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View Full Version : Cookies Christmas Challenge - WITH PRIZE!!



MuranoSilver
10-09-2009, 12:10 PM
"What does Christmas mean to you?"
Using products you'd find on Cooksons e.g. Silver, PMC, Gold, beads, stones, resins etc
(plus if you wish, other goods, found objects, gemstones etc) show what Christmas means to you....

Create a Christmas themed decoration, jewellery item or other holiday item.
Take a photo and enter it here! The entrants will be put into a gallery and the Cooksons in house design team will announce the winner by December 10th (in time for the wonderful prize of £100 of COOKSONS VOUCHERS to be spent and the goodies delivered under your tree!)"

You can even do a double whammy and enter the thing you're making for Secret Santa
or make it to sell so no wasted materials ;)

Nicola xx

Rules:
1) Maximum of two entries per person (just in case you come up with a second fab idea)
2) UK entrants only (sorry overseas folk)
3) New work, of your own design please
4) Closing date for entries NOVEMBER 20th

Nic x

EmmaRose
10-09-2009, 12:13 PM
oooohhhh (brain working like mad....)
Em

bustagasket
10-09-2009, 12:21 PM
OMG!! £100 of cookies vouchers, i can feel my arm getting tighter behind my back :-s

MuranoSilver
10-09-2009, 12:24 PM
Hmmm and you're coming on a course soon too Su
Are you sure you don't want to play santa?
make someone a lovely silver clay gift and maybe enter it here too?? ;)

bustagasket
10-09-2009, 12:32 PM
lmao i do hope you are gonna eat when i get to you Nic, i feel a severe beating up coming on lol.

I wanna try everything i can in the time available at yours hun, and ok if i come up with something presentable , mayyybe i will be brave and sign up at the last minute.

As for this challenge, i have got a kind of idea floating, but its prolly all been done before but we'll see if i can join in at least something (seeing as it wont actually be viewed in person lol

Lindyloo
10-09-2009, 01:44 PM
Come on Su. I've signed up. Please keep me company. Remember, it's seeecret Santa. So no-one will know who made it. :~:

Oh, and P.S. Did you see the lady exhibiting at IJL who did work similar to yours. It was all pierced items. I got her card, just for you. Her range was called Square Circles (squarecirclesuk.com).

Oh, and PPS, did you think of the possiblity that you would get a lovely item from someone else?

MuranoSilver
11-09-2009, 09:57 AM
I started working on a design last night - quite excited about making it
(maybe for my Secret Partner)
nic x

bustagasket
11-09-2009, 10:22 AM
Oh, and P.S. Did you see the lady exhibiting at IJL who did work similar to yours. It was all pierced items. I got her card, just for you. Her range was called Square Circles (squarecirclesuk.com).



I am not sure if it was that stand i saw or not lol, there was so many designs to take in, i knew i woudnt remember most of it :(

Coco
12-09-2009, 09:17 AM
So this actually has nothing to do with cookies of the edible kind?


*Is all disappointed*:rofl:

MuranoSilver
13-09-2009, 10:33 AM
Nope but if you wanted to make a beaded cookie with not edible silver balls you could enter that :-D
nic xx

julie
13-09-2009, 03:12 PM
£100 of cookies vouchers ??? i can feel an christmassy idea coming on ;)

MuranoSilver
24-09-2009, 12:00 PM
You'll have to be surprised by my entry as I'm making a Cooksons
Special creation!!!

A little part of my Christmas joy is in the Anticipation.... ;)
Nic x

bustagasket
24-09-2009, 01:09 PM
I knew that was gonna be gorgeous when you showed it us in the making and the blue is stunning! A very strong contender i should think

amazingbabe
24-09-2009, 01:19 PM
Awwww feel so sad that i can't be part of it !!!! :(

lesley
24-09-2009, 01:23 PM
Now that's lovely! and mousie is adorable.

MuranoSilver
24-09-2009, 02:49 PM
Awwww feel so sad that i can't be part of it !!!! :(

Why not Gayle? - This isn't the Secret Santa this is a Christmas Competition,
you could even enter something you've already made :Y: You keep what you enter (or sell it) go on give it a go....
nic x

Pandanimal
27-09-2009, 03:56 PM
I would love to enter this, but I just cant think of anything at all! My mind is a compleat blank.

Emerald
27-09-2009, 05:34 PM
I would love to enter this, but I just cant think of anything at all! My mind is a compleat blank.

festive coloured beads x

caroleallen
27-09-2009, 06:53 PM
That's so lovely. I had an idea for what I wanted to do but I don't think time's going to be on m side.

amazingbabe
28-09-2009, 08:44 AM
So Nic, i can still make something (show it off) but not enter the comp ?? sounds good to me xx Where are all the entries ?? I am so Nosey !! :-D

MuranoSilver
28-09-2009, 12:16 PM
I'm the only one that's posted so far, so there's not many entries for such a fabulous prize ;)
Please make things and show them off here!
nic x

Emerald
28-09-2009, 12:27 PM
So Nic, i can still make something (show it off) but not enter the comp ?? sounds good to me xx Where are all the entries ?? I am so Nosey !! :-D

Why cant you enter Gayle is is cos you are in Ireland?

bustagasket
28-09-2009, 12:36 PM
I'm the only one that's posted so far, so there's not many entries for such a fabulous prize ;)
Please make things and show them off here!
nic x

thats cos i havent made anything yet lol#-o

amazingbabe
28-09-2009, 12:52 PM
I think so Jo, it say uk entrants only but nic says i can still make something ????

