GREEN RIVER STUDIO handcrafted jewellery by Corrina Smith

Bird a Month - January

2012-01-31T16:48:00.001Z

Last year I had a great time following the talented and amazing Joy Funnel as she made up one amazing bird after another in her 'Bird a Week' challenge!

This year I decided that I really should challenge myself a bit more. I'm so used to working on my regular orders that I rarely get the chance to play and or learn anything new. Inspired by Joy, I have decided to join her 'Bird a Month' Flickr group.

I knew exactly which bird I was going to use for January. I love Gannets! They are just so dynamic and have such graceful looking faces. I had a batch of gorgeous blue Iolites that I've been meaning to use for ages. The stone would make a perfect Gannets eye. So that was it, decision made.

I wanted to make my piece a little abstract but also wanted to somehow incorporate the Gannets silhouette. This drove my ideas and I decided to make a reversible necklace.

Here is the front side. Inspired by the birds head.

The structure has been made using Photo Polymer Plates (which I use a lot of in my Handprint Jewellery) but I decided to try something different and I carved the exposed plates with some dockyard carvers to add some more detail and texture. The Iolite stone was set in place after the piece was fired. I made up a simple fine silver bezel and soldered this to the base before setting the stone.

The back of the piece was again made using Photo Polymer Plates. I stamped the clay and then assembled the two sides together with lots of paste. When it was all dry I sanded it all and then carved out the bird to add some more texture.

I applied Liver of Sulpher to bring the textures alive. I really wanted to apply a layer of gold to the top of the birds head using Keum-Boo but I ran out of time. That will teach me to leave it to the last minute.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing January bird. Hopefully it wont take me so long to make up February's.

Fingerprint Jewellery for Christmas Deilvery

2011-12-02T23:43:00.001Z

Green River Studio have been delighted at the response to their beautiful range of Fingerprint Jewellery! We have been overwhelmed with your orders this year and we regret that it is now to late too fulfil Fingerprint Orders in time for Christmas delivery.

However, you can still place an order. Our impression kits are beautifully presented and are ready to give as a gift in lieu of the finished product. The gift kits can be sent direct to your recipient along with a personalised gift voucher.

Black Friday Promotion

2011-11-25T09:13:00.001Z

It's Black Friday everyone. Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving. It traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. To celebrate I have a 10% coupon code for you. You can use the code a twww.greenriverstudio.biz or in my etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/greenriverstudio. The code runs all weekend. Just enter the code BLACKFRIDAY at the checkout to receive your discount.

Please take a look at my shop full of gorgeous handcrafted jewellery. I specialise in personalised jewellery and my fingerprint jewellery and hand/foot print jewellery is very popular.

The Customer is Always Right

2011-11-22T19:12:00.001Z

I kept getting asked to make up my fingerprint charms in star shapes. I've been reluctant to do this, I thought the star shape encroached too much on the print and I'm not sure if that's really what customers want?! I'm so wrong! I decided I should make up some samples and then my customers can make an informed decision. I'm so glad I did, these star shaped charms are so adorable! The customer is always right|!

A long lazy summer?

2011-09-12T10:15:00.000+01:00

It's been a lovely long lazy summer for us here at Green River Studio. Lot's of long lie-ins,bike rides, country walks and a visit from David Walliams. Now the kids are back at school it's finally time to re-focus on work. Before I do that, I thought I would share some images of pieces I did manage to get finished whilst the kids were off.

Wonder Woman Ring

Pebble Earrings

Bronze Foot Print Keyring

Bronze Oval Textured Earrings

The most exciting part of summer, however, was a visit from David Walliams. David is swimming the length of the Thames to raise money for Sport Relief. We went down to the river bank to cheer him on and more importantly make a dontation. Despite being quite ill, tired and in a fair amount of pain, David remained cheeful, gracious and funny. I've never seen so much determination. What an amazing man!

Visit our facebook page for some more photos http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2114631578422.2115772.1024665559

Green River Studio is now an official support partner to the MCSJ!

2011-08-22T12:55:00.000+01:00

I have some exciting news for you today. It's official! Green River Studio is now a MCSJ Diploma Support Centre.

We are really excited to announce that Green River Studio is now an official support centre for MCSJ's newHome Study Diploma course. Corrina is here to offer diploma students a range of services that will support and mentor them through the process of completing their diploma course with the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery.

