Continue reading »]]> As I’ve said before it’s good to keep in contact with your galleries even if you currently don’t have your work in them. The Laurel Gallery took on my jewellery a few years ago and had it for a while. I got back what was left of my pieces earlier on in the year and have now given them a total refresh of jewellery.

They have 17 pieces including mixed collections.

3 textured necklace and earrings

green quartz component pendant and earrings

rollered rectangle pendant and earrings with 9ct yellow gold detail

And a statement architectural pendant

So if you are in Stockbridge in Edinburgh, take a wee look into the Laurel Gallery to see what can inspire you to start your Christmas shopping.

Continue reading »]]> I can’t believe it’s November already! I’ve been working like a trooper and have finally managed to restock more of my galleries.

Argenteus in Covent Garden and Oxford have been restocked with some fabulous new pieces and topped up with some more aquamarine component pieces.

The Tayberry Gallery in Perth has a selection of my glacier green perspex and my frame gold leaf collection. It has just been topped up with my aquamarine component pieces as well as a few other pieces.

And finally the DCA in Dundee has also been restocked with various collections, including my green quartz geometric wire pendant and earrings.

So if you are looking to get some exciting Christmas presents this year head to a gallery and purchase something unique and handmade.

Continue reading »]]> As well as galleries stocking my work on a regular basis I sometimes get chosen to exhibit in specially selected exhibitions. A new stockist for me, The Yorkshire Craft Centre is having it’s annual Christmas Bedazzled Jewellery exhibition which starts on the 11th November and continues until 16th December.

Our annual festive feast of desirable design for discerning gift givers returns.

With budgets squeezed and continuing economic gloom, it is time to spend less but purchase beautiful things that will lift the spirits and give lasting pleasure.

I have supplied the gallery with a nice selection of 20 pieces which include pieces in my frame, labyrinth, rollered, geometric wire with Green Quartz and Tourmalinated Quartz collections. They also have a few of my one off statement pieces to attract attention.

Continue reading »]]> Another two galleries which have stocked my jewellery over the years are Pebbles Jewellery, Edinburgh and Cecilia Colman, London. They haven’t had my work for a least 6 months so I got back in touch with them to see if they wanted to stock my new range of perspex and silver jewellery. They both came to visit my stand at the BCTF, Harrogate in April and both took a liking to the glacier green collection.

They both have been restocked with the full range of the glacier green collection and Pebbles also has a small selection of my pale blue perspex and silver pieces which included these gorgeous cufflinks.

Why not treat your man to a nice pair of cufflinks for Christmas?

Or add a little colour in your life as the nights are getting darker and purchase a nice piece of glacier green perspex and silver jewellery. Classic, stylish and timeless designs.

Continue reading »]]> As I said before it’s good to keep a relationship with your galleries. This has definitely been the case with one of my longest stocking galleries The Marchmont Gallery, in Edinburgh.

They started stocking my jewellery shortly after I graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone back in June 2006. They started off with a selection of my statement degree show pieces. Then they tried my textured and pearl collection which  has been selling ever since. I decided that it was time to refresh the display completely and give them a whole new collection of work to stop my display becoming stale.

The Marchmont continue to stock a selection of my textured pieces as it sells well in their space and suits their clientèle.

They now also have a selection of my frame and labyrinth collection and some of my rollered pieces. These are simple elegant items of jewellery which would make great Christmas presents.

So if you are visiting Edinburgh take a look at the Marchmont Gallery to inspire the mind.

Continue reading »]]> Over the past 4 years of being in business I’ve realised that it’s good to keep in contact with your current galleries, let them know of new ranges and designs, build a relationship with them and refresh your stock regularly in order to increase sales and keep your work fresh.

So as I’ve had my jewellery in the Smokehouse Gallery, Eyemouth and Artifex Gallery, Sutton and Kalo Jewellery, Glasgow since last Christmas and my pieces have continued to sell well, I decided that it was about time to do a restock in time for Christmas to make the most of the sales.

The Smokehouse has been refreshed with my rollered collection

Artifex has a lovely selection of my popular frame with gold leaf collection

and Kalo has been topped up with my Tourmalinated quartz component and geometric wire with green quartz collections

It’s now a good time to start buying your Christmas presents and jewellery is a fantastic gift to give to your loved ones. So why not head over to these stunning galleries to see what’s on offer and to inspire you to start your shopping!