MuranoSilver
28-09-2009, 12:52 PM
I'm sure you can make something just to show it off,
but you might as well have it entered ;)
Nic x

Ominicci
28-09-2009, 02:41 PM
I'm really trying to think hard for this, but as I mentioned before I'm not a good designer, the only thing I can think of is probably sooo complicated I don't know where to start ... am going to do do some technical drawings and process notes (haha not really just on the back of a biscuit packet).:D

silver Girl
28-09-2009, 06:01 PM
right , I'm in for this (I'll be working away like mad ) :dance::dance:

bustagasket
01-10-2009, 04:47 PM
Just in case i dont get time to do anything else for this - and thats looking more and more likely, gayle suggested i enter my bracelet as it resembles tinsel so its this one please.

Hope its ok

MuranoSilver
01-10-2009, 04:49 PM
Oooh loving your Sparkly Tinsel Bracelet Su :D :Y:
We now have one entry (I'm re-making a new one)
Hoorah!!!!

nic xx

amazingbabe
01-10-2009, 04:52 PM
oooohhhhh mine is in pickle maybe later maybe tomorrow, i am so so so excited :D :D

bustagasket
01-10-2009, 05:05 PM
Oooh loving your Sparkly Tinsel Bracelet Su :D :Y:
We now have one entry (I'm re-making a new one)
Hoorah!!!!

nic xx

you arent using you pendant nic? but why? it was perfect and bound to walk away with the prize!

EmmaRose
01-10-2009, 05:06 PM
you arent using you pendant nic? but why? it was perfect and bound to walk away with the prize!

exactly! LOL farrrrr tooo goood! the mousey sooo cute
Em

mochiandmocha
03-10-2009, 04:44 PM
We've got an idea but with all the orders we're getting from the family we'll have to wait for a couple of weeks before we can start work on anything new. We'll keep you posted!

Mochi & Mocha

Emerald
05-10-2009, 03:08 PM
where where.......

aaah not fair just look daft know Gayle x

amazingbabe
05-10-2009, 03:12 PM
I am struggling with this is won't show pic aaarrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:(|:(|#-o

amazingbabe
05-10-2009, 03:15 PM
My Entry for Christmas Cookie Challenge
My Christmas Platter Ring xoxox :D

DSCF3130 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/palacegems/3983480587/)
DSCF3128 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/palacegems/3983482991/)
DSCF3180 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/palacegems/3984247572/)

Di Sandland
05-10-2009, 03:26 PM
Ooh, very nice Gayle!

MuranoSilver
05-10-2009, 03:34 PM
Wonderful ring Gayle - but wot no turkey?? :D :-D
nic x

amazingbabe
05-10-2009, 03:40 PM
Ha Ha, my oh says and i quote says "an artist should'nt have to explain their piece " but i wanted to so here we go , I just dreamed it up and it is, an icicle(aquamarine), a snow drop(opal) Dec birthstone(turquoise) and some fairy lights (amethyst & Garnets) ...... :Y:

Emerald
05-10-2009, 03:59 PM
that looks great Gayle i am drawing a complete blank on this i might have to buy some christmas decoration books to get some ideas #-o

bustagasket
05-10-2009, 04:02 PM
all i can say is wow! :D

Lisa Quinn
05-10-2009, 08:08 PM
Love your ring Gayle, it's so original xx

amazingbabe
06-10-2009, 08:57 AM
oooo thank you all very much for the lovely comments :D:D

Ominicci
06-10-2009, 09:36 AM
Excellent explanation of all the stones!!

jetlag
20-10-2009, 11:31 AM
OMG OMG OMG I have a really good idea for this, but I suspect my skillz aren't quite up to the job :lol: I'll have a bash, though :D

bustagasket
20-10-2009, 11:51 AM
Go for it Jet!! even i have an entry lol

jetlag
20-10-2009, 12:14 PM
I'll have a go, but as I've only been doing this for 3 weeks, I might struggle LOL

Ah well, it's not like anyone will die, is it [-o<

amazingbabe
20-10-2009, 01:16 PM
I thought there would be lots more entries by now :confused:

amazingbabe
20-10-2009, 01:17 PM
ohhhh i have just realised we can put 2 entries in, hmmmmm maybe i will have another go xx:)

bustagasket
20-10-2009, 01:41 PM
lol i think some maybe saving their entries for a last minute showing :D

amazingbabe
20-10-2009, 02:32 PM
ohhh of course i',m not with it at all........#-o

MuranoSilver
20-10-2009, 03:22 PM
lol i think some maybe saving their entries for a last minute showing :D

Lol not so much a last minute showing as a "still being made" situation, :-D
Nic xx

mizgeorge
20-10-2009, 03:29 PM
Lol not so much a last minute showing as a "still being made" situation, :-D
Nic xx

Or even still at the conceptual stage....

bustagasket
20-10-2009, 03:39 PM
if it wasnt for someone suggesting my blue bracelet was like tinsel, i would still be at the birth stage too lol

MuranoSilver
20-10-2009, 04:24 PM
lol i think some maybe saving their entries for a last minute showing :D

Lol not so much a last minute showing as a "still being made" situation, :-D
Nic xx

Di Sandland
20-10-2009, 04:40 PM
Not even at the conceptual stage yet AND there's the sneaky santa thingie too. Oooooh, what's a girl to do

AlexandraBuckle
20-10-2009, 04:40 PM
or people had just clean forgot about it....:-" oops!

