Handmade Christmas Glassware & Jewellery Gifts

I have been dying to show a few of my Christmas gifts that I made this year. The pictures below are 3 dichroic glass bowls that I made. They have been kiln fused and placed over a slump mould to create the shape.

I used coloured glass stringers in all 3 bowls, and also added some dichroic glass into the 2 black bowls.

The medium sized bowl pictured below also has some glitter fused between the glass. This was a new thing I decided to try out. I think I will try using a little more glitter next time and see how it comes out.

I made a red & silver dichroic glass bangle for my mum along with a matching necklace, bracelet and earrings. I was really pleased how the bangle turned out. The colours are so striking and eye catching.

I couldn't resist making an extra couple of pendants for my mum for Christmas, and this one was my favorites with the green and purple colour mix....

I had a fabulous Christmas and am looking forward to seeing what 2009 brings. I really want to do alot more work making glass bowls and glassware pieces. I also have some ideas for some new items which I hope to add to my online shop shortly.

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, and I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year : - )

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year...

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I really can't believe how quickly this year has gone. I hope everyone has had a good December. This was my first year at doing craft fairs and jewellery parties and I have really enjoyed myself and learnt alot along the way. When I look back at my first craft fair, I think my designs and displays have slowly developed and improved, but I have lots more things planned for 2009 and hope it will be a good year. I have received so much support from so many people this year, that I would like to say a massive thank you, and hope I can continue creating attractive jewellery & glassware.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year! From Chloe's Designs.

A Double Layer of Dichroic Glass...

I've just finished making this dichroic glass jewellery gift set using 2 layers of dichroic glass. The set is pale pink and silver underneath and has a layer of transparent red dichroic glass over the top. I love the depth in this necklace & earrings set, and especially love the way it sparkles in the light. I had to fire the glass pieces several times in my kiln and I also shaped the edges so they are nice and flat.

I have a few new jewellery gift sets available which I will be listing in my shop today: http://www.chloesdesigns.com/. You can also check out some of my jewellery pieces in my Ebay Shop.

My kiln is back on again this morning and I'm fusing a glass bowl. I'm not quite sure how this one is going to turn out, but I will post some pics when it's finished.

In the Jewellery Party Spirit...

I'm just back from doing another jewellery party for a good friend of mine in Milton Keynes. I've not done many jewellery parties, but I am really getting a buzz for them. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I hope I made it enjoyable for all the guests too. I also held a raffle with a few prizes which went down a treat. Below are just a few of my latest jewellery sets that I have just finished making..

I have lots of new pieces listed in my online shop and delivery is just £2.00 regardless of the order size. Please come and check out my dichroic glass jewellery & glassware at http://www.chloesdesigns.com/.

My stand at the CMK Christmas Gift Fayre

I've just got back home after doing a 3 day Christmas Gift Fayre at Central Milton Keynes. The Gift Fayre was held in Middleton Hall just outside John Lewis. I arrived on the Thursday afternoon to set up and was really pleased with my overall layout. However, I did let myself down a little by not getting some better lights sorted. I am going to get this sorted for next time. I'd like some halogen lights, but I need to think about how to set them up first.

Here's me at my stand on Friday 31st October '08...

I met lots of lovely people over the 3 days and was really pleased to sell some of my favorite dichroic glass jewellery pieces. I got back home last night and have been un-packing everything this morning. My online shop is now back online and available to buy from. I have lots of new items not yet listed, so will be adding new jewellery pieces to my shop shortly. http://www.chloesdesigns.com/

I've just been tagged..

Woohoo… I’ve just been tagged by Alison of BeaDangles Jewellery. Here’s a quick run down of the rules…


1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.


Here goes….

1. I just love old VW Campervans, and a couple of years ago we drove our 1965 splitscreen camper to Rome & back which was an ace experience. We covered just over 3000 miles in total. (.. and I still can’t believe it got us there & back without breaking down once!)

Here's a pic of us at the leaning tower of Pisa (This was as close as we could get)...