Continue reading »]]> During the past few months I’ve been busy sourcing new galleries to stock my work in time for Christmas. The first new gallery to stock my work is The Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge.

This new gallery has a selection of 20 pieces which range from my frame and labyrinth collections

to my Tourmalinated Quartz geometric wire pieces

They also have some of my green quartz and aquamarine pieces as well as a few new pieces.

So if you are in the area take a visit to the Heart Gallery and purchase some gorgeous jewellery for Christmas presents.

Continue reading »]]> I recently went to an interesting and unusual walk around Art exhibition & community event which documents the Past, Present and Future of Dundee’s Hilltown.

The exhibition shows artworks by Peter Mansfield in conjunction with Environment Arts Team (Dundee City Council) and is named We Reign Invisible which runs from 24th September- 27th November. The Multi’s in the Hilltown were recently demolished and Peter has used rubble from the demolition to create really interesting and detailed pieces of art which portray optical illusions and trick the eye. You really need to get up close to see the detail involved, for the images to come alive while others can be seen from a distance at a certain angle. Quite inspiring work!

I went along to the opening and was really intrigued to find out more about the community lead projects which relate to this event. There were performances from Dundee Poets Gary Robertson & Kevin McCabe; who gave an insight to how people lived in Dundee, Hilltown back in the day – some humorous but also brutal stories.

It was interesting to meet the other artists involved including Ross McLean a Dundee photographer who showed black and white images of the local people who live in and around the Hilltown. And Emma White who with Carrie Findlay have a fantastic little shop on the Hilltown. Emma kindly invited me to visit her space, Diaosu Limited. They have been working with the Hilltown community during the Past, Present and Future projects and have some interesting things on show.

This Friday Emma and Carrie launch the Bird’s Eye View exhibition in their space. They have been taking photos in and around the shops of the Hilltown, Dundee over the past 2 months and are celebrating with a showing on the 14th October 2011.

The exhibition will continue on the 15th October 1pm to 4pm and on 16th between 1pm and 3pm. They say,

We have really enjoyed meeting and chatting with the shopkeepers in our community. This work is provided as part of the Changing Faces of Hilltown project which we carry out in partnership with Pure Media UK.

For more information check out their facebook page

For more information about the We Reign Invisible exhibition check out

Continue reading »]]> Saturday 1st October 12-5pm and Sunday 2nd October 12-5pm

It’s nearly that time of year again for the artists of WASPS to open their studios. As we are in a temporary studio space at 18 Airlie Place, Dundee, DD1 4HS (due to Meadow Mill getting renovated) it’s going to be a different type of event.

We at WASPS are having a mini Open studios in no less than 2 weeks. The space is amazing and has three floors of rooms that were originally student flats, there’s 11 of us at Airlie Place with 4 artists at Douglas Court/Meadow Mill so there is more than one venue this year.

We have also invited artists/makers from Dundee to take part and set up shop in the spare rooms at Airlie Place to make the event bigger.

So spread the word, come visit and support your local Creative folk of Dundee buy some gorgeous jewellery, paintings, scarves, sculpture, prints, textiles and ceramics.

Continue reading »]]> After having another successful year at the West end Festival I am now busy with restocking my current outlets and gaining more galleries to stock my jewellery.

The first gallery restocked is the DCA, Dundee. They now have a selection of my textured silver with pearl collection, my geometric frame pieces with 22ct gold leaf detail and a few more of my component wire aquamarine collection. And it is spread across two half shelves!

Cynon Valley Art Gallery and Museum, Wales now has an expanded choice of my glacier green perspex and silver collection.

So add a little colour in your life and treat yourself to a nice piece of jewellery.

Continue reading »]]> I would like to invite you a special jewellery exhibition that I am taking part in and will be attending, the Opening this Friday from 7.30pm at the Tayberry Gallery in Perth.

The exhibition will run from the 26th August – 25th September and will start off with a ‘Jewellery Party’ evening on Friday evening 26th. Drinks and canopies will be served while guests can try on pieces and talk to the designer/makers. Timings for the jewellery party will be doors open at 7pm, party starts at 7.30, ends at 9pm.

