Yes, I can ship my jewellery overseas! 🌎 I have been asked this question a few times recently and thought it was probably time I clarified the situation. At the moment my sales platforms aren’t automatically set up to enable overseas transactions to go through, as the differences in potential postage and customs charges for each individual country are so varied. But if you see something you love either on my website or in the posts I share on my socials, then please get in touch. I can then check if I’m able to send to your location, and calculate what extra fees might apply. As a guide, anything sent to the USA will be subject to an additional 10% of the listed purchase price for each item, plus £10 (roughly $14) in shipping costs per order. I know that’s not ideal, but I have to abide by the new rules and I’m just trying to navigate the current situation and keep moving forwards as best I can 🫶 Shipping times are pretty quick though, averaging around five business days (although they can be anywhere from 4 to 14). I’m afraid I can’t currently ship to Australia due to the restrictions on precious metal imports, and neither am I able to send to anywhere in the EU or Northern Ireland. But if you live anywhere else in the world and would love to add a piece of my jewellery to your collection, please just send me a DM or an email! ✉️ I should also add that I’m not taking on any customs or bespoke orders at the moment either, but I’m hoping to review that later in the new year too, and will let you all know if and when things change there! 🙂 Hope you’ve had a wonderful start to the week, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #handmadejewellery #artisanmade #handmadejewelry #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry

Making some festive brass earrings! 🎄These were done using the F2 xTool laser and the following settings; Power 100 Speed 100 300 depth per cm I wouldn’t describe them as ‘deeply engraved’ as this machine isn’t designed to achieve that level of metal removal (you need the F1 or F2 Ultra for that) but it was super quick at just twenty seconds per earring, and only took one pass. I’m still trying different settings to see what effects I can get on different metals, and will share the results on copper and silver soon too. If you want to know more about which of these machines is best for particular tasks, xTool shared a really useful post recently with a direct comparison between them all, specifically aimed at jewellers and those who work with metal. I’ll share that in my stories today, and in the xTool highlight below my bio if you want more info 🙃 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #xTool #xToollasermachine #laserbusiness #jewelrymaker #XToolF2 #lasermachine

The best tips are always the simplest ones! ⚒️ This stuff has been a game-changer for me during all my soldering, not just with the delicate and fiddly stuff. Yellow ochre is a naturally occurring clay, and acts as an ‘anti-flux’ by preventing solder from flowing into areas where you’d rather it didn’t go. It dirties the metal and creates a barrier that solder avoids, effectively protecting any covered areas as solder only likes to flow on clean surfaces. Here’s why it’s a good choice; 💛 It’s chemically inert. Yellow ochre is a naturally occurring material, meaning it doesn’t react with solder or the metals being soldered. 💛 It’s safe! It’s non-toxic and doesn’t smell. 💛 It’s clearly visible, which makes it easy to see where you’ve applied it, and it dries quickly. 💛 It won’t act as a ‘heat sink’ or barrier like some protective coatings can. 💛 It’s simple to use. I keep it in a ceramic ramekin and let it dry out. Then I just add a little water each time I want to use it and apply with a fine brush. No wastage. 💛 It’s not expensive. This single tube cost me just £6 and will probably last forever. You can also use graphite pencil lead for the same purpose, and I’m told rouge polish works too. I found pencil lead much harder to apply, and the downside of rouge is that it often contains oils which make it more likely to spread out and ‘wander’ with the heat of the torch, whereas this paint dries out instantly and stays put. I have also heard that people often use Tippex or other correction fluids. They’re not as easy to clean and can give off highly toxic fumes, so I won’t be trying that. If you’ve not tried yellow ochre yet, give it a go and let me know what you think! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewelry #silversmith #metalsmith #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #ladysmith #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrytools #jewellerytools #jewelrymaking

How beautiful is this stone? 🤩 A lovely layered Laguna Lace agate, simply set in a handcrafted silver bezel. I kept this one as simple as I could and removed as much of the backplate as possible, because I think it looks even prettier from the back as it does from the front. At least, that’s the way I’d wear it! This is actually one of the last of the bigger unique gemstone pieces I’ve got left in my own website, having had a sudden run on the Moss Agates last month. Thanks so much to everyone who gave those beauties a home! 🫶 I’m hoping to make a few more before Christmas, but there are still a few pendants in my @britishcrafthouse shop at the moment. If you’re looking for a really special ‘one of a kind’ gift do head over there too, the link is in my bio. And if I do get the chance to spend some more hours at the bench I’ll be sure to show you all what I create as soon as they’re finished. Have a fabulous Friday! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #whatsonmybench #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelrymaking #agate #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #ladysmiths

Personalising my jewellery boxes! 😊️⚒️📦 I’ve been engraving the Kraft gift boxes I package my jewellery orders in ever since I first got an xTool laser and I love how much more professional they look. It’s really easy, and quick too; I have the settings saved in the software for all the different sized boxes I use. This means I don’t have to adjust the size of the logo graphic each time or even tweak or align the placement of it. So long as I put the little metal guide in the same place on the base plate and open the correct file, it’s all set up ready to go. For those that have asked for the settings, this is what I use for card items on both the F2 and the F1 Ultra; Blue light Dot Dur: 200 Power: 40 DPI: 550 Floyd But as with all things processed with a laser, please do take care to check and adjust these to suit your own materials as they will likely vary on different machines and different types of card. I’ve also been wondering if anyone would be interested in boxes with a personal message engraved on them instead of my logo? 🤔 It might be a nice way to personalise a gift this Christmas and is something I could potentially offer, perhaps even with a message in your own writing. I’m not able to offer such a thing on the jewellery itself right now (I am working on it for the future though) but I could certainly look to do it on the boxes. Let me know your thoughts and if there might be any demand for this! 🙃 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #xTool #xToollasermachine #fiberlaser #laserbusiness #metallasercuttingmachine #fiberlaser #laserengraving #jewelrymaker #XToolF2 #lasermachine #metalengraving #lasercutter #businesslaser

My entire diploma collection, finally reunited! 😊️⚒️ There’s a year’s worth of work and a lot of new skills here. Looking back at everything I am so chuffed to see where all those hours went. What you can’t see quite so clearly is the progress and advancement of my abilities and my confidence! But so many of you messaged me and commented to say you could visibly see how much I was growing and improving as a jeweller as this course went on, and that means as much to me as all the physical evidence in this box. I’m still not sure what to do with it all. I don’t think I could ever sell it, and although I’ve been wearing one or two pieces I also feel like I don’t want to break up the collection by taking anything out, silly as that sounds. I’m sure I’ll get past that soon enough, but for now I’m happy just to sit and reminisce over it all for a while! Next year I’m excited to be starting again with the Diploma In Wax Jewellery, with a small matter of a book to finish writing first… I also received my certificate from @jewellersacademy today and a new pin badge to go on my apron as a proud graduate. What a lovely way to round off 2025! 😊️ Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewelrymaking #jewellerymaking #handmadejewellery #meetthemaker #jadiplomadiaries #jewellerybusiness #whatsonyourbench #smallbizuk #hampshirebusiness

From trash to treasure! Making a bezel-set sea glass pendant ⚒️🌊 This classic style is always popular and one of my favourite things to make. Occasionally I get a bit more creative and embellish the settings or come up with a more elaborate hanging bail, but other times I just keep it simple. And shiny! 🤩 Because there’s just something so beautiful about the contrast between the matte frostiness of the sea glass, and the bright shine of the silver! I’ve tried to include like as many of the steps in this reel as I can, but it’s not easy to cover everything in just 90 seconds when in reality it takes at least 90 minutes - and that’s on a good soldering day! If you have any questions about what I’m doing or using please just ask in the comments and as always I’ll try and answer them as best I can! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #howitsmade #processreel #seaglass #seaglassjewellery #bezelsettings #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #tooladdict #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelleratwork #jewelrymaking #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools #ladysmiths #seaglassjewelry

The question you’ve all been asking me! ⚒️ Just throwing out a little update for everyone who has been asking how the xTool F2 performs on metal. I will do a more polished reel once I’ve got the settings down on this, but I wanted to share my progress so far as I know lots of you have told me you’re keen to see how I’m getting on with it. It is a fab little machine - it’s so much quieter and less intimidating to use than the larger models, and super portable. I also find the software easy to navigate, but then I am already familiar with that which helps! I just connected it up, the computer found it, and off we went. So far I’ve been experimenting on brass because silver is so expensive now and I can’t afford to waste any on test pieces, but I will share the results on copper and silver soon too. And as for other materials like card, wood and slate; no problems at all with those. Super easy. But as jewellers I know that metal engraving in particular is where it’s at, so stay tuned! 🙃 Kelly x *More info can be found via the link in my bio #jewellerymaker #xTool #xToollasermachine #fiberlaser #laserbusiness #metallasercuttingmachine #fiberlaser #laserengraving #jewelrymaker #XToolF2 #lasermachine #metalengraving #lasercutter #businesslaser

The chaos in close-up! ⚒️ A selection of shots from around my bench and workshop. These were all taken exactly as it currently is; very real, very messy, and very much ‘in the moment’. I’ve been playing around with my camera and experimenting with different lenses and settings. It’s quite a learning curve and I’ve still got a way to go until I have perfected the process, but I’m enjoying it. I know a lot of you related to the wider-shot picture I shared of my little corner recently, so I thought you’d like to see the details too. For anyone wanting the tech specs, I have a Canon EOS R8 camera, and the two lenses I’ve used here are a 50mm fixed and a 35mm macro. I probably need to invest in some sort of professional lighting too, as this is just the natural light from the window, but I kind of like the slightly gloomy, November mood evoked here. If anyone has any tips or advice for me as I start to work on the images for my book, then as always they’d be very gratefully received! Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend! 🙃 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #mystudio #whereiwork #creativespace #whatsonyourbench #ladysmith #jewellerytools #handmadejewellery #myworkspace #photography

Silver tarnish is caused by a chemical reaction, primarily with sulphur-containing gases in the air, that creates a dark layer on the surface. If I were to leave my silver jewellery out in my workshop then it would start to get a yellowy tinge within a week or so, and would begin to really tarnish within a fortnight. Sometimes this happens much more quickly. So how do I prevent it? With proper and careful storage; out of the air and out of the light. Now I know we are conditioned to regard plastic as the enemy these days, and I agree it is not the most desirable material to use, but paper bags just don’t cut it when it comes to preventing discolouration on silver. I use the thickest sealable bags I can find (made from recycled plastic so I can redeem some environmentally friendly credentials there) and keep my silver in those, along with an anti-tarnish patch. You need to keep an eye on the bags as if they begin to degrade over time then they won’t prevent the air getting to your metal, but I have stored my silver this way for years and can confirm it works. I don’t just use it for storing chain either - all my other components are kept out of the light in sealable containers, and my finished pieces are stored in the same plastic bags, in drawers. I even include a small bag and anti-tarnish patch with every single order I send out too, so that you can continue to keep your silver jewellery bright and shiny long after you’ve purchased it. For more information on looking after your jewellery and avoiding things like tarnish, there’s a ‘care tips’ highlight below my bio 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewelrytools #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #ladysmith #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips

