Thursday 16th October, 2014

This morning we had a lecture on the Bauhaus, I really enjoyed Adam speaking about the different tutors and what innovative ideas they brought to the table and how they created pieces before technology such as Photoshop.
I was intriged by their circle/timetable and it made me think about our schedules.
I thought it was interesting how they got the chance to find out who they were, working in different workshops and then picking their speciality.

Claw Setting.

Today we had a go at creating a claw setting which I found very frustrating but at the same time there wasn't as many steps to this setting, I just found soldering the claws onto the base difficult.

I will continue to make a ring for the base tomorrow and stone set my piece as I found it took a lot of concentration to get the setting it's self made in that one session.

Wednesday 14th October, 2014

Today I carried on writing technical notes up and drawing ideas into my sketchbook

Tuesday 14th October, 2014

This morning we had a seminar on Crafts interaction with Technology which I found really interesting as we spoke about integrating technology into crafts and also creating crafts/objects using technology and how skills have developed.
I enjoy researching into this subject more and speaking about QR codes has sparked an interest I would love to integrate into my work.
This afternoon we made a tube setting, this has been my favourite technique so far because or the simplicity of the technique and the satisfying outcome that happens!
I also spoke to Julie about my brief idea and how I can go forward to develop it, she suggested creating ideas and samples out of paper, making machettes instead of straight out of metal to save time and get an idea out of my system.

Monday 13th October, 2014

Writing Technical Notes.

Today I spend the day writing up technical notes reflecting on what I've done so far, these are a great part of our project as they will come in handy in the future, building up instructions for different techniques I can use again in the future.

Friday 11th October, 2014

Introduction to stone setting!

Today I was quite nervous about stone setting as I wasn't very knowledable about stones and gems.

Cerys explained a lot to us in a short amount of time and I felt it was so important to keep record of everything through photos and notes.

We created a bezel ring with a stone and shoulders, I felt this session was very fiddly but with more practice I believe I will progress in this technique and the finished pieces will become much more satisfying. I tried my best to keep it neat but piercing something so small was very difficult to me even though I took my time.

Stone setting has triggered my imagination for my project as I've been looking into butterflies and the interesting sections of their bodied before, after and during their transitions I believe stone setting would be a brilliant decoration technique.

I'm looking forward to experimenting with the other ways of stone setting next week!

I'm really interested in Art nouveau (1890s+) and the 'Will to flight' theory and taking a modern spin on this manifesto within my work development. 

I have being researching into designers such as Rene Lalique popular for his jewellery at the time.

"Art Nouveau jewellery by Rene Lalique"

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/98234835592042181/

This is also a wonderful piece by Lucien Gaillard, I love the symmetry and attention to detail, although these pieces seem outdated they're very interesting forms and concepts that I would like to apply to my own work.

"Moth Pendant, ca. 1900 Lucien Gaillard - Gold, enamel, citrine, and horn."

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/273804852318063483/

Thursday 9th October, 2014

This morning we had a lecture on Design Thinking and watched some videos about the founders of the comany IDEO http://www.ideo.com/uk/ I found this part of the lecture really interesting hearing these successful people speaking about how their companies work and why. 

This afternoon we discussed precious metals, what the difference between fine silver and sterling silver were and hallmarking!

I loved this part of the day as we got to make a silver wire ring and I was shown a  better way of soldering than I have learnt in the past.

I loved working in sterling silver and hope to use it again in the future.

Tuesday 7th October, 2014

This morning we had a seminar as a group seaking about our 'favourite things'
and selected work we found interesting and inspirational to speak about together as a group.
I found this task daunting at first but enjoyed finding out about some new designers and techniques they've used. I wish I prepared more research for the seminar but it was great finding out what others found inspiration in and why; whether it be the concept or the techniques used for the overall appearance.

In the afternoon I prepped samples for etching which I left in for 2 hours so see how effective it would be, I really like the results and look forward to oxidising them and finishing them up to see what effects I can achieve.

I also worked on my raising Sample and worked out a quicker way to add shape to the bowl shape. I started further up, banding the vessel with a mallet instead of a cross pean hammer then going in and making regular marks to shape the piece evenly and effectively 

I was shown how to get the pleates/wobby edges out of the metal with blocking which I think is a faster process for jobs that have limited time.

I found this technique difficult to find a rhythm too and control the metal but through practice and keeping track of the changes I have found the progress I have achieved and an appreciation for the technique.