Kim Channon Jewellery Designs

Need a Little Moxie?

2011-11-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

Hello! It's been a while since my last post and the reason is Little Moxie♡

I struggle like most people to have enough time for blogging, tweeting & making (whilst raising a 3 year old) so to start a new product range is crazy!

I couldn't help it!!!

Here is a taste of the Little Moxie treats you can find on the website!

If you like what you see, please check out the blog too.

The makers bible, how to sell your craft!

2011-08-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

I just have to spread the word about this amazing book:) For any maker/artist who are trying to sell their products and need a little guidance, this is a god send! The Handmade Market Place by Kari Chapin is packeted full of helpful tips and advice on selling online and general small business issues.

I must say it is rather American in some of it's approach (us british do have a more reserved attitude to sharing how we make our work, & where we sell!) but I really like the sense of a community this book gives. I can't put it down as it's an easy read too and the illustrations are amazing.

Thank you Kari Chapin!

A new journey called Little Moxie

2011-07-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

New photos of Kim Channon Jewellery

Well, where do I start? It's the usual late blog post from me so I will try to keep it short and sweet! A while back I made a post on wether I should start a new blog. The reason for this is that I make a lot of things other than jewellery. I felt my mind and the blog was getting confused with it's direction, so rather than set up a blog, I have started a new enterprise called Little Moxie ♡ On Little Moxie I will be selling my crocheted toys, kids/christening jewellery, paintings, knitted items, personalised guitar picks to name a few, all made by me! Am I mad?....Yes, am I tired?.....You bet! But I have never been more passionate and excited about my work before. It is my new baby!

As for Kim Channon Jewellery it's super busy times too! I am working on my new images like the ones above for my website which I hope to have looking really fab by the end of September. Right, time for bed to dream up some new designs!!! Nite nite x

Crochet and away!

2011-07-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

The gang!

Edward the bear loves cake

Acorn just loves Mushroom cos he's such a fun-guy!!!

Thanks to Kirsty Allsop's Handmade programes and YouTube, I decided to give crocheting a go. Well let's just say I fell in love! I still can't follow patterns but I just play around until it becomes something. If I try to do two the same they are always a different size. I made these whilst watching TV instead of eating biscuits. Hope they make you smile:) x x

From the Wilde

2011-05-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Twig Berry Yellow Pendant

sold @ From The Wilde

Have you heard about fromthewilde.com? This is an online shop that sells only 100% handmade items.

They have the most lovely eclectic handmade products by UK designer makers & artists.

I fell in love with the website, I'm sure you will too!

I'm giddy with joy, because I am now selling my jewellery with "From The Wilde"♡

Pop over to the site and take a peek xx

3 Villages Market & fair!

2011-05-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

At the End of June I will be taking part in the 3 Villages Festival selling my jewellery at the market.

I can't wait as not only will it be set in one of the most beautiful villages I've ever seen (Cradley near Worcester & Hereford) but I will have family and friends there too. My sister in-law is an organiser of the event and I even have some friends who will be stall holders next to me. I am wishing for some good weather and the homemade cider stall to be near!

If your in the area pop over and say hi.

Market open: Saturday 25th June - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday 26th June - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

My little cottage: when working at home, it needs to be inspiring!

2011-03-07T03:23:00.000-08:00

My side of the bed, and yes I do sleep next to my John Lewis Mini sewing machine!

In the vintage suitcase I keep all my yarn, needles and bits & bobs.

The basket under the table contains some of my favourite magazines like Country Living.

My cottage was built in 1880 and I love the open fireplace. We are lucky to have a coal yard

down the lane and woods at the back of our house. There is nothing like a real fireplace, it make our home so cosy.

I like making little arrangements of things around the cottage. I do move things around from time to time for a change, and to see where things work best. Because our cottage is dinky, I do find that I have to be careful not to display too much.

I sometimes just want to clear all the clutter such as, the toys, books that have been read and never to be read again, my mass of fabrics, and the huge collection of T-shirts my husband has. Why do men keep clothing forever? Even when peppered with holes and stained to hell he will not throw them out!

This is Eden's room. I think this is my favourite room as I got to decorate it for my little girl and think of what she likes and how she see's things. There is a real vintage vibe to her room as Eden has many of mine and my husbands books and toys from when we were little. The crochet blanket was from my gran on my dad's side and the patch work bedspread is made by my grandmother on my mum's side.