Fancy a bit of flash this Friday? ✨⚒️🙃 *NOW SOLD - thank you! 🫶 I have been going through all my existing stock this week and found this pendant which I never got around to listing on the website. It’s a hammered silver circle, roughly 25mm across, with a super flashy tube-set 6mm Labradorite gemstone. I made this last summer and had intended to make it a permanent design within my collection, but somehow life got in the way and I never got any further with that idea. I may still go on to make more but at the moment I’m focusing on getting my sea glass jewellery book written, so everything else is on the back burner for a while. I didn’t want to leave this pretty piece languishing in a drawer though, so I have just given it a polish to brighten the silver up again and make it super shiny ✨ I really don’t have time to take photos or create a listing for it, so I’ll offer it here in case anyone would like to give it a home. £102 with a 20” chain, P&P included with a gift box. Please DM me if interested! It’s totally unique and would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves ‘one of a kind’ handcrafted jewellery! 🙂 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #whatsonmybench #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelrymaking #labradorite #tubesetting #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #ladysmiths

Have you ever used Alligator Tape? ⚒️🐊 This magic material is great for protecting your fingers whilst working. It is easy to tear, easy to apply, and only sticks to itself. It also helps improve grip too. If you want to re-use it more than once then it can be removed carefully after using nail scissors to make a fine slit down the open end to take it off without losing the shape. Also, wrap something like a small button in the end so you don’t lose track of where it is - this stuff is worse than any sellotape if you allow it to stick together, but a button can be easily removed without wasting any tape. Oh, and whatever you do, don’t leave it out in the sun on your bench. It will dry out and go brittle. Learned that one the hard way! 🫣 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #sanding #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #mystudio #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips

A soldering block upgrade! 🤩 And what’s better than a brand new and super-clean surface? For me, that would be discovering it happens to be the exact size needed to securely fit my existing turntable 😁🙌 They’re not actually made to go together, it’s just a coincidence, but one that made me happy nonetheless! Now, there’s nothing wrong with the charcoal block and I will still use that for certain projects, but this white one is made from a durable, heat-resistant ceramic material, with a unique honeycomb design. The structure encourages a more even heat dispersion whilst minimising the risk of thermal shock to more delicate pieces. It also means the blocks stay cool to the touch on the exterior. You can use it on either side, but I was soldering some chains yesterday and noticed that the grooves in the honeycomb side are perfect for standing up jump rings so the solder can flow evenly around the join and you don’t get that annoying flat part forming underneath. You can also use steel pins in the holes to hold things in place, although I’ve not found small enough ones to fit yet. The blocks are from the ‘Bench Basics’ range by @pepetools_usa and I am really impressed with them so far. I’ll pop a link to my stories today, which will also be in the ‘tool links’ highlight below my bio. The only downside now will be having to watch them slowly get dirty… 🫣😬 Have you ever used these before? Let me know what sort of soldering surface you currently prefer! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #tooladdict #jewelrytools #jewellerytools #jewelrymaking

For anyone who wants to say it with a flower this festive season! 🌸 I have a few of these silver Rose Quartz pendants left. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I love the pretty and delicate nature of this design. Rose Quartz is also recognised as a universal symbol of love and friendship too, so they make a lovely gift for someone special. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ They’re quite fiddly to make, but are one of the few designs where I enjoy the repetition. I tend to make them in little batches, just a few at a time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As with all my designs at the moment though I’m noticing that there’s a strong preference for earrings over necklaces. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So as part of my current pledge to revamp existing designs over buying more metal to create new ones, I’m giving these another week or two as they are, then I’m turning them into ear candy instead. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Might actually have to keep a pair for myself too, now I’ve said that… I rather like the idea of these as earrings! 🤔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #artisanjewellery #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaker #flowernecklace #flowerjewellery #contemporarystyle #jewellerylover #sterlingsilver #iloveflowers #silverjewellery #metalsmith #silversmith #handmadeintheuk #indiebiz

One of my favourite bezel-setting tips! ⚒️ This one was a game-changer for me. Take a jump ring in the same thickness or gauge as the border you want, put the pen tip inside the ring and run it around the edge of the bezel wall as you draw the line. It really is as easy as it looks. The jump ring I’ve got here is 10mm across and 1mm thick, but for smaller bezels you can just use a smaller ring. Yes, I know you can also use dividers or callipers, but that method just doesn’t work for me and I find these lines much easier to see. You may well have seen this tip before, but just in case you haven’t I’m sharing it again, and I hope it’s helpful to you too! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewelry #bezelsettings #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #ladysmith #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips #jewelrytipsandtricks

My top 20 favourite jewellery creations! ⚒️ Which do you love most? I recently updated the ‘about me’ pinned post at the top of my page and thought it was time to give this one a makeover too, now we can add more images to a carousel! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s actually really hard to choose just 20 pieces out of everything I’ve ever made, but these pieces all stand out to me for different reasons. Some I found challenging to do but satisfying to finish, and others had a significant or sentimental meaning. A few I chose to include because they featured beautiful sea glass or gemstones that completely drew me in and were a pleasure to work with. Several have gone on to find new homes and some I have kept, but they were all designed and handmade by me and I vividly recall creating every single one. That’s the beauty of making unique and one-of-a-kind things like this; they tend to stick with you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I couldn’t possibly narrow it any further to a single piece though… can you? Which would be your top pick from this particular line-up?! I’d love to know if you have a favourite! 🙃 Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #ilovejewellery #jewellerydesigner #ladysmith #jewelryjunkie #jewelryaddict #seaglassjewellery #artisanjewelry #handmadejewellery #oneofakindjewelry #seaglassnecklace #artisanmade #madebyhand

If you’re looking for a tool to create the perfect flare on your spinner rings, then this one is definitely worth a look! ⚒️ It was sent to me to try by @maddisonsofdurham and I LOVE it. It’s now my new favourite method for doing this, no contest! Not only is the tool easy to use, but it does a much better job than the dapping posts I was using before. This is the Spjnner Ring Jig Set by Fretz, and the reason it works so well is that it’s been specifically designed for this task! It creates a gentle flare through a larger area of the band and not just the outer edges, which I think puts less stress on the soldered join and creates a much more even result. And if you’d like some more tips on making spinner rings, these are my own recommendations; • ANNEAL the main band. Lots! And remember to anneal it one last time before you come to flare it. • Count the hammer strikes so you can apply the same to each side and keep it even. • Turn it regularly and keep checking to see if you’ve done enough to secure the spinning band on. It’s easier than you’d think to go too far. • Sizing these is tricky. Wider rings will always need to be ‘sized up’ anyway, but once the outer band of a spinner ring is flared the overall width will be reduced and the final size will be smaller. • Think about when to polish. I finish both the bands before locking them together, so using this tool is the last stage in the process for me. I’ll pop a link in my stories for anyone who is interested, and then add it to the ‘Tool Links’ highlight below my bio. And if you’re in the mood for shopping today, Maddison’s are offering 10% off this and their entire Fretz range with the code FRETZTEN 🙃 Have a fab Friday! Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #spinnerring #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #howitsmade #whatsonmybench #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking

Cosy, creative chaos; this is how the busiest corner of my workshop looks in the evenings now! ⚒️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I never like having to have the ‘big’ light on in any room of the house, but I don’t mind the lamplight over my bench so much. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And since the sun now sets at 4:30pm I don’t really have much choice if I need to work later in the day! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There’s a fair bit going on here. Lots of works in progress, and quite possibly a few forgotten ones buried there too. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I usually have a good tidy up every half term, but this time I got distracted and somehow we’re already back at school and on the countdown for Christmas. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I honestly do not know where that time has gone, but i think a spring-clean is probably due. Preferably before actual spring arrives! 🙃 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #mystudio #whereiwork #creativespace #whatsonyourbench #ladysmith #jewellerytools #handmadejewellery #myworkspace

Who wants to see what this little machine can do? 🤩 It’s the newest laser engraver by xTool and it’s officially launching today! (6th Nov) It’s called the F2 and is more powerful than its F1 predecessor, but a lot more compact and portable than the larger F1 Ultra. My first impressions are that it’s well made and smartly finished, sleek in design and a lot less intimidating than the F1 Ultra I’ve been using up until now! Having some experience with xTool products and software already means I should hopefully be able to get it up and running quickly too. Let me know in the comments what you’d like to see me make or engrave with it first! 🙃 Kelly x *More info can be found via the link in my bio and shortcut in stories today. From xTool; The Black Friday Grand Finale/Cyber Monday Frenzy Sale is happening now through 5th Dec! If you’ve been thinking about getting an xTool product, now’s the perfect time. It’s your last chance this year — Save Big and Create All Next Year! #jewellerymaker #xTool #xToollasermachine #fiberlaser #laserbusiness #metallasercuttingmachine #fiberlaser #laserengraving #jewelrymaker #XToolF2 #lasermachine #metalengraving #lasercutter #businesslaser #unboxingreels

Anyone in search of some party earrings this festive season? 🤩✨ How about some with super-shiny silver circles and gold stars? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Perfect for this time of year and great as gifts, they’re a lovely and discreet way to add a little bit of sparkle, and work equally well worn during the day or out in the evening! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Last year I made these with posts initially, and then you all asked for hooks. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This year I’ve got hooks in stock but have run out of the ones with posts… 🤪 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let me know if you’d prefer posts instead and I’ll look to make up some more! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #artisanjewellery #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaker #jewellerydesigner #jewellerylover #sterlingsilver #silverjewellery #handmadeintheuk #starjewellery #modernjewellery #starearrings #supportsmall #silverearrings #mixedmetaljewellery

A handy tool for polishing the inside of ring bands! ⚒️ These are silicone carbide polishing burrs, by Eve. They come in a range of different grits and a huge assortment of shapes and sizes too - and have a 2.34mm shank to fit most rotary tools. I love using these 10mm flex mounted cylinder burrs for polishing and refining the inside of ring bands as they work fast and leave a beautifully smooth finish. I also use them for the inside of bezel settings as the flat base means they don’t leave visible lines or marks. I’m using a 10mm green one here (fine 800 grit) for the final pre-polish before moving on to a felt mop and some Luxor polishing compound for a bright shine. If you want to see the full range of shapes and sizes available, and the exact definitions of the colours/grits then head over to @maddisonsofdurham who have a huge selection and a colour-coded guide on their website You can also use the code EVEFLEX15 to get 15% off their full Eve range! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #jewellerytools #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #jewelrytools #whatsonmybench #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking

Who I am, what I do and why I’m doing it! ⚒️ This post shares a little more about me, and gives an insight into how my story here began. My name is Kelly, and I am an artisan jeweller based in Hampshire, on the south coast of the UK. This account was started at the same time as I launched my small business, Willow & Twigg, back in 2019. I create and sell handcrafted jewellery, and more recently I have started teaching workshops with Jewellers Academy at their studios in Brighton. I am currently in the process of writing a book on Sea Glass Jewellery too, which is due to be published in the spring of 2027. I also love sharing my creative processes here, along with all the tips, tricks, tools and techniques I have discovered along the way! Running my own business is challenging. The learning curve has been steep and it’s hard work, especially juggling things alongside my domestic responsibilities and young family. But I absolutely believe that you can successfully pivot halfway through your life, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else now! I am so grateful for the amazing community that I have found here, and truly appreciate all the encouragement and support I have received over the years 🫶 Thank you so much for following my journey thus far - I can’t wait to see where it takes me through 2026 and beyond! 🙃⚒️ Kelly x #jewellerymaker #jewelrymaking #jewellerymaking #ladysmith #meetthemaker #mystory #aboutme #mystory #jewellerybusiness #whereiwork #knowyourmaker #smallbizuk #hampshirebusiness

