New Year, New You And Top Drawer Research Trip - Genna Delaney Jewellery Artist

New Year, New You And Top Drawer Research Trip
Top Drawer

Top Drawer

I can’t believe that we’re into February already! I hope you had a great festive break. I certainly needed mine and it was amazing to take time off after a really busy Christmas period. Thank you so much to all my awesome customers who supported me throughout 2015, I hope you are well!

How has 2016 been for you so far?

It is off to a good start for me as I’ve been so busy with commissions and I’ve finally started my jewellery classes. (it’s only taken me 10 years! But supposedly I’m a natural teacher!) I will be trying to do classes once a month, depending on demand. February’s class is scheduled for 27th and there’s still spaces left. There’s another class in March 26 with only 2 spaces left, you can book here. If you would like to do a class later on in the year let mw know when suits you so I can schedule it in.

Exciting news

I was absolutely thrilled to be selected for the Craft Scotland Go and See Trip to Top Drawer London, which was fantastic. I’ve not been to London in years so it was great to take time off to visit the huge trade fair, meet new makers, gain new contacts and visit come galleries.

I arrived in London during Sunday afternoon and met up with Jo and Natasha from Craft Scotland, and the other selected makers (Morag Macpherson, Niki Fulton, Olive Pearson, Ellie Hodesdon, Myer Halliday and Scarlett Cohen French) at Olympia Top Drawer. We had a quick wander around the show to get our bearings for the next full on days. The show itself has been rebranded with new website, signage and new layout focusing on different sections including Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft. In the evening we were treated by Craft Scotland to a networking meal in a lovely restaurant near the show and I got to know the other makers on the trip.

Morag Macpherson, Niki Fulton, Olive Pearson, Ellie Hodesdon, Myer Halliday And Scarlett Cohen French

Morag Macpherson, Niki Fulton, Olive Pearson, Ellie Hodesdon, Myer Halliday And Scarlett Cohen French

Day 2 : Monday – Full on day of meeting makers and going to seminars (Academy Live)

My main focus was to see Craft. After exhibiting at Lustre I was selected to exhibit at Craft, but as I’d never been to the show, I wanted to do some research to see if it would be a suitable place to launch my new work. There were plenty of Scottish makers exhibiting so it was lovely to see some friendly faces. We met with Fiona McIntosh (Tessuit) and James from Concert Wardrobe who are both fantastic textile designers. They gave us tips on display and things to do when exhibiting, like taking peoples details who speak to you and following up. We also spoke with The Hothouse Makers who were Catherine MacGruer, Heather Shields, Kelly Munro, Ruth Hollywood, Sian Patterson and Rhona McCallum.

Their stand was absolutely stunning, very minimal but striking with a lovely mix of jewellery, textiles and ceramics. I used to go to Cardonald College with Ruth Hollywood so it was nice to see how her work has changed and progressed over the years.

Rhona McCallum, Ruth Hollywood, Sam Patterson

Rhona McCallum, Ruth Hollywood, Sam Patterson

In between seeing stands I ventured to the Academy Live and fashion shows to listen to some talks and check out some trends. I really enjoyed the talk by Abigail Freeman on Shop sharing and Pop Ups. She has set up a brand wearepopup and they help you find a suitable venue/outlet to showcase your work. I did not realise it was possible to higher a space or even a few shelves of a London gallery. Sounds like a great idea!

Then we met up with the Emergent Makers who most of which are based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Their stand was also stunning and had a diverse mix of jewellery, textiles, fashion products. Including Eileen Gatt who was one of my tutors at art school. It was lovely to catch up and ask the makers questions about the show to gain some insightful tips for exhibiting.

Emergents Makers

Emergents Makers

The Scottish makers really made an impact in London. There’s so many creative people in Scotland but not many high end, quality fairs, with good buyers to show at here, so it was great that so many of them were showcasing their work in London.

At night we had another networking meal with Craft Scotland, the Emergents and the Hothouse makers. It was another great night.

Day 3 : Tuesday

We met with the organisers of the show and were able to ask them lots of questions about exhibiting. There was a lot to take in. After this I wondered round the show some more and asked some makers more questions about exhibiting. I did have the intention of visiting some galleries but was knackered and was running out of time and wanted to see Patricia Van Den Akker’s talk on Shops + Creatives = Winning Team. Patricia runs the Design Trust and helps many creative businesses grow. She is very helpful with advice and is lovely. You can check out the Design Trust website here.

Patricia Van Den Akker

Patricia Van Den Akker

Overall I thought Top Drawer was a fantastic quality show, with a mixture of makers under one roof and I definitely think I would like to exhibit next January in Craft. So watch this space! I may be exhibiting in London in the future…

Testimonials

Can't thank you enough it was exactly as we asked for and a lot more x better start saving for the Eternity ring you're going to be making next for June .... a very happy couple xx

Sean

My family bought me a voucher for a 1:1 workshop to make a silver ring for my Birthday. Genna's workshops are informative in the process of jewellery making and good fun. Genna has a lovely teaching style.

Best of all you go home with a beautiful ring you made.

I would definitely do another workshop and if I could give Genna 10 stars I would. Thank you.

Samantha

Picked up my Wedding Ring today and words can't describe how happy I am. It looks amazing. Few wee (happy) tears on the way home. Thank you so much. p.s. thank you from my "Mum" too xxx

June

Genna design recently carried out a repair on my wife's engagement ring. I could not fault Genna's workmanship and the cost of the repair was very competitive. I would not hesitate to return in the future.

Michael

I had a fantastic time on Saturday, thanks Genna for being patient. Love my ring. Robert asked what I was making next so I might be back. Thanks once again for a great day x

Liz

Had a lovely day with Genna making our wedding rings! What a great touch to add to our special day! Would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to make their wedding rings, more than just a ring!

Stephanie 2018

Genna created my engagement and wedding ring and they are absolutely beyond perfect! She really took her time at the initial consultation and went over all of the tiniest details - when we got the pictures of the finished rings I was totally blown away - they were exactly what I had pictured in my head, if not better!!

Jessica

Genna, it was lovely to meet you last evening and I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for the beautiful necklace. It is truly gorgeous. What a talent you have. I've not taken it off since last Thursday! I was even wearing it for Crufts all weekend!

Keep following your dream!

Jenny Campbell 2018

Really enjoyable and educational day, we both had loads of fun. Would recommend to anyone looking to make there own personalised ring

Gordon & Gill

As Alison and Ron’s neighbours we have witnessed first hand this special and devoted love and the beautiful commission pieces you made reflect beautifully their enduring love . Alison wears them with humble pride.

Yvonne

Today my mother enjoyed her Christmas treat from us – a four hour ring making class with jeweller Genna Delaney. She totally loved it and has made a wonderful ring. She reckons Genna is a natural teacher. As a former head teacher she’s good at spotting such talents. If you want to learn jewellery making then Genna is the person to see!

Prof Mike Press

Whoah this blog is fantastic. I love reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of people are searching around for this information, you can aid them greatly.

Natalie

I'm over the moon with my ring! Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful piece which means so much to me. I absolutely love it.

Irene 2018

Thanks so much for the beautiful ring I bought yesterday!! Will be in touch about a commission a piece soon!!

Julia Wang, NY

Genna has lots of lovely jewellery to buy. The best things are bespoke though. She made me a few unique items using much loved heirlooms and updating them.

Bonnie Lee, TX