When working from home it can be a real challenge to focus and not get sucked into doing other things. For me I find a home that makes me feel safe, is beautiful, uncluttered and reflects the person or persons living there really helps me feel inspired and in a good head space to design and make nice things!

'have nothing in your houses which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful'

William Morris 1880

Etsy things & Phings!

2011-03-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hello, It's been awhile since my last post and the reason is that I have been away on a lovely holiday,

visiting my family in Malaysia.

We had a great time celebrating chinese new year and it was first time my daughter got to meet the family over there. I also got to know my cousins wife who has an online business through Etsy called Phings. She designs and makes the most must-have items like fridge magnets, gift tags and decor signs.

I couldn't help but get my hands on some too!

Valentines Heart Pendant.... You have my ♡

2011-01-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

This is a new pendant I made with Valentines Day in mind, and mine and Morgan's five year anniversary coming up! I have a few ideas that are similar to this necklace that I can't wait to make.

I love working with copper as it's so soft and malleable. That is, it can be bent and shaped without cracking, when either hot or cold. Copper is a great metal to start using as a beginner in jewellery making! However, much of the copper jewellery I have seen in shops is not to my taste. I find it a challenge using the reddish orange colour of copper to work with other colours and using it in contemporary jewellery.

have a second chance with chinese New Year!

2011-01-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Oxidised silver & enamel earrings

by Kim Channon

I never ever stick to my new years resolutions, so every year they never really change!

1) Drink more water (actually any amount of water, I only drink tea or coffee. Bad I know)

2) Have the Mariah Carey organised wardrobe (but way smaller!)

3) Update website and blog weekly......... and that brings me here.

I have read many blogs where people have apologised or have confessed to not having the time to post fresh new blog material. I do think some bloggers make it look too easy putting posts out every few days so I do end up wondering should I be doing more? What do I put out there every week that anyone would want to hear about? I must say that the really good blogs like creative thurday or calivintage show a huge amount of commitment and are very inspiring.

To be honest, I'm a full-time mum who just about manages to squeeze in a bit of jewellery making or other crafts. I think this must ring bells for so many mums out there who want to be working from home but struggle to find the time. How do I find the time to blog then? Well, my daughter will be going to pre-school this year and I can't wait! Those 3hrs a morning when she is at pre-school will be such a change and maybe, just maybe...... I will be able to blog once a week? nah, let's not get carried away!

Blue Ginger has my jewellery now!

2010-11-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Oval Enamelled Silver Earrings

£32

I mentioned in a previous blog that I visited a gallery in Malvern, Worcestershire called Blue Ginger

I really liked the art work they sell there and Sue Lim who owns the barn converted gallery/cafe.

It's a stone throw away from my in-laws cottage and where my husband grew up, so it's a very special place to us. Thanks to my lovely sister-in-law for taking me to Blue Ginger, I am now selling my jewellery there!

Now that the galleries are stocked, I am making some non-jewellery Christmas gifts.

I would love to make all my family and friends a little something, either sewn or knitted!

Any ideas for little projects I could do? x x

My Jewellery at Mickerloo Gallery!

2010-11-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

I was recently contacted by Mickerloo Arts Gallery in Cheshire to showcase my jewellery. I jumped at the chance to sell my work at their contemporary art gallery, which helps promote new artists and makers alongside some very well established artists. The necklace above is called Green Forest and is a One-Off piece. It is made of black enamel on silver with Chrysoprase and Chalcedony semi-precious beads.
This necklace is being showcased and sold at Mickerloo Gallery amongst other pieces from my enamelled Eden Collection. Have a look at their website (my info will be uploaded soon) or even better visit them!

Photographing Jewellery!

2010-10-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Rose Ring Pendant

£165

As many jeweller's know taking photographs of your work is tough stuff! The worst is dealing with a polished finish as the light bounces around and can pick up surrounding colours. However, I still love taking pictures of my own work and trying my best to create an interesting image.