When the back of a stone is a pretty as the front, you can’t hide it! 💕🌿 I often cut sections of the backplate out of my pendants like this. It saves on weight, and it saves on cost too - plus it allows the light to pass through the stone and really highlights the gorgeous colours and patterns. I don’t often cut the backs out of sea glass designs though, as the glass rarely sits completely flat in the setting and any tarnish that develops due to exposure to the air would be much more visible. But for cabochons like this beautiful Moss Agate, it would be a shame not to leave a window on both sides! 🙃 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry #artisanmade #statementnecklace #ooakjewelry #jewelrymaker #mossagate #handmadejewellery #mossagatejewellery

This is a simple tip, but it’s still one of my favourites! ⚒️🔥 I always put the solder below the join when soldering ring bands so it doesn’t fly away when the heat comes in. A couple of you have also spotted me turning the band over halfway during some of my other reels and asked why I do this. The reason for that is just because the band is probably wider and I want to give the solder a chance to flow the other way too. And I always have a look inside the band before I quench and pickle it, because if I can see the solder has flowed on that side too, I am more confident the seam was tight and the join is going to be strong. There’s lots of methods for soldering and different pieces usually require different techniques. I don’t believe any of them are necessarily ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ or that one method is better than another. In my experience, the best way is always the one that works for you! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #soldering #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #howitsmade #whatsonmybench #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking

A talisman for mermaids! 🧜‍♀️🌊 This enormous Aquamarine pendant is one of the largest and most ambitious pendants I’ve ever made. It measures 30mm wide by 51mm long - and that’s just the edges of the backplate, not including the hanging loops or bail. It’s simply set, as I didn’t think it warranted anything too fussy, but I did cut a seahorse out of the reverse! I also haven’t updated the price of either the pendant or the chain since the cost of silver shot up, so goodness knows what it would be if I made it again today. But there won’t ever be another, because that’s the beauty of handmade. It’s one of a kind and there will never be one quite like it! 🙃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #statementpendant #silverjewelry #seahorse #seahorsenecklace #handmadejewellery #hampshirebusiness #aquamarine #ooak #jewellerymaking #aquamarinejewellery #marchbirthstone

Want to know where I get my jewellery tools and equipment from?! ⚒️ This is something I get asked about daily, and you can find shortcuts to all the things I’ve ever shared in the ‘Tool Links’ highlight below my bio… [That’s not one of the external website links, but the round story highlight located directly above the pinned posts, with the green cover] This includes tools, storage systems and even furniture! I try and keep it updated as much as I can but if you ever spot any links that no longer work, please let me know and I’ll look to fix them. I love making jewellery, but I also love creating content about making jewellery too - and enjoy sharing my processes and tips with anyone who might be interested. So if there is anything else you’d like to see, or any other topics you’d like me to include in a post, just add it to the comments here or send me a DM! I’ve learned so much through this platform and receive so much support, encouragement and motivation from you all, that passing on anything I learn or discover is my way of keeping that positive momentum going 🫶 Hope you’ve had a fab start to your week! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #seekinspirecreate #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #tooladdict #jewelrytools #jewellerytools #jewelrymaking

Making a spinner ring! ⚒️ This was a project from week five of my Diploma, and required the use of a dapping block to shape the edge of the wide outer band to keep the inner ring in place. It was also a test of our ring making and soldering skills, with both an extra wide band and a smaller one to create. There was a fair bit of annealing in this one; after texturing the metal and before forming the main ring, and again before flaring the edges out. The silver used was 0.7mm sheet metal and the spinning band was made of brass wire. Both were hammered for texture. I usually use slightly thicker sheet for making spinner rings, at 0.8 or even 1mm thick, and I’ve also now got another method of making the edges flare. I’ll share that in a reel soon too! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #howitsmade #spinnerrings #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #tooladdict #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelleratwork #jewelrymaking #jadiplomadiaries #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools #ladysmiths

The full collection! 🙌⚒️ All the pieces I made during my Diploma In Silver Jewellery with @jewellersacademy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This represents a whole year’s worth of training; with many new techniques learned, lots of skills improved and plenty of new tips and tricks discovered! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A few of the pieces are included twice in this carousel to show multiple sides, but it’s still quite something to see it all together like this. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I must confess that I am missing the structure of the course this year, but I couldn’t quite fit in another one at the moment now I’ve committed to writing a book. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Maybe September 2026 will be the perfect time to do a second Diploma… it’s definitely something I’m giving a lot of thought to! 🤔🙃 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have a lovely Sunday, ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #silverjewelry #jewelrymaking #jadiplomadiaries #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #ladysmiths #silverjewellery

What’s more exciting than seeing your hallmark on your jewellery for the first time? Seeing it in gold! ⭐️ I made these wedding bands for my Mum and Stepdad who are getting married soon, after 20 years together 💕 I am so, so proud to have been able to create these rings, and was thrilled to see my hallmark on them when they arrived back from Assay today! For those who don’t know, every item of precious metal jewellery above a certain weight in the UK needs to be sent to one of the four Assay Offices to be tested for purity. Once the appropriate fineness is approved, each piece is then stamped with a hallmark as a guarantee of this process being completed. The weight limits at which this becomes necessary vary depending on the metal, but it’s a legal requirement to have this done or you can’t describe it as ‘silver’ or ‘gold’ etc. The symbols each have a different meaning too. The first is my own unique maker’s mark (my initials KAT). Then there are stamps for the type of metal, where it was assayed, and the year. For 2025 this is the letter A. The crown is the symbol for gold, with the 375 representing 9ct, whilst the lion and number 925 are for sterling silver. If you are buying jewellery in the UK, it’s worth knowing that the number 925 on its own carries no legal guarantee whatsoever. Anything can be stamped with that, and by anyone; including much cheaper plated metals that are merely ‘silver coloured’. The only absolute way to be sure jewellery is solid silver (or gold) is if it carries the appropriate full hallmark. I’m so relieved these rings are back safely. Now I just need to polish them up and make them shiny again, ready for the big day! 😊 Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanmade #goldrings #jewelrymaker #ladysmith #silversmith #handmadejewellery #hallmark #weddingrings #weddingringset

Making things shiny! 🤩✨💫 These are some of my most popular silver earrings, all nicely polished and ready for their hooks to be added! Since I completed my Diploma I’ve actually started polishing a lot more of my pieces entirely by hand (or rather, by using my pendant motor and a multitude of different compounds and attachments) But some things will always come out better after a few hours in the barrel polishing machine, and these earrings are one of them. I no longer use it for bezels without a border or ledge around the outside, as it squishes the sides too much. And neither do I put in anything with flat areas as it tends to push the metal up at the edges and create a ridge. But for lots of my earrings, ring bands, chains and smaller pieces it’s a huge time saver. For those who will want to know, I have the Gold Pro machine from @cooksongold, which is still my first and original model. I add roughly 400ml of water to some stainless steel shot, and either a half teaspoon of barrelbrite soap flakes or a bit of fairy liquid (dish soap.) Then I pop in my jewellery, and leave it turning for a good three hours to do its thing. Outside in the garage, of course. It works a treat, but it’s bloody noisy… 😵‍💫 Have a fab Friday! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewellerytools #makingjewellery #jewelrymaking #sterlingsilver #jewellerymakers #silverjewellery #metalsmithlife #artisanjewellery #jewelrymaker #silverjewelry

Jewellery with meaning is my favourite kind! 🫶 This is the most special piece of jewellery I have created so far. It’s a simple 9ct gold wedding band, and it’s for my Mum. She and my Stepdad are officially getting married at the end of the month, after over twenty years together, and it means more than I can say to have been asked to make their rings. They have always been my most loyal supporters and champions in everything I do, and have motivated and encouraged me from the very beginning of my jewellery-making journey. So to have the skills and the knowledge to be able to do this for them now makes me incredibly proud, and I know that to have my initials as part of the hallmark inside the rings makes them proud also. Jewellery is by nature symbolic. Wedding bands perhaps among the most symbolic jewellery of all. And to have bands that have been handmade, with love, by someone close to you… I think that’s worth so much more than the value of the gold itself could ever be. 🙂 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry #artisanmade #statementnecklace #weddingring #jewelrymaker #goldring #handmadejewellery #jewellerywithmeaning

Sometimes the ‘fancy’ tools really do make a difference… ⚒️ I shared a reel over the weekend showing how I make jump rings, including how I formed the initial coil of wire with my new jump ring former. The next day I decided to make another coil for comparison using my previous method, where I’d wrap the wire manually around something like a dapping post or dowel. I used the same 1.2mm copper wire, and I think you can see the results were quite different! I wasn’t trying to prove a point here by deliberately doing a terrible job with the second coil (no doubt some of you will tell me my technique was bad to begin with… 😂) but it justified the upgrade to me at least. You see, every time I share a new tool or piece of equipment I inevitably get a handful of people telling me it’s unnecessary and I don’t ‘need’ it to make jewellery. And yes, I agree. I probably don’t. After all, people have been making jewellery by hand for centuries without anything like the kit we have now, including electricity. But you could also argue that I don’t ’need’ a freezer, microwave, toaster or kettle in my kitchen. And I’m not going to get rid of those just because there are other options that were around first. People invent these tools for a reason. And if there is anything out there that will help make a task easier, simpler, or faster - then I’m all for it. If I can afford it. And if I should choose to invest in it, and it works, and I like it, I will share it here. Not because I necessarily think everybody should have one, but for the benefit of those who appreciate knowing there might be an alternative way that suits them a little better, too! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewelry #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking

Wishing you a Marbleous Monday! 🌊🧜🏼‍♀️ The weather here on the south coast has been pretty awful today with consistent heavy showers on and off, so here’s a lovely photo of a sea glass marble balanced on a driftwood log to brighten up your feed! I also wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who replied to my post yesterday, when I asked about how much info and detail I should include in the sea glass jewellery book I’m currently writing. As always, you are all incredibly supportive and full of good ideas and suggestions. I’m so glad I asked the question as your responses really helped and I have a much clearer plan on how to approach this moving forwards. You are the best! 😊🫶 Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #seaglass #seamarble #seaglassmarble #iloveseaglass #jewellerymaker #seaglassaddict #seaglassobsessed #marbleous #marble #seaglasslover #seaglassjewelry #seaglassjewellery #marblemonday

