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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.