The MCSJ Diploma is widely acknowledged as the most thorough and comprehensive metal clay qualification in the world. It is independent and brand neutral so students learn to work with all types of silver metal clay and it also includes traditional silverwork skills. The three hands-on grades take the student from basic skills to advanced techniques and the fourth grade has two options; Design and Construction or Teaching Metal Clay Effectively.

There is a network of official Diploma Support Centres around the UK and also in Greece, Austria, Ireland and Germany. Diploma Support Centres offer a range of services to support students undertaking the Home Study Diploma. These include kiln firing services – for which there is a free voucher in the Home Study pack – and open studio opportunities for students to use tools and equipment for a small fee.

Diploma Support Centres are staffed by qualified MCSJ Silver Metal Clay Diploma holders who have completed the teacher training module. They are committed to high standards of service and teaching and provide classes and workshops which give Home Study students further support if required. Home Study Diploma students can choose to purchase additional classes run by official Support Centres which have been specially developed to support the Diploma curriculum.

Students can also purchase a one-to-one critique session with an experienced metal clay teacher who will check their projects before they are submitted to MCSJ for evaluation. These teachers know exactly the standard MCSJ evaluators expect so this session can really help students to pass the evaluations first time.

Want to know more? Contact us now.

Jewellery Making Project Publication - Little Dot Necklace

2011-08-03T18:17:00.000+01:00

I'm a little excited today. My article on how to make one of my Little Dot necklaces has just been published in Handmade Living Magazine (Issue 4). Ask for it now at your local newsagents!

The project describes how to make one of these cute necklaces. Why not give the project a go?! You are welcome to contact me if you have any questions about the project.

And if making stuff is not your thing then you can always purchase one of my necklaces directly from my website. Enter the code SUMMERSALE (at the checkout) to get 10% off your entire order.

Bronze Clay and Fingerprint Jewellery

2011-07-18T13:07:00.000+01:00

Last week I ran a course on Bronze Clay at www.artclaysupplies.co.uk We spent the day investigating the properties of bronze clay and fingerprint/handprint jewellery. I definitely think there are some viable keepsake products to be made using bronze clay.

I just thought I would share a few images with you.

Unfired clay

Fired and polished. The gold tone of the bronze is beautiful.

There's lots more work to be done though.......

Present for a Piano Teacher.

2011-07-13T20:46:00.000+01:00

I was recently asked to make a special 40th birthday present for a Piano teacher. I'm not musically minded at all so there was very little inspiration floating around in my little head. Often when I get asked to make a piece I find ideas flow readily....I guess it helps if you enjoy the subject matter.

So off I googled......I've never been taught any musical instrument so when I found a basic tutorial on how to play the piano I was intrigued! An idea took shape. The layout of the keys is elementary and so I started work on my design.

Firstly I made up a rubber stamp, using photo-polymer-plates, from an illustration of the keyboard layout.

I wanted the black keys to be slightly raised above the white keys. I then used a sharp blade to mark out the white keys.

Whilst the metal clay was still wet, I set a small cubic zirconia. This represents a 'd' for diamond on the 'd' key.

I then added a little roll over bail. When it was fully dry I pre-finished the whole piece by carefully sanding and filing.

On the back I engraved a little customer note to personalise this item further. I then popped it into my kiln and fired it hot and long.

Finally I gave the piece a good tumble polish and for a little extra 'omph' I finished with a good old hand polish with rotary mops.

It's been a while....

2011-07-13T10:53:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone! I'm back!!!
I've been very busy setting up my new website www.greenriverstudio.biz but now the dust is settling I can once again turn my attention to my blog. This week I will be teaching some lovely students all about bronze and copper metal clays. Hopefully I will get a chance to post some photos of the pieces we have made.

Must go an make some stuff but before I do, I'd just like to share this with you. I made recently this using the syringe type of silver metal clay.

Islay Bower Vintage Finds

2009-11-19T10:11:00.000Z

Look what I've just found! I'm very interested in Islay Bowers vintage finds shop.

I've never really been very good at sewing but I'm really interested in Islay's shop. It's full of goodies that I could find very useful. Her vintage lace would make great textures in my Precious Metal Clay(PMC) and I could make up some great PMC moulds from her fantastic and unusual array of buttons.

Want to know more about Islay? Take a look at her shop and blog....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Islaybower

http://www.etsy.com/shop/islaymakes

http://www.islaybower.blogspot.com/

Spotlight on Snowdrop and Chameleonite

2009-11-11T11:35:00.000Z

This week I would like to introduce you to two UK sellers. They both make amazing and beautiful handmade items. Please go and browse.......you will find some wonderful unique gifts for Christmas!