2. We’ve got a gorgeous 8 year old cat called Chloe which I named my business after.

3. I’m addicted to watching Neighbours!! Can you believe Harold is still in it!!

4. My favorite album is ‘The It Girl’ by Sleeper.

5. I’m petrified of spiders. (Money spiders are okay… anything bigger is just scary!)

6. I only started working with glass last December and wish I’d started years ago.

7. One sunny day I was driving to pick up my boyfriend. I put my sunglasses on thinking I looked well cool. When I picked up my boyfriend he looked at me funny & asked if everything was okay. I didn’t realise that one of the sunglass lenses had come out, and I’d been driving around with only 1 lense in my sunglasses! I felt such an idiot! lol

And here’s my tag list:

1. DAiSYS & dots Blogspot
2. Glass Kanvas Blogspot
3. Hemp Creations Blogspot
4. KMC designs Blogspot
5. Keepsake Kollections Blogspot
6. Sweetz Shoppe Blogspot
7. incy wincy stitches Blogspot

Handmade Dichroic Glass Jewellery

I have been updating my website lately and adding in lots of new handmade dichroic glass & silver jewellery pieces. The glass bangle pictured above is my latest creation and will be listed in my shop shortly.
I have lots of dichroic glass jewellery gift sets which would make the perfect Christmas present for that special person. (UK delivery is just £2.00)
Please come & check out my handmade jewellery & glassware at www.chloesdesigns.com, alternatively you can come & see me at the Central Milton Keynes Christmas Gift Fayre in Middleton Hall from 31st October to 2nd November '08.

Cats in Glass...

As a avid cat lover, I have been wanting to make something that included cats for ages. I have recently been fusing copper between glass and thought this would be a perfect way to incorporate a puddy cat design. I drew my cat on a plain piece of paper to make a stencil and then copied this onto some copper foil. I cut my cats out of the copper foil and fused this between some bullseye pattern glass. I've made a candle holder and a small bowl...

I'm halfway through making another small bowl so that I will have a matching set...

Flower & Heart Jewellery Designs...

I've been working on some new flower & heart pendants and have just finished making this .999 fine silver pendant using precious metal clay...

This pendant took me a few days to complete and I am really pleased with the finished result. The pendants are tumble polished and then I finish them off by hand. I love setting gemstones in the silver as I just love anything sparkly!!

I've also just finished making this heart pendant which is definately one of my favorites...

I think this pendant would also look gorgeous on a silver torque necklace.

I'm getting ready for my next fair which is at the end of this month in Central Milton Keynes. I've got a stand at the Christmas Gift Fayre in Middleton Hall and am looking forward to it. I'm trying to get some more glassware pieces made to take with me too. The fayre is on from Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November. Please come & say hello if you're in the area.

Copper inclusions in glass...

I've been fusing some copper inclusions in glass recently and was really pleased with my latest octopus design. It's just come out of the kiln this morning. I'm going to put it back in the kiln later today and shape it into a bowl. I've got some more copper inclusions in the kiln at the moment and can't wait to see how they turn out.

I've also done a few heart designs too ...

I just need to attach a couple of bails so these can be worn as pendants.

A few new dichroic glass pendants...

Here are a few of my latest dichroic glass pendants that I have just finished listing in my online shop. I especially love the pink glass pendants on the top row. I've also made a couple of matching pendant & earring gift sets in the pink too. I've been busy this week trying to list as many new pieces in my shop as possible. I've also been working on some new glass bowls, so I hope to have a picture of them soon.

I've booked a stand at the Central Milton Keynes Christmas Gift Fayre. It's on from Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November '08. There will be around 100 exhibitors at Middleton Hall, CMK and should be a very good event. I am really looking forward to it. If you're in the area, please come & say hello. Middleton Hall is in the main central Milton Keynes shopping centre, right outside John Lewis. I'm not sure exactly where my stand will be just yet, but I will update my blog as soon as I know.

