Thankyou Harry Potter

I actually cried over this video, it's a beautiful tribute

Etsy Treasury Purple Sunset

I've made a pretty Treasury based on the theme of a late Autumnal sunset, with golden and purples hues.Click the preview pic above for the full view

Making treasuries cheers me up, and I am feeling blue, having has flu for the past week and with so much work to do. I was just about to launch into my Lichen/Coral inspired piece, when illness stopped me in my tracks.

So I am to start again today with sketches to ease me in, then I'll try to actually make this piece, which is driving me mad at the mo.
Wish me luck

Samantha

Symbiosis - Algae, Lichen and Coral

I'm becoming obsessed with my new pet project.

Lichens arise in those amazing natural forms , shapes and colours because of the mutually beneficial relationship between algae and fungi, whereas coral arises from the same symbiotic reliance formed between algae and marine invertebrates

Sometimes Lichen and Coral look so similar to each other, in macro it's hard to tell them apart.

Anyway, I'm in love with this subject (blame the growing collection of coral sitting on my work bench). So. I'll be in lockdown, holed up in the studio because of this burning idea I have in mind, thats erupted from my new obsession.

My husband will be so pleased(not), he often catches me with a glazed look, and makes the mistake of asking whats on my mind, only to be regaled with the wonders of radial symmetry in marine invertebrates or some such nonsense. He's going to love my new found algae/lichen/coral fixation won't he?!

Anyway I've included some images of Corals, and Lichen colonies, and have mixed them up just to confuse you LOL. The sources for all the images (and tons more), can be found HERE at my Flickr Favourites page.







OK...so now I'll grab a bite, and head to the studio :)

Samantha Braund

Happy Dances All Round

Autumn is by far my favourite season of the year. I think I'm still hardwired into school schedules. Autumn to me meant getting out of the house, and new beginnings

The turn of the new season has been wonderful so far, and it's only just got going. I've been selected to participate in one of the UK's finest Contemporary Jewellery Fairs, for this year and next *cue happy dance*

This means more face to face time with people that love art jewellery, and love to meet the artists in question. It won't even feel like work will it?!

Anyway, I've added another collection to my Etsy shop today, which is an achievement in itself, considering how much I loathe listing. The photos here are a sneaky preview of the Pearl Barnacle Cluster necklaces. Be sure to have a browse...the shop is looking prettier with every new listing. It's the variety I expect...













The other major development for me, has taken me by surprise. Every year metal clay artists from around the globe, submit their latest and most innovative creations to be included in the Art and Design of Metal Clay Jewelry Calendar. It's held in high regard, and to be included is a real accomplishment...well, you guessed it one of my pieces has made it in there!!

The link to it is HERE

This will be the 2012 cover...


This is the official description of the calendar


...and snuck in there on "November", is my Coral Reef necklace *cue another happy dance*