Please use this link to go to my main website and online shop: http://www.sarabuk.bigcartel.com/

Selection of Sewn Up stacking rings

This week I took part in the British Craft Trade Fair or BCTF as its known. This is a large trade event at the Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. This is the third year I have taken part in the fair and it was my most successful yet.

The icing on the cake was receiving a Highly Commended Award in Excellence in Jewellery, sponsored by the National Association of Jewellers. What an honour!

This is a picture of my stand where I spent 3 days, meeting lots of new and very interesting people!

Really happy to announce that my Buttercup collection will now be on display (and for sale) at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The Biscuit Factory is the UK’s largest art, craft & design gallery set in the heart of Newcastle’s cultural quarter. Housed in a former Victorian warehouse, this beautiful gallery spaces set over two floors, display a range of exciting contemporary fine art, sculpture, original prints and jewellery, quality craftsmanship and design led home wares.

Variations on a theme

In this  post in February I featured a collection of Sewn Up jewellery made for Gill Wing Jewellery Gallery with red thread. I have just sent them some new designs, some in that fabulous red, and also glitzy gold...

                      

                         

                     

                 

Doodles

Some doodles turned into these cute little earrings!

                  

Delicate Oxidising

Here is another one of my processes that I use to make my jewellery. I often get asked how I make the flowers in my Buttercup range black. Well, I use a chemical called liver of sulphur, which artificially oxidises silver and copper and other metals (except gold), turning them black. Although it is available in rock form which then has to be broken down and mixed with water, this is quite messy (and smelly!) so I use a brand called platinol which is ready to use (but still smelly!). Because it turns everything it touches instantly black, I have to apply it very carefully. I use a tiny brush and a very steady hand!

Message Bangles

A customer commissioned me to make these personalised silver bangles for his daughters 21st birthday. Each one had a personal message from a family member stamped on them. I thought they made a really lovely keepsake, a permanent reminder of this special occasion that she can always carry with her.

I love the idea that wherever she is, she can look down and see words from her loved ones.