Try Something New (Part 1)
There are so many diverse specialisms to choose from, that there is something to suit all tastes, from beginner, to the hardened professional and we do our best to cater for just about everyone. Cooksongold.com is a treasure trove of tools, equipment and inspiration so let me take you on a tour and help you discover some of the gems we have to offer. You never know, one may entice you to try something new.
There are many different types of enamelling, not all of which involve a kiln. The basic principle involves applying a layer of powdered glass onto metal which is fused at extremely high temperatures to form a decorative, coloured glaze. A similar effect can be achieved using cold enamels, which are usually resin based and don’t require a kiln. We have a range of kits to get you started as well as a blog and projects to give you some ideas.
Make a Heart with a Hole Pendant
Fimo is a wonderfully versatile polymer clay, which can be baked in a standard oven to harden off. It comes in a huge range of colours, effects and varieties which can be shaped by hand, moulded, cut, stamped, marbled and textured. It is very easy to work with, inexpensive and requires very few specialist tools making it very accessible. Suitable for both adults and children, this is a material you can really get stuck into, experienced or not, just get yourself some clay and give it a try.
Fimo Soft Basic Colour Multi Pack Of 24 X 25g Polymer Clay Modelling Clay Blocks
Fimo Modelling Tools Pack of 4
Make a Upcycled Fimo Heart Necklace
Make Metal Copper Polymer Clay Paw Print Earrings
Working with gemstones doesn’t have to be scary. It is possible to dip your toe in the water without the need for training or specialist equipment, thanks to our ranges of snap in and glue in settings. We also have an array of semi-precious beads which are easily incorporated into wirework for a more professional finish. And, if you fancy a challenge, we have a vast selection of faceted and cabochon stones in a rainbow of colour options and sizes, which can be set with traditional or modern jewellery techniques to suit all tastes. Read on for more inspiration.
Stone setting For Contemporary Jewellery Makers by Melissa Hunt
Amethyst 
Mother of Pearl Flower Bead
Make a Colourful Silver Stacking Ring
Make a Gemstone and Sterling Silver Spiral Bracelet
Swarovski are world leaders in the manufacture of lead crystal stones and beads and their quality and range is unrivalled. When you buy a Swarovski stone you are guaranteed superior sparkle and precision cutting which together make for a fantastic product. They are perpetual innovators so there is always something new to see, be it a new colourway, finish or exciting cut to keep things fresh. Amazingly the Swarovski range encompasses over 16’000 crystals, 70 different colours and no less than 40 different effects so there really is plenty to choose from. Beads are a great place to start if you are new to crystals, but for those more experienced, Swarovski offer asymmetric cuts, traditional faceted stones and stunning drop pendants which can be applied to a whole host of jewellery and accessories to stunning effect.
Swarovski Zirconia Round Pure Brilliance Cut 6mm Fancy Blue
Swarovski Growing Crystal, Pendant, Rectangle, 6925, 26mm Crystal Silver Night
Swarovski Crystal Pack of 24 Bicone, 5328, 4mm, Crystal Ab
Make a Swarovski® Crystal Ring
Make Sparkling Cornet Earrings
This was just a brief rundown of products that will make it easy for you to try something new, we also have a part 2 coming very soon. Giving you more inspiration to try something new.
Written by Joanna Varney
Joanna has worked in and around the jewellery industry for well over 20 years. She has designed and created her own pieces as a designer maker, as well as working in jewellery retail on a much larger scale, producing designs and NPD for some of the UK’s largest high street retailers
The post Try Something New (Part 1) appeared first on The Bench.
source https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/jewellery-tips/try-something-new-part-1
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