Pressies...!

GIFTS & PRESENTS

BIRTHDAY?  MOTHER'S DAY?  ANNIVERSARY?  CHRISTENING PRESENT?  CHRISTMAS? (ouch...)

I like to think about giving people "presents" rather than "gifts" - it's a word thing!  - but whatever you call them, and I know not everyone possesses this gene, I have always really enjoyed finding presents for people.

Of course I think all my jewellery and vintage items would make really lovely presents!  But here is an idea for a pretty special gift - perhaps for those who struggle even to see the point of them!  It is a little hallmarked, silver-topped antique, faceted glass pot - which would be enough of a sweet thing all on its own: 

Silver-topped glass rouge / dressing table jar - Hallmarked silver, Birmingham, 1921

But, hey! What's that inside?  

How about making it even more gorgeous by wrapping up and popping in a little piece of jewellery as a further surprise?  

Here is how it might be as the lucky person opens their dream gift! - see below:

The little jar would be perfect for keeping your earrings in by your bed at night - or you ear plugs during the day, in my case (oops...sorry...tmi!).  Little glass jar available to buy under Antiques and Vintage.  And I am always up for a chat about any possible presents or commissions.

And do Subscribe over at www.huguenotgirl.com if you are interested in my bits and bobs about family history.

Try Try Again

Last year, when our young Dutch friend Maud was staying, she asked if she could make a ring with me for herself.  We spent a happy morning in the workshop and she made a ring saying SMILE inside, with the 'i' upside down by mistake which definitely made us both smile.  

She cycles to and from work in Utrecht each day and last week, on hopping off her bike, suddenly realised that her ring had gone!  As she has been over again for the weekend, we spent a bit of time in the workshop making another ring for her.

Some debate over what it might say inside: she chose to put "Try try again" - suitably encouraging as a general daily message! 

Sawing the correct length of silver for UK size F for her little finger (tiny!)

Written in ink first to give an idea for placing the letter stamps

For the outside of the ring she wanted a plain hammered effect which she enjoyed producing! 

Therapeutic hammering...

Loved Loved Loved

I was recently asked to design and make a pendant for a big birthday. The one stipulation was that it should say the word "LOVED" 3 times. See the pics for what I came up with.

Starting with sterling silver rectangular wire and my trusty letter stamps, I added three tiny slivers of 18ct gold as highlights round the circle.  I love silver and gold together - and if you wear either silver or gold most days, you can wear this with either. A 24" sterling silver belcher chain was just the right length and weight for the pendant.  Birthday girl very pleased!  (Tap on the photos below to see more pics).