2nd Year...done!

I must say, I can't believe I am half way through University now.

Two years down, two to go. The hard stuffs just about to start.

But for now, I'm elated! Overall 'B' for my 2nd year, which is awesome! Will just need to make sure I keep up the practice over the summer, so I go into my 3rd year with fresh ideas, and good inspiration.

Off to see Aussie Pink Floyd tonight in the Clyde Auditorium, amazing music and amazing visual effects, bring on the photos!

Till later x

Celebration and Anticipation....

After assessments yesterday (which I must say, I'm quietly confident afterward, which must be a good thing!) all the Jewellery ladies truly celebrated the end of 2nd year! Several cocktail bars, the union and the 24hour bakery here in Dundee-I would say a very good night!

Unfortunately, feeling sliiiiightly under the weather today, that last 'Woo-woo' almost definitely cause the headache I've had all day!

And so to tomorrow, once recovered from last night, I will have a 10minute review with the tutors to be given my grades for the semester, broken down into 'Presentation', 'Metalwork' and 'Research and Development'. Will update soon...

Till later x

Presentation and Organisation...

Okay...so assessments tomorrow. Safe to say my stomach is churning at a million miles an hour. I'm quietly confident in my work, but then there is alway that what if! Heres hoping it will all go okay.

Think of me at 11.30 tomorrow morning!

Till later x

Extra time...

...means extra pieces!

Well...above is two pieces(the ring is kinda fun, not serious!...Lettraset is awesome, though you do end up putting it on everything, as seen above!) from the 'felt project'. Okay, it wasn't a project as such, but Teena(2nd year tutor) gave us all 3 pieces of thick felt,cut from the laser cutter, and we all were given the same shapes.

Being the way I am, I wanted to get rid of the softness as soon as possible...and the general cream colour.(In addition to that, the foul smell from being cut with the laser, the outer edge was singed.) So after 3 coats of varnish, then black acrylic paint, then another coat of varnish I was satisfied! Then, I became influenced by the almost egg shape, and so saw pierced a piece of sheet silver, and then etched it to give a texture. Then riveted(and hid the rivetts ;-) ) the silver sheet on the front and brooch fittings on the back and tra-la!

Over easter, we were all given certain 'tasks'. I was to develop my skecthbook form the armpiece project(seen in an older post) and so made a small pin brooch(very cute!)...
and a ring(a bit rushed and not really planned...but another piece all the same!)....So that's about all I've got to show at the moment. Please excuse the rubbish quality of the pictures, the light in my room was dwindling, and hate using my flash with metal giving such a glare!

Wednesday assessments, eeek!

Till later x

Home and Back again...

Back from spring holiday at home, too it easy for a couple of weeks, very easy! Enjoyed being back in my seaside town for a wee while, winding down from the hussle bussle of the city.

Unfortunately, it was too windy to get the family's wee speedboat out, and the larger boat was in getting some TLC after the winter storms hit the marina. I love being out on the water, its the ultimate relaxation/fun! This photo was taken on the way to Arran last summer, you can just see the Lady Isle to the right! The water was like glass-amazing!

Back to Dundee now and I foresee that this week is gonna be a busy one, because by next Wednesday after we have been assessed we will all be nervously waiting our results. Yesterday was quite productive! Managed to make another brooch(for the felt project) and a ring(bit of a fiddle, undecided if its going to be submitted or not!).

Today...not so productive, though I know I have to do some sketchbook work, to plan another couple of pieces to make this week, along with changing the clasp on my armpiece(picture featured on an older post) as the T-Bar isn't supportive enough for the weight of the piece.

Eurgh....stresses, though I'm sure, not as stressful as the current fourth years, less than 2 weeks till their degree show, so good luck guys!

More pictures as I finish the pieces, and even if your lucky, some final display pictures-if my presentation is any good!!

Till later x

First brooch...done!

My first brooch everyone! Not the best picture I have taken admittedly, doesn't do my handy work justice! The piece consists of 2 layers rivetted together, the base sheet is silver, smooth and oxidised to a shiny navy, and the top layer again silver, melted. Between the layers I have 'trapped' a piece of geodite (?). I was inspired by cracks in concrete and stone, from the drawing project, and so transferred this into metal.

Easter holidays now! Hope to have a little go of making some bits and bobs, so if I do, I'll pop them up!

Till later x

Tying up loose ends....

Well this time next week, I can officially say I have completed my 2nd year, oh how very scary!! (Well, can't say that until the assessments after easter, but hey I'm hoping to wing it!).

Today I completed my final project for Teena, our arm piece inspired by a piece of literature.
And this is the result!...I took on 'Echos' by Pink Floyd (I love the use of metaphorical phrasing in the lyrics). I found the line 'labyrinths of coral caves' particularly inspiring, and the whole idea of echoing forms creating a labyrinth of shapes on the arm.
Each link has been saw pierced from silver sheet and domed, and connects together with a half circle piece of silver wire, balled and flattened to allow as much movement as possible. The length is approximately 60cm long and can be wrapped around the wrist/arm/neck and connects together with an adapted T-Bar catch.

I must say, I am rather proud of the result! Let's hope that Teena thinks the same! Hehe.

Now onto completing my brooch for Sarah-almost done! Just to rivet all the elements together and put on a steel pin, then I'll pop a photo up! Fingers crossed it goes okay.

Then by Thursday we have to have our 2000 Design History Theory and Practice essay hand-in. I chose the first question all about the meaning within jewelery and who gives it, the maker or wearer, eurgh for the tedious source searching.

Till later x