There's always moments in your life when you think "That was lucky" and this week proved to be one of those occasions. 

Ordinarily on a Thursday, I'm heading off to Uni in the afternoon, but this week was a planned activity which I already know plenty about and decided not to spend several hours in the car to go over 'old ground'.  And, just when I would have been getting ready to depart - my doorbell rang.  A friend who I haven't seen for over a year and lives miles away had dropped by on the offchance of catching me in. 

So, having just finished some enamelling, I put them to the side and we had a good old chat - catching up and putting the world to rights.

Whenever I make a new design, I always like to test the effectivity of it and normally my family or myself wear them before I make enough of them for the website.  However, this time I had an opportunity sitting in my studio - so she walked away with a new pair of red heart enamelled earrings.  The next morning I received this photograph.

She's promised me a thorough testing - wearing them to bed, in the shower etc (which I do NOT recommend for any of my jewellery normally!) and general day to day wear.  They survived the first night - although there was a moment when she thought all was lost as the butterfly back came off in her sleep - but was happily found.  So I have made one more pair and will await the results of her putting them through their paces over the coming days / weeks.

Here's the second pair that I made.  These are the same design as the textured heart stud earrings in silver.

Definitely a bright red aren't they?  What do you think?  As always, I look forward to hearing.

Lesley x

As we (hopefully) leave the gales and flooding behind us here on the South Coast of England, my thoughts move towards the spring. A beautiful sunny day greets me on this Sunday morning - quite a difference from the hurricane winds, people being evacuated, roads closed and turmoil of the last few days.

So, just what are the trends for jewellery in 2014?

1. Colourful Jewellery - Bright, Bold and Enchanting are the keywords for Spring this year.  And what better time for me to be undertaking enamel work at University?

This is a test piece, made by creating a depth and filling each individual circle with painted coloured enamels.

2.  Skinny Bangles forming layers of fashion.  The Star Catcher Silver Bangle makes a superb stacking bangle

3.  Nature - birds, bees and butterflies.  I have the bees and butterflies already within my ranges - take a peek at these gorgeous butterfly stud earrings within my Green Collection

4. Pendants are making a resurgance in their popularity too.  Of course, hearts are always loved and with that thought, I made an enamelled heart pendant using the same technique as shown previously.

5.  Finally,  pins are making a comeback and of course, I have just the ticket within my repetoire!  The Poppy Pin will grace any outfit - be it for the warmer months or November!

It's always an exciting time designing for the coming months and feeling the warmth gradually trickle back; watching the garden begin to wake up after the winter months - and this year is no exception.  I'm really looking forward to working in my studio and be enlightened by the growth and development happening outside.

Please feel free to comment on my blog, it's always great to hear what your thoughts and opinions.

Lesley x