I wanna enter! Will have a thinky..

AlexandraBuckle
21-10-2009, 08:14 AM
well thats true Nic...

caroleallen
21-10-2009, 10:23 AM
I've had a go with Keum Boo today and thought I might as well enter the result (in album) into the competition. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it as a first attempt.

snow_imp
21-10-2009, 10:28 AM
I've had a go with Keum Boo today and thought I might as well enter the result (in album) into the competition. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it as a first attempt.

I like it! Pretty stars.

Di Sandland
21-10-2009, 10:48 AM
Oooh, that's lovely Carole (but then, why wouldn't it be!). And perfect for the Christmas challenge too.

AlexandraBuckle
21-10-2009, 01:28 PM
I've had a go with Keum Boo today and thought I might as well enter the result (in album) into the competition. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it as a first attempt.

Carole - the bangle is great! Not sure I can beat that...

caroleallen
21-10-2009, 05:06 PM
Go for it Alexandra. You've got some lovely things on your website.

AlexandraBuckle
21-10-2009, 06:38 PM
He he, thanks! I'll definately try!

Di Sandland
21-10-2009, 07:09 PM
Go for it Alexandra. You've got some lovely things on your website.

Windows, churches, carols - need I say more, Alexandra, me old mucker?

AlexandraBuckle
22-10-2009, 08:30 AM
Doh! That didn't even cross my mind! I'm so silly...

AlexandraBuckle
23-10-2009, 10:21 AM
Ooh ohh, had a really good idea... watch this space...
*scabbling around to see how much spare silver I've got*

bustagasket
23-10-2009, 10:57 AM
Ooh ohh, had a really good idea... watch this space...
*scabbling around to see how much spare silver I've got*

ooooooooooo i is waitin miss!!

AlexandraBuckle
23-10-2009, 03:11 PM
didn't have enough silver so i have ordered some today...
will start making on monday!

mochiandmocha
30-10-2009, 04:40 PM
Being an absolute fan of mice and rodents in all shapes and forms, all your comments about the "Mousie" that Nick had made was really making me curious, so I decided to check it out. Maaaaaan! I LOOOOOOOVE it! That's just the kind of jewellery I would love to make! A tiny scene like that is just too cute to be real!!!!! Congratulations Nick!

Speaking about miniature scenes and regarding the competition, Mocha and I have nearly finished our piece, specially made for the occasion...We should be able to post it here next week. There's also a little story to go with it, that we've written long ago and always hoped to publish someday...

See ya!

AlexandraBuckle
30-10-2009, 05:14 PM
Being an absolute fan of mice and rodents in all shapes and forms, all your comments about the "Mousie" that Nick had made was really making me curious, so I decided to check it out. Maaaaaan! I LOOOOOOOVE it! That's just the kind of jewellery I would love to make! A tiny scene like that is just too cute to be real!!!!! Congratulations Nick!

Speaking about miniature scenes and regarding the competition, Mocha and I have nearly finished our piece, specially made for the occasion...We should be able to post it here next week. There's also a little story to go with it, that we've written long ago and always hoped to publish someday...

See ya!

I haven't seen Nicki's mouse! am I being totally blind cos i can't see it!?!?

MandM, yours sound intriguing - looking forward to seeing it!

Mine is still on paper (I only got my silver yesterday - mainly cos I was stoopid and selected all my cooksons items to arrive when one was out of stock and not back in stock til Nov! I got confoosed with dates :confused: ) Anyway I'm now rambling! I intend to start work on it next week!

MuranoSilver
31-10-2009, 07:30 AM
Wow thanks mochiandmocha! Glad you like my work :D
Alexandra, My mouse is in my flickr photo stream :)
(but then so is what I'm working on for the Christmas challenge,lol)
Nic x

Solunar Silver Studio
31-10-2009, 07:57 AM
That is lovely Nic! What sort of size is it? It is always so hard to tell from photos isn't it? What do you use to carve your pmc? I bought a set of mini carving tools from a car boot sale recently (20p investment!!)
520
Would they do the trick do you think? I've never really considered carving into pmc before...which is a bit crazy since I spent 3 years doing it to wood and plaster...with rather bigger tools!!

The Dragon
31-10-2009, 08:00 PM
Don't think you'll have any problems Bee just remember you need a lighter touch that's all. Did you have something that you used to make in wood or plaster that you could turn out time after time? If so that might be a great place to start with PMC.