It is a special exhibition as it only has jewellery from members of the ACJ Scotland (Association for Contemporary Jewellery) The designers will be there on the Opening night so it will be your exclusive chance to meet the makers, find out more about their work, try on and treat yourself to a gorgeous handmade piece of contemporary jewellery and support the local makers.

I have included a selection of my perspex and silver collection, my frame 22ct gold leaf collection, some one off pieces and a selection of men’s rings and cufflinks. So if you can make it on Friday night it would be great to see you and enjoy a drink.

The next event after this is a charity ladies night at G casino, Dundee – Be Gorgeous Event, on Wednesday 31st August from 7pm. I’ve donated a piece for the raffle and there will be other prizes to win. It’s also free entry and everyone gets a free glass of bubbly. There will also be a chance to pamper yourself as there will be a variety of businesses set up during the night. For more info visit the facebook event page

For the first time I will be exhibiting at The Dundee Flower and Food Festival during Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th September at Camperdown Park. I will be in the lifestyle marquee which is adjacent to the craft marquee. Hope you can make it for a fun day out with the family.

Remember to check out my online shop as I will be updating this with new pieces and images in the next few weeks. And get in touch if you would like to organise a jewellery party.

Continue reading »]]> During May I got the chance to visit the solo show of Jennifer Robson in the Outbye Gallery, by Pittenweem.

The gallery itself is in a unique location out in the country by Pittenweem which is in an estate – a relaxing, peaceful spot. So it was a nice venue for Jen to have her first solo show.

Jennifer started off as a fine artist combining painting for a number of years with managing The White Gallery which then changed owners and became Hannas Gallery. Jen is now set up as a full time artist and has expanded her art practice to include, sculpture, embroidery and costume jewellery.

Her recent solo show was a mixture of objects, story boxes, a dolls house, drawings and paintings, as well as playful toy sculptures and jewellery. The horse also plays in important part in Jen’s exhibition and the blue braids link everything together.

Each piece tells a story and has hidden meaning. When displayed as a complete exhibition the pieces create the life of Jen.

Dolls House

Detail in the dolls house

The one piece that first caught my eye when I walked in the gallery was her fantastic dolls house. It came from an original sketchbook idea that Jen had 3 years ago, she said that,

after I read in a symbolism book that the house is often used as a representative symbol of the psyche, with the levels representing depths of the consciousness. The roof is said to connect to a higher consciousness, like a transmitter as such. So immediately I thought about the house I shared with my beloved flatmates at Uni in Thomson street in Dundee. It’s a three-tiered old house with high ceilings, bay windows, cornices, and a twisting staircase. The attic rooms are fabulous with slanted ceilings and you could even sit out on the roof and enjoy sunny Dundee with a view of the Tay in the summer.

(taken from Jennifer Robson’s blog)

As you can see there are many layers and details in the house and each piece represents a part of Jen’s life. The closer you look the more you see the tiny details.

There are many more hidden meanings and stories to tell in her story boxes. I was pleased to see Jen included the gold glitter horse – cause we always need a bit of sparkle in our lives!

Jen’s work has really progressed over the years and her solo show is the beginning of her exploration as an expressive artist. Seeing the show gives me many memories as with most of the pieces, I saw them as objects sitting in Jen’s studio but now they are works of art. It’s amazing how the creative mind works!

Seeing the horse in so many expressive ways, fills me with emotion as horses were a large part of my life as a child. Jen draws, paints and sketches them as strong, powerful animals with so much life and movement.

To find out more about Jennifer Robson visit her blog

Continue reading »]]> Back in February I had the opportunity to visit Munich as a research trip and attended one of the worlds largest jewellery trade shows Inhorgenta, it’s basically the Crufts of jewellery shows!

The show itself was absolutely massive and totally overwhelming to begin with as there was so much to take in. Unfortunately cameras were forbidden in the hall so no photos I’m afraid.

With a hall devoted to tools, display, packaging and technology, one hall for large brand jewellers (like Thomas Sabo – who had a huge funky stand) and watches (Fossil – giant wooden cube). There was a hall for smaller designers which were separated into collectives/groups, universities. It was nice to see some British designers like Jane Adam and recognised some silversmiths who exhibit at goldsmiths. This hall also had the more established independent German designers. The range of work was mind blowing and the Germans really are the most talented jewellers! Their pieces were mostly made in 22ct yellow gold, most of which were very simple but chunky designs. The pieces were extremely well made and finished to a very high standard. It was really inspiring to see such innovative designs and it’s made me realise that I want to produce creative, one off statement pieces again.