Snowdrop and Daisies - http://www.snowdropsanddaisies.etsy.com/

Chameleonite - http://www.chameleonite.etsy.com/

Novemberfest - I have some real sparklers for you!

2009-11-06T18:24:00.000Z

This month I'm promoting another select clutch of my products. I have reduced 3 selected items by 15%. This reduction will be on offer for November only. So, do visit my shop today and grab a bargain. All of my items are handcrafted by me and I do spend a lot of love and time make each little peice. You will not be dissapotined.

Spotlight on AMIDesigns

2009-11-05T11:01:00.000Z

Today I would like to introduce AMIDesigns. Alison the artist behind AMIDesigns makes a stunning range of jewellery using a colourful mix of glass beads and pearls. I love her combinations of colours, textures and graduated beads. Her designs look so much fun to make and must jolly fun to wear too!

I can just imagine this bubbly beauty jiggling away on my wrist. Check out Alison's shop http://www.amidesigns.etsy.com/. It's a visual treat and you might just find the perfect Christmas present!

Hallmarking Precious Metal Clay

2009-11-02T17:51:00.001Z

I recently submitted a batch of my Precious Metal Clay jewellery to the London Assay Office for Hallmarking and I thought I would share some of my findings with you......

Firstly, to be able to hallmark your items you will need to register as a 'maker' with the Assay Office of your choice. You have 4 to choose from. Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Scotland. You can register with any of them but if you live close to one, then I would register with them.....it will save you a packet if you can hand deliver and collect your items! Other things to consider are the emblem/mark of the Assay Office. The London Assay Office has a lovely Puma as it's mark and it's one of the reasons I chose them to register with.

Next you will have to register and purchase your sponsors/makers stamp. The Assay Office will make this for you and you can either ask them to hold it for you and thus, they will strike your sponsors mark for you or, you can ask for it to be released and you can strike your own sponsors mark.

The benefit of holding the stamp yourself is that you can mark ALL your items with your makers mark regardless of their weight and if you are getting an item hallmarked you indicate to the Assay Office where you wish the rest of the hallmark to be struck.

The next thing you need to do is sort your items into batches based on thier precious metal fineness and complete a hallnote for each batch. Sort them, weight them and fill in your hallnote!

Finally, you pop everything in to a special delivery envelope and post this to the Assay Office or better still, hand deliver it.........then you wait....and about a week or so later you get a lovely suprise....a batch of hallmarked goodies arrive! See my earlier blog.

Today a batch of my Precious Metal Clay items came back from the Assay Office and I thought I would just share a few of my observations with you.

Hallmarking Precious Metal Clay should be treated differently from Sterling goods as Fine Silver is softer and also Precious Metal Clay is more more pourous than standard Fine Silver. From my experiance, I find that a 3D lasermarks are the best to apply to Metal Clay. A struck mark can damage delicate textures/structures and 2D lasermarks are not deep enough to leave a significant mark.

Here is a photo of a 3d laser hallmark on a highly textured surface. You can see that it is difficult to distinguish the mark.

This piece was hallmarked on a shallow, low relief texture and the hallmark is much clearer.

So, I find that it is best to hallmark with at least a 1mm 3d laser stamp on a flat shiny surface!

And In future I will now prepare my work with a little shiny spot all ready and waiting to receive a laser hallmark, like so.

I hope my finiding will be of use but I do suggest you do your own research and here is some relevant reading to get you started....

British Hallmarking Council

Student Hallmark Package

Hallmarking FAQs

Postal strike?

2009-11-02T17:41:00.000Z

Just over a week ago I decided to send a batch of my Jewellery to the London Assay Office for hallmarking. I was a little nervous because I had heard that the postal strikes had hit London hard and I had even had an email from the Assay Office warning of delays. I was very concerned that my precious batch of Precious Metal Clay jewellery would get lost amongst the huge back-log of post that seems to be developing in London. So, I was utterly over the moon when the postman knocked to deliver my returned hallmarked batch of goodies this morning.....here take a look!

Rule Britannia.....

2009-10-29T16:04:00.000Z

I was sitting here trying to think up a title for my latest blog entry and the strangest thing happened...as I started to type 'Rule Britannia' it started playing on the Radio.....now that is spooky! I'm now sitting here thinking hard about a cheesecake....