God that sounded like I know what I'm talking about - sorry. :">

Solunar Silver Studio
01-11-2009, 07:41 AM
No Annie, I worked rather bigger! My most notable piece was a commission for a local Nature reserve which I did at college in 2006. There used to be a bit on the internet about it but they seem to have pulled it now so you'll have to make do with a paper clipping!
524
It is about 7 foot tall (There is a lot buried in concrete as it has to withstand being climbed on!) and is carved with ripples, a heron, bullrushes and fishes on one side and ripples, a knigfisher, bullrushes and fishes on the other. We were supplied with 3 huge lengths of ash wood from a felled tree from the Nature Reserve and two of us were each asked to design and produce a piece that would act as an inspiration and meeting point for local school children who do nature lessons there.

I always tended to work big!! It is a bit of a challenge to go down to 3 or 4 centimetres now!!:-D

MuranoSilver
02-11-2009, 10:24 PM
Hi Barbara
The "Not a creature was stirring" piece is about 6 by 4.5cm (the same size as my latest one).
So here's my first entry (don't know if I'll get time for a second now)
It's called "Silent Night" no prizes for guessing the theme. ;)
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/silent-night.jpg
I carved all the background from a plain oval of dry PMC then added the barn and kings after
(the kings were syringed then carved for detail). There are quite a lot of enamel colours on it.
Enamel definately looks better when it's not in macro mode, lol
The most difficult effect was the snow.

Hope you like it
nic xx

bustagasket
03-11-2009, 06:03 AM
Hi Barbara
The "Not a creature was stirring" piece is about 6 by 4.5cm (the same size as my latest one).
So here's my first entry (don't know if I'll get time for a second now)
It's called "Silent Night" no prizes for guessing the theme. ;)
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/silent-night.jpg
I carved all the background from a plain oval of dry PMC then added the barn and kings after
(the kings were syringed then carved for detail). There are quite a lot of enamel colours on it.
Enamel definately looks better when it's not in macro mode, lol
The most difficult effect was the snow.

Hope you like it
nic xx

Its bloody fantastic lol both your pieces deserve to win Nic, Well done Mrs :D[]

AlexandraBuckle
03-11-2009, 09:01 AM
Ooh that's great Nic and I love the mousey too :)
I really need to get on with mine now!

Ominicci
03-11-2009, 09:08 AM
Its bloody fantastic lol both your pieces deserve to win Nic, Well done Mrs :D[]

Teacher's Pet :-p

bustagasket
03-11-2009, 10:13 AM
Teacher's Pet :-p

LMAO nah i just think they are so cleverly done. I am always gobsmacked by stuff i cant do lol

Solunar Silver Studio
03-11-2009, 11:07 AM
Brilliant Nic! I was always intrigued by making pieces that involved both addition and subtraction! Have you used enamel or resin this time? I still can't come to terms with using such large pieces of pmc yet...maybe - one day!!:D

MuranoSilver
03-11-2009, 12:26 PM
Thanks Su! Ominicci, wicked gal you know Su was just being her lovely self 0:-)
Barbara - Give it a go with your new carving tools, it might be big but its quite flat & this time I used all enamel (it went in the kiln about 12 times!)
Nic x

bustagasket
03-11-2009, 01:36 PM
Thanks Su! Ominicci, wicked gal you know Su was just being her lovely self 0:-)

Nic x

I will smack her next time i see her Nic, and shove an apple in her hand and then throw her at someone and call out "Teachers Pet"!! heehee :P lol

Ominicci
03-11-2009, 07:11 PM
(I'm only jealous)<3<3

caroleallen
03-11-2009, 07:17 PM
Gorgeous Nic as usual.

mochiandmocha
04-11-2009, 05:16 PM
Beautiful enamel work Nic! I'm afraid our enamelling skills are not that great.:'(
We should be able to post our entry and the story tomorrow.
OOOOOOH, Exciting exciting!

Sunnybank
04-11-2009, 08:08 PM
This is my Christmas tree, tree ornament, the baubles are jade, carnelian and garnet. An amateur entry, but its the taking part that matters! :-D:-D

snow_imp
05-11-2009, 07:22 AM
Wow I love those trees!

MuranoSilver
05-11-2009, 07:24 AM
Jane
That's really pretty and looks fabulous, adore the little chains on it
nic x

bustagasket
05-11-2009, 07:45 AM
This is my Christmas tree, tree ornament, the baubles are jade, carnelian and garnet. An amateur entry, but its the taking part that matters! :-D:-D

Oh Jayne!!! NO WAY are those amateur thay look amazing!!! Yet more fantastic entries.:Y:

AlexandraBuckle
05-11-2009, 07:54 AM
Great Christmas tree Jane!

mochiandmocha
05-11-2009, 08:37 AM
Nice work Jayne! The forest is growing: there will be another tree later today...

Sunnybank
05-11-2009, 12:45 PM
Thanks for all the comments, sometimes I'm a bit over awed by the company!

