Oh so succulents!

Ok, I've been completely sucked in! During the Easter weekend I finally gave in and joined the fabulous company of a couple of my favourite lady bloggers Wit and Whistle and A Beautiful Mess in embracing succulents! :)

This was in large part inspired by a very happy mother-daughter drawing day at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens. To shelter from the wintry conditions we hid out in the greenhouses and I fell in love in the Alpine collection...

Beauteous and wonderful shapes and shades.

To bring a little bit of this natural wonder into the Silversmith home I put together a little collection in a simple shallow terracota bowl and covered with some dark decorative pebble stuff (that's the technical term).

I'm really rather pleased with my efforts. It's cheering up what had been a rather bleak spot in our bathroom and who knows, perhaps some of these wild shapes will hold some jewellery design inspiration! 

SSx

What about you guys? Do you love succulents? Are you more into the spiky charms of the cacti? Have you ever been inspired by visiting gardens? Or have you designed jewellery inspired by flora and fauna? I'd love to hear from you...

The JOY of making for friends :)

Q: What's better than making silver jewellery?

A: Making silver jewellery for loved ones

True story! 

One of my dearest and most utterly fabulous friends has just got married. It was a beautiful and sunny day, the venue decked out in a host of vibrant daffodils and ranunculus. The bride was breathtaking in an elegant gown and pin curled hair. The moment she walked in the room brought a tear to my eye. The groom had a big green van and was presented with a welcome to the family sausage hanging device! Everyone joined in a rousing rendition of 'Fly Me to the Moon'. Guests enjoyed games on the lawn after the ceremony, a gourmet picnic dinner and a whole lot of dancing :) 

And I need to obtain the recipe for the chocolate mousse!

But the best bit?

I made a wedding band for my friend :) 

I even got the size right! ;)

I haven't got pictures of the actual ring, which is currently enjoying all the surprises of being on honeymoon and newly married life. Perhaps the bride or her super talented photographer sister will oblige us with a couple of pictures in due course...?!

Meanwhile I can share a couple of pictures of the prototype which is very similar - a fine hammered d wire band...

I can't recommend making something so special highly enough. Made with love. A joy and a privilege!

SSx

ps. See here for the crazy fun times we had on the hen do! ;)

pps. Any of you guys have any silversmith love stories to share?!