This was the final city to be visited for this stage of the You Are (the) Here project. Although I had been to London on two previous occasions, I reasoned that a significant enough period of time had elapsed for me to be able to see the city afresh. However, there was still a familiarity due to similarities of language and culture that rendered much of London less remarkable than the previous three cities by comparison. This is not to say that I did not…

One of the newest pieces in the Shape Series is this brooch - the speckled pattern over the textured metal works well, I think.  Would like to find a venue to show these.

Today, I found this essay by Joan Didion on keeping a notebook, an essay of which the editor of the hosting site says, "Though the essay was originally written nearly half a century ago, the insights at its heart apply to much of our modern record-keeping, from blogging to Twitter to Instagram."

I constantly make notes on paper - always ideas…

An AAAmazing night was had by all at the pop up Fashion event held by the fabulous BOLD SOULS in Glasgow at Flat 0/1 Club bath Street.

Some photos of my jewellery on the catwalk. Model Jamie Hillen totally rocked my Big Bang Necklace, Evil Kinevil and Thunderpussy rings! 

Also on show - Sparkle Graff Necklace, 3D Wing Chain & Luxe Ring

All Jewellery…

Two of my ex-students had a little Christmas preview of their new work tonight. For some very odd reason, it was held in a hi-fi shop... quite a strange location but the specialist hushed acoustics made for a really lovely feel to the show.

Ishbel Watson has been working on some new work based on Fritz Lang's "Metropolis":

 …

I wouldn't normally post a commercial link on my blog but I have to confess to having been practically salivating at this wonderful collection of Fabergé - and related - objects for sale. The reticulated gold picture frame is just incredible!

Not much else to report. I've had to make another two of those "Black Christmas" stars for Goldsmiths' Hall in…

I've just been sent this link to an essay by Valerie Steele on "Gothic" Jewellery:

http://www.sofaexpo.com/chicago/essays/gothic_jewelry_sinister_pleasures

Interesting read.

Finished my decoration for the tree in Goldsmiths' Hall in London, "Black Christmas - A Punk Star for Poly Styrene":

 …

'Made to Make' consists of seven art jewellers whose diverse collections have already culminated in an exhibition in the UK, we want to travel with this show to Munich in 2013! We are Farrah Al-Dujaili, Stephanie Arm, Emily Bullock, Hannah Fewtrell-Bolton, Lydia Feast, Katherine Richmond and Natalie Smith.



We are open to any opportunites and would appreciate your helping us to find a space to exhibit!



Please visit…

My first inkling of the impending festive season... I've been invited to make a precious decoration for the ACJ show at Goldsmiths' Hall! The Goldsmiths' Hall already have their own line of decorations. Mine will be somewhat different, using some of my beloved sewing-machine needles: 

 …

Time to allow myself the luxury of a weekend in Edinburgh with nothing to do but see some friends and go to the opening of Stephen Bottomley's first retrospective.

I always sleep very well in Edinburgh: I stay with friends and the room in which I sleep overlooks a graveyard! Much needed as the changing clocks, seasons and the travel to and from the US has made my sleeping patterns somewhat messy.

 …

(I'm just back from a weekend in Edinburgh, which is why there was a hiatus.)

The last day in Chicago was one of pure tourism. I woke up very early and as the show opened at 11 am and my airport  shuttle was at 11.30 am, I thought that a walk around the area to see some more of the city would be in order.

 …

Harriete Estel Berman interviewed me this week for her Ask Harriete blog to talk about how booth display effects your sales at craft shows. Check it the post:…

This post on Crafthaus is a few knock your sock off ideas for making your booth display REMARKABLE !!!!!!!!!! This is an abridged version for a wholes series of posts from ASK Harriete on display.

The whole idea for this series of posts is to be inspired by display ideas from either stores or window…

By Saturday, I had the programme sorted: I wanted to hear the talk about "Mr Imagination" at 4pm, had to meet a friend for lunch at 1pm and knew that I wanted to see a bit more of the city and the amazing architecture of the place. 

One of the things I love about American city architecture is the way that…

Day 2 - Friday 2nd November

An early start for me today as I wanted to have a look around the area around the hotel, Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" of very expensive brand-name shops. The first people I encountered were these unlikely fellows: 

Chicago has a LOT of homelessness and I was particularly…

As I normally say 'no' to Doris Day stereotypes, I apologise for the obvious title to this post!

It is, however, true. I have just arrived home from the thrilling three-day excursion to Chicago for SOFA 2012. It was brilliant, and not at all windy. I am still trying to process it all and the to get round to emailing all the people I need to talk to.…