I'm doing an evening class and this term's module was to produce an item to a brief, so I used the competition rules as my brief, quite convenient.

mochiandmocha
05-11-2009, 04:00 PM
Our "Christmas Forest" pendant:

The idea comes from a shortstory for children that Mocha and I wrote some time ago so we've decided to post the story along with the piece to give it a background and translate the idea that we had in mind. Don't feel forced to read the story, though, as it is not that good (the original was 11 pages long and we didn't want to hijack the thread! ^_^...but the story lost quite a lot in the process...)

http://img.over-blog.com/300x225/3/24/49/50/photos-bijoux/xmas-forest/photos-bijouxxmas-forestI0036.jpg
This is the etched background forest (nitric acid on argentium silver)

http://img.over-blog.com/300x225/3/24/49/50/photos-bijoux/xmas-forest/xmas-forest5.jpg
I pierced the Christmas tree (in fine silver) and soldered it onto the argentium. That was the first piece I had to cut (other than a square or a circle!) so I'm quite happy with the result...
Finally I enamelled the tree and finished the piece (the last few steps you never really mention but that take half of the production time!!)
The holes that were pierced in the tree are supposed to look like silver baubles (with the argentium showing through).

The metal just around the tree has not been polished to the same extent as the rest of the background which gives the tree a kind of snowy look which I like (although unintentional result!)

http://img.over-blog.com/300x225/3/24/49/50/photos-bijoux/xmas-forest/xmas-forest3.jpg

A couple more photos and detail on our blog
Christmas Forest Pendant - Nezumiz Diaries (http://nezumiz.over-blog.com/article-christmas-forest-pendant-38830975.html)

And now for the bravest, the story (please don't be too harsh, the original is better, honest!^_^)

Christmas was over. Dad carried the tree outside and left it against the fence. Inside, Peter and Maria were busy playing with their presents when they spotted a shabby figure through the window, coming out of the forest. They recognised him at once: Mr. Sapin, the only person in the village who never seemed to be touched by the joyful season. Every year he remained alone as the rest of the village gathered in bright fire lit houses, spending Christmas Eve with his grumpy self and his old black cat. The elderly man’s gloom was known in the entire village. Today, however, the children were surprised to see he was smiling.
Curious, Peter and Maria went out of the house and watched Mr Sapin as he went around the neighbours’ gardens and reappeared, dragging heavy black plastic bags, before heading slowly back towards his own house at the edge of the forest. As the old man was trying to heave a particularly heavy-looking bag, it suddenly ripped open, and out of it fell a tree. Peter and Maria offered to help.
Mr Sapin paused for a moment, then finally smiled hesitantly at the children. “Are you wondering what I’ve been doing in the forest?”
Peter and Maria nodded. The two children followed Mr Sapin in silence as the old man led the way into the woods. Suddenly, he stopped and whispered proudly: “Here’s my secret place.”
The children gasped in amazement. In front of them was a large clearing planted with hundreds of Christmas trees. They were all beautiful, with baubles and tinsel glittering in the winter sun.
“Merry Christmas,” Mr. Sapin said, smiling.
“They’re the most wonderful Christmas trees I’ve ever seen!” Maria exclaimed.
“Well, you see,” replied Mr. Sapin, I think it’s a shame people leave their tree lying sadly in the street once Christmas is over if there’s still some life in it.” The old man sighed. “Some people think I don’t care for trees because I never buy one for Christmas, but every year I collect the trees in the neighbourhood and I plant them back here, so my secret forest grows bigger every year,” he added happily. “That’s my way of celebrating Christmas.”
And so that year on the 26th of December the villagers discovered Mr. Sapin’s secret. Now it has become a tradition: every year after Christmas, parents bring their trees to Mr. Sapin and the children help the old man with the decorations. Even the local shops only sell trees with roots, so they can be planted back in what is now known as “the Christmas Forest.”

Hope you liked the story!

Mochi (for the pendant) and Mocha (for taking the time to edit the story!)

PS: Do I need to submit the entry elsewhere or is it enough to post the picture here?

Ominicci
05-11-2009, 07:02 PM
That's a LOVELY story!! And so are yours and Jayne's trees :Y:

mizgeorge
05-11-2009, 10:20 PM
:":
(on both counts!)

MuranoSilver
05-11-2009, 10:37 PM
Yes that is a lovely story and a great pendant too :)
Nic x

lorraineflee
06-11-2009, 10:47 AM
What they all said!!!

Lorraine

AlexandraBuckle
06-11-2009, 11:33 AM
Sweet story and lovely pendant!

lesley
06-11-2009, 03:33 PM
Why have I not kept up to date with this?

You've come up with some lovely creations - inspiring!
I'm not usually one to enter challenges but I might have to move my lazy bum and have a go. :)

Di Sandland
06-11-2009, 03:38 PM
I wish I could say this (http://www.bornrich.org/entry/something-special-for-christmas-is-the-worlds-most-expensive-bauble/) was my entry - but at $136,000 its just out of my reach ;)

bustagasket
06-11-2009, 03:59 PM
Oh
My
GOD

Emerald
06-11-2009, 04:17 PM
i'll have two please Di x

lesley
06-11-2009, 04:20 PM
Nah, don't like it. :)
Is that Gabby Logan in the background?

mizgeorge
06-11-2009, 04:27 PM
Me neither Lesley ;) It just looks like a sparkly copy of one of my spinning frames if you ask me.....

Do you think Gabby's been goosed?

Di Sandland
06-11-2009, 04:31 PM
Me neither Lesley ;) It just looks like a sparkly copy of one of my spinning frames if you ask me.....



