.

..and some frustration.

This is one of the premium arts events on the Tasmanian calendar and we can highly recommend a visit on the first week end of November each year. Amazing artists from all over Australia exhibiting and working with Tasmanian and international artists. The whole town of Deloraine is electric with the excitement of the four day event.

However the biggest highlight was still to come. This years entry into the Premier’s Award for Excellence actually won!!!  Its an exploration of sculptural form as wearable jewellery.  This is a very tricky area to work in as it means juggling form and function whilst maintaining artistic integrity.

This is something that happens to other people……..usually.

There is nothing more rewarding than to have your work recognised in such an arena and to be described as a master craftsman. This can only mean that I am one step closer to achieving my goal to being as good a craftsman as any master that has gone before me. However I think there is still a long way to go!

Over recent months this style of ring has become known as the “Bec ring” because we made the first one for Bec.

After several orders and many enquiries we finally have one in the studio for you to try on, but I don’t think it will last very long.

We have also been having fun with some Gothic Revival style rings.

This beautiful ring of rubies and diamonds was inspired by our recent visit to the British Museum where I found a display of several magnificent pieces of jewellery commissioned by John Ruskin, William Morris and others. Most inspirational!

The first of our newest designs are in the studio as of today. They are light and very easy to wear. Variations on this design will be studs with pearls or other gemstone beads (above). And for those who keep asking, we will also be making clip-on versions.

For those of you who like choices we also have round. All of our new designs are currently sporting our new ear hook designs. And of course if you have  a desire for something just a little more special then call us at the studio and we’ll make them for you.

So to see them for your self get along to the studio and if you’re one of us “art lovers” come and see us during Yarra Valley Open Studios (September 10-11 & 17-18th). For more information go to www.yvopenstudios.net.au where you can download the guidebook and pick up a link to the FREE iphone app.

Immediately upon returning I had to create something and so this thistle inspired pin was made.

The Citrines look great against the Wallace tartan.

Mother of Pearl is an unusual material to work with but it is something that gives our work a unique finish.  One of the techniques or design tools that we use with Mother of Pearl pieces is setting stones into the shell as demonstrated in these two pendants made this week. On the above, the onyx is only partially inserted into the shell. On the  below we have also partially inserted a Topaz but also set a Diamond into the centre. Although the back of these pieces is not shown, they are always finished with some form of decorative design that is a special secret just for the wearer.  What colour gemstone would you put in yours?

an inspired piece straight from the gem trays

It is also where we will share with you some of the many breakthroughs and news from the industry.  You will also learn about many of the great things that are going on in The Arts and Tourism here in the Yarra Valley.