Milton Keynes Craft Fair

I'm just back from doing my first big craft fair in Milton Keynes. The fair was on for 4 days and in the Milton Keynes main indoor shopping centre. I arrived on Wednesday night and spent several hours setting up my stand. This is the only photograph I took just after setting up...

I was really hoping to have more glass bowls and plates to take with me, but decided to concentrate mainly on jewellery. There were over 100 exhibitors in the hall and quite a few jewellery stands. It didn't help that we had such a lovely weekend ... (I think it's the only time I've ever wanted it to rain!! lol)

Thank you to all my family & friends that came to see me at the fair. It was lovely that so many people popped over the say hello. Being my first big craft fair, I wasn't too sure what to expect and was having last minute nerves that my stand would look quite amateurish against the other stands. I was pleased with the overall layout, but have got lots of new ideas to try and improve my display.

I've got lots of new pieces that I am currently listing in my online shop, so please come and check it out: http://www.chloesdesigns.com/.

Pink Sparkly Dichroic Glass Bangle

I just love making these glass bangles and especially love this sparkly pink bangle. I have used some transparent dichroic glass along with pink fusing glass to create this bangle. It is quite difficult to capture a good photo as the dichroic glass sparkles vibrant pinks and purples and is just stunning. Unfortunately I've nearly finished using all my pink fusing glass, so I think I will be placing another order for some more soon!!

I've got a few more bangles ready to be shaped at the moment plus a load more waiting to be fired for the first time. My workroom is filling up with glass pieces waiting to be fired. I've been a little side-tracked the last couple of days working with silver art clay and making some new pendants and rings. I'm still working on these but will update with some pics very soon : - )

Just finished making these...

I've just finished making a few silver, glass & beaded jewellery pieces. I am currently making lots of new dichroic glass & silver jewellery for the Milton Keynes craft fayre in September. It's the biggest craft fayre I've done so far and really want to make sure I have a good variety of jewellery pieces.

I am also working on some new brooches which I hope to have ready for the craft fayre. I've got a 4m by 2m shell style area and have been outside in the garden today mapping out my stand design on the ground ... (the neighbours probably think I'm barmy laying pegs all over the ground!! lol)

The craft fayre is being held at Middleton Hall, Central Milton Keynes indoor shopping centre between Thursday 18th September and Sunday 21st September. I will be in one of the corners by Boros bag/luggage shop. If you are in the shopping centre, please come and say hello. There will be over 100 exhibitors in total, so there will be lots of different arts and crafts to look at and buy.

Here are just a few more of the pieces I have finished this week...

Just back from Cornwall...

We arrived back home yesterday after spending 5 wet & sunny days in Cornwall. It's a shame we didn't have sunshine & wind, as we had taken our VW camper to Cornwall for a spot of wind-surfing. We camped at Stithians Lake in Redruth which had lovely views, but unfortunately the weather was quite dire! One of the highlights of the week was visiting the Eden Project. The massive Biomes that dominate the scenery are very impressive. Walking around the Biomes, you wouldn't believe that Eden was only 7 years old!

There are 2 Biomes to explore, the Rainforest Biome and the Mediterranean Biome. I personally preferred the Mediterranean Biome as it wasn't so hot & humid inside! The Rainforest Biome was extremely busy and it didn't help that people were blocking the narrow walkway to photograph paintings that had been drawn on some of the large rocks. (I could probably understand if they were paintings from the stone age!!)

We've had a lovely break, even if the weather wasn't that good. I'm going to start concentrating on preparation for my big craft fair coming up next month in Milton Keynes. It's come around really quickly. I've got lots to do and lots of new glass jewellery pieces to make, so I will be very busy over the next couple of weeks.

Ebay Shop re-vamp

I've been working on my ebay shop for the last couple of days as it has been a little neglected lately. I have been so busy making jewellery and doing craft fairs that I have done little work on my ebay shop. I set up my ebay shop several years ago selling my own artwork & photography of VW Camper vans, beetles, 356 speedsters and Vespas. I have a range of A4, A3+ and A1 posters along with gift cards and cotton t-shirts.