How much is too much?! 🫣🌊📖 I’ve been working on my book today, and more specifically writing the chapter on making sea glass bezel settings, which is without doubt going to be THE biggest one. Turns out writing a book and finding content to include isn’t difficult for me - it’s knowing when to stop that’s the challenge! 😵‍💫😂 I’ve got my overall plan sorted and I know HOW I’m going to structure the whole book. But I think I’m probably getting too carried away with the level of detail, and it’s hard to judge where exactly to draw a line. I’ve spent the last few years not only making (and more recently teaching) sea glass jewellery, but also coming up with a multitude of tips, tricks and techniques to make the process a little easier or faster… So what do you guys think? Do I just stick to the essentials and fundamentals, or do you want me to include absolutely everything I know? I’d really appreciate it if you could give me a steer here, and add your thoughts in the comments! Pictures of my favourite ever sea glass creations included just to give you something pretty to look at while you ponder this question! 🙃 Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #seaglassnecklace #jewellerymaker #seaglass #handcraftedjewellery #seaglasspendant #iloveseaglass #seaglassjewellery #iloveseaglass #oneofakindjewellery #seajewels #silverjewellery #upcycledjewelry

How I make jump rings! ⚒️ As promised, here is a reel showing how I got on with my new jump ring former, and my method for cutting the rings out afterwards. It’s called ‘The Beadsmith EZ Coiler Pro’ (bought on Amazon) and I have to say I’m really impressed with it. It was easy to use, and the coil it produced was much tighter and neater than I have ever managed by manually wrapping wire around a dapping post. This means the rings I made were a far more even and rounder shape, as well as more equal in size. I tested it using copper wire (1.2mm) and this was held in place by securing the end through the hole in the mandrel. You then just keep the free end tight and straight, and turn the handle to form the coil. You could of course use a drill to get a similar result, but this thing is sturdy and compact enough to fit in my bench vice which makes it feel secure, and it’s easy to control the speed. It also comes with a selection of accurately sized steel mandrels, which are great for achieving consistency in size, and for £30 I think that’s pretty good value. I didn’t go for a more expensive model with the cutting part as I don’t use jump rings frequently enough to justify that, and for smaller quantities sawing works just fine. My top tips for this part are to wrap the coil in tape to keep it together, and then thread it onto the blade and saw from the inside out. This is much easier - and less risky for the fingers! For the sake of comparison I also had a go making a second batch of jump rings using the same wire and a dapping post. I’ll share the results of that later this week, but let’s just say that this was one tool purchase that I won’t be regretting! 🙃 Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewelry #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrytips

There is only one pair of earrings like this in the whole world! 💜🌍 I know that may seem like quite a bold claim, but even if I were to make a second pair in the same style and using the exact same methods, they would never be completely identical. That’s the beauty of handmade and handcrafted jewellery. Each earring is made by me from solid silver sheet and wire. The patterns were created randomly using a rolling mill, and the sawing and soldering was all done manually too. The gorgeous purple African amethysts are natural gemstones as well, which adds further to the variation. The silver will not flake away because they are not plated, and they should last a lifetime - if properly taken care of. These actually started life as pendants, but this last pair were not selling so I re-made them as earrings instead, to give them a new chance of finding a forever home. I like them better this way. Silver and gold prices are still rising and it’s all getting a bit ridiculous now so I’ve stopped looking at the figures. I’m not buying any more materials for a while, and instead I’m looking more closely at what I’ve already got. I’ve been thinking more deeply about everything that goes into my work too. For anyone looking to buy jewellery, you get something totally unique that nobody else has, made with love and born from years of learning and practice to perfect the skills required. And for my fellow makers, I think we just need to keep reinforcing the value of handmade and handcrafted jewellery, and reminding people of what it takes to bring these pieces to life. After all, it’s so much more than just metal. 🙃 Have a fabulous Friday, Kelly xx #SoMuchMoreThanMetal #artisanjewellery #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaker #silverearrings #gemstoneearrings #jewellerydesigner #jewellerylover #sterlingsilver #silverjewellery #handmadeintheuk #modernjewellery

My favourite way to re-shape round bezel settings! ⚒️ Doesn’t matter what shape they’re destined to be, my bezel settings usually get squished around at least a little, so I can flatten the section where the join will be. This helps ensure the soldering is as neat and flush as possible. For irregular shaped stones and sea glass I usually just put the soldered wire back over the gem or glass itself and gently push it against the end of the bench peg to get the bezel wire exactly where I need it to be. But for perfectly round bezels I find this tricky to achieve, and I have two alternative methods to smooth out any bends in the wire. One way is to put it on a mandrel and gently squeeze round with my fingers or hammer it lightly with a rawhide mallet. Make sure you turn it over halfway to keep the sides straight. But a quicker way is to roll it out. Using a wooden dowel on a wooden surface will ensure it is re-shaped without any accidental stretching of the metal. However, if you also find the setting is a bit tight and WANT to stretch it out a bit, then use a metal rod (like a drill bit or dapping post) and a steel block. This will gradually increase the overall size of the bezel band and make it bigger. Let me know if this works for you too! 🙃 Kelly x *If you find my content helpful and would like to support me and my page (without purchasing my actual jewellery!) you can now buy me a coffee instead via the link in my bio 🙂☕️ #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #sanding #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #jewellerymakingtips #bezelsettings #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips

And we pivot… pendants to earrings, what do you think of the upgrade? ⚒️ With the current sharp rises in precious metal prices still ongoing, I’ve decided to set myself a challenge and not buy any more materials for the rest of the year. Instead, I’m going to use up everything I’ve already got left and start working my way through existing pieces and giving them a bit of a do-over. The first project was taking some floral patterned pendants and turning them into earrings instead. They’re made with some gorgeous deep purple African Amethysts, but just weren’t popular as necklaces. I only had two left and won’t make more, so these are now totally one of a kind. They’re made with Argentium silver earwires, as this alloy is more hypoallergenic and less likely to cause any reactions. Nobody wants itchy ears so it’s always my go-to for handcrafted hooks! I think they work better as earrings, but I’d love to know what you think too! They’re available now, £82 inc P&P if you’d like to grab them before they make their way to the website. Hope you’ve had a great start to the week! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking #jewelrymaker #silverjewellery #silverearrings #silverjewelry #processreel #howitsmade

How to set up and use the Dremel Versatip for soldering jewellery! ⚒️🔥 I’ve been asked about this a lot again recently after I shared a reel on the torches I use, so here’s a guide to the smallest one for those of you who wanted it! I’ve been using one of these for many years now, and would still put it up there as one of my top five tools because of how much stress and time it has saved me. As I’ve said before, I’m not able have tank or hose torches in my studio and so I am restricted to handheld butane ones only at the moment. I’m also not interested in which types of torches might be considered ‘better’, just sharing what is available to me and the alternative options I have found that work best! I’ve not found them to be particularly limiting in terms of what I can make, but a regular handheld torch is often a bit ‘too much’ for the smaller soldering tasks like jump rings, clasps and chain links. That’s where the Versatip has proven to be so valuable. It has a finer and more direct flame (still hot, at max temp 1200 deg C) so it’s just perfect for anything that needs precision more than power. It actually has a multitude of different capabilities (which are the reason for all the extra attachments), but I have to confess I’ve never tested out any of those. For me as a jeweller, just being able to solder silver with it is all I want or need! 🙃 And if you want your own, you can get them on Amazon. Kelly xx *If you’d like to support me and my page but don’t need any jewellery, you can now buy me a coffee instead! Link in bio 🙂🫶 #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #soldering #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #tooladdict #jewelrytools #jewellerytools #jewelrymaking

Handcrafted jewellery is an investment ⚒️🫶 And it holds more value than ever now. Not just because of the material worth, but because so many people are having to make more considered choices over where they spend their money. Jewellery is an emotional purchase, and not an essential one. Precious metal costs have now broken records and reached an all-time high here in the UK, and it’s impossible to predict how far they will go. I have spent the last two days updating all my prices, and I will admit that it left me feeling more than a bit sick to see the necessary increases - and those are due to material costs alone. Nothing extra for my time, or my experience or tools. But it is what it is, and complaining will not bring the figures back down. So instead I shall pivot, and think far more carefully about what I am creating, just as my customers are thinking a lot more carefully about what they choose to buy. I am going to focus on using up what I have left and re-design and re-purpose pieces that I’ve had in stock for a while. I have always enjoyed a challenge, so I’ve decided to see this as just another one in the path to reaching my goals and making my business work. Self-employment has never been easy, but I’m not ready to quit just yet. Sending hugs to all my fellow metalsmiths and jewellery makers out there 💕 And I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, whatever you’re up to! 🙂 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewelrymaking #jewellerymaking #handmadeisbest #jewellerybusiness #smallbizuk #hampshirebusiness #silverjewellery #handmadejewellery

A stone for the current season! 🍁🍂 I will never get tired of working with Moss Agate, and the deep burgundy and green shades in this one are just perfect for Autumn. Each of these stones is like its own miniature universe. And it has a bespoke handcrafted silver setting too - which is another reason I love creating these statement pendants. Every single one is totally unique and one-of-a-kind. You’ve probably heard the news that jewellery is getting more and more expensive to make and to buy right now, so ‘investment’ pieces like this one are literally more valuable than ever. I like to think of them as my legacy collection. Perhaps I should make that a new category on my website… 🙃 Hope you’ve had a fabulous Friday, Kelly x #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry #artisanmade #statementnecklace #ooakjewelry #jewelrymaker #mossagate #handmadejewellery #mossagatejewellery

Happy post! 🤩 I do love a delivery of jewellery-making stuff! ⚒️ This little package of polishing and finishing bits and pieces came from @maddisonsofdurham and includes some of my favourite things. Emery sticks, rubber burrs and Eveflex flexi discs. I haven’t tried the latter before as I’ve only very recently heard of them, but I’ll test them out soon and let you know how I get on! Kelly 🙃 xx #jewellerymaker #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #stonesetting #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #mystudio #tooladdict #jewelrymaking #handmadejewellery #jewellerytools #jewelrytools

The latest jewellery piece to leave my bench! ⚒️ This beautiful stone is a Garden Moss Agate, and it’s been set in a handcrafted sterling and fine silver bezel. This one is spoken for but I have a couple of similar ones on my website. Moss Agate is a firm favourite of mine and I love working with it! 🙂 Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry #artisanmade #sterlingsilver #statementnecklace #ooakjewelry #jewelrymaker #ladysmith #mossagate #gemstonejewellery #jewelryaddict #handmadejewellery #oneofakindjewellery #mossagatejewellery

The boss is back in the studio with me today. Merlin hasn’t appeared on the grid for a while, so here is a clip to show he’s still very much about, for all those of you who I know love him too! He snuck in here earlier whilst I was working on the computer and is happily snoozing on my bench chair in the sunshine while I do dull admin tasks. No making for me this afternoon either, so he can stay where he, undisturbed, for now! I rather enjoy the company. Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #whereiwork #mystudio #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #silversmith #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaking #britishshorthairs

What did you do with yours? 🪁 This time last year I had just finished the jigsaw or ‘kite’ project for my Diploma with @jewellersacademy - and it was probably the most difficult project on the whole course for me! It’s gained a sort of notoriety for being particularly challenging, and is almost like a rite of passage for students now. The aim of this project was to test our sawing, filing, soldering and sanding skills. It looks simple enough, but the precision required to make it work is not so easy to achieve. Earlier this week the full process reel was shared again, which documented my attempts to create it. This reel shows what became of it after. I joked at the time of finishing it that I’d like to stamp it with some kind of motivational message, and pondered for a while over what sort of meaningful phrase might suit it best. In the end I went for something basic and straightforward… “You can do hard things” Because yes, yes I can. And I did! This little square of copper and brass now sits proudly on my bench, reminding me to keep going every time I come up against something difficult! 🙂⚒️ Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #motivationalmessages #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #tooladdict #processreel #whatsonyourbench #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools #jadiplomadiaries #youcandoit

