Blog Of The Month in Beads And Beyond!

Do you read Beads and Beyond jewellery magazine? If so turn to page 55 in the September issue to see a little spotlight feature mentioning this blog as their Blog Of The Month! I was contacted by Jo of Beads and Beyond a couple of weeks ago and asked if they could feature my blog. Of course I said yes :D

Another mention, this time in a Glossi online magazine publication created by Leah Curtis owner of Beady Eyed Bunny. Leah's online magazine called The Beading Glass features her own work, step-by-step jewellery tutorials and jewellery and findings by other artists. She kindly featured my etched copper flower charms in the magazine this time.

You can take a look at Leah's magazine by clicking the link below...

Click to view The Beading Glass on GLOSSI.COM


I don't know about you but the prospect of publishing my own mini magazine is something that makes me feel quite excited. I've already signed up to Glossi! I know I'd love producing my own online magazine although I think a lot of thought and hard work will be necessary. Watch this space............... (but be patient I've got lots of other things I want to do first!)

Kernowcraft Gallery Feature!

A few weeks ago I received an email from Nathalie who works at Kernowcraft. She said she'd been doing "geeky" things and had noticed several views to the Kernowcraft website that she traced to my own Cinnamon Jewellery  website. I do have a page on my site where I've listed several of the places I buy my supplies from with links and did mention that I buy cabochons from Kernowcraft.

As a thank you Nathalie very kindly suggested that they include one of my pieces of jewellery on their Gallery of Jewellery Ideas page. I was thrilled to be honest and thought it was really nice of her! I chose my silver hollow form pendant with turquoise cabochon and I noticed today it's there in all it's glory! You can find the Gallery by clicking the "Jewellery Making Tips" link in the top navigation bar on the Kernowcraft website........

I took a screen shot of it too (can you tell I'm excited?!)

Using Enamel Cabochons In My Jewellery

I know how to torch enamel and I know how to bezel set cabochons so I thought it was about time I put the two together! I've been thinking about it for "ages" and last week I actually got round to doing it. I started small (of course I did, I like to make life difficult!) and made four 9mm cabs from copper.

The enamelling was a bit tricky and Klyre Fire was called for so the enamel powder stuck to the front of the cab and didn't slide off. I discovered it was better to gently (very gently!) dry the klyre fire using my torch than let it air dry as it is very easy to knock the cab once the klyre fire is dry and watch the enamel slide right off. I got there in the end and produced two dusky pink and two sea green enamel cabs.

I was then slightly paranoid that they would crack but as they are formed (domed) and counter enamelled for added stability they were fine. I had to be a bit more careful than normal when it came to handling them and when I set them as they are a bit more delicate than stone cabs. I used my wooden bezel pusher - a customised peg in other words - to set them and it worked out fine. I made a copper and silver heart pendant using the zentangle etched copper I made recently and a pair of sterling silver disc earrings with the green enamel cabs.

I've yet to decide what to do with the second pink cab but at the mo I'm thinking a silver pendant.........maybe!
I enjoyed making both of these pieces and can feel myself slowly getting more confident with my soldering. I love that making my own enamelled cabs means I can make virtually whatever colour I want. Next time I'll make life easier and go bigger and will probably take photos too :D