Two huge halls were also devoted to precious, semi precious stones and beads, I was in heaven! It was an amazing experience and I could have quite easily spent an absolute fortune. But I went with a budget in mind and Alan helped me keep my sensible head on and stopped me spending too much! I could have spent my whole budget on the first stall I found as it was full of my favourite stones, including Kyanite, dendritic quartz, rutile quartz in the unusual cuts that I use.

Some stalls had open shell schemes with tables covered in loose stones to pick up. I learned quite quickly that some stalls were more expensive than others as stones were individually boxed and locked in cabinets. These stalls were set up as a retail outlet. They were also a lot quieter so you knew not to enter those ones unless you had mega bucks to spend!

Lots of stalls sold strands of different gems and beads, hanging from the top of the wall right down to the ground. Quite a lot of the bead stalls had the same or similar stock but charged different prices, so it was good to look and compare before you bought. Some gave discounts when you purchased a set amount, most had minimum spend in store. This was quite annoying as I saw some nice strands but only wanted a few things but their minimum spend was €500.

They all had different ways of pricing, some didn’t have prices. Most were in euros and had weird codes so you had to ask the staff for help. All the stalls had small baskets or trays for loose stones (these were priced per carat). Most stalls only took cash and you had to specifically ask for receipts. One of my friends visited last year so I was prepared with cash and ready to ask for receipts but some places wouldn’t write them so I had to make notes of what I spent and from whom.

As the show was so big we split it up into two days, one day for stones and one to look at the designers (though I did go back to one of the stone stalls to get some more). Here are two of my favourite type of quartz.

Dendritic Quartz

Tourmalinated Quartz

These are some of the stones I bought and can’t wait to make some new exciting pieces. Hopefully I’ll have some of these made into fantastic new pieces by the Westend Festival in August, so come visit my stand during 6th-14th to see what’s new.

If you would like something made with any of these stones please get in touch.

Over the years I have been collecting stones. I now have a large selection of stones which are ready to make into some gorgeous pieces of jewellery. Here are a set of green amethyst (purchased from my London supplier) and two topaz which I purchased in Mexico a few years ago. Now that I am a full time self employed jeweller I will have the time to make some exciting new pieces with these stones.

Continue reading »]]> I will be exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show from Thursday until Sunday. I won’t be updating the stock levels on my shop whilst away so please contact me if you wish to buy something online during this time.

If you do go to the Highland Show, stop by my stand in the 3D2D marquee and say hello.

Continue reading »]]> My first big show of the year for the general public to visit will be the Royal Highland Show, Ingliston. It will be the 3rd year in a row that I am exhibiting.

The show takes place in Ingliston show-ground during 23rd – 26th June and is a fun day out for all the family with Sheep sheering, horse trials and fantastic food and craft stalls. It is open from 9am – 7pm and you need to purchase a ticket to get in. buy now as it’s cheaper in advance.

I have booked a larger stand this year as I have lots of work to sell. I have recently done a stock take and found lots of pieces which I don’t normally display. Lots of my jewellery will be on special offer at the show. Including older perspex stock and chunky silver choker neckpieces. You will also be able to purchase one of a kind Genna Design pieces as well as some of the first pieces I made when I started out making jewellery.

So to get some fantastic bargains and see some exclusive pieces visit my stand at the 3D2D Craft and Design Marquee.

Continue reading »]]> March is springing past so quickly and I’ve been working hard to keep up with the pace. With the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) only in a few weeks preparations are well under way.

The show is a totally unique fair and takes place from Sunday 3rd – Tuesday 5th April at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

The fair represents 500 of the UK’s and Ireland’s top designer makers from a selection of disciplines including sculpture, textiles and jewellery.

BCTF is a well organised fair and an absolute delight to exhibit at. So fingers crossed this years show will be full of buyers wanting to purchase new work.

Many exhibitors launch new designs at BCTF and this is no different for me. As well as expanding current ranges I will have a selection of new one off pieces.

