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Sunday 20 November 2011

Hiya all dear Jewellery makers and readers,

I apologise for not updating my blog for a very long time, but so much has happened.

I've managed to get involved in holding jewellery making classes that will begin in March 2012.  So if you're interested I'll let you know more about it :)

But I'll do my best to keep you all posted.

Thanx so much for reading and if you want to keep posted then just click 'Join this site' icon :)


Wednesday 24 August 2011

CLICK AWAAAY....

Dear readers,

I just wanted to say thank you all so much for reading my blogs as I constantly send them through.

It make me very positive to see people taking a small interest in some things I put on here.

I encourage you to keep reading my updated blogs as I send them through, but most of all - I ask one very small favour, (if you haven't done this yet) could you please click on all the adverts that you see on my blog.  The reason for this is so that I can earn a small income (very small) on each click you make on each advert you see.
If you have done this for my blogs already, then sit back and just enjoy.
For those who haven't feel free to read and then CLICK AWAY maties.

Thank you so much for your support xxxx

Yes, this is me (Judith) once upon a time when I lived in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Different earrings altogether....

Dear jewellery lovers,

I got extra creative and made these two pairs of earrings to slightly match some of the pieces I had recently made.

Let me know what you think :) xxx



My new lovely SPIKEY ORANYIA....

Hiya dear jewellery lovers,

Here is another piece I had made.

I really wanted to make something different and just break all the rules of conventional jewellery.
So, I literally broke the wires.

This necklace took me a long time to make.  
This is a two strand necklace, and had to cut the one to add in the spikes.
It was a challenge but I love the outcome.
It's so different xx

Here is a close-up of the beads used.
Swarovski orange crytals, orange polished stone, peachy flat shell, silver spacers, 
and orange seed beads.

Then to add the finishing touch, an extension with a charm bead.
This has become a favourite of Valbies Jewellery, we love to add on a little charm 
to give a little accentuation on the piece.

Ladies, this will look good in any outfit.
If you find that your outfit isn't doing it enough for you, then add in a lovely piece of
jewellery like this, and you will change your look completely.

You'll look gorgeous, besides you deserve it!! xx

Marketing Your Jewellery...

Hiya jewellers and friends,

Just thought I would share some helpful advice on marketing your homemade jewellery that you wish to sell.

This comes from my own personal experience that I encountered today.

But over a while, it was suggested to me to join jewellery making forums and tell others about my range of beauties out there.  How amazing, it never occurred to me to do this :(
I did it, but never got really involved and felt very frustrated.

So today I plugged away and just read people's own experiences and advice, their replies and conversations.
Man, was I fascinated!
It truly is amazing what you can find out there.

Next minute I came across some websites (besides from Ebay) to sell your jewellery on, and then from those websites I found other websites to market my items for sale for people to see.  I managed to find twelve so far.  I have more to encounter.

I does take a lot of work, but who says anything happens easily.  And when it's your own business - you find you have more of a drive to get on with it.
The world is very big out there with the internet.

Enjoy! xxx

Up and Coming....

Hiya all,

Tomorrow I'll be posting some new designs I made on the same day that I got creative with my PINKALICIOUS beauty :) x

Ciao x

Jewellery Maker's Guide: Pinkalicious Necklace

Jewellery Maker's Guide: Pinkalicious Necklace: Hiya all, This is a beautiful necklace that I made yesterday. I was thinking about this design for a couple of days, and got so frustrat...

Pinkalicious Necklace

Hiya all,

This is a beautiful necklace that I made yesterday.

I was thinking about this design for a couple of days, and got so frustrated because I really wanted to make it but just wasn't sure what to put together.
When that happens I just need to get on with it and start making the piece, because the more I get focused the more detailed it starts to create itself.  It's amazing, really!
That is why the jewellery I make is so precious, because it creates itself and it's designed to make you look fabulous and outstanding.
My jewellery aims to accessorize your outfit for the day.  If you want to draw people's attention away from a particular part of your body, then wear a piece of my jewellery and you'll see people starring more at your new necklace or bracelet than the 'I don't want you to notice that' area :) xx

But here is my piece.  It took me less than half an hour to make and is made with a rose quartz pendant.  The focus was on that authentic gemstone.  I have a beautiful collection of gemstones, and decided to use them and this was my first attempt.
It took me ages to wire wrap the pendant, but I finally got it.
Then I looked for glass beads and other gemstones to form the rest of the necklace.
I think the beads called each other together really :)

This is the only design I have, so if you choose to buy it - I haven't seen anything else like it around.  Ideally dark skin toned ladies (tanned, or natural dark skin) will accentuate this necklace beautifully.  Otherwise, you could wear it with a dark polo neck top to show case this beauty to your friends and family.

The necklace has an extension - so don't worry about being chocked to death - you can alter it to any length you want - but not too long :) x






Monday 4 July 2011

Who am I?

I wanted to share with everyone the person who makes all the jewellery that you see listed on my blog and on my website www.wix.com/afrojude/valbies.  It is 'I' - Judith Charles who mainly makes most of the complicated and time consuming jewellery pieces




This is a very recent picture of me - but yes I love making jewellery and I'm still learning.  It's all about growing and developing new and fantastic designs that interest people.  I also love people's honesty.  If there is a piece you don't like - tell me.  I'll change the design to make it more stylish for the majority of you who wanted it changed.

The other person involved in my lovely fiance - Brett Bamberger.  He enjoys making more simpler jewellery, combining loads of intersting colour to suit anyone's needs. 
Despite long days at work, Brett will often come home and feel inspired.