Anyway, back to my blog. I'm just one of hundred's of talented UK artist that sell their beautiful handmade goods through a website called ETSY. Etsy is an American site but it is full of amazing handmade goods and supplies from across the whole globe. It's a vibrant fun place, take a look ETSY.

A group of us UK Etsyians (UKE's) have decided that we should get together and help each other promote our amazing products. Each week we will focus on 2 UK makers and promote their products, blog, websites etc.

This week we would like to introduce Big Blue Bed. Big Blue Bed sells some lovely handmade and vintage textiles. I love her dorset buttons and will be buying some of these for my little girls.

So, I think it's time we now met BBB.....come on now, don't be shy, come up and say 'hi'......

Don't worry Big Blue Bed is not really scary at all. This is just her having a bit of fun with one of her vintage top that she has for sale in her supplies shop.

Octoberfest - Promotion of the Month

2009-10-22T23:35:00.000+01:00

Octoberfest and not a beer in sight. No fear, I have something more exciting for you!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm running a special promotion through my personal website.
Each month I will select 3 products and discount them by 15%. You will not be able to get this discount anywhere else...oh no...this is really select...so, please do visit my shop today!
http://corrinasmith.com/shop/viewcategory.php?groupid=7

If you would like to be informed of regular promotions then please become a fan of my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/GreenRiverStudio/53529131325 or drop me an email to greenriverstudio@ntlworld.com and I will add you to my mailing list.

Over and Out!

What to do...with my sheets of Anodised Aluminium.

2009-10-07T18:01:00.000+01:00

Firstly, I start out with some pre-made bezel cups. I solder on some lengths of hand drawn 0.8mm wire and then pickle and tumble polish.

Next, I need to create some cabachons. I use my 'neat' disc cutting tool to knock out some discs from my anodised aluminium sheets. I then dome them with my doming punches and a block to create the cabochons.

I can't decide which cabochons to use so I have a play. Next, I pack the bezel setting with a disc of aluminium (that I'm not too keen on). This helps elevate the level of the domed cabochon that I do plan to use.

OK! I have decided with cabochons to use. So, lets get started.

I use a bezel roller https://www.rashbel.co.uk/Products.asp?cat_id=301 to fold in the edges of the bezel and secure the dome in place. I work around the dome, pushing in opposing edges until the dome is secure.

The dome of aluminium is now secure but it's not looking very pretty.

I use a bezel pusher https://www.rashbel.co.uk/Products.asp?cat_id=301 to neaten the edges and finish setting the cabachon.

When I'm happy, I start sanding of the edges of the bezel with sanding papers to give a smooth and shiny finish. I do a final finish with my rotary tool and a little rouge polish.

To form the earwires, I use my fingers, a doming punch and a small planishing hammer. I love the natural curve that your hands give, with a little pressure.

And finally.....I file off the ends of the ear wires to make sure they are all nice and smooth for your ear holes. That's it, all finished!

I have listed them in my UK shop http://corrinasmith.com/shop/viewitem.php?groupid=3&productid=123 and in my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32190283

Work in Progress - Sept 09

2009-09-25T22:23:00.000+01:00

Thought I'd just post some photos of my next batch of work in progress.

A few things on the go here!
Little pebble earrings, starfish pendant, cupcake studs, tendril pendant and some charm earrings. Good part of 50gms of PMC sitting pretty on some Teflon sheets. Makes me slightly 'wibble' when I think of it that way.

Starfish pendant with shimmering green dichroic glass cabochon. Looks a bit of a mess at the moment but I will clean it up properly before putting it in the kiln.

I'm a little nervous about the setting on this one. I'm a bit worried that the sintering will cause the little balls on the setting to stick to the cabochon, breaking off from the main body of the pendant.

Hey ho....It's all good experience.

Yummy cupcakes all waiting in a line. These will be made in to cute little ear studs.

aargh....hang on....

*ALERT* Suspend all work! Drop all tools! Desperate cat seeking attention! *ALERT*

and the winner is.....

2009-09-25T21:38:00.000+01:00

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for a little help to choose a new logo for my little jewellery making business. As an incentive, I offered to enter names in to a draw to win a pair of earrings.

I am now proud to unveil my new logo and also announce the winner of the draw.

Here's the new logo, looking pretty! Thank you to everyone that responded.

And here are the results of the draw....

First, take possession of the hat. This was not as easy as it looks!
Next, get a little helper to make the draw.

Drum roll please........and the name out of the hat is....

Congratulations Fran! A little package is on it's way!