This year will be my third year exhibiting at the show so I have decided to refresh my stand with a new contemporary display. If you are a trade buyer who has a shop, gallery or outlet interested in purchasing exciting and fresh new jewellery visit my stand number 281.

Continue reading »]]> I can’t believe we’re in March already.

February really flew past with commissions and making stock for the wedding show. The wedding show was a great success this year. It was much busier, I was in a better position and got so much interest with a few clients going ahead with bespoke wedding ring commissions.

Then it was off to Munich to visit Inhorgenta, the massive jewellery trade show. I am writing a separate post about the show as there is so much to say.

Also just before I left for Munich I found out my hard work is starting to pay off. Back in December I applied for a local award scheme and I’ve been successful in gaining the Dundee Craft Award. The award helps artists research and develop new work or attend courses related to their practice.

This is fantastic news as it will allow me to take part in a 4 day short course in gem stone carving and cutting. I’m really excited about learning new jewellery skills and it’ll help launch my creative practice to a new level.

The course is later this year but I will also post about this and put up images of the stones I create so watch this space.

Continue reading »]]> This time of year is busy for the jeweller with the run up to Valentine’s Day and the Wedding/Engagement ring period, (lots of couples tend to get hitched in the new year). This year has been particularly busy for me.

As well as working on special commissions for individual clients (future posts will be put up once pieces are completed) I’ve also been restocking my galleries after a busy Christmas period.

These galleries include Primavera in Cambridge with more geometric wire pieces,

Artifex in Sutton with more frame gold leaf pieces

The Smokehouse Gallery in Eyemouth with more classic silver pieces.

So be romantic this year and treat your loved one to a fabulous piece of jewellery. If you can’t make it to the galleries (currently about 20 throughout Britain) that stock my work, you can still purchase pieces from my online shop.

Happy shopping! and have a fantastic Valentine’s Day!

Continue reading »]]> Love is in the air! As valentine’s Day is just around the corner jewellery is the prefect gift for the special someone in your life.

I have lots of gorgeous pieces to choose from my online shop. I’m still offering free postage on orders over £50. For jewellery with the love theme, I have some heart jewellery to choose from including my red and blue perspex heart charm silver bracelets.

Silver and perspex heart neckpiece with chunky handmade silver chain, approximately 19″ in length. I also have red perspex cuffs, red pearl pendant and red perspex and silver rectangle pendant and studs. So check out my website to see what fabulous jewellery is available for valentines day.

As we’re on a romantic theme I thought I’d let you know about my first show of 2011 which will be The Wedding Show at Caird Hall, Dundee, on Sunday 20th February. Last year I launched my wedding jewellery ranges including engagement rings and bridal jewellery for the bride and bridesmaids including tiaras, pearl and silver jewellery with cufflinks and tie pins for grooms party.

crystal and pearl earrings

double textured bangle with pearls

Remember I’m available to make bespoke jewellery and wedding rings. So get in touch if you would like something made.

Continue reading »]]> Last year I launched my wedding jewellery collection which includes wedding and engagement rings for men and women, bridal jewellery including tiaras, pendants, earrings, bracelets, etc for the bride and bridesmaids and finally cufflinks, tie pins and kilt pins for the groom.

I also offer a bespoke service so if you have any ideas of your own or a wedding theme then get in touch to discuss what can be made.

Since exhibiting at the Wedding Fair, Dundee during February last year, I have been gaining more clients who want something different and special made for their wedding.

This year I will be exhibiting at the wedding show again but this time I will be in the Caird Hall, Dundee on Sunday 20th February 2011. (not 27th which I originally thought!)

On display will be silver samples of my wedding and engagement rings. All pieces can be made to order in your own specification. A selection of bridal jewellery in silver and pearls, including tiaras and cufflinks, will be available to purchase and take away on the day. I will also have pieces from my other jewellery collections available for sale.

If you can’t make it to the show then feel free to arrange an appointment at my studio in Dundee if you wish to discuss getting your rings made.

Continue reading »]]> The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) will be taking place during 3rd-5th April in the Great Yorkshire show ground, Harrogate. Its a great show to visit if you’re interested in purchasing exciting handmade work from British designers for your gallery or shop.

This will be my 3rd year of exhibiting at the BCTF and I hope to gain new outlets as well as my current galleries restocking my jewellery. Last year I had great feedback and good orders and am hoping to do well again this year as my jewellery really stands out from the crowd (Comments from last years show).

