Uncategorized

First lessons in Penmanship – Brooch

/ chloeobrien2013 / Leave a comment

IMG_6040             IMG_6043             IMG_6046

Continuing with the making I developed my ideas into thinking about a usable brooch for someone who is learning to write cursive. I thought about a quill and ink (which i will develop later) but decided on a interchangeable slot with a blackboard and chalk so you can write then wipe! Also this means pictures, photos and other lovely things can be put into your brooch which is revealed when you open the door. I used a new process with ‘Image transfer solution’ to apply the image of the professor looking chap which is from an 1900’s postcard I adore and a copper nitrate patina which gives the beautiful turquoise colour and a vintage look. A quirky piece of jewellery which comes alive with interaction and discussion giving me, the Maker a relationship with both the Wearer and Viewer.

Boxes

/ chloeobrien2013 / Leave a comment

IMG_6014 IMG_6015 IMG_6017

For my 1st brief of the 3rd year I have been exploring the ideas of using ‘Postcrossing’ and the postcards I receive in my concepts and designs. I also wanted to expand my skills and knowledge of making boxes and hinges as I had not previously spent much time on this and also continue my exploration of  image transfer.
This is the start of my making for the brooch ‘First Lessons in Penmanship’ I created which was inspired by a postcard I received from a girl in Taiwan who is learning to write cursive (which is joined up handwriting). I found it fascinating that being such a lover and obsessor of beautiful handwriting another person from another culture was only just beginning to learn. Still a bit rough around the edges but this brooch enabled me to use both my improved technical skills and combine my ideas and concepts.

New techniques

/ chloeobrien2013 / Leave a comment

IMG_5834            IMG_5883

So… the start of my final year at University!! A long summer off I can’t wait to get back into my making but the thought of only 8 months left daunts me incredibly.
We started off with a quick weeks project using materials and process not used in our disciplines which for me, a meticulously organised person was quite hard work.
We have continued the experimental process into our first major project of year 3. Developing knowledge of processes and our interests into concepts we are pushing our boundaries of what we already know.
I am playing with box making, hinges and cold connections. Image transfer through etching and enamelling and continuing with my love and interest in vintage postcards, handwriting and neglected objects.

Postcrossing – LOVE postcards!!

/ chloeobrien2013 / Leave a comment

IMG_5807

 

My last postcard sent!

Postcrossing

I found Postcrossing about a month ago through my research into postcards for my jewellery. It’s a wonderful way of communicating with people from all over world and gives excitement to opening your postbox without the thought of it only being bills bills bills!! You sign up, then are given an address to send to worldwide. So far I’ve sent to Germany, Russia and the Netherlands and recently received from Taiwan. I am hoping to collect postcards which have an individual touch, message and snippets of the senders personality. Developing ideas to create these cards into jewellery which reflects the sender but currently a work in progress.

At the bottom of the garden is where you’ll find me.

/ chloeobrien2013 / 1 Comment

IMG_5579 IMG_5502

After years of wishing for the perfect workshop I finally am the happiest girl to have the perfect one. Down to the bottom of my pretty country garden, pass the overgrown trees is a beautiful old shed which I have been working hard on over the summer to make workable and of course a girls little haven! I have been busy making already and as I’m sure all crafts people will agree with I just want to be in there all the time. I am about to start my 3rd year at Uni so with the weather drawing in I know I’ll be getting a cosy jumper on and spending many hours at the bottom of the garden.

Tribe Magazine feature

/ chloeobrien2013 / Leave a comment

 

Screen shot 2013-08-29 at 20.59.52

Tribe Magazine feature

Completely ecstatic that I’ve been featured in Septembers issue of ‘Tribe’.  An International creative crafts magazine. It features my latest narrative jewellery pieces which focus on communication between the maker, wearer and viewer with the appreciation of old fashioned forms of communication. It’s a wonderful magazine showing a beautiful range of craftsmen and artists.

The Contemporary Craft Festival

/ chloeobrien2013 / Leave a comment

IMG_4898 IMG_4900

The 1st year in many that the sun was out for the event, and what a gorgeous event it was. I walked around and longingly gazed at all the stunning work and the beautifully designed stands. We were fortunate to have a centre stage spot in the ‘Aim Higher’ tent, directly in front of you as you walked in. The stand held a good number of students work. There was a lot of interest from the public in our work and some students even sold their pieces which is fantastic!

Favourite Jewellers from the event were: Jo McAllister, Adele Brereton, Cindy Ashbridge, Clare Collinson and my absolute favourite Victoria Walker.

Other favourite craft makers: Samantha Bryan, Mirjana Smith and Anya Keeley.

Pewter Live

/ chloeobrien2013 / Leave a comment

Pewter Live                     me with pewter

Had a brilliant day at the Pewterers’ Hall in St Pauls, London. The building was stunning and a lovely event. It was so exciting to see my work in the cabinet along with other students who had entered from colleges and universities in the UK. Unfortunately myself or my other colleagues from Plymouth College of Art did not win any prizes but to be part of the event was completely wonderful and has given me confidence for my progression in entering competitions and other such opportunities.