In 2005 I attended a Photo Shop evening class for 8 weeks to learn how to edit my own images. It has been one of the best moves of my jewellery career! My brother (a graphic designer) got me a Mac and Photo Shop and away I went. Thanks bro x

Things I have learnt on taking pictures of jewellery on a digital camera are:

1) Try not to use flash.
2) Take pictures outside on a cloudy day for less shadows.
3) Know your camera really well, read the manual and try out different settings.
4) A light box can be useful, especially if you don't have photo shop.
5) Take loads of pictures and edit after.
6) Use a tripod, very important!

Hope you like the photo, please tell me what you think. x

Brighton POD selling my Jewellery!

2010-10-18T02:57:00.000-07:00

I am now selling some of my jewellery through Brighton POD!
This is a shopping portal dedicated to promoting the work of Britain’s most talented independent designers and craftspeople – Brighton POD is the fast, simple and ethical alternative to shopping in our franchise-choked high streets.
I love the easy to use website and I'm lusting after the beautiful handmade furniture.
Check out my jewellery on their website too! http://www.brightonpod.com/jewellery-c-25.php

Jewellery Website....coming soon!

2010-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Silver & Red Coral Brooch by Kim Channon £165

I'm still trying to set up a website were people can buy my jewellery direct from me, or find my stocklists. It's crazy not to have a website for any business nowadays, even though the galleries once kept me busy enough! I hope to have something out on my website by early December.....fingers crossed!!!

Winner of free-give-away!

2010-10-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

This one is for Anna! Thanks for taking part and it will be sent to you very soon x x

Many thanks to those that who took part in my first free give-away. My Facebook jewellery group grew considerably, so thank you to all those that joined ❤ x x

Galleries to visit!

2010-10-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my sister-inlaw took me to a wonderful Arts & Crafts cafe/gallery called Blue Ginger In Malvern. I'm often in Worcestershire visiting my family and I was so pleased to find this hidden gem!
I have already bought my first Christmas gift there and will be going back for more.
The above image is a close up of a silver, enamelled and coral bead necklace made by me. It was sold by a gallery in Bath called Gallery Nine. I will be working on similar pieces of jewellery on the run up to Christmas.

where's your head at?

2010-09-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Head in the clouds would sum me up right now! I have been doing lot's of DIY projects and not so much jewellery which has to stop as christmas is coming and I need to get making!!!
The above picture is of a shelf make-over I did for my daughters room. I found an old wooden corner shelf in a charity shop for £3. I sanded it down, painted it, then stuck some vintage wallpaper inside.
I have also just started a years upholstery course :) I will post pictures up of my before and afters!
Now the question is, do I change my blog to Kim Channon Designs (minus the Jewellery) or start another blog?

To blacken the silver or not?

2010-07-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

I would really love to know what you think of the oxidised (black finish) silver. I have made many pieces with that finish, some of them work well, but would you buy or wear a piece of silver jewellery that's not silver in colour? Personally I don't wear much silver, as it does not suit my skin tone and the black finish really works on me, but what about on you? Please let me know what you think!

My Home Studio

2010-07-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

I have been busy at home decorating, and making some jewellery in my little garden studio. As you can see it's a simple, clean space to work in, and not much of a visual feast. My partner and I share the space (he's a Musician and Musicologist) so we have kept it more practical than beautiful!
Mostly I have been spending time on the cottage and doing some good old DIY! The bathroom is my current project, and I hope to finish it this summer.....fingers crossed!

Pendant GIVE AWAY for followers!

2010-07-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the enamelled silver pendant necklace for my give away! The Cobalt blue enamel is on Sterling Silver and sits on an 18inch chain, with a white Agate and Pearl bead detail. Do you like it?
If you have someone you would like it for, or even just for yourself then this is what you do:

1) Follow me on this blog and on my Facebook Group!
2) Share my Blog and Facebook group with all your friends and family.
3) Make a comment so I know who likes it!!!

I hope to get 100 Followers on my Facebook group and 50 on my blog, I will then pick a winner!
Good luck and spread the love today x x

For Eden x x

2010-07-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

I painted another little canvas for my daughter Eden to put in her room. I hope to make more for some of Eden's little friends! I will be posting a picture of the pendant for my FREE GIVE AWAY later today so don't forget to share my blog with friends and family to win!

Free give away........

2010-07-03T02:14:00.000-07:00

I'm planning my first free give away soon!!! Very excited, just need to reach 100 members on my Facebook group and 50 followers on this blog! All you have to do is join my group and follow me (Click Follow to you right of this page). I will be posting the NEW, ONE-OFF piece of jewellery to be WON next week (being made this weekend, not the item above!).
Please share my Blog and Facebook with your friends and family..........spread the love this weekend!