I am trying out a more contemporary display this year so hopefully my work will make a big statement. As well as showing off my expanded commercial ranges including my frame and labyrinth, geometric wire and component, perspex and silver collections, I will also have some statement gallery pieces on display to add some colour and wow factor (some of which are currently getting made so it’ll be your first chance to see some of my newest work).

If you’re a gallery owner or buyer interested in purchasing some exciting handmade jewellery then come visit me at my stand: Genna Design 281.

Looking forward to meeting you in April.

Continue reading »]]> As a jewellery designer wanting to exhibit at trade fairs to gain more outlets and expand your client base, it is worthwhile visiting shows that you are interested in before you exhibit.

I had been told that Scotland’s Trade Show at the SECC was a good one to exhibit at so I decided to visit it to scope out the competition and also to see if I could get some exciting work for the shop I work in 3 days a week.

There are so many talented Scottish jewellery designers out there but I was shocked to see the amount of mass produced, bought in jewellery from abroad that was on display. There were only about 4-5 small independent jewellery designer makers, whose work was very nice, but I felt that contemporary handmade jewellery was really under represented.

I’m not sure if this is due to the lack of buyers attending the show who are looking to stock unique handmade work or if they are just interested in selling the cheaper, mass produced as that fits better with their client base.

I say be more exciting and try something new from an independent jewellery designer and refresh your outlet for 2011.

Continue reading »]]> The Compass Gallery Christmas Show is a renowned exhibition and is no ordinary Christmas Show. The gallery has developed its strong reputation by making personal visits to the individual artist studios which enables that all important understanding of each artists practise. Through making this personal selection the Gerbers aim to present their audiences with the best and most creative Scottish contemporary art today. Their search is far reaching, extending beyond the borders of Scotland – the exhibition will also include some of today’s established British Contemporary artists. This year despite the current economic climate the gallery continues to build and cultivate relationships with the artists they present this year is to be the most creative and exciting exhibition the Gallery has had.

The Compass gallery has chosen a selection of my one off sculptural pieces. Including my candlestick, large Rutile Quartz neckpiece, my garnet arm bracelet, handcuff bangle, as well as other exciting statement pieces. So get down to the Compass Gallery in Glasgow to visit this exciting and inspirational exhibition.

Continue reading »]]> Yes it’s the time of year again for the Christmas craft fairs and this Saturday 13th November is the first of the festive exhibitions of this year. The show is in Hillhead Library in the heart of Glasgow’s fabulous Westend on Byres Road, and will be open from 11-4pm.

I’ve been busy making lots of new stock including some fabulous statement neckpieces for the festive parties. Here’s my new lavender amethyst geometric silver neckpiece and earrings.

I will also have plenty of bargains including my sale basket so you will still be able to purchase some unique handmade pieces at affordable prices. If you’re stuck on what to buy as gifts this Christmas the craft fair will really get you inspired So come visit the Glasgow Westend fair and start your Christmas shopping.

Continue reading »]]> Artifex Gallery in Sutton is a fantastic 3000 square foot gallery which is split into a variety of spaces including the furniture gallery, a gallery devoted to painting and of course a separate space for it’s contemporary jewellers.

My jewellery was stocked there last Christmas and was well received so they now have my work again in time for Christmas. They have a selection of my frame layered and rollered frame with gold leaf collections. Each piece is individually handmade and due to the technique involved no two pieces are the same.

Continue reading »]]> The Smokehouse Gallery in Eyemouth is a totally new gallery for my work. The gallery stocks lots of different styles of jewellery including cheaper colourful pieces.  So if you don’t have a massive budget this Christmas you can still purchase some of my handmade jewellery. This has given me the opportunity to provide the Smokehouse with a selection of my more commercial, affordable pieces including

Blue circle perspex collection

Aqua green perspex frame pendant and earrings

Or if you just want something classic and simple my tower collection would be ideal.

Continue reading »]]> Pebbles a fantastic jewellery shop with a wide selection of exciting pieces of jewellery, from the designer maker like me to the big brands. They have shops in Edinburgh and Bo’ness and have stocked my work since early in my jewellery business. They like to take on pieces which are a bit different from the norm. when they visited the BCTF in Harrogate they came to my stand and really liked my frame layered necklace and wanted a collection of these pieces.