The latest gadget to join my tool collection! ⚒️ Up until now I’ve always made jump rings by wrapping wire around a dapping block post, BUT after my visit to @jewellersacademybrighton last week I used a proper jump ring former for the first time and was rather struck by the difference it made. The resulting coil was much tighter, meaning the rings I made were a far more even and rounder shape, as well as more equal in size. Now I sadly can’t afford the beautiful @durstontools version they had in the studios there, but I did find a budget-friendly £30 version online when I got home. It seems sturdy and is compact enough to fit in my bench vice, which hopefully means I won’t need to have it permanently bolted to the bench (I’m running out of working space there as it is!) Do you have one of these, or do you use something else? I’ll have a play with it over the weekend and will let you know how it goes! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #soldering #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #mystudio #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking

Another beautiful sea glass find! 🌊 I almost missed this piece, as it was partially buried in the sand and I was about to turn around and head towards home after my walk this morning. It’s a bit too heavy for jewellery I think, but it’s a gorgeous colour and very tactile, so I’ve adopted it anyway. Can’t turn down a gift from the mermaids! 🙃🧜🏼‍♀️ Kelly xx #seaglasslover #seaglass #iloveseaglass #seaglasshunter #oceangifts #beachtreasures #beachfinds #beachcombing #beachcombingaddict #vitaminsea #sealover #seaside #besidethesea

Shall I turn these pendants into earrings? 🤔 I’ve been going through my current jewellery stock this week, and whilst my main focus is updating my prices to reflect the current hikes in metal costs, I’m also looking at the pieces themselves. I can’t afford to buy any more silver to make new designs right now, so I’m considering ways to re-use and repurpose existing things that have been around for a while. Because when times get tough, we pivot - and get creative! These silver stars have not been particularly popular as pendants, so I thought perhaps I’d switch them to earrings instead. What do you think? I’m clearly not a good judge of what people might like or want, so I figured I’d put the idea to you guys before implementing the change. If you think earrings would be better, let me know. And if you’d like a pair - let me know that too! 🙃😂 Kelly xx #artisanjewellery #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaker #silverearrings #simplysilver #jewellerydesigner #jewellerylover #sterlingsilver #silverjewellery #handmadeintheuk #starjewellery

Did you guess right?! 🫣 Today I ordered 3 metres of 1mm thick sterling silver wire and it cost me £45 (roughly $60 USD). The coil I’m holding here is the exact same length and gauge and when I bought it back in December it cost me £30. That’s an increase of 50% in less than a year, and when you actually hold it in your hands and look at what you get for that price it’s pretty sobering. I’ve run out of things to say about this now so I’ll just leave this here for illustrative purposes while I go check all my pricing spreadsheets. Again. Sending big love to all my fellow jewellers and metalsmiths out there. It’s going to be a rough ride over the coming months 🫶 Kelly xx #sterlingsilver #jewellerymakers #ladysmith #silverjewellery #metalsmith #metalsmithlife #silver #artisanjewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaker #silversmith #preciousmetals #jewelrymaking #jewellerymaking #madewithsilver #silverjewelry #handmadeandwellpaid

Not everyone can have a ‘professional’ jeweller’s torch, myself included! ⚒️🔥🧯 But that doesn’t mean you can’t be a jeweller or still make a wide variety of designs. I’ve had lots of comments in the past asking about the torches I use, and several more asking why I don’t have a ‘real’ torch. Whilst propane or oxygen tank-fed hose torches may have more power, more variable flame sizes and the ability to heat larger pieces, they’re not always an option for everyone. I genuinely don’t have the space for gas tanks. We are also renting, and the lease terms and insurance don’t cover this. In addition, my workshop is in my home and I have children and pets so wouldn’t be comfortable with anything more than a hand-held torch. And in all honestly I have never needed anything more. Everything I’ve ever made has been soldered using this trio. Here are the details for anyone who wants them; 🔥 The Clarke Weld Micro Torch came from @kernowcraft. It has a small, easily controlled flame up to 1300°C and I use this for most of my work. 🔥 For larger pieces and annealing, I have a bigger one by @durstontools that is a similar temp but has a larger flame. 🔥 And the ‘Dremel Versatip’ gives a finer flame for more precise tasks where a larger torch would be hard to control and likely melt stuff. That was from Amazon. I’ll pop some links to each of them in my stories today, and if you’re watching this at a later date, they’ll be under the ‘tool links’ highlight below my bio. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙃 Kelly xx *If you’d like to support me and my page but don’t need any jewellery, you can now buy me a coffee instead! Link in bio 🙂🫶 #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #soldering #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #mystudio #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips

A helpful tip for sanding flat and small pieces of metal! ⚒️ Take a small strip of masking tape (also known as painter’s tape depending on where you live) and fold it into a makeshift handle. It’s strong enough to stay put whilst sanding and protect your fingers, but is also really quick and easy to remove. I have posted about this tip before, but as I was going back over my Diploma projects recently I remembered it was helpful to lots of people at the time and thought it was worth sharing again! I’ve also shared the sanding discs before too, so if you’d like more details on those you can check out the linked reel, and find the shortcuts to them in the ‘tool links’ story highlight beneath my bio ⚒️🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #sanding #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #ladysmith #mystudio #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips

What I’ve made this week! 🌊 I’m currently at @jewellersacademybrighton teaching sea glass jewellery, and this bezel-set pendant was the latest sample piece I’ve created. It’s a simple style, but I added some interest by making a bail out of some odds and ends from the scrap drawer! ♻️ I love teaching here, and as a bonus I get to try out new tools that I don’t have at home… my current favourite thing (and now top of my wish list) is a jump ring maker. I’ll share a clip of it to my stories later! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #seaglassjewellery #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking #silverjewellery #workinprogress #silverjewelry

Another look at this multi-coloured Imperial Jasper beauty! 🌿💕⭐️ This pendant has now been re-located to the @madebyjewellers gallery in Brighton so you can go take a look in person if you’d like a closer view of those gorgeous swirls 💫 I’m going to be in Brighton too for most of this week, so do come and say hello if you find yourself nearby! As I’m going to be away from my own workshop I’ve popped my online stores in holiday mode for a few days, and will open everything back up on Friday. Mr W&T is going to take command of the homeship & all the domestics for me while I’m away, but I think processing and posting out any orders would be a bit of a big ask! 🙃 Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry #artisanmade #statementnecklace #ooakjewelry #jewelrymaker #jasperpendant #handmadejewellery #oneofakind

Sawing out a silver seahorse! 🌊⚒️ This was for the backplate on a pendant featuring a huge Aquamarine cabochon gemstone. I was pretty impressed with myself that I got round in one, with no broken blade, AND I did it without my magnifying optivisor goggles on (because they got in the way of the camera). The clip here is only 35 seconds, but in real time this took me just over twelve minutes. As always, I’m using my trusty @greenlionsawframe, which I love, and the silver sheet is 0.7mm thick. The blue colour is due to the protective film that silver here in the UK comes wrapped in, which I leave on until the last moment to guard against scratches and because it’s easier to remove the template sticker this way. Usually this sort of thing is a ‘hold your breath’ moment but instead I had to continually blow across the bench peg to keep the dust away and keep a clear sight on the line I was following! The pendant is finished and available on my website, but I still have the silver seahorse that I cut out here. Let me know if you have any ideas on what I could make with it! 🤔 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #howitsmade #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #tooladdict #silverjewelry #seahorse #jewelleratwork #jewelrymaking #handmadejewellery #greenlionsawframe #workinprogress #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools

My only sea glass find from this morning! 🌊 Usually after a couple of stormy days and nights you’d expect to find an abundance of treasure washed up on the beach. But alas, I think the days of filling my pockets or beachcombing bag are now long gone. There’s very little glass to be found now, but I did spot this one aqua-coloured piece. It’s a bit too curved to be set in a silver bezel, but it’s beautifully rounded and a gorgeous colour, so it came home with me nonetheless. Perhaps I should be taking a longer stroll each time, and then I might find more! 🙃 Are you finding it harder to find sea glass these days? Let me know if your favourite beach is the same! Kelly xx #seaglasslover #seaglass #iloveseaglass #seaglasshunter #oceangifts #beachtreasures #beachfinds #beachcombing #beachcombingaddict #vitaminsea #sealover #seaside #besidethesea

Should I laser all my packaging boxes? 🤔 I have been using these Kraft boxes for my jewellery since the beginning, as I liked the way they are recycled, and pretty simple in colour and style. In terms of ‘branding’ them I usually pop a business card on top of these rectangular ones, tied on with a ribbon, as this allows them to be easily re-purposed for something else. But then I recently engraved a few with the laser to take up to the new ‘Made By Jewellers’ gallery in Brighton, and now I’m thinking I really like this look better. What do you think? Are they more useful kept plain for future use, or should I laser the lot of them with my logo? 📦 Let me know! And for anyone wanting to see how the process is done, I’ve linked another reel at the bottom of this one. 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewellery #handmadejewellery #laserengraving #jewelrymaker #lasermachine #lasercutter #jewelleryboxes #jewellerypackaging

The finished earrings! ⚒️ These are what became of the textured strip of silver I shared with you yesterday. They’re quite simple in their design, but once textured and polished they are beautifully shiny and have a really lovely sparkle. They’re also a mirror image of each other, which I always feel is important in earrings wherever possible! I made these for my mum as a birthday gift, to replace a similar pair I gifted her last year of which one recently became lost. This time I’ve added some hinged clasps (pre-made, as I don’t have the tools to manufacture those) instead of a traditional hook, which will hopefully be much more secure. Now Mum can have matching pair of earrings again, and also a matching pendant! 🙃 I’ve also made a pair of these for myself too, but in an oxidised finish. I’ve never gotten so far as to make them a listing in my webstore collection though. Let me know if you think I should! Have a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking #jewelrymaker #silverjewellery #silverjewelry #silverearrings #handmadeearrings

The beautiful sound of jewellery making! 🙃 This is a just a little clip from what I’ve been working on this week - texturing a silver strip with a hammer. It’s sped up in places because in real time it takes a while to do this, plus I kind of like the way the sound changes! You really wouldn’t want to hit your fingers with this hammer as it’s pretty heavy and sharp, but it gives a really lovely texture which sparkles and shines beautifully when polished. It comes with a series of different heads, and although the exact model I have is no longer available, there are plenty of other options like it if you search for ‘multi-texture’ or ‘interchangeable’ jewellery hammers online ⚒️ The metal strip I’m texturing here went on to become a pair of earrings - but they’re a gift, so I’ll share the finished result once they’ve been presented! [Yes, Mum, they’re for you… 😘] Hope you’ve all had a wonderful week! Kelly x #jewellerymaker #ASMR #behindthescenes #howitsmade #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #seekinspirecreate #mystudio #tooladdict #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelleratwork #handmadebusiness #handmadejewellery #hammering #jewellerymakers #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools #jewelrymaker #jewelrymaking