Where there is tea, there is hope!

2010-07-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

I love my cups of tea, so when I saw this cushion at Past Times I just had to have it!

Little cottage must have.......

2010-07-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

I have recently been tidying up my make-up bag, jewellery and personal paper stuff. In the past my things have just been in random places around the house. I was always hunting for bits of paper I needed or looking for my mascara! I decided to make use of a little space in my bedroom for these very things.
I bought the shelf from TK MAXX and painted it in Farrow& Ball's Matchstick coloured matt paint. On it sits my cleanser, toner, mini Jamie Oliver Jars and a vintage tin for a first aid kit. I have hung some vintage jewellery from the pegs to make it more pretty.
The basket was bought at a vintage emporium and it holds all my unsightly things like make-up bag, hair products and I throw things inside to tidy later!
The lamp is from Habitat, the mini wooden draws are from Ikea and have been painted white, the mirror was kindly given to me by my mother in-law and sister in-law.
I would love to know what you think and what improvements can be made. I'm always trying to solve storage problems as we have a small house so any tips would be great!

Tea and Crafts!

2010-06-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

I'm really looking forward to the Beaded Charm Bracelet Workshop that i'm hosting at the Emporium Tea Room in North London's trendy Muswell Hill. Not only is it a tea room with workshops from jewellery to knitting, it is also a very cool shop! It has a great mix of vintage and quirky items to purchase whilst having a tasty treat to eat! See me there on the 17th July 2 - 4.30pm (booking now!) Check them out and book a workshop at Emporium Tea Room.

How to clean your jewellery!

2010-06-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

This is question I often get asked and as I worked in a jewellery gallery for six years, I have cleaned my fair share! I was really surprised to hear how much a friend paid to get her wedding band re-matted when she could be doing it herself.

The earrings above are gold plated silver and I still use a silver cloth on gold items. These can easily be purchased from a jewellery shop or in a supermarket. They work magic and get any tarnished jewellery
sparkling. Read the instructions and DO NOT use it on items with pearls, it strips the pearls surface!

There is also a product called silver dip. This is a liquid that can you put your jewellery into and let it clean away, (done in minutes) especially good for items with detail/inlay and chains. Read instructions and DO NOT put beads, pearls and stones into the dip (diamonds are hard enough and are ok!).
Silver dip can be found in jewellery shops or online.

As for the matt effect I have been using it on my silver jewellery for years. I like a real textured matt finish which I achieve with Scotch Brite! I buy this from a DIY store and cut it into small pieces. I simply brush it over the piece in the same direction all over. For a softer more satin finish there is a rubber block that contains grit of different amounts (like sand paper) called Garryflex. I buy this online and like the Grey medium grit one. Again I will use this in one direction.

Now when matting jewellery, be it silver, gold or platinum it will always be removing a small trace amount off the piece. Do not matt plated items or keep matting your wedding band etc all the time as it will thin it over time. My wedding band is both white and yellow gold with a diamond which I only matt on our anniversary!

Any questions please ask!!!

Simple and clean design

2010-06-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

I have been making this pendant for a few years now. It's a simple design that I always enjoy the look of, but it's a real pain to make! It is all made by hand, no casting or laser cutting used, so it always needs to be precise in it's measurements.

I thought of this piece today after spending an evening with some fellow jewellery designers and artists. We talked about the importance of maths in design, however few of us actually passed our exam! When it comes to working out my measurements I find making notes and a copper model is the best way.

xx Home Sweet Home xx

2010-06-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

I am trying to motivate myself to finish the on going diy jobs that I have. I do find it hard to multi-task, i'm either really into something at that moment, finding it hard to change projects!
As a full-time mum I am always trying to fit my work into the nap time and after my daughters goes to bed, so things can take a bit longer to do! Now to get on with my father's day present, oh no what about my knitting?! First things first......a cup of tea:)

Me & my little girl x x

2010-06-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Whenever we have some good weather I always like to take my daughter to St Albans park. Loads to do and see there, but best of all it's near to a waffle house... yummy!

More Jewellery Workshops!