I have missed my jewellers saw

2009-09-11T14:42:00.000+01:00

Just lately I have been making a lot of Precious Metal Clay pieces and I thought it was time to pick up the jewellers saw again. I had also found some funky cable necklets and thought they would be just perfect teamed up with my anodised aluminium. So I sat down at my bench (well the dinning room table, as the studio is still awaiting construction) and pierced out a few new pieces. Here are some pics.

2009-08-27T13:38:00.000+01:00

Do excuse my lack of activity. I have been away on holiday in the lovely county of Cornwall.
I'm back now and I've listed a couple of new items.

Secret Starburst Pendant. Available at http://www.greenriverstudio.etsy.com/

Run with me Earrings

Available at http://www.corrinasmith.etsy.com/

Flickr

2009-07-27T07:57:00.001+01:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Here are some pictures of the finished Simple Studs

2009-07-23T10:20:00.000+01:00

A Simple Pair of Studs

2009-07-22T15:26:00.000+01:00

I was recently ask to make up a simple pair of silver red studs. The stones needed to be red and fired in situ. A small red pair of faceted CZ's seemed the most sensible option. Simple I thought......but no, the stones were not easy to find and I needed them very quickly. I found some but they were a Ruby Red and maybe a little too pink?! Garnets would have worked well but that would have bumped up the cost a bit. Anyway, the stones arrived so I made up a pair for the customer to approve.

I thought it would be nice to do a little blog about them, so here are a few snaps and a bit of blurb about their fabrication.

The stones were set in to PMC3 Metal Clay and left to dry. They were then filed, lightly sanded and placed in a very hot kiln for 2hrs. The kilning process burns away the organic binder in the metal clay and the silver particles fuse together to create a sold silver item.

Once fired, I burnished the backs of the earrings and then lined them up ready for them to receive their earposts.

I soldered on some sterling silver earposts.

I had some orange stones too and I like to make up a few pieces at the same time. Only I was too hasty and quenched one of the earrings immediately after I soldered on the earpost.....the stone fractured (see stud on the left). I do know better but autopilot was on override.

Soldered earposts. The earrings now need to be pickled to remove the oxidation created by soldering. The pickle is made of a light acid and will make the earrings all nice and clean.

Here they are after the pickle. Nice and clean!

I rinse the pickled earrings and then place them in my tumbler. The metal shot tumbles with the earrings and polishes till they are nice and shiny.

Here are the finished earrings. They just need a quick polish by hand, cos I'm a fussy lady and then they are done.

Just revamped my website

2009-03-24T12:08:00.001Z

Please visit my new website www.corrinasmith.com. I need to make sure it's working :-)

2009-03-17T20:27:00.000Z

My little sis has just started her website selling fabulous bespoke corsets - check them out!
http://www.hazelstitch.com/

So what is my blog all about?!

2009-01-11T16:49:00.000Z

I just love making jewellery from Metal Clay! PMC is my poison! I passed a diploma in PMC at the Mid Cornwall School of jewellery in the summer of 2007. See their roll of honour http://www.mcsj.co.uk/Roll.htm. Since then I have been creating a few things but I have also been very busy raising my 2 daughters (the youngest being just 8 months old). My jewellery making has taken a back seat and I've since lost my direction.

This year I want to re-focus. I really need to feed my artistic side again! I adore being a mum and my two kids are the most precious thing ever, but I need something for 'me'....It's my version of 'me' time.

So how do I focus myself again?! Well, those who I most admire in the Metal Clay world have devised a new accreditation program. It promises to be the most prestigious and professional accreditation system in its field. Take a look if you are interested http://mastersregistry.com/ . So, I have just registered and my blog is going to be all about my part in this program. It will take me a while to get started, so posts will be few to start. Once I get going I hope to blog lots and lots and lots.........

For now, here are some links about Precious Metal Clay......

Precious Metal Clay Guild : http://www.pmcguild.com/
Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery: http://www.mcsj.co.uk/

I also run and etsy shop where I sell most of my jewellery. This shop has been set up to fund my addiction in PMC. I'm not making much profit yet but everything I do gets pumped back in to purchasing PMC or paying for courses.

Do visit my shop and take a look around...
http://www.greenriverstudio.etsy.com

My first blogg.....

2008-12-22T23:44:00.001Z

Hi there, this is my first blogg so I'm going to keep it short.
I just wanted to tell everyone about my etsy shop.

www.greenriverstudio.etsy.com

I make unique silver and bronze items of jewellery. Please take a look at my shop and tell me what you think. I hope you like it!