw the grand opening of the brand new Hertfordshire Craft Collective, where you can find a unique collection of hand-made goods, quality crafts, stunning hand-made jewellery and one-off vintage finds. If the high street has become stale and you are bored with your usual shopping haunts why not come and take a look at the wonderful selection of pieces we have. Whether you are looking for something unique for yourself or for a special present, come and see what we have to offer at the new collective.

Featuring the work of more than 20 artists, makers, crafts people and vintage dealers, you are sure to be able to find something usual for that perfect present. With a great selection of one-off pieces, you are bound to go home with something - even if it’s just a smile on your face!

The collective is open Tuesday – Friday, from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 10a.m to 5p.m so why not drop by Battlers Green Farm and check us out.

The Collective spealises in all things remarkable, rare and different

For further information about our brand new craft collective please contact Jo on

E: hsj@thealbionarts.co.uk

T: 01923858330

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FROM FRIENDS AT MADCOW BEADS!!

2011-05-05T12:20:00.000+01:00

Here's a special offer for HSJ customers from our friends at madcowbeads.com

Madcowbeads is a friendly online beadshop with loads of quirky charms & beads for your unique beady creations.

Place any order with the mad cows in May, and receive a FREE 50g pack of their new 'Jolie Vache' pearls!

Just quote code HSJ when you checkout!

the mad cows also have their very own facebook page - you can find it at www.facebook.com/madcowbead

Happy Jewellery Making!

NEW BEADING CLASS added to the timetable!

2011-04-14T09:42:00.000+01:00

Brand New Creative Beading & Wire Wrapping Workshop

Come and make is beautiful beaded bracelet!

Ever wanted to make your own handmade beaded jewellery? If so then this is the workshop for you. Our new guest tutor Erica Abbiss-Biro of Spirit Jewellery will take you through all the steps from start to finish to create your own unqiue beaded necklace and bracelet set.

Bring your own trinkets, shells, broken jewellery etc to customize your jewellery and give it a truly personal touch and make use of the variety of beads we'll have on offer!


Make your own handmade necklace from stratch!

Basic beading skills, wire wrapping and finishing techniques are all covered on this one day course with Erica Abbiss-Biro of Spirit Jewellery. Pick up her tricks of the trade and learn to make two matching items of beaded fashion jewellery using professional techniques and high quality components. Personalise your pieces using the materials provided or feel free to bring along any beads you may wish to incorporate. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners.

Time: 10am – 4pm Tutor: Erica Abbiss-Biro

Fee: £90 to include all tools, materials (including unlimited beads) and refreshments.

Book Now – 17^th July 2010

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Jewellery by HSJ director Joanna Mason

2011-04-05T15:05:00.000+01:00

Clam Penant inspired by 'The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy

Bird Head Earwires inspired by The Penguin from Tim Burtons Batman.


Nightmare Before Christmas inspired earrings in fine and sterling silver

Director of Hertfordshire School of Jewellery, Joanna Mason has been working on some new design for her current collection 'Extra - Ordinary'.

This range takes inspiration for the works of Tim Burton, celebrating all kooky, weird and wonderful!

Jo is especially inspired by Tim's almost childlike line drawings in works such as the book 'The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy.' You can see some of Tim Burton work at his official website: www.timburton.com/

Silver and Gold rings inspired by A Corpse Bride

You can see more of Jo's work here or drop by to see it on display at the school!

New FOCUS ON SOLDERING WORKSHOP added to timetable!

2011-04-05T11:32:00.001+01:00

Soldering for Metal Clay Artists - Brand New Workshop!

Soldering in Action!

This class is designed for Metal clay artists who would like to focus on their soldering skills. During the day we will make our silver clay elements and explore how to solder these to sterling silver components and findings. We will learn how to make silver clay cufflinks and solder these to cufflink backs, make silver clay studs and solder these to earring posts. You will also make your very own sterling silver chain bracelet from scratch and solder a silver clay charm to it. We will really focus on your soldering skills during this workshop so you will go home really confident how to solder.