2010-06-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying the jewellery workshops I have been doing. Not only do I get to share how I make my jewellery and be inspired by others, but we have a good natter too!

2010-06-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

My dear friends and wonderful jewellery designers, Katherine Bree and Alison Lush. We are visiting contemporary jewellery shop Tom Foolery in London's Muswell Hill where I worked with Alison for many years!

Jewellery Workshop!

2010-06-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all the girls that took part in my beaded charm bracelet workshop in April. A big thanks to the founders of Sweet Herts Sisterhood Fi and Louise who also took part and for organising the day. Check out their blog http://sweetherts.blogspot.com on more info about the group and I hope to do more jewellery workshops with them in the future.

2010-06-07T06:16:00.001-07:00

2010-06-07T06:15:00.001-07:00

2010-06-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

Sweet Herts Sisterhood girls bought lot's of their own little charms to make the bracelets really personal.

2010-06-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

today is dull, I need some colour!

2010-03-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

Just after I bought my summer sandals the weather has turned! Yes, I know it's too early for summer wear but I got all excited:)

We have booked our family holiday and i'm spending as much time in the garden planting sweet peas, jasminum nudiflorum and mint. I don't know much about gardening, it's all a learning curve and really nice to be out in the fresh air.
Oh that's the door, my mini green house has arrived....Yipeee!

Chirpy, cheap cheap!!!

2010-03-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

This little canvas is for my daughters bedroom. I just pick up a cheap canvas, opened up my old acrylic paint box and of I went. I enjoyed doing something that I normally don't do, and also working in 2D for a change. When I make things for friends and for loved ones I get so excited that I can't sleep until I have finished it. I hope to make more little pictures from time to time as painting is so calming!

Sweet selection of beads!

2010-03-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to the Sweet Herts Sisterhood beading workshop this april.

Today was a good day for getting things done, thanks to my daughter for having a long nap!

Looking for vintage and inspiration? Found some links x x

2010-03-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

I have been looking for more vintage pieces for my home. I love the folk art style and lots of romantic florals. I have been scanning the charity shops and looking online for inspiration. Love Pink Friday Blog
http://pinkfriday.blogg.se/ the pics are amazing!

My gorgeous lampshade came from cha cha cha's in London's Muswell Hill where I had my jewellery studio. Megan sells the most beautiful vintage interior pieces and she has a real eye for colour and design. Check her shop out http://www.cha-cha-cha.co.uk/
The throw was given to me by my nan and the cushion came from a little shop called Cosi also In Muswell Hill.

@ Home doing crafts

2010-03-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

I made the knitted house for my daughter with odd bits of yarn from the charity shop and used felt for the windows and doors. I didn't follow a pattern so it's a bit wonky but that's cottage living for you!

It feels like spring is here!

2010-03-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today was another bright and sunny day, perfect for being in the garden or out walking in the park. I did neither, instead I went to Ikea for with my friend Pip and her two kids and my little girl. We spent ages in the kids furnishings area with the kids running about like it was Challenge Anneka! We had a great time and I loved looking all the bright colours and graphic prints and everything in mini kids sizes!

How to do beading?

2010-03-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

This has to be one of my favourite designs so far. I made it in 2007 and sold it to Leeds City Gallery at Harrogate's British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF). It's another one-off design but I have made similar pieces with different semi-stone beads. It is made with blue amazonite beads, green enamel on silver and the flower has blue enamel with coral beads inside.

Wanna know how to do beading? In april I am doing a beading workshop with Sweet Herts sisterhood. Check out their blog!

This ring is not for doing the washing up in!

2010-03-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

Today I was sorting through some of my images and I found this picture of a ring I made in 2007.

It's made of oxidized silver with fresh water pearls and is a one-off piece.

I do love this ring and it has been on exhibition a few times. It was great fun to make and I will finally put it up for sale on my website later this year!

It was a beautiful sunny day for doing things like sorting and gardening with my 2yr old daughter, and I had a lovely long chat with my friend Alison Lush (also a jewellery designer). We had a good natter about websites and selling through galleries. We always conclude that it's about selling online or at craft fairs and Alison is already doing just that! Check her on: www.alisonlush.com

We've only just begun!

2010-02-28T15:17:00.000-08:00

Wow, finally I have my own blog page! I'm looking forward to posting my jewellery designs on it and enjoying my new Macbook at the same time.