Wedding Bands for H & P

I was commissioned to make a set of wedding band for H & P. The brief is simple & elegant, something that can be worn everyday. H & P decided they didn't want to just go into a typical jewellery shop to buy their wedding bands off the shelf. They wanted something that holds special meaning to just the two of them, not a design or brand name that could be seen on another couple's fingers.

Since their wedding ceremony is held today 29-Feb-2012, which is a leap year, I came up with the concept of using the phrase 'Leap of Faith' to signify the commitment to each other in a marriage and the celebration of this union on a leap year. The phrase 'Leap of Faith' is captured in timeless and elegant calligraphy font with chunky modern wide bands. Forged by hand in solid 999 fine silver. Satin finish with polished raised calligraphy.

These simple looking bands are more challenging to execute than it looks due to the size and type of font. Each letter is stringed, positioned & tweaked into place by hand, one at a time, no stamp was used here. I'm very happy with how it turned out and so is H & P.

Custom made His & Hers silhouette ring box

This is where it all started. A bit of scribbling on a piece of paper...

How it looks like in greenware stage pre-firing

Ripples in the Water (Metal Clay Class ~ Part 1)

Recently I've taken up a short course in Jewelry Fabrication in metal clay. I've been contemplating this for quite some time before jumping in, and when I do, it has been a liberating experience so far. You know something good is happening when it gives you a buzz.

I will be sharing items I created during my class every now & then. This is my favorite piece so far made using metal clay in dough form in 99.9 pure silver. It was made by rolling, cutting, pressing & shaping the clay like you would with playdough. My design morphed into an asymmetrical 3D pendant, with circles in different size & shape, which looks like ripples in the water with stacked pebbles in the center. To bring out the organic shape in different levels, I've used shiny and satin finish in parts to give it texture & visual contrast. I've decided to turn it into a necklace accented with a petite wire wrapped marquise cut labradorite gemstone for a bit of luxe & color. I love the subtle blue flashes on the cool labradorite which incidentally also represents the water element in this design. I also have a thing with unique chains too, and this is using silver wheat link chain which I bought on a trip to Japan.

1ST Giveaway: Nostalgic Rose Ring

Just when I was thinking of how to get a giveaway going, Bridget, the writer of the lovely blog Mint Green With Envy approached me. So together, we collaborated and came up with my very first giveaway! I'm very excited to see what everyone has to say about my shop.

Join the giveaway contest here.
Contest starts: 04 April 2010 / ends: 18 April 2010
May the best person win...good luck everyone!

XX
Nicole

Life is a journey...

hello my new found old friend,
an old electric sewing machine
saved from collecting dust in a corner
you were there all along but i didn't notice you until now...

You must think I'm silly, but when I first started sewing in my teens, it was on my grandma's antique Singer peddle sewing machine, so my memory of a sewing machine was that, not something in a box that is portable.

Deep plum linen passport cover with lime green scribble design, scrunched detail with contrasting fuchsia satin lining. Personalized with hand embroidered owner's name.

And so, my journey with you started again. I've decided to make a passport cover for a special friend. A friend who gave me the nudge, to realize my dream, to start my online shop. Her name is Sara. Thank you & Happy Belated Birthday! I hope with this passport jacket, it will start you on your own journey & take you places you wish to go or never thought of going before.

Happy Trails...❤nicole

Preview...

Here's a glimpse of what's to come at OpusMuse. Your lobes will never be lonely again...
I will be listing these colorful candies in my shop within the next 2 weeks.
Stay tuned!

Inspiration comes in many forms...

I've had this account for sometime now. Collecting blogs written by people whose work & design I admire. Didn't have the courage to start my own. So it's time I step out of my comfort zone. I may not have anything profound to say, but what you read here, will be little bits & pieces of erratic information of what makes me feel alive, my inspirations, my work.

It's true my inspiration comes in many forms. Just the other day, I was watching a TV show hosted by my fav UK ID mag - Living Etc, they featured the work of Helen Amy Murray, a UK based textile designer. Her work is phenomenal. She can transform an ordinary piece of leather into works of art. And I mean true wall hanging worthy! Admire her work here...an iconic chair Arne Jacobson Egg chair upholstered in her signature Peony relief pattern, and a few of my personal favorites. See more of her work on her official website.

All images from Helen Amy Murray's website

Inspired by her nature designs, I've decided to make this necklace. 'PURE'...made with leather, Czech glass and vintage lucite drops. Soon to be available in my shop. Tell me what you think?

PURE leather necklace by OpusMuse