Welcome to Inside the Studio!
Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you’ll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.
Congratulations Tracy Collins! You have won a selection of pansy blooms from Rebecca at The Curious Bead Shop.
Please contact Rebecca by sending her an email so you can choose your selection of those scrumptious pansies.
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Welcome to my studio. As a new contributor to Art Bead Scene I’m excited to be writing my first post and sharing a bit about myself. I wanted to take you on a tour of my workspace but since I’m in the throws of preparing for a show at the end of this month my work areas are far too out of control and messy. Instead I’m going to share with you, our ABS readers, a first look at a new line of metal jewelry components I’ve been working on.
First, a brief bit about my jewelry making background. I began my jewelry adventure in 1999 when I learned to weave Swarovski crystals into sparkling bracelets. In 2005 I took up lampworking and in 2011 I taught myself metalsmithing. Today I’m happy to share with you my new line of components,
Natural Impressions.
Natural Impressions by Ema Kilroy of Ema K designs
I’ve long been intriqued by metal components and the process involved in creating them. For many years the process of working metal seemed like such a big undertaking. The classes were expensive and so many tools were necessary. Over the years I’ve managed to acquire a tool or two as funds allowed. I would add the tools to my stash and there they sat, untouched for far too long. In 2011 I decided it was time to focus some of my energy on learning the skill of metalsmithing. It’s been a slow learning curve with many pieces being set aside because they weren’t quite right. I finally feel like I’ve gained enough knowledge to create finished, quality pieces. My learning came from a variety of sources. I borrowed many books from my local library (so many great resources can be found for free), I won a book or two in some generous giveways from my blogging friends, I even won riveting tools in a Halstead Bead giveaway (I still need to work on fine tuning that skill). More recently I’ve discovered some wonderful videos on youtube. Oh there are so many great videos on youtube! Just call me late to that party!
Focal/Toggle clasps impressed with baby’s breath, queen anne’s lace and maple leaf
I’ve had an idea for a very long time and finally got to put it to metal when I added a rolling mill to my studio. Using dried flowers I’ve impressed floral images onto metal! I’m over the top with excitment about these designs. These pieces resonate with my connection to mother nature. You know that feeling? When you create something and it just feels spot on right. That’s how I feel about this collection.
Focal/Toggle clasps impressed with baby’s breath, oak leaves and fern leaves.
Rectangle focal/toggle clasp impressed with queen anne’s lace and baby’s breath.
I think these pieces will bring us into Spring and Summer quite nicely. In my next post (look for it at the end of the month) I’ll be sharing a tutorial on how I’ll be using some of these pieces in jewelry designs.
Rectangle Focal/Toggle clasp impressed with baby’s breath
I’m giving away one focal/toggle clasp. The exact one you see in the photo above. All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question; Have you learned a new skill or technique that excites you? Share with us how you learned it. Did you teach yourself by reading a book or watching a video or did you take a class with your favorite instructor? A winner will be chosen and posted in next weeks Inside the Studio blog post.
Thanks for stopping in today. I look forward to reading your comments.
Ema Kilroy is a lampwork glass artist, metalsmith and jewelry designer living and working in New England. You can find out more about Ema and her work by visiting her website, www.emakdesigns.com. You can purchase glass beads and metal components in her Etsy shop, www.emakdesigns.etsy.com.