So, there you go.  These are the people who are involved in Valbies Jewellery.  We are not that old either LOL xx

Monday 20 June 2011

Valbies "Googled"

Valbies roamed around Google for a while today, and we decided to see if we could be found if you simply just 'Googled' our name Valbies Jewellery and to our surprise this is what we found.......

We were listed first on the Google search engine with our facebook page.

This is a great hit for us. 

We encourage you to give it a try and let us know what you find.

We appreciate any support that you provide to Valbies, and we thank those who are already supporting our passion for making jewellery.  Thanx guys :) xx

Thursday 16 June 2011

Valbies favs....

This is one of Valbies fav designed necklace, with the Valbies logo as a pendant

Monday 13 June 2011

BANGLELICIOUS......

Valbies would like to introduce to you the all new....BANGLELICIOUS.

So far we have two colours, the first a mixture of purple shades, and the second a mixture of beautiful exotic blue shades.  Both bracelets are made with glass and crystal beads and are able to fit any wrist.  The aim of these bracelets is to really shine and glow in the sun, and they sure do - particularly the blue.  It sets off the real tone for summer, creating a tropical and exotic feel.


Above are close-up images of the finished touch to each bracelet.  A beautiful silver shine finish, and very secure.  No glue or nots are used in the finished touches, just chain linked with another chain. 

Feel free to let us know what you think.

Keeping busy...

Well, Valbies Jewellery has been keeping themselves busy.  We have taken a few of our older jewellery designs, broken them down and rebuilt a few new designs.  A new look is taking Valbies by storm, and we wanted share the start of our new beginning of designs.  A taste of vintage with a dash of modern is what's inspiring Valbies Jeweller's.

This new necklace was inspired from the summer sun, and we therefore chose to call this necklace 'Soliou' [so-LI-oo].  All the beads were individually chosen and consist of glass, crystal teardrops, and shell.  The necklace was finished off with a golden chain and spiced up with golden charms.

Also, Valbies always ensures that the finishings of any jewellery we make is to a perfect close.  We only make sure that our finishings are very secure, to prevent any breakage for a long long time, and to give the piece a beautiful handmade perfect design.  The necklace is long but we added a golden lobster clasp for the ultimate ending.





Valbies Jewellery would love to hear your opinion.  If you would be interested in buying this necklace let us know, and if you want a set with this specific design we can arrange it.

NEW TOOLS

Valbies Jewellery just recently purchased a whole new set of tools to help improve our jewellery making techniques, and partly due to cutters becoming blunt.



Since we are on the post about tools, I would like to add that it is very important in using the right tools on certain materials.  Valbies has learnt that if using cutters they would need to be useful for certain wires, and that you can't use your cutters for every wire.  Wire comes in different strengths, and if your cutters are not able to cut wire, like memory wire, they will become blunt very quickly and possibly even damage the blades.  If your wire is soft or thin(ish) then your cutters should be able to cut through, but if you use your cutters on harder wire, then consider getting stronger cutters.  Many jewellery suppliers are able to supply a selection of cutters, just read closely and see if you need a particular pair.  It may become costly, so just make sure that you're willing to advance and invest in good tools.  Good tools will pay off in the long run.

Valbies purchased this new tool set from 'The Great Big Bead Shop' via Ebay.  We were a little worried about the sizes of the tools, but on average a tool will measure 5in long, which is the correct size, give or take a little.  We paid a lovely £19.99, which we were very happy to pay.  I have to say a big thank you to 'The Great Big Bead Shop' for a lovely supply of tools and recommend anyone else to go for this tool set.

The tools are very easy and manageable on the hands.  Compared with my old set, they have an easier grip and don't feel so tight.  My hands would ache a lot when I used my old set, but the new ones provide more relieve, which enables me to produce more jewellery.

Thursday 19 May 2011

Learning

I always had a keen eye on making jewellery, but was so afraid to get involved.  The pressure of probably going on jewellery-making courses didn't impress me, and time sure had to be a factor to consider.

So I continued just reading about people who made jewellery, and became even more inspired when my fiance's mom told me she made jewellery.  She would often give me some of her pieces.  I looked with amazement, and thought 'how on earth did she manage this?'  I was even more afraid to begin, thinking I would never be as good as Val (fiance's mom name).

Until one day Val could no longer be with us, and during this sad time - things changed.  I had found her jewellery-making magazines and decided to give it a go.  I kept on thinking where to get a few pointers from, and remembered an important website - Youtube.  If you ever need to find out how to do something - go to Youtube - sooo useful!

After a few videos I was on the go and I learnt to make my first pair of earrings.  I was so excited I showed my fiance and even he had to get involved.  And that's how Valbies Jewellery began.  I continuously watch videos and ideas on Youtube, buy books or find other resources.

Wednesday 18 May 2011

In the beginning...

Jewellery has always been of interest to me.  I find jewellery beautiful and can be used in any form.  It's another form of artwork that can be appreciated.  For now I'm just focusing on the beginnings of jewellery making.  This would be jewellery beading and wiring.  This is where I began in September 2010 whilst in South Africa.  First it was simple beading, and then I wanted more of a challenge and found 'wiring' - learning new techniques.  I currently live in the UK, but originally come from South Africa.  A country where handcrafts is very popular, and is part of South African culture.
This blog will explore what I have learnt in jewellery making, and the new paths I will take.  The end results will be pictured for anyone to view and comment on; with the possibility of buying an item or two.
So, please join me on my journey to a continuous discovery in jewellery making.