I had already designed a new page layout and have just spent this morning updating some of my posters. I hope to have the rest updated with the new layout over the next few days.

I'm getting ready for next months big craft fair in Central Milton Keynes. (Thursday 18th - Sunday 21st September at Middleton Hall, CMK). I am really looking forward to my first big fair, but I know there's not much time left to get everything planned. I'm spending every day with the kiln on just hope that everything will fit in the car when the time comes!!

Please come and check out my ebay shop. Any feedback on the new layout would be greatly appreciated.

... you aint seen me ... right!!

I love watching the fishes in our garden pond, especially at this time of year when the flowers are out and the plants look their best. However I always feel like there is someone watching me!!! We did have frogspawn earlier in the year, but unfortunately the fish ate it all. We tried to protect it, but these were very determind fishes!!!...

Dichroic Glass Forum

The Truly Handmade craft fair last Saterday went really well. The event was organised by Caroline of LittleGemsUK and ran very smoothly. Even though it rained for most of the day the event was extrememly well organised and there was a very good turn out. I was very pleased with my table display and met alot of lovely talented people. It was actually quite difficult trying to keep my purse in my bag as there were so many unique and beautiful crafts to look at and buy.

I also met another very talented artist who was Sam of incywincy crafts. Sam makes stunning button jewellery including personalised gifts and much more. I saw one of Sam's button bracelets at the weekend and it really is beautiful. Sam introduced me to the Dichroic Glass Forum which I have recently joined. This is a great site which offers lots of information, news links, advice, tutorials etc... The website address is http://dichroicglass.co.uk/

I have just finished making a pink & black chequered bangle this week to match the necklace & earrings set I made last week. I've also just finished making a few bangles, so thought I would show off my new jewellery pieces...

Latest Dichroic Glass Jewellery Designs...

I've just finished making my latest range of dichroic glass jewellery with a chequered design. I made a white chequered bangle a few weeks ago and was very pleased with the result, so I decided to make another chequered bangle along with a range of dichroic glass earrings and pendants. I am just finishing off the pendants, but here are a few pictures so far. I will be adding some of these jewellery pieces to my online shop.

Truly Handmade Craft Fair Saterday 19th July 2008

I've been a very busy bee the past few days. I bought some new dichroic glass colours and have been making up lots of new jewellery sets, earrings and pendants. I wanted to get a really bright electric pink and this is how my first piece turned out using the new pink dichroic glass along with grey fusing glass...

I'm really pleased I have some new colours to take with me this weekend to the Truly Handmade craft fair. The craft fair is being held this Saterday 19th July at St James Church Hall, Mere Green Road, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5BW. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello. There will be a variety of arts & craft stalls with free admission & parking. (Opening times will be 10am-3pm)

I have also made a pair of dichroic glass stud earrings in the same electric pink colour. Please come & browse my website for lots more handmade jewellery. www.chloesdesigns.com

The Day of the Triffids!!!

I walked down our driveway last week as normal on my way to the local shops. It was a lovely warm evening and everything seemed fine. However, something rather strange had happened while I was gone. I walked back home to find this massive plant on the side of our house had just fallen down and completely blocked the drive. My partner had watched the plant slowly fall to the ground while he was working on his car. I'm pleased it happened on such a nice day!! The plant had been climbing the side of the house for many years.. I wonder what caused it to fall when it did?.....

Dichroic Glass Clip on Earrings

My newest range of dichroic glass clip on earrings with removable comfort sleeves. Please browse my online shop for more clip on earrings, and other dichroic glass & silver jewellery. Delivery is just £2.00 on all orders. http://www.chloesdesigns.com/

When you fall in love with a piece of jewellery...