This has given me the chance to design new pieces specific to them and allowed me to expand the range. Designing new pieces allows me to experiment and have fun making something new and in tourn spares off some other ideas. Some of these are one off statement pieces and this one off statment neckpiece would be fantastic to show at their Bo’ness Fashion show later on this month.

With these fabulous long statement earrings. Large statement earrings are in just now! and you will definitely wow! people wearing these.

Here’s new pieces in my expanded frame layered collection. These are one off statement frame layered oxidised silver drops.

Frame layered oxidised silver with a hint of 22ct gold leaf detail necklace and statement ring.

And this fabulous one off statment frame layered oxidised silver bracelet

If you like something less of a statement here is the elegant rollered silver with 22ct gold leaf earrings and pendant set.

Continue reading »]]> I visited Perth today to set up some pieces at a new outlet in Perth. Beyond Beauty is a different outlet to which I normally stock as it is a gorgeous salon and spa. What better chance to get yourself a fabulous piece of designer jewellery when you’re getting pampered.

They have a selection of my cheaper commercial ranges, so if you don’t have a large budget for Christmas presents you can still afford to buy my handmade jewellery.  Beyond Beauty have my funky perspex collections in red, aqua green and glacier green as well as pieces from my elegant textured and pearl collections.

3 textured drop necklace

Textured and wire with pearl pendant and earrings

Domed textured silver pendant and stud earrings

Fabulous textured cluster ring with pearls, Tourmalinated Quartz and a hint of colour with beryl

Treat your partner to something special and an affordable price and get on down to Beyond Beauty in Perth.

Continue reading »]]> The Tayberry Gallery in Perth had a successful exhibition during September and sold quite a few pieces. I have now restocked them with gorgeous new pieces including more from the aquamarine component range and pieces from my Tourmalinated quartz component collection.

Tourmalinated quartz component earrings

My fabulous statement rings are always popular, including my aquamarine large component ring

So if you want to make a statement this Christmas or want to treat your partner to a fabulous piece of handmade jewellery head to the Tayberry to see what other pieces are available!

Continue reading »]]> The run up to Christmas is a busy time of year for the jeweller and it is no different for me. I’ve been working like a trooper trying to get my work stocked in as many galleries as possible in time for the Christmas rush.

A totally new outlet for me is Kalo Jewellery, based in Glasgow and they have a fabulous selection of my aquamarine component wire collections. I have especially made new pieces for them including this fabulous neckpiece, it is a one off piece.

This bracelet is also a new piece. The component part moves!

Fabulous statement earrings to match the necklace

Aquamarine component pendant, earrings and ring collection

They have 25 pieces in this range so if you want to see more of this collection visit Kalo Jewellery

Continue reading »]]> It’s nearly that time of year again for the artists of WASPS to open their studios during Saturday 2nd (11-5pm) and Sunday 3rd (12-5pm) October 2010. It is a special time for WASPS Dundee as it will be the last time people will see the inside of Meadow Mill in its present state.

The Mill is due to get a refurb early next year. I have had a studio space since September 2006 and it is long awaited. Last year Dundee’s Open Studios got in a record amount of visitors through the door and this year we hope to have even more.

Open Studios is a fun day for all the family with some artists giving demonstrations. A variety of work will be on display and for sale including drawings, paintings, sculpture, printmaking, digital media, photography, textiles, ceramics, installation and of course my fabulous jewellery. Myself and Ruth Gordon will be having a clear out of old stock so it’ll be a good time to start buying your Christmas presents. I will be having special discount prices for this weekend only, so grab yourself a bargain or unique gift for someone special.

Here are some images from last years Dundee Open Studios:

Jennifer Robson

Jennifer Robson specialises in portraits and has recently been working on installations and sculpture.

Jill Skulina

Jill Skulina makes textile art about womanhood.

Paola McClure

Paola McClure makes soft sculptures and dolls.

Louise Kirby

Louise Kirby is a textile designer who makes gorgeous scarves.

Garry Brown

Garry Brown makes driftwood clocks and sculptures.

Jonathon Hood

Jonathon Hood is a well established painter.

Continue reading »]]> As from next week The Rivers Gallery in Stoud will be stocking pieces from my Geometric Wire and Rollered collection.  This is the start of expanding my stockists for Christmas and is the first time exhibiting with this gallery.

