Artwave 2016 starts today

Artwave 2016 starts today

The ever growing Artwave 2016 festival starts today all across Lewes district. It runs for 3 weekends including the bank holiday showcasing local artists and makers in both towns and rural locations. With 123 venues packed with art, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture and more there is plenty of amazing artworks to suit most tastes. Artwave is divided into 6 art trails which are North Trail, Lewes Trail, South Trail, Haven Trail, East Trail and Seaford Trail. As an artlover you can pick a trail from Ditchling to Lullington and plan your day out in Sussex, soaking up the artwork and countryside as you go. Full details of all the venues and artists exhibiting visit  www.artwavefestival.org.

Sue Barnes Artist
Elizabeth Anne Norris Floral Collection

You can find my jewellery on show at venue 23, Art and Soul, Falmer village hall, South street, Falmer south, East Sussex BN1 9PB. It’s always a great exhibition, well curated by artist Sue Barnes and always a high standard of artwork. There are 18 exhibitors at Art and Soul this year which are as follows:

The Artists and photographers are David Armitage, Sue Barnes, Ed Boxail, Louise Dennis, Miranda Ellis, Cat Ingrams, Alan James McCleod, Annie McManus, Natalie Martin, Sarah Marzaioli, Sarah Mitchener and Ruth Urbanowicz.

Ceramics and sculpture are by Marion Brandis, Deb John, Lou Johns.

Fused glass by Lesley Ramos.

Handmade homewares by Pauline Crook.

And of course handmade sterling silver Jewellery by me Elizabeth Anne Norris

Ruth Urbanowicz
Deb John

I’ve been exhibiting at Artwave for a few years now and love the location for Art and Soul. Situated right near the South Downs Way next to the village duck pond and old church, it’s a picture post card setting. Also Sue Barnes curates a very good show and is amazing at organising everything. Art and Soul at Falmer has many faithful followers and it’s not a surprise! I hope you can come and visit.

For full details of all the exhibiting artists at this venue visit www.suebarnes.org.uk

What Jewellery tools do I need ?

What Jewellery tools do I need ?

What Jewellery tools do I need ?

Thinking of getting some jewellery tools?

If you are thinking about making jewellery then here is some information about jewellery lessons and what jewellery tools you need. I hope you find it useful.

With the inclination, almost anyone can teach themselves simple wire and bead jewellery at home but if you are considering doing silversmithing and jewellery i.e. metal work at a workbench then I’d say you will definitely need some lessons.

Beginner’s lessons in silversmithing and jewellery can be sought in several ways. Either look for a short evening course in jewellery and silversmithing at a local college or find a local jewellery designer who will teach you at their studio.  Evening classes are usually in a larger group and therefore less expensive and give you a good taste of what jewellery making is all about. If you can afford a bit more I’d highly recommend arranging private or small group lessons with a jewellery teacher at their studio. You learn the basic skills of jewellery making , how to use jewellery tools and so much more. Often it’s the hints and tips you can only get from your tutor in an intimate situation that you find most useful and never forget. My first jewellery lessons were with a group of 4 students taught by Jackie Jones. It was here I fell in love with working in silver.

 What you should have in your tool box:

You can continue to learn silversmithing and jewellery all your life and there are countless jewellery tools for the job so once you’ve established that you want to continue learning jewellery making, either as a hobby or more seriously, you need to get yourself tooled up. Here is the list of jewellery tools for beginner’s and some photos. These are the first jewellery tools I purchased in 2002 and there still very much in working order. Ask the tool supplier if they will offer a discount for tools if you are buying a beginners set. As you progress you can add to your tools as and when you need them.

  1. Tool box
  2. Safety goggles
  3. Scriber
  4. Parallel pliers smooth jaw 5 inches
  5. Half round pliers
  6. Round nose pliers
  7. Flat pliers
  8. Shears for cutting solder
  9. Needle files (three-square, square round, flat, crossing, barrette)
  10. Hand files (half round (cut 2), sage leaf/crossing (cut 2), flat (cut 2)) and handles
  11. Soldering block
  12. Borax brush/cone/dish (or auflux liquid and dish)
  13. Eclipse saw frame
  14. Saw blades (2/0 for beginners)
  15. Pair of dividers
  16. Steel ruler
  17. Spring gauge or vernier gauge
  18. Steel tweezers
  19. Emery paper (one sheet of each 240, 500, 1200, 2000)

Photos courtesy of HSWalsh

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parallel pliers

parallel pliers

saw frame

saw frame

dividers

dividers

My recommended suppliers of quality jewellery tools:

http://www.cooksongold.com

http://www.hswalsh.com

http://www.rashbel.com

Being able to work with precious metals and make beautiful things is very satisfying. If you have any questions about what tools to get please get in contact with me here or read about the jewellery making courses we offer here.

Thanks for reading. Was it useful?