A new website, a new path to travel, realising a dream that has been on the back burner for many years now. When I thought about what to write in my first journal entry - it was obvious……..I wanted to acknowledge and thank some amazing women without whom I wouldn’t be writing this!

Firstly Karen, who together with her partner Tim, ran amazing jewellery making workshops in the beautiful Aveyron area of southern France. That first week in 2011 - that first soldered copper ring - I was irretrievably hooked! Year on year I learned more skills with Karen and enjoyed many happy hours with Karen and Tim who were fabulous hosts to those fortunate enough to spend time with them. Karen now focuses on her own silver and fused glass jewellery, and on lovely fused glass art - see her creations here.

It was Karen who pointed me in the direction of my next mentor and now good friend, Lexi. One year Karen and I were discussing design and jewellery pieces in general, and Karen said “you should check out Lexi Erickson’s work - she makes amazing bails, and makes the backs of her pieces special also!” (So a bail is the part on the back of a pendant that you use to attach it to a chain or beads or whatever. Essential, but often overlooked in the design.)

Fast forward five years or so - having come across Lexi’s work and teaching online and in magazines, I finally took the plunge and spent a week learning from her in her wonderful studio in Denver, Colorado. From Lexi I have, and am, learning about design, about Art Jewellery, and am gaining the confidence to develop my own style and ‘artistic voice’. WE also share a passion for stones, tea and dark chocolate!

All this travelling to learn the skills of silversmithing sounds very indulgent - but these were true high points - and where I am now is also the result of many hours of practice on my own at my dining table / garage workshop / studio. Nearer to home I also have Lucy to thank for travelling this silversmithing journey with me - we have had many conversations starting “If I want it to look like this…….how do you think I should shape it / texture it / solder it…..?”

So…..a big shout out to all who have taught and inspired me along the way - sisters of the flame I thank you!