Getting Back Into My Groove

(Selena Necklace - inspired by Lunar cycles - contains a White beryllium Gemstone set in Sterling Silver)

I can't believe how long it has been since my last post! I have been very active both in the studio and online, yet I haven't blogged any updates. The short version, is that the last month has involved me getting back into my jewellery creating groove. I have made some sales (more on this later), and have been making new pieces at a fairly regular rate, and have even started to put effort into metal clay experimenting (hush hush lol)

I remember when I started out a few years ago now. I was bedbound with a chronic back problem and had left behind my professional job in Medicine. My outlet for dealing with everything was this jewellery making outlet. I never really thought I would be any good at it, and the things I made were promptly stuffed into boxes all around the house lol. My ambitions were to bring in just enough money to pay for my passion, and did not extend beyond that intially.

So much has changed since those days - but one of the most rewarding aspects of this kind of work is how my little fantasy creations are of such significance to others. Engagement rings, Commitment rings, Proposal gifts, Significant birthdays, Anniversaries and now a Bride will wear one of my Bridal Coral Drop Necklaces to walk down the aisle!! Being involved in these real life narratives has been incredibly fulfilling, and unexpected. As a Doctor I dealt with the darker side of things, and was immersed in the pyschosocial problems of my patients - can you imagine the contrast therefore of now being exposed only to the sunnier slices of peoples lives. It is the equivalent of getting a natural high, and is life affirming, even if on the surface what I do now is so frivolous compared to what I used to do....funny the way everything works out isn't it?

Anyway, enough introspection and onto the pretties.... the two pics below are the latest pieces to be sold, and the other photos are of new items that will be going into the shop


(Gold/Green Freshwater Pearls, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver Barnacle Cluster Necklace)



(Copper Red Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver - Bridal Coral Drop Necklace)


(Labradorite Gemstone and Sterling Silver SeaWitch Necklace)


(Citrine Cubic Zirconia Gemstone and Sterling Silver - Fire and Ice Necklace)



(Rose Quartz and Sterling Silver Necklace)


(Smokey Quartz Gemstone, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver Contessa Necklace)


(Copper Red Freshwater Pearls, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver Barnacle Cluster Necklace)

As you can see I have been busy! The Seawitch Necklace is inspired by The Little Mermaid fable and is already in the shop, along with the Fire and Ice Necklace and Selena. The other should be going in this weekend. The rest of the weekend will be spent continuing with experimentations and working on a new piece. No real rest, but the sun will will be shining so thats a bonus :) Thanks for looking ...



Samantha Braund

Pearl Barnacle Cluster Necklaces

These necklaces are part of the Shipwrecked Jewellery Collection, based on the idea that gemstones and jewellery pieces are left on marooned shipwrecked vessels beneath the sea

These pieces lost in time, accumulate barnacles and other marine life, creating part living organic wearable sculptures

The Barnacle cluster collection is very much inspired by the theme, and each necklace contains clusters of freshwater pearls handwoven in sterling silver, nestled amongst fine silver barnacles and shells

I am taking this collection with me to the Desire Fair I'm doing at the end of the week. It will be one of ten collections I'll be exhibiting there...no wonder my hands are so tired

I've spent the whole day with the hubby arranging the layout of pieces and props, for the show. It was exhausting, and fun at the same time. I still have a few items to make unbelieveably, and have almost run out of time.

Anyway here are the photos of the rest of the collection...

















Hope you enjoyed the pics!!





Samantha Braund xx

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*