Comments for Boo's Jewellery & Photography

Comment on Paper becomes metal by Boo

Boo — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:27:18 +0000

Very many thanks Emma, your comments are very kind. The roses are the sort of work I wanted to do when I first started working with metal clay – I wanted to sculpt my own pieces, so I suspect this will be the first design of a series.

As for the cutter – I make most of my own cutters and it depends on the size as to how I do it. One of my favourite techniques with small and medium shapes is to cut strips from empty drink cans – these days the metal is quite thin – and therefore very sharp – so ideal for a cutter as it doesn’t need the edge thinning or sharpening – but mind your pinkies too – especially when holding it to cut with – if I’ve space I fold a bit of masking tape over the opposite ‘holding’ edge.

I find that I can just cut it with scissors (I keep a pair just for this job) into strips and then use pliers and other tools to form the strip into the shape I want. Drink can metal gets a bit flimsy for larger shapes, so I use sheet copper for those. Maybe draw the shape out first and use that as a guide (for size if nothing else) – and it helps to de-compile the shape in your mind and form it in stages. For example, I might form it into a circle first, then squish it into an oval, then modify the details from there – that helps keep it symmetrical. I keep a lump of Blutak on my bench and just dab the cutter into this periodically to see how the shape is coming along, it seems easier to assess the shape that way. But do mind your fingers on those sharp edges!

Comment on Paper becomes metal by Emma Parsons

Emma Parsons — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:27:01 +0000

Hi Boo,
Just wanted to say I think your copper wild roses are absolutely beautiful and so realistic. They really capture the essence of the delicate rose petals. I have tried using silver metal clay so I know it’s not easy to create something so stunning! I was interested to read that you created your own cutter for the smaller petals and was wondering how you did that ….??
Once again, can’t praise you enough on your skill and craftmanship, Boo.
Chapeau!! Emma : )

Comment on Mother Nature knows how to cheer us up by Boo

Boo — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 06:29:51 +0000

Thank you Masj. The copper with both the Carnelian and Butter Jade has been antiqued since and the Carnelian necklace is already en route to the lady that commissioned it – I hope she’s going to like it.

Comment on Mother Nature knows how to cheer us up by Masj

Masj — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 01:19:15 +0000

I love the rich colours of the Carnelian and butter jade semi-precious beads and the copper wire you have used compliments the natural semi-precious stones beautifully. The palm wood beads you have used on the copper earrings are unique and unusual and I predict that they are going to be a big seller. Your handmade jewelelry is beautiful and original

Comment on Snowdrops, paper roses and daisies by Boo

Boo — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 06:42:21 +0000

Thank you kindly. I struggled getting sharp photos, I hadn’t realised how windy it was until I went out with my camera and had to try and time the shots between gusts of wind. They’ve been a delight to us this last couple of weeks, I’ve really enjoyed and appreciated them.

Comment on Snowdrops, paper roses and daisies by Gale

Gale — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:31:36 +0000

I love your wild roses (especially their stamens!). ‘Round about now, I am positively starved for flowers. I’m jealous that your snowdrops are already blooming–BEAUTIFUL photo!!

Comment on My first pieces utilising the Silhouette by Boo

Boo — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 06:47:08 +0000

Thanks Gale. I have 4 other pairs in progress and will post photos when they’re finished. There’s nothing complicated about the vinyl use – you can see how it looks cut out in the top photo and I simply stick this onto the copper surface and it acts as a resist – where there’s vinyl it protects the copper and doesn’t etch and leaves a raised pattern. When done, it simply peels off – although these are tiny designs that I need to use tweezers to remove!

Comment on My first pieces utilising the Silhouette by Gale

Gale — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 01:14:08 +0000

Love your 1st pair and want to see that other pair! Of course, I love etched work, and I’m glad to hear you use salt water, too. Would love to hear more about how you used vinyl. (As for designing with software, I don’t think I’ll ever get my head around that….)

Comment on Garden bird pool party by Jet

Jet — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:00:14 +0000

i love that coil-on-coil look! so pretty 😀

Comment on All copper and earth tones this week by Hazel Clapham

Hazel Clapham — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:10:25 +0000

I have found reading back through your blog so interesting. You say you can't justify making yourself a sterling silver bracelet at present. I would encourage you to make it and put it down to promotion costs - you will feel happy and confident wearing it and will get some business from people seeing you in it.

Best wishes