I was at Bakewell Craft Fair in Derbyshire this weekend selling my dichroic glass & silver jewellery. I had been busy all last week making up lots of new jewellery pieces to take with me. I had made lots of little glass stud earrings along with some more silver & glass adjustable rings. I was just so delighted when a this lovely lady saw the ring pictured below and instantly fell in love with it. She was from America and just about to head back home. I'm so pleased they decided to stop at Bakewell first : - ) The lady could not take the ring off and a few minutes later the ring was sold. I was really pleased the lady bought the ring as you could tell she really loved it. She even decided to keep it on...

I ordered some more sterling silver adjustable ring blanks which arrived this week. This is my latest adjustable ring. I handmade the front piece using precious metal clay and dichroic glass. The glass piece has 2 layers of dichroic glass in it which gives it an amazing sparkly effect and the colours are so vibrant. This is then attached onto the sterling silver ring using a 2 part high strength epoxy glue.

I have also been busy this week making up lots of diddy dichroic glass stud earrings. These have been really popular at the craft fairs. They are about 7mm by 7mm and all have sterling silver studs. I have listed a few pairs in my online shop and will be listing some more soon.

 

White Chequered Dichroic Glass Bangle

I just wanted to show off my latest white glass bangle which I handmade with a chequered dichroic glass pattern in it. I don't think the photograph above quite does this bangle justice as it's just beautiful when the light catches it. I have made two white bangles so far, but will definately be making more of these : - )

Fine Silver Wrap-over Ring

So I decided to have a go at making a wrap over ring, and here's how it turned out. I thought I would add the hearts around the ring band as it looked a little bare on it's own. I am thinking about making my next wrap over ring with gemstones set in it. I added a patina to this ring to darken the silver and then gently wire brushed it. I finished off by polishing the little hearts to give them a nice shine.
I'm currently making some more adjustable silver rings which should be finished tomorrow. Will post a picture as soon as they're done : - )

My dichroic glass & silver jewellery takes centre stage...

I was a little nervous this weekend when I was put on the front centre table at the Bakewell craft fair with my dichroic glass & silver jewellery and glassware pieces. The organiser of the craft fair rotates the front table so that everyone can have a go if they want to. It took me a little longer to set up in the morning as I had to re-think my table layout and I like to group things together so that all the earrings are in one place etc. I was really pleased with the final layout and was even more chuffed when another crafter commended me on my table display. The first picture below was taken just as you walked through the front doors of the craft fair...

I decided to put my glassware pieces around one side of the table and my earrings and pendants on the other side. The pendants are displayed in a carry case box that my boyfriend made for me. I was so pleased how well the case turned out, and it works very well for displaying my glass pendants...

I have recently updated my website with craft fair dates that I am currently doing. I will be adding to this list as I get more dates booked. Please click here to see my craft fair dates.

So this week I will be making up new stock. I especially need to make some more dichroic glass stud earrings which are very popular. The stud earrings are just £4.99 each and all come on sterling silver ear studs. I made a pair for myself which I always wear and they certainly attract alot of attention as they sparkle away. I will be listing some of my stud earrrings on my website shortly.

Website re-vamped...

I've spent the last couple of days updating my website which is nearly finished. I have just a couple more pages to complete, but the majority is now uploaded. I have a selection of dichroic glass and silver necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings etc all available to buy online from www.chloesdesigns.com/.
I can also make custom jewellery pieces. I have a few sets of cufflinks which I will be listing in my online shop today. These are my first lot of cufflinks which are sterling silver and dichroic glass. The computer has been a little slow uploading everything this morning, so I am just off for a quick coffee break. The necklace pictured above is another one I finished making earlier this week.

Fine Silver & Dichroic Glass Pendants

Last week I made these fine silver & dichroic glass pendants. I had already made the glass pieces a couple of weeks ago using fusing glass and dichroic glass. The glass pieces have been fired several times to achieve the final result. The pendant on the top lefthand side was made using a cork clay burnout. The shape is made with cork clay and then left to dry overnight. I then used silver clay in a syringe and piped all around the outside of the cork clay. I've included 4 pink gemstones in this pendant which add an extra little sparkle.
I have just listed these necklaces in my Etsy shop today.