This workshop is for all of those who have hit a wall with their soldering and want to progress their silver clay work further my learning how to solder. Please note you must have some silver clay experience to join this class, but no previous metal working skills are required to join.


Sterling Silver Handmade Chain

Date: 2nd July 2011 Time: 10am – 5.00pm Tutor: Joanna Mason
Fee: £135 to include silver clay, sterling findings and wire to the value of over £50

We have had a lots of interested in this workshop so please book early to aviod disapointment! Click here to BOOK NOW.

Sandra Bornemann - Featured Artist

2011-03-22T14:01:00.000Z

Sandra Bornemann - Glass Bead Artist

Sandra Borneman – Glass Bead Artist

Sandra was born in Berlin in 1968 and currently lives with her husband and two sons in Bedfordshire.

She has made her first experiences with glass in 2004. Ever since has she been fascinated by this wonderful and versatile material. Glass is a never ending source of inspiration and possibilities!

Work Now Showing at the GALLERY

The artistic joy in experimenting with natural looking shapes, colours and surfaces is Sandra´s main motivation. This is why she often uses enamels and frits in her beads. In addition to this she loves the combination of lampworking and goldsmithing. Be it that a bead is simply lined with a silver core or that she incorporates silver bead caps into her designs. Sandra´s Janus solitaires show their two faces: the colourful glass on one side and structured silver work on the other.

Come and see Sandra's Work here at HSJ

Sandra works with original Italian Murano glass, Bohemian and American soft glass. Every glass bead is an individual piece of its own. After it has been finished it is properly annealed in a special kiln in order to achieve maximum durability.


Beautiful Glass, Enamell and Sterling Silver Bead

You can come and see Sandra's beautiful work at our bespoke jewellery gallery here at HSJ, pop by to check it out!

New Stained Glass Workshop Dates Added to the Programme

2011-03-07T12:38:00.000Z

Due to popular demand new dates have been added for our extemely popular Introduction to Stained Glass Workshop.

Introduction to Stained Glass Workshop - new dates online now!

Introduction to Stained Glass – learn the basics in just one day!
Join us on our one-day class and get a feel for what's involved in stained glass. We start out by looking at the basic processes and tools we'll be using. We'll then practice cutting and breaking glass. Then we move on to grinding the cut glass ready for foiling. Using the hand foiling method we'll foil the glass ready for…soldering! At temperatures up to 460C we'll solder our glass with the most-commonly used solder types. In the afternoon, we'll get you started on a simple project piece which we expect to finish in time to take home! We'll provide you with a choice of designs to work on, and a selection of glass to work with. Small class numbers of maximum 6 people. 1 tutor to every 3 students.
Time: 9.45am – 5.30pm Tutors: Jenny Timms / Mike Caddy
Fee: £120 to include all materials, tools, refreshments and info pack to take home.

Click here for more details or to book. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Metal Clay - what is it?

2011-03-02T15:57:00.000Z

What is metal clay?

It is a clay-like material made from minute particles of finely ground metal, a non-toxic organic binder and water.

What can you do with it?

In its clay form (it also comes as paste, paper and in a syringe), it can be rolled, coiled, textured, moulded and extruded just like ordinary clay. Once the water evaporates from the clay, it can be fired using a kiln, a gas hob or a butane torch. This is the magical bit, the organic binder burns away, the metal particles sinter and the end result is pure metal.

What is it like to work with?

Metal clay is easy to work with you don’t need any specialist skills, special equipment or previous experience to use it. It is a versatile medium and can be used successfully by anyone

Working with silver metal clay

What is it like to work with?

Metal clay is easy to work with you don’t need any specialist skills, special equipment or previous experience to use it. It is a versatile medium and can be used successfully by anyone

What sort of metal clays are available?