Yes I did say Christmas, it will be here before we know it! As an artist designer you need to prepare outlets well in advance so start your shopping now and get some lovely gifts instead of buying things last minute.

The photos here are a selection of some pieces the Rivers Gallery will have.

Bracelets

Continue reading »]]> My next major event is the WASPS Open Studios on 2nd and 3rd of October. Most artists will be opening their studios so come along to see a diverse amount of work in the heart of Dundee’s art community.

There will be jewellers, painters, sculptors, textiles and those working in wood, illustrators, photography and much more.

Sometime after the show we will be shortly decanting to premises elsewhere for the studios to be renovated. This will mean another floor of studios, a gallery space and for those who have visited before, the most important addition – a lift!!

So come along and see us and the building before it is re-opened again.

Continue reading »]]> I have a new stockist in Perth – the Tayberry Gallery I have provided them with a mix of my one off pieces and some less expensive pieces.

Yesterday I popped through to visit it for the first time and it was really nice space and good size filled with lovely contemporary applied art. Including Jewellery, prints, glassworks, textiles and handmade gorgeous wooden tables.

You can see some of the other jewellers stocked in the gallery here.

Continue reading »]]> Finally finished my preparations for the British Craft Trade Fair at Harrogate.

I will be on Stand 255 from Sunday until Tuesday so if you are there pop along to say hi.

I will have trade catalogues for any galleries looking to take on ranges of my work. I have spent the last few weeks making loads of new pieces for some ranges – photos will be appearing here over the next wee while once I am back from the show.

Continue reading »]]> I have been slightly busy working on preparation for the British Craft Trade Fair at Harrogate. This is a Trade Fair aimed at galleries and shops rather than the general public so is slightly different from the usual halls and function rooms that Craft Fairs take place in.

I exhibited last year and managed to get a few new outlets from it so hopefully I should get a nice increase in interest for year two.

I assume that most of the readers of this blog are the public who buy jewellery rather than galleries so I haven’t really put much detail up about it.

In other news I have been working on a couple of commissions and Alan has today finished the first round of updates for the website so that should go live at some point soon.

Continue reading »]]> I exhibited at my first Wedding Show in the Caird Hall, Dundee. It was a different experience from the usual fairs that I do and it allowed me to exhibit my jewellery to a new market of clients.

I gained lots of feedback about my work with comments like “Your jewellery is unusual and unique, it’s great that you do bespoke wedding jewellery too.”

I also gave a few quotes to potential clients who want wedding jewellery made. Overall it was a good experience and will hopefully be doing more wedding shows in the future.

Here’s also images of my new bridal jewellery check out Picasa for my whole range of wedding jewellery

Continue reading »]]> Come and Glisten! in the GrassMarket will be my last craft fair of the year.

Glisten! is a new 6-day market which will take place in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket from Thurs 17th to Tues 22nd December, all housed in a warm, sparkly lit marquee. Open each day 11am-6pm. Entrance free.

Quirky arts and crafts, unique cool collectibles, vintage and recycled clothing, eco-friendly goods, sitting alongside organic + home-grown food produce, and specialist second-hand vinyl and books – all will be welcome.

I will be exhibiting during the first 3 days of the event, Thursday 17th, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th. It will be your last chance to purchase my jewellery from a fair this year and there will be extra special Christmas discounts on offer. So grab a bargain in the last days before Christmas.

Hope to see you there!

Continue reading »]]> With Christmas just around the corner, it’s never too early to start looking for that exclusive gift. Myself and Islay Spalding with the members of  The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Scotland are organising a fabulous Christmas Exhibition.

It’s our first exhibition as a group in Dundee and will be held at WASPS Artists Studios, Meadow Mill, West Hendersons Wynd, DD1 5BY. The show is open on Saturday 28th November from 11 until 5, and Sunday 29 November from 12 until 5.  As well as jewellers from the ACJ we will be joined by artists and designers from the WASPS studios, Paola McClure, Jennifer Robson and Kirby Textiles plus many more.

It will be fantastic opportunity to purchase a diverse range of unique gifts including painting, sculpture, textiles and jewellery. So come along to the show. Prices start from £10.

Check out our blog for more info….