A game-changer for saw piercing! ⚒️ I was introduced to these Maxflex Finishing Strips by the very lovely and super-talented Risza (@by_risza) when we last saw each other at @jewellersacademybrighton a few weeks back. I was showing Risza some pics of my final project for the Diploma in Silver Jewellery and she asked how I’d cleaned up the intricate saw piercing details. Now, the exact method I had used at the time was somewhat less elegant! I put the metal on its side in my bench vice and used small strips of sandpaper to smooth the saw marks and rough edges - holding one end of the paper in each hand and moving it from side to side. I broke a lot of paper strips and it took absolutely ages. In truth it reminded me why I don’t do piercing that often! Risza suggested trying these Maxflex strips instead in future and they are just brilliant. So much simpler to use, and I find I can get a faster and more even result. It’s also a lot easier to see what you’re doing. I bought mine from @Cooksongold (this is not a promo or affiliated post!) and will add a link to my stories today for anyone else who is interested. I’m super grateful for Risza and all my fellow jewellers who share these tips and suggestions with me, so I’m doing the same and passing it on 🫶 I also know this is week one for the new batch of Diploma students so I wanted to get this out there to you whilst it might be particularly relevant! I just wish I’d had some of these a year ago… 🙃 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #sawpiercing #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking

Here are all the pieces I made during the third and final term of my Diploma In Silver Jewellery! 🤩⚒️ They’re all still away for marking, but I remembered to take photos before I sent them off! 📷 My favourites from this term were the claw set pieces (which have contributed to a new deep love for faceted and sparkly stones) and my final project which was a silver book locket pendant. The most challenging project was probably the metal clay fingerprint bracelet, as that took a lot of patience to get right, and technically the most satisfying one for me was the granulation. I’ve done this a few times in the past, but I learned SO many more tips and tricks from the course on how to do it better, and it’s much easier now! The final project was also something I’m very proud of, and was an enjoyable challenge to do. ‘Ad Altiora Tendo’ means ‘I strive for higher things’ which felt a fitting phrase to incorporate on the last thing I made. Let me know which of these pieces you love most, or which techniques you’d most like to try! I can’t quite believe it’s been a whole year since I started the Diploma back in September last year, but without a doubt it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done - for myself personally and for my business. Best of luck to all the new students starting their own Diplomas tomorrow, and I’m quite envious I can’t be amongst you this time around. I’m sure you will love the experience every bit as much as I did! 🫶🙂 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #whatsonmybench #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelrymaking #jadiplomadiaries #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #ladysmiths #silverjewellery

Mission accomplished! 🤩 My display at the @madebyjewellers gallery exhibition is now in place and I have to say it’s quite a moment for me to see MY work in a beautiful setting like this. I’m so proud to be included here amongst so many amazing artists, and what was even lovelier is that my whole family came to help me set up and see where I teach when I’m working @jewellersacademybrighton. I’m very glad Lucy and I did the practice run first though! If you’re local to Brighton then do come along to the event launch party on Thursday 11th September. It starts at 6pm. I’ll be there, and if you would like to learn how to make sea glass jewellery of your own then why not come down for the whole day - I’m teaching a class beforehand and there’s still a few spaces left! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #seaglasslover #seaglass #handmadejewellery #silverjewellery #metalsmith #artisanjewellery #jewelrymaker #silversmith #madewithsilver #seaglassjewellery #seaglassjewelry

My display is almost ready! 🌊🌸 I’ve been putting together my collection for the new @madebyjewellers gallery exhibition in Brighton. Up until now I’ve only really sold my work online so I’ve never needed to put together a physical display like this one. It was fun to do though and I’m pretty happy with how it looks. I went for a mix of light bamboo and wood, cream velvet and clear acrylic in terms of display materials in the end, and I think they’re neatly on-brand. Big thanks have to go to my daughter Lucy and her artistic flair, as I wouldn’t have known where to begin if she hadn’t taken charge and directed the process! I’ll share some more clips when it’s all finally in place later this weekend! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #seaglasslover #seaglass #seaglassrings #handmadejewellery #silverjewellery #metalsmith #artisanjewellery #jewelrymaker #silversmith #madewithsilver

Right then, September. Let’s do this! 🙌 My children are back at school, and that means I am finally back at my bench. Silver prices are at an all time high and the cost of living is holding people back from buying, but I will keep on creating. Because I love what I do and I believe there is still value in it. Hope you all have a rewarding and positive return to work after the summer too! 🫶 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewelrymaking #jewellerymaking #handmadeisbest #jewellerybusiness #smallbizuk #hampshirebusiness

Making silver oak leaf earrings! ⚒️🍂 This is one from the archives of a year or so ago (as you can tell from the blonde hair before I stopped colouring it) but it felt fitting to re-share on such an autumnal sort of a day! I haven’t actually gotten back to the bench properly this week yet, as I’ve been in the midst of the whole ‘back to school’ business and the logistical nightmare that brings. It’s been tougher this year, as our eldest has started boarding school for year seven and we dropped her off last night. She’s super excited, I’m feeling rather bereft. Her younger sisters go back tomorrow, thankfully still local and living at home for another year. It’s just another one of the side-effects of life as a military family, although despite the resilience we have built up together, such big changes can still hit hard. Normal service will resume next week when I shake myself off, pick up my tools and get back into my regular routine again! Might even make some more of these earrings… 🤔 Hope you’ve had a wonderful week so far, and big hugs to all my fellow parents and caregivers who are feeling the big feels at the moment. We’ve got this 🫶 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #howitsmade #processreel #silverearrings #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #tooladdict #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelleratwork #jewelrymaking #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools #ladysmiths

When did you last check and update your prices? 🫣 I’ve posted several times before about how metal prices have gone up in the last few years, but today the cost of silver has finally reached £30 a troy ounce ($40 USD). [A troy ounce is the unit of weight for precious metals and is approximately 31.1 grams] That means it’s now pretty much three times the cost of what it was when I started metalsmithing just six years ago. Exact prices fluctuate daily but they are still steadily increasing, having risen 37% in the last year alone. I’m not going to get political about this or start going into the realms of ‘why’. It is what it is, and this is just an information post to highlight the reality of the situation. But what is important to take away from this is that if you are a customer of handmade silver jewellery then please bear in mind that it is probably going to get increasingly more expensive to buy. And if you are a jewellery maker then please remember to check your prices regularly, as you may not be charging nearly enough for what you are making. I know times are incredibly tough right now and sales are down for many artists (myself included) but there is a balance to be struck and no business can survive without making any profit at all. And remember; handcrafted jewellery is not meant to be cheap. The things we create are one IN a million, not one OF a million and we shouldn’t be afraid to value them accordingly. Kelly xx #sterlingsilver #jewellerymakers #ladysmith #silverjewellery #metalsmith #metalsmithlife #silver #artisanjewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaker #silversmith #preciousmetals #jewelrymaking #jewellerymaking #madewithsilver #silverjewelry #handmadeandwellpaid

How it’s made! ⚒️ Here at last is the full-length reel showing the making process for the final project piece I made for my Diploma with @jewellersacademy 📖 It’s a locket-style pendant, and the three assessed skills or techniques I decided to include were saw piercing, hinges/rivets and complex soldering. It took me a whole week to create and I was so pleased it all worked out exactly as I saw it in my head - especially as I didn’t take the time to create any prototypes in copper first, which might have been the more sensible route! 🫣 It has the Roman numerals for 2025 down the spine, and the Latin words ‘Ad Altiora Tendo’ in the reverse which means ‘I strive for higher things’ or seek to improve myself, Both of these details felt appropriate to add on the last piece I made on the course. I think I’ve included most of the stages here, but it’s difficult to cover a week’s worth of work in just a couple of minutes so if you have any questions please ask and I’ll try and answer them. I still haven’t made anything to put inside it either, but I might do so when it comes back from marking. All ideas and suggestions for that are welcome! 🙃 Have a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking #jewelrymaker #silverjewellery #silverlocket #silverjewelry #jadiplomadiaries #bookpendant #processreel #howitsmade

Autumn vibes! 🍁🍂 These pendants are some of my favourite creations featuring warm, autumnal-coloured gemstones! ☺️ August is almost at an end now, but I just love this time of year and the changeover of the seasons. It feels like such a pivotal time to me. Rather like New Year, only better! On the one hand I’m sad that summer is nearly over and my children will soon be back at school, but I am also ready for the Autumn term and all the excitement it brings. Here are a few of the reasons why September has always been my favourite month; I much prefer the cooler days and fresher mornings, along with those cosy nights snuggled up on the sofa. It’s also going to be ‘sweater weather’ again soon so I get to switch the shorts and t-shirts for dungarees and knitted jumpers, which I find far more comfortable! There will at last be more things worth watching on the television in the evenings - especially ‘Bake Off’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ which are now traditional family viewing shows that we all watch together. Work-wise I’ve got several classes to teach at Jewellers Academy Brighton, and I’m going to be really immersing myself in writing my book on sea glass jewellery over the next few months. Alongside that I will continue to make more ‘one of a kind’ pieces like the ones in this carousel, and I’m also going to keep learning new skills whenever I can (sand casting is currently top of my list) And at the end of this final quarter we still have Christmas to look forward to! 🎄 It’s going to be a busy time ahead, but I’m ready for it! 🤩 Thanks so much to all of you who joined in the #GetSetForSummer25 challenge with me. I’m still slowly working my way through all the posts, but have loved seeing them. I hope you enjoyed it too! 🙂 Kelly xx

Manifesting this so hard! 🌊 Do you have any ambitions that you’re aiming towards one day? For me it’s to have my own studio and shop somewhere by the sea. A quiet little coastal town perhaps, where I could make and sell my own jewellery and enjoy chatting to people as they wander by. I’d also love to run workshops, as I really enjoy teaching and it would be wonderful to be able to do that in my own space. My middle daughter Lucy is adamant she’s going to join me in this venture when she’s older too, so who knows - maybe I will have to add an ‘S’ and make it ‘Willow & Twigg’s’… 💕 A studio by the sea. That’s my dream. And one day I’ll be sure to make it happen! 🙂 Kelly xx #GetSetForSummer25 #jewellerymaker #dreamersanddoers #onedayiwill #bytheseaside #manifestingmydreams

How it’s made! ⚒️ Some little silver flower studs 🌸 I recently shared a tip showing my favourite method for work-hardening and straightening the posts for these; here’s the rest of the process! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #howitsmade #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #tooladdict #silverjewelry #whatsonyourbench #jewelleratwork #jewelrymaking #silverearrings #handmadejewellery #workinprogress #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools #ladysmiths

A little close-up of the details in this beautiful stone! ✨ This one is a Horse Canyon Moss Agate and has the most amazing swirly green banding. I took out as much of the backplate as possible for this one as the underside is every bit as lovely as the front. I love making pendants from these stones, and every time I do I find myself in awe of the fact they are formed from natural rocks. Mother Nature is amazing. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #GetSetForSummer25 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry #artisanmade #sterlingsilver #statementnecklace #ooakjewelry #jewelrymaker #ladysmith #mossagate #gemstonejewellery #jewelryaddict #handmadejewellery #oneofakindjewellery #mossagatejewellery