So it does! I hadn't noticed that. I don't like it much either but if somebody offered it to me I don't think I'd say no ;)

mochiandmocha
06-11-2009, 05:03 PM
Talk about a waste of money... I suppose their tree is made of rolled up $1 bills!

Wolfie75
12-11-2009, 07:39 PM
Oooh I am so going to enter this.....now must get brain into gear...hhhmmmmm!:xmastree:

bustagasket
13-11-2009, 01:19 PM
So the tinsel bracelet is already logged into this so now it is to be joined by the Christmas Cracker Garland bracelet, that i have finally set the stones into. Photo is slightly out of focus so i do apologse, but you get the gist lol

AlexandraBuckle
13-11-2009, 02:24 PM
that looks great Su!

Sunnybank
13-11-2009, 02:41 PM
Great idea with the crackers Sue, I'm contemplating repackaging my flower as a Christmas rose as entry number 2.

I've only set one cab, very badly, so well done with the stones. :Y:

bustagasket
13-11-2009, 03:06 PM
Great idea with the crackers Sue, I'm contemplating repackaging my flower as a Christmas rose as entry number 2.

I've only set one cab, very badly, so well done with the stones. :Y:

Thankeee now Go for it!! lol:carolers:

Emerald
13-11-2009, 05:32 PM
lol i havent entered anythink yet and the Newbie has entered two he he xx

lesley
13-11-2009, 05:36 PM
Photo is slightly out of focus so i do apologse, but you get the gist lol

Totally getting the gist and I love it!........have I already said that? :)

Ominicci
16-11-2009, 02:53 PM
OMG have just realised the closing date is FRIDAY this week =:-O I'd better get off here and get putting my ideas into practice :snowball:

AlexandraBuckle
16-11-2009, 06:50 PM
Oh noes!! I thought I had till the 25th!!!
Gah! I'm sooo busy this week, but I'm determined to get it done! (Not that i have started it yet :( )

Sunnybank
17-11-2009, 08:28 PM
Thankeee now Go for it!! lol:carolers:

Su, said go for it, so here is my Christmas rose. :xmaslaugh:

bustagasket
17-11-2009, 08:32 PM
Oh Wow Jane!! So glad you did listen to me and go for it they a beautiful!!

caroleallen
17-11-2009, 08:33 PM
Those Christmas roses are really lovely.

MuranoSilver
17-11-2009, 08:39 PM
Jane - those are gorgeous (OMG just realised if I want to make a second entry I've got three days left!!!)
nic x

lesley
17-11-2009, 09:01 PM
Oh, I love those, Jane, especially the earrings.
I gave a little squeak.......that's a good thing by the way. :)

Lisa Quinn
17-11-2009, 09:14 PM
They are gorgeous Jane xx:xmas-):

Di Sandland
17-11-2009, 09:21 PM
Jane, they are absolutely beautiful!

mizgeorge
17-11-2009, 09:54 PM
Jane, those are just gorgeous!

Are they sterling or art clay?

Ominicci
17-11-2009, 10:00 PM
Beautiful Jane! I LOVE how they look really natural with the petals at different levels (much better than my flat flower pendants!).

snow_imp
18-11-2009, 07:29 AM
Jane - those items are amazing!

Sunnybank
18-11-2009, 07:57 AM
Are they sterling or art clay?


They are .7mm sterling.

Thank you for all the lovely comments :xmaslaugh:

AlexandraBuckle
18-11-2009, 09:48 AM
Yep they're lovely!
Really hope I get chance to do mine!

Ominicci
18-11-2009, 10:07 AM
Well I'm signing off now to do mine (after the tidying...actual cleaning and hoovering can wait...til my little helper child does it on Friday lol).

:xmaswave:

bustagasket
18-11-2009, 10:50 AM
Well I'm signing off now to do mine (after the tidying...actual cleaning and hoovering can wait...til my little helper child does it on Friday lol).

:xmaswave:

looking forward to seeing the results Nicci :D

lorraineflee
18-11-2009, 05:42 PM
Those roses are so lovely Jane!!

Lorraine

Emerald
18-11-2009, 07:05 PM
sorry i though i had posted a comment and your flowers Jane, well let me now they are gorgeous love em:Y:

Emerald
18-11-2009, 07:15 PM
right well here i go, xmas to me is the kids mainly lol we love putting the xmas tree up together, although it always lists to one side and there are more novelty items on there than baubles but we love it and thats the main thing but i do like, and it always starts the ball rolling for me is lit garden trees they look so pretty with the lights on especially when there is a samll breeze and they sway and sparkle so here is my tree or mulberry bush, but having no diamonds handy i am afraid it has no sparkle ( oh an i also love the lampwork bead trees and have wanted to make one for ages and i used this comp as my excuse)

Di Sandland
18-11-2009, 07:17 PM
Jo, I think I might be in love.

With your focal, sweetie, not with you - nice as you are ;)

Kalorlo
18-11-2009, 07:29 PM
Lovely, Jo! Call it a pear tree :)

amazingbabe
18-11-2009, 07:31 PM
Jo, that is fantastic, so unique xx:snow:

bustagasket
18-11-2009, 07:31 PM
Jo thats brilliant well done you!

