Customised Packaging!

My finished jewellery box label!

I've been busily working away in the studio making jewellery for a photo shoot in a few weeks time, the images from which I will be using to set up my online shop (Very exciting!) So I'm very busy, but that's how I like it.

For a long time I've also been considering what packaging I should use when sending my pieces and having chosen some smart black jewellery boxes, today I've been in the studio having fun experimenting with inks to come up with labels for them.

I started by distressing the edges of my card with a paper distressing tool, before layering the vintage shade Distress Inks

 My goal was to create something individual to customise my boxes, to make the packaging as special and  unique as the jewellery inside, so I went for an "old paper/vintage photo" look, to complement the recycled aspects of my work. I then added some teal ribbon to complement my logo, some vintage lace and some of my trademark pearls and diamante!

I've also made some smaller labels for the brooch and ring boxes

I'd like people to order a piece from me online and be as excited about the thoughtful packaging as they are  about what's inside- it really is about the whole package (excuse the pun!) 

In the meantime, whilst I am setting up the online shop,  my pieces are still available to buy or commission- contact me via enquiries@louisedawsondesign.com - you could be the first to receive a piece in a lovely new box!

The Lovely Place Where I Work!

Just a small section of the fabric department

When I'm not working in my studio, I work part time in a brilliant place called The Cheap Shop in the
famous jam making village of Tiptree. It's been my favourite shop since I was a little girl because it's filled with all the things I love- wool, fabric, ribbons, buttons- it's a crafty persons heaven! Whenever I visit somewhere new I always seek out the crafty shops and I've never come across somewhere with such a wide variety as the Cheap Shop, or such knowledgeable and helpful staff!

The wool room, my favourite place to be!

It's helpful for me to work in a related environment to my textile work, as it keeps me constantly thinking and talking about craft and creativity, and I'm glad that such a place exists to keep craft thriving!

When I was younger I made lots of felt bags embellished with buttons and I used to travel to the shop on the bus to choose from the huge button selection!

If you are interested in any type of craft I can't recommend highly enough that you come to visit- my images only show you a small cross section of the shop and it has to be seen to be believed- I'll see you there!

Crochet Experiments!

Some new things! I have been experimenting with ways to make crochet jewellery using a wool and silk mix yarn, which has lovely draping qualities to add to the lacy effect I wanted to achieve.

In all my jewellery I like to keep the fastenings simple, as with this bow 

I have been wanting to make some long necklaces that could be dressed up or down, and here is the first experimental piece! I think a piece like this would make quite a statement layered together with other necklaces, and there is also potential  to develop them with some embellishment (to satisfy my Swarovski obsession!) 

So, that sums up what's going on in the studio at the moment, lots of experiments! I'll keep you posted about these ideas and the other things I'm working on!

I'm hoping these initial ideas can develop into a crochet collection

Something Old, Something New

I like to use recycled materials in my work as much as possible, both in order to reduce the environmental impact of my work, and also because I enjoy the challenge of creating something new by reinventing the old.

However, I have also developed a love of all things Swarovski, Freshwater Pearls and semi-precious stones, and through the combination of both of these themes, my "Something Old, Something New" theme has developed!

These pieces combine recycled yarn and fabrics with sparkly Swarovski crystals. The Little fabric discs on the necklace and brooches was cut from fabric that once formed a  display in a shoe shop window!

This necklace is the first I've made with the little fabric discs, and it's an idea that I'm going to work on and develop

 I'm taking these pieces to the Warner Textile Museum shop in Braintree next week, along with some more bits and pieces!

Knitting Projects!

I don't get a lot of spare time to make non work related things, but this year I am determined to make some things for myself! I've been knitting this jumper for quite some time and I finished it this week. I'm hoping to get quite a few pieces knitted ready for the Winter- but with the weather the way it is, I may need to wear them before that!

I'll definitely keep warm in the studio wearing this!

I made this one from a pattern, but one of my aims for the near future is to create my own experimental knitwear collection- watch this space!

Cuckoo Farm Studios

Today I'd like to give you a little look inside my studio! I'm very lucky to have such a nice place to work in, and such a unique place too. There are about thirty Artists working in our community at Cuckoo Farm, Colchester, and it's really helpful to me to be working surrounded by like minded people.

When the inside of my studio is looking a bit tidier I'll post some more images!

Cuckoo Farm itself was once a working pig farm, and all of the studios are converted farm buildings (my studio is in the old farm cottage!) and because of this we are lucky enough to have lovely grounds around the studios (really nice in the summer, very cold but pretty in the winter snow!)

We have lots of arty things around the grounds at the studios

I'm very grateful for the opportunities Cuckoo Farm has given me since leaving college, and my studio is an integral part in the process of making my work.

Swarovski and Pearls

These are just a few of the pieces that I've been making this week. Tomorrow I'll be transforming them into rings and they'll be all set to go off to the gallery! I stitch all the beads and stones onto the felt backing by hand-  I am an obsessive embellisher! People are always surprised that I stitch them all rather than glue them on, but I think this gives the best results and I love the process of it.

The big round rings are made from handmade felt beads which are then embellished- they really are statement rings!

It's not a ring yet, but it will be!

Statement ring!

 I also make jewellery to commission, so if there's something particular you'd like please contact me!