Metal clay comes in lump form and it is sold in sealed packets to keep it moist and workable. Currently there are silver, gold, copper and bronze versions available. Silver metal clay was developed first and as a result it is now available in a greater variety of forms; as a soft clay in a pre-filled syringe which can be used to produce extruded forms, slip and as paper-like sheets, from which most of the moisture has been removed.

Silver metal clay was the first to be developed, in the early 1990s, and is consequently the best known of all the metal clays. Lump metal clay in bronze was introduced in 2008 and copper clay followed in 2009. Pieces made from silver metal clay contain 99.9% silver, known as fine silver, which is purer than sterling silver which is 92.5% pure silver.

Pieces incorporating fired elments of bronze and silver clay

HSJ offers a variety of workshops in metal clays, designed for both the first-time user or someone who already has experience of this amazing material. You can start with our Introduction to Silver Clay workshop and progress through the Intermediate and Advanced workshops or try your hand at making your own metal clay ring on our Silver Clay Rings workshop or adding gold to your pieces on our Keum Boo workshop, the choice is yours. Our experienced tutors will provide you with all the information and assistance you need to create your own unique piece of jewellery.

Check out our Jewellery workshops by clicking here.

Featured Artist

2011-03-02T15:55:00.000Z

This month's featured artist is our very own Joanna Mason. Jo is the director and chief jewellery teacher at HSJ and has a real passion for all kinds of jewellery. She enjoys working in a mixed media of different materials and describes herself as a serial learner! Jo is enjoying working in silver and enammels at the moment, as well as bronze, copper and brass. You can see more of her work here or drop by to see it on display at the school!

The 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Sari Silk' range is now on display at the Hertfordshire School of Jewellery - drop by and check it out!

New Workshops online NOW!

2011-03-02T15:45:00.000Z

The class program for 2011 has been listed and workshops are available for booking NOW! Lots of new and innovative classes have been added to the timetable and we have some new and exciting guest tutors teaching them.

Perfectly Paired: Polymer & Silver Clay Workshop

Also new classes added for 2011:

Adding Colour to Metal Clay - 2 day Workshop 4th & 5th June

Enamelling on Fine Silver - 2 day Workshop 16th & 17th April

Image Tranfer on Metals - 18th June

Perfectly Paired: Polymer & Silver Clay Jewellery - 2 day workshop 7th & 8th May

For more info or to book please click here

2011-02-27T10:50:00.001Z

New bracelets

2011-02-26T20:49:00.000Z

New jewellery

In Print Again

2011-02-26T18:18:00.001Z

Catch up with our very own Joanna Mason who once again features in Make Jewellery magaine. Issue 21 of the magazine, which is in the shops now, contains an interview with Jo in which she talks about how she got started in the the jewellery making business.
http://www.makejewellerymagazine.com/

Merry Christmas

2011-02-26T18:16:00.002Z

The Hertfordshire School of Jewellery would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We will be closing on Christmas Eve - Friday 24 December and will be open again on Tuesday,

4 January 2011. We look forward to seeing you all next year.

Metal Clay Drop In

2011-02-26T18:16:00.000Z

In January we plan to start up a monthly Metal Group Drop-in group for anyone interested in metal clay. The group will provide the opportunity for members to use the workshop facilities, get their pieces fired and swop ideas with fellow enthusiasts. The first meeting will be on Thursday 6 January 2011 between 7.00 - 9.00 p.m. the cost will be £10 per person. If you are interested in coming along, please phone or email to book your place as numbers will be limited.

Welcome!

2011-02-26T18:15:00.003Z

Welcome to our new blog! News and information will be listed here over the coming days so please stay tuned!

Holidays

2011-02-26T18:15:00.001Z

Joanna is off on holiday from the 21st January to the 29th January 2011. Please note if you are calling to book during this time your call will not be answered untill her return. If you would like to book or would like more information please check out the workshop pages of the website or email Jo at hsj@thealbionarts.co.uk
See everyone in a week, hopefully full of inspriation from Egyptian culture!!