MuranoSilver
18-11-2009, 07:36 PM
Oooh loving that focal bead :)

mizgeorge
18-11-2009, 07:41 PM
Jo, that utterly ROCKS!!!!!

Fabulous :D

Emerald
18-11-2009, 07:43 PM
ahhhh thank you guys, love you to Di xx

lesley
18-11-2009, 07:48 PM
Jo, that utterly ROCKS!!!!!

Exactly. That really is special. Even the reindeer like it. :reindeer:

Sunnybank
18-11-2009, 08:18 PM
That is one classy tree :xmaslaugh:

snow_imp
19-11-2009, 07:40 AM
Jo that tree is amazing.

Solunar Silver Studio
19-11-2009, 01:15 PM
Well - (deep breath!) - here I go! My first entry ... "We Love Christmas Past"

This bracelet harks back to past times when simple pleasures made Christmas special.
I made a fine silver bracelet with a band of fused, twisted links which remind me of the twisted paper decorations we used to make and hang when I was a child. I also remember hanging a wreath of holly and ivy on our front door and often having windows frosted up with ice on the inside which you had to breathe on to melt so that you could see the evergreen leaves outside rimed with sparkling frost!

683

The Christmas tree charm is precious metal clay (created from a Siligum mould I made from a cake decorating stamp) enamelled with transparent emerald vitreous enamel. The holly and ivy leaves are also PMC but individually shaped – so no two are the same, and enamelled first with transparent emerald enamel and then fired again with transparent lime on the ivy and transparent turquoise on the holly to give variations of green colour. The recycled clear AB crystals represent the sparkle of frost which often rimes the winter leaves and the bright red, silver lined seed beads represent the holly berries and a decoration a-top the Christmas tree.

snow_imp
19-11-2009, 01:38 PM
Barbara, that is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen - I don't know what else to say. Congratulations.

Di Sandland
19-11-2009, 01:41 PM
Bee, that is quite simply beautiful. Well done you :snow:

Trudy
19-11-2009, 01:47 PM
Really lovely and perfectly Christmassy :Y: :merryxmas:

bustagasket
19-11-2009, 01:48 PM
B you have excelled yourself - absolutely delightful :D

lorraineflee
19-11-2009, 02:06 PM
That is lovely B!!
Lorraine

Solunar Silver Studio
19-11-2009, 02:25 PM
Oh, crumbs...what lovely comments! Thank you so much! :"> :xmastree:
I have got another one to upload but I keep getting interrupted! I will manage it eventually...

lesley
19-11-2009, 02:26 PM
That's so beautiful, Barbara, and your description really brings it to life. :Y:

Solunar Silver Studio
19-11-2009, 04:09 PM
Ah! I finally have a few moments before 2 of my grandchildren arrive for their tea! I am really most grateful for the lovely comments you posted for my first one... so here is my second entry... ..."We Love Christmas Present" ... I made this bracelet to represent some of the things we might hope for that will make this Christmas special…

:carolers:“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas….”
…and loads of sparkly stuff!.. with decorations like swags of tinsel, and fairy lights twinkling – both indoors and outside!


691

This bracelet chain is made from Argentium silver and strings the Swarovski crystal ‘fairy light lanterns’ together in swags between fine silver (PMC) holly leaves. The light playing on these crystals throws bright and colourful patches onto the freshwater pearls, which represent the snow we dream of having for Christmas and the snowballs we all hope to be throwing on the 25th!

:snowball:All part of a perfect Christmas present!! (Pun very much intended!!) :xmaslaugh:

MuranoSilver
19-11-2009, 04:19 PM
Well - (deep breath!) - here I go! My first entry ... "We Love Christmas Past"


OH my goodness that's GORGEOUS!!!
Love it!
Nic xx

bustagasket
19-11-2009, 04:21 PM
lol its wonderful again B

Emerald
19-11-2009, 05:25 PM
ok so here is another one this time i have put lights on (or it could be a holly bush lol) if its to similar to the other and not counted as a second entry thats ok i really enjoyed making them.... hmmm what shall i do tomorrow?

lesley
19-11-2009, 05:35 PM
Stop it! I like that one even more! Tomorrow you can make me one. ;)

I have made something but it looks so babyish and dog pooey (?) now.

EmmaRose
19-11-2009, 05:42 PM
Oh my they are all so good!!! :worthy:
I want some of these in my Xmas stocking :sleigh:
I love them, such great interpretations. Well done all!! Everyone should win a prize!!!
Em
x

EmmaRose
19-11-2009, 05:42 PM
Nic can we have a gallery somewhere with all the entries? would be great not to have to sift through the thread!
E

lesley
19-11-2009, 05:45 PM
Holey moley, that's simply wonderful, J!

Emerald
19-11-2009, 05:52 PM
Wow J that lovely and Bee those bracelets are real pretty xx

Di Sandland
19-11-2009, 06:01 PM
Jay that is beeootiful! Very classy.

Bee, so different yet just as lovely.

As for you Jo - I think you look into my mind at night at the things I dream of being able to make ;)

lesley
19-11-2009, 06:03 PM
As for you Jo - I think you look into my mind at night at the things I dream of being able to make ;)

Ooo, Jo, what else can you see in Di's dreams?