Forming a flower! ⚒️ This was a project I created a few months ago with some scrap metal I had sitting in a drawer in my workshop. I had a fancy to experiment with my metalsmithing skills and try to craft something a little more structural than the jewellery I usually make. And since the high price of silver prohibits such experiments on a larger scale, I used copper instead. After lots of hammering, sawing, forming, annealing, twisting, and soldering, things eventually evolved into a flower. Not quite sure how, but that’s the beauty of this sort of unplanned process! To begin with I used my steel dapping block to shape the copper sheet metal that would become the petals, and then added some leaves and a length of twisted metal for a stem. I even managed to successfully add some granulation in the centre of the flower, which is not something I thought was possible with copper so that was a nice discovery too. I really enjoyed making this, and the finished flower has since taken on a lovely aged patina. It sits on my bench as a reminder that it’s always worth taking the time to experiment and test my skills now and again! 🙃 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #howitsmade #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #seekinspirecreate #mystudio #tooladdict #whatsonyourbench #jewelleratwork #handmadejewellery #hampshirebusiness #metalsmithlife #jewellerymakers #jewellerymaking #jewellerymakingtools #jewelrymaker #jewelrymaking

One of the most useful things in my workshop! ⚒️🌊 Baby wipes are something I’ve had around the house for pretty much the last decade, and it was whilst using up an old pack I found in a drawer that I discovered how useful they are when making jewellery too. Now, I’m going to caveat this post early and say I know they’re not the most eco-friendly choice these days, but I’ve tried the ‘water only’ ones and they just don’t work as well. Not for this anyway. So what do I use them for? Cleaning up; both the jewellery itself and the surfaces I work on, and they’re perfect for removing stubborn polishing compound. That stuff tends to sit in the little indentations of sea glass in a way that it doesn’t with smooth gemstones, so it needs to be carefully removed. Baby wipes don’t affect the frostiness of the glass or the shine of silver, so they’re the ideal one-stop delicate clean-up method. They’re more resilient than tissue, they don’t tend to scratch silver (provided you don’t go too hard) and being bright white in colour makes it easy to tell when all the dirt and grime marks have been removed. I gently buff any glass dry with a paper towel afterwards, and any silver with a regular polishing cloth. Just make sure you dispose of the wipes properly and don’t flush them. Ever. And it has to be baby wipes; kitchen or bathroom wipes will do more harm than good to your silver! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewellerytools #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #seaglassjewellery #seaglassjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewelrymakingtips #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewellerytips

The five most valuable things I’ve learned since starting my own handmade jewellery business… ⚒️ These are observations I have identified over the last six years, and despite being in a list here I believe all of them are equally valid. To me, anyway! Thankfully they have been gradual realisations rather than any sort of tough discoveries (for which I am very grateful) but I do keep them forefront in my mind now whenever I’m doing anything business related. Which ones resonate most with you, and what else would you add to the list? 🙃 Kelly xx #GetSetForSummer25 #jewellerymaker #jewelrymaking #jewellerymaking #jewellerybusiness #knowyourmaker #smallbizuk #hampshirebusiness

Some sea glass and silver rings, shown here against a backdrop of one of my favourite flowers! 🌊🌸 Both flowers and sea glass are strong sources of inspiration for my jewellery, and if you were to ask me what my greatest influences were I’d probably say a mix of nature and the ocean. I love to be amongst trees and flowers, and I also feel equally at home being by the sea. The actual materials I use and the colours I am most drawn to also play a big part in my designs. I adore all shades of pink and green in particular when it comes to gemstones, and blues, greys and aquas are my first choices for sea glass. I find that choosing materials and creating pieces that I personally love can be a real motivator when it comes to making jewellery - the downside of this being that I usually want to keep it all afterwards! Not these rings though. I deliberately made these in a wide range of sizes so they don’t all fit me and I can’t keep them. Instead they’ll be available at the new @madebyjewellers gallery next month! 🙃 Kelly xx #GetSetForSummer25 #jewellerymaker #seaglasslover #seaglass #iloveseaglass #seaglassrings #handmadejewellery

There’s a brand new jewellery gallery opening in Brighton, and I’m really excited to be showcasing my work there! I’ve mentioned a few times recently that I’ve been busy making some pieces to sell ‘in-person’ and now it’s officially been launched I can share the details with you too! 🤩 The gallery is located within the studios of @jewellersacademybrighton and will include a selection of gorgeous handmade jewellery available to view and buy. You can find out more by checking out the gallery insta page @madebyjewellers and the new website which is linked through that account, and which I’ll share to my stories today. The first exhibition features 16 of the Jewellers Academy Brighton tutor team and will open with a private viewing event on Thursday 11th September 6-8pm. I will be there too, as I just so happen to be teaching a sea glass jewellery course on the same day 🌊⚒️ So if you’re able to get to Brighton on that evening too and would like to be one of the first to view the collection, do come along! 🙂 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #handmadejewellery #artisanjewellery #jewellerygallery #handcraftedjewellery

Sea glass and sunshine - two of my summer essentials! This was an unexpected find today but I’m rather pleased with it. Not a colour I come across very often, and on turning it around in my hand after filming the clip I realised that it’s heart-shaped too. This piece of mermaid’s treasure would make a lovely silver pendant methinks! 🌊🧜🏼‍♀️ Kelly xx #GetSetForSummer25 #seaglasslover #seaglass #iloveseaglass #seaglasshunter #oceangifts #beachtreasures #beachfinds #beachcombing #beachcombingaddict #vitaminsea #sealover #seaside #besidethesea

A little Monday motivation for my fellow artists, crafters, makers and creators! ⚒️💕🫶 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I saw this quote once and it has stuck with me so much that I think of it every time I sit down at my bench. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sometimes when you create things as a business it can be easy to get lost in the transactional side of things and forget why we started off doing what we do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But whenever we make something we are producing something that didn’t exist in the world before and as a jewellery maker that usually means pretty (and often sparkly and shiny) things. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So a bench day is never just an ordinary day - I get to make something beautiful and that to me is pretty good motivation! 🙃 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly x ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #GetSetForSummer25 #mondaymotivation #makersgonnamake #creativecommunity #makesomethingbeautiful

Down by the seaside! 🌊 I’ve been trying to make the effort to get out for a walk each morning, and since I’m lucky enough to have the beach only a stone’s throw away from my house, that’s where I usually go. I don’t get nearly as much exercise during the holidays as I do during term time, and I am starting to miss the daily ritual of walking my daughters to school and back. That totals two miles a day for me - longer if I take a detour along the seafront on my way home. I’ve managed to persuade at least one of them to accompany me on a few occasions this summer, but if they don’t want to come then it’s EarPods instead and music for company. Just loud enough to help me zone out and relax a little, but quiet enough that I can still hear the waves! My youngest daughter Cleo came with me this morning. She’s the one with the huge stick of driftwood. Took a little persuasion but she eventually agreed to leave it behind. For now at least. Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend, Kelly x #GetSetForSummer25 - ‘Out and About’

Set some sea glass with me! ⚒️🌊 This is a time lapse of the rings I’ve been making this week and shows the very final stage where I’m setting the sea glass into the bezels. For those interested in the technical stuff, I’m using a ball vice to secure the band into, and it’s so much easier than using a ring clamp. The vice I have is 3” in size and is from Vevor. I’d love a snazzy GRS one but they’re over four times the price and this does the job just as well. I’m also using a tiny piece of polishing cloth to protect the base of the setting. I do have some Thermoloc and whilst that would probably hold everything more securely, it needs to be removed using heat. I don’t know the history of the sea glass I’m using and don’t want to risk it cracking by exposing it to a heat gun, and trying to use hot water to soften the Thermoloc without submerging the whole ring is just a faff. The setting tool I use is a curved burnisher, which I’ve shared in several reels before. I did try using the hammer handpiece for my bezels but it left too many marks that then needed polishing out. Perhaps I’m using the wrong attachment with it, but no matter what other tools I try, the simple burnisher and a bit of effort gives me the most control and the best results. It’s a good workout for the shoulder muscles too! Oh, and yes - the bench is already a mess again… 🫣 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes ##howitsmade #makingjewelry #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #tooladdict #jewelrymaking #jewelrymaker #processreel #seaglass #handcraftedjewellery #seaglasslove #seaglassrings #iloveseaglass #seaglassjewelry #seaglassjewellery

A handful of silver rings, soon to be set with sea glass - just one of the things I’ve been working on this week! ⚒️🌊💍 Since recording this clip I’ve given the settings a polish and added a patina to bring out the details in the bands. I used patterned wire for two of these and I want those tiny swirly scrolls to show up! I’ve just got to set the glass in place now and they’ll be all finished. I do love the combination of silver and sea glass together. Not just because the colours match so well, but I think there’s something so appealing about the frostiness of the glass contrasting against the smooth shine of the metal. The prompt for yesterday’s #GetSetForSummer25 challenge was ‘silver or gold’ and although I’ve now finally experienced working with gold thanks to the Diploma I’ve recently finished, I don’t think it’s going to feature regularly in my designs. I mean, never say never… but not only is the cost of gold just so ridiculously prohibitive right now, I’m not sure exactly where or how I’d use it. Perhaps one day I might combine it with some gemstones, but I don’t think I’ve ever come across sea glass jewellery made with gold. Would you try it or buy it? Let me know! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #seaglassjewellery #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking #seaglassring #silverjewellery #silverrings #silverjewelry

One of my favourite bezel-setting tips! ⚒️ I’ve shared this once before, but it was quite a while ago and since I’m currently sitting at my bench filming stuff anyway, I thought I’d share it again. The quickest method I’ve found to get an even border around a bezel setting is to take a piece of scrap wire and simply hold it in place between the bezel wall and a pen as you draw around the whole thing. A super-fine marker is always best for getting a clear line, but it doesn’t have to be a scrap of wire. I have used the stems of burrs before and even drill bits and broken cocktail sticks - whatever happens to be close at hand and the right size for the border width you want! 🙃 Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewelry #bezelsettings #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #ladysmith #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips #jewelrytipsandtricks

A handy tool for cleaning up the inside of bezel settings! ⚒️ These are silicone carbide polishing burrs, by Eveflex. They come in a range of different grits and a huge assortment of shapes and sizes too - and have a 2.34mm shank to fit most rotary tools. I love using these cylinder ones for polishing and refining the inside of bezel settings as the flat base means they don’t leave visible lines or marks. They are fab for the insides of ring bands too. (If there is any excess solder on the inside of my bezel setting, I remove that first before polishing using an inverted cone burr to gently grind it away.) You can also get finer polishing pins in the same colours that are held in a mandrel which you buy separately. These come in a range of sizes too; the ones I’m using here are a teeny 2mm which makes them perfect for really small settings! I also love using the wheel shapes, especially for removing excess metal and sharp edges, and the flame shape polishing points are my go-to for tidying up solder around jump rings. I like the blue ones (coarse finish) for that particular task. If you want to see the full range of shapes and sizes available, and the exact definitions of the colours/grits then head over to @maddisonsofdurham who have a huge selection and a colour-coded guide on their website You can also use the code EVEFLEX15 to get 15% off their full Eve range! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #jewellerytools #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #jewelrytools #whatsonmybench #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking

What I’m currently reading! 📚 That’s the prompt for today’s #GetSetForSummer25 challenge and at the moment I’m enjoying working my way through these wonderful magazines. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ They were passed on to me by my very kind friend and fellow beachcomber Su @whats_on_my_beach and although they were written and published in the USA they contain articles and topics from countries and coasts all over the world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whilst fascinating to read, I have to admit they’re also sparking some pangs of wanderlust and a desire to travel and explore other beaches! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sea glass in particular can vary hugely in quantity, quality and colour from place to place, so to be able to have a collection gathered from all over the globe would be something of a dream. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you have an international sea glass or beachcombing collection? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let me know where your best finds came from! 🙃🌊 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly x ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #beachcombing #thalassophile #seaglasslover

Making a sea glass pendant; a bird’s eye view! ⚒️🌊 It’s currently the middle of the summer holidays here in the UK so my normal routine is all a bit shaken up with children at home and less time to be at the bench. This clip shows what I’d usually be doing though! I love making jewellery with sea glass, as well as with gemstones and even just silver on its own. I’m very fortunate to be able to do something I enjoy so much as my day job, and recently I’ve started diversifying with some teaching too. It doesn’t feel like ‘work’ to me. At least not the actual making part anyway. The business side of things is slightly less fun! 🙃 Kelly xx #GetSetForSummer25 posting challenge; ‘The Day Job’ #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #howitsmade #makingjewelry #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #tooladdict #jewelrymaking #jewelrymaker #processreel #seaglassnecklace #seaglass #handcraftedjewellery #seaglasslove #seaglasspendant #iloveseaglass #seaglassjewelry #seaglassjewellery #silverjewellery

How I drill sea glass! ⚒️🌊 I get asked this question quite a lot, so I’ve detailed the process I use in a carousel for easy reference. I did make a reel on this topic a couple of years ago, but at the time I was limited in time to 60 or 90 seconds and it was almost impossible to include all the details. Hopefully this makes it easier to digest for any of you who may be interested! I may also go on to make another reel now I’ve finally been awarded the three-minute extension, so let me know if you’d be interested in seeing it in video format too! If you have any questions please just ask, and remember that as with anything like this there is more than one way to drill sea glass. This is just the way that works best for me! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #seaglass #seaglassjewellery #seaglassjewelry #makingjewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrytools #jewellerytools #jewelrymaking #dremel #dremelmaker

Shout me out some size suggestions please! 🙏🏻 I’m currently making some sea glass rings but I don’t know which sizes are most popular… I don’t often make rings (at all) for my business as I sell mainly online and it’s hard for people to buy them without trying them on first. BUT I have been offered a really exciting opportunity to have a collection of my work included in an upcoming exhibition event, and this means rings can finally be a viable option! I’ll share more about the event itself very soon, but in the meantime I’m building up some stock and it would be really helpful to know what range of sizes I should include in the selection. And also, would you prefer a bright and shiny finish like the ring here, or an oxidised/satin finish like I often use in my statement pendants? Or would you like to have a choice of both? 🤔 I’m a terrible judge of this sort of thing so all recommendations and suggestions would be very welcome! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #seaglassjewelry #seaglasslove #seaglassrings #seaglassjewellery

Making some silver bands ready to turn into sea glass rings! 🌊⚒️ There’s something quite relaxing about making lots of ring bands all at once. I think I get lost in the repetition of the process. I also love being alone in the workshop (apart from Gandalf who is currently asleep under my bench) and listening to music as I work. The prompt for today’s #GetSetForSummer25 challenge is ‘Background Music’ and I’m one of those people who hates total silence! Music really helps me focus, just as too much quiet causes my mind to drift. I usually have the radio on in the background around the house all day, and in the mornings I like to listen to it in here too. But by midday I’m usually bored of that and switch to something else - often just asking my smart speaker to play me something. My taste is pretty varied and my allegiance to particular bands or artists is often fleeting, but I’m a big fan of indie music as well as classic rock tracks, and even country. Anything that has a steady beat, a catchy tune and lyrics I can sing along with will do for me, and I will often find a favourite song and listen to it on repeat for days (much to the irritation of my family) and then never play it again! Do you like background music too, or are you a podcast fan? Or perhaps you are the opposite of me and prefer peace and quiet? Let me know! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #ladysmith #handmadejewellery #jewellerymaking #jewelrymaking #jewelrymaker #silverjewellery #silverrings #silverjewelry #processreel

What colours make you happy? 💕🌿 For me that has to be pink and green. You may have noticed I’m especially fond of those, and even after choosing them as my main branding colours over six years ago I’m still obsessed. I will stop and take photos of pink flowers whenever I see them out and about, I wear a lot of green clothes, and even throughout my workshop you can spot tools and others things in these colours. I also love pink and green gemstones and sea glass too, and will always take up an opportunity to use them in my designs. This collection shows a few of my favourite ever jewellery creations that feature one of other of these shades! Do you have a favourite colour, or colours that you are drawn to above all others? 🙃 Kelly x #GetSetForSummer25 challenge: ‘Colour Me Happy’ #jewellerymaker #artisanjewellery #artisanjewelry #artisanmade #statementnecklace #ooakjewelry #jewelrymaker #handmadejewellery #oneofakind

Do you use this method too? ⚒️ This tip for work-hardening stud posts isn’t one of my own discoveries and I’ve seen it shared several times before, but here it is again for anyone who hasn’t come across it yet. The same method can also be used for straightening wire too, which is especially helpful if you are working with shorter lengths for things like earring hooks! Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #makingjewelry #studearrings #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #jewellerytools #jewelrytools #metalsmith #makingjewellery #whatsonmybench #silverearrings #ladysmith #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking #jewelrytips

Sailing on the Solent, in the summer sunshine! ⛵️ Today’s prompt for my August #GetSetForSummer25 challenge was ‘On The Water’ and that’s exactly where I’ve been for most of the day. My family have recently adopted a 1997 Bavaria 35 sailboat which we have named Skylark. It’s not easy to organise holidays whilst Mr W&T is still serving in the Navy so this is a great way to spend time together in a more spontaneous and flexible manner. If the sun shines and the wind and tide are in our favour, we’ll aim to set sail! 🌊⚓️ I’m still learning the ropes (literally) and there’s a lot of information to try and absorb, but I’m picking it up steadily - as are the girls. The sea has always been in my blood and although this is a very different type of sailing to anything I did during my own time in the Navy, I’m loving it so far. When the wind picks up and the engine goes off there’s a sort of perfect peace that I don’t find anywhere else these days. I’m not sure I’d feel quite so keen about venturing out on the waves during the colder winter months, but hopefully we still have several more weeks of sunshine to make the most of first! 🙂 Kelly xx #sailing #learningtosail #onceasailoralwaysasailor #TheSolent #sailboating #thalassophile #oceanlover

‘Keeping Me Company’ is the prompt for today’s Instagram posting challenge, and during the month of August that is essentially kids and cats! Whenever I’m working in my studio at least one, if not both, of the cats will come and join me. They like to sleep under the bench or compete for my desk chair. And my main companions are of course my daughters, and Mr W&T when he’s on leave. So far this summer it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. Some days everyone gets on really well and other days the girls are at loggerheads with each other from dusk ‘til dawn… 😬 I like to think it all evens out in the end and I know most households are the same! It’s not made any easier by the fact they’re so close in age (9, 10 and 11) and totally and completely different in terms of personality, but I’m looking forward to more adventures together over the coming weeks. They say we only get eighteen summers with our children, and I’m determined to enjoy this one with mine - squabbles and bickering aside! 🙃 Kelly x #GetSetForSummer25 #keepingmecompany #motherofgirls #britishshorthairs #mytribe

Shall I make more sea glass earrings? 🤔 I’m in the midst of a sea glass creating spree this week, and realised that I haven’t made any earrings for a while. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I think I find it tricky because the glass will never be an exact match and lack of symmetry in earrings irks me, but perhaps I should get over that. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I mean, there will always be a head in-between them when worn so it’s not like they’ll be up for a direct side-by-side comparison! 😬 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let me know if you’d to see more sea glass earrings available, and whether you’d prefer hooks, hoops or studs. Also if you’d prefer a bezel-set style like these, or just simple drilled ones… ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I can’t make my mind up so any guidance from you lovely people would be welcome! 🙏🏻 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly x ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #seaglassjewellery #seaglassearrings #seaglassjewelry

Who’s with me? It’s such a satisfying sound, and also a relief, when the sea glass is finally pushed into the bezel and you hear that ‘click’… 🤩⚒️ No matter how carefully I work and how many times I check, it’s never over until it’s over and that little pebble is safely in place and secured with the silver. And sea glass is especially tricky as it’s difficult to test the setting once the backplate is on without it getting stuck. Dental floss is a great option for checking the fit of smooth and shiny gemstones in a bezel, but I find there’s something about the frosty texture and rounded shape of the glass that holds it more securely in the silver. I choose never to risk it by trying out the fit of the glass before I’m ready to actually set it, so that makes that final ‘click’ all the more reassuring! 🙃 Kelly x #jewellerymaker #whatsonmybench #seaglassjewellery #whatsonyourbench #workinprogress #seaglass #jewelleratwork #jewelrymaking #handmadejewellery #jewelrymaker #jewellerymaking

‘The View From Here’ - this is today’s prompt for the #GetSetForSummer25 posting challenge, and this is what I’m currently looking at! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m looking forward to getting out and about a bit more this month, but for now it’s a bench day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The weather is decidedly autumnal with gusty winds and gloomy skies, and my children are happily playing with ALL the Lego, so we’re hunkering down and enjoying the cosiness of being indoors today. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m still within reach of the kitchen for snack distribution and am listening out for conflict, so hopefully I’ll get a fair bit done today. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ll share what I make later on in my stories. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And if you’d like to join in this challenge it’s not too late to start! 🙃 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kelly xx ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jewellerymaker #behindthescenes #whereiwork #mystudio #jewellersworkshop #whatsonmybench #myworkspace #handmadejewellery #tooladdict #jewellerytools

This is the soldering flux I use when making jewellery! ⚒️🔥 I used to have a borax cone, but switched to Auroflux as I found it quicker and easier to apply and it was less messy. The original bottle is pretty large though, and as my workshop is inside my home I have a large lockable drawer where I can safely store any substances that could potentially be harmful. I keep a small glass jar for the flux that I’m actively using, with just a tiny amount in there at any one time. This feels much safer, and it means I don’t waste too much if it should accidentally become dirty or contaminated and need replacing. I just screw the lid back on the jar when I’ve finished using it and it lives behind the soldering blocks - out of the way of direct sunlight and where it can’t get knocked about. There are LOTS of different options available when it comes to flux, and I’ve not tried them all. But this one works well for me at the moment (on all metals) so that’s what I’ve been using for the last few years! 🙃 Kelly xx #jewellerymaker #jewellersworkshop #makingjewelry #whatsonyourbench #silversmith #metalsmith #soldering #silverjewellery #makingjewellery #howitsmade #whatsonmybench #handmadejewellery #jewellerymakingtips #jewelrymakingtips #jewelrymaking