Di Sandland
19-11-2009, 06:04 PM
Tell you what, Lesley, just lately they are tecnicolor, dolby sound, digitally remastered and bloody scary :(

lesley
19-11-2009, 06:07 PM
Really? That sounds like a big old dose of stress. Sorry to be flippant. []

AlexandraBuckle
19-11-2009, 07:11 PM
Wow, I've been so busy i haven't been able to get to the forum.

All the new entries are absolutley fabulous! Well done to all of you!
Right I am going to attempt to make mine - right now - wish me luck!
(though there is definatley some very HOT competition!)

Right...signing off....

Di Sandland
19-11-2009, 07:12 PM
Really? That sounds like a big old dose of stress. Sorry to be flippant. []

aw, didn't take it as flippant at all :X Actually, I think it may be new medication ;)

bustagasket
19-11-2009, 07:17 PM
looks just as good on here j :) Mr Professional :P

lesley
19-11-2009, 07:36 PM
OK deep breath, this is "Tinsel on the Tree" but I'm really not sure about it, especially after seeing all the other entries.
Firstly, it's just simple wirework - no clever techniques. Secondly, despite what was in my head, now I've made it, it doesn't look in the least bit Christmassy! Thirdly, I've just found out today that I've broken a cardinal rule of design by using even numbers and not odd.
On the plus side, I showed it to Richard and asked if it reminded him of anything Christmassy..........and the first thing he said was TINSEL! Bless him, he got a big kiss for that.........on the lips and everything. :X
Anyway, here's my rather alternative Christmas pendant.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4086041786_6145970d2c_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4088725239_238285eb4f_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4085400799_d713d256bb_o.jpg


Dressing the tree was always a big thing when we were kids. Always a real one, and we'd do it on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks before Christmas. Even at a young age we were allowed a little sherry while we worked, which probably helped. :Y: It was so exciting getting the decorations out of the attic and rummaging through them, discovering old favourites. I always put the angel on the top. She was a pretty little thing with legs and a full white skirt. It was obscene what we did to her! My brother doesn't have an artistic bone in his body and would put baubles in the "wrong" place. Of course, I'd have to rearrange them so it ended up being mostly my work. I did love getting it just right. What an annoying little prig I was.
Even now I find the smell of a Christmas tree so evocative - it makes me feel all cosy and safe.

Right, I'm off downstairs now.

Di Sandland
19-11-2009, 07:42 PM
Lesley - she is beautiful. And she is a she - the spirit of a a dainty, ethereal christmas fairy is in there, I swear.

xx

Emerald
19-11-2009, 08:04 PM
mmm i was thinking fairy aswell Di when i saw it beautiful and elegant as always :Y: :xmas-):

bustagasket
19-11-2009, 08:09 PM
stunning :)

Sheltie
19-11-2009, 08:34 PM
Absolutely beautiful and stunning.

caroleallen
19-11-2009, 08:54 PM
Really lovely work.

Lisa Quinn
19-11-2009, 08:58 PM
That's gorgeous Lesley xx

Sunnybank
19-11-2009, 09:38 PM
Entries are coming thick and fast, glad I'm not a judge because they are beautiful. :xmaswave::hohoho::carolers::snow:

Di Sandland
19-11-2009, 09:39 PM
Entries are coming thick and fast, glad I'm not a judge because they are beautiful. :xmaswave::hohoho:

Glad I'm not entering, never mind judging ;)

Mystic
19-11-2009, 11:39 PM
Lesley.......Just the one word describing your entry, BEAUTIFUL:xmas-):

Ominicci
19-11-2009, 11:49 PM
Jo - I absolutely LOVE both those tree focal beads and can't decide which one I love the best they are gorgeous.

Barbara - I LOVE the first bracelet the best (the second is a bit too colourful for me lol) it is very 'of the moment' and would not look out of place in any jeweller's window.

Jason - (seen earlier on FB) just beautiful!

Lesley - Wonderful wirework!! Very ethereal as Di said.

Here comes mine....

Ominicci
20-11-2009, 12:04 AM
I love Christmas because I love snowflakes. We don't get much snow here in the UK really and I love that we use the snowflake as a decoration symbol. Tesco's has them hanging from the ceiling at the moment and I so want to grab one and run away with it. I collect glass ones and have them displayed in my workroom all year round (they have to have six points of course!)

My entry is a snowflake pendant made up of 5 layers (2 are 'blank rings' to lift the other layers up) to give it a 3D effect. I only broke one blade with all that piercing! Each snowflake is a different shape and has a different texture (which is not really showing up well in the pictures) just like in real life. It is 25mm across.

Di Sandland
20-11-2009, 02:10 AM
OMG, Nicci, you talented old sod you! Tis beautiful - and another ethereal one too ;)

bustagasket
20-11-2009, 06:00 AM
oh wow thats lovely, how on earth are they gonna decide on a winner, there are s many that i would love?

Emerald
20-11-2009, 06:57 AM
Nicci that is absolutly lovely :snow:

Trudy
20-11-2009, 07:11 AM
WOW!!! I am amazed at all of the entries, they are all so beautiful and stunning. I would never be able to choose just one of these. Well done everyone!!! :)

minnie
20-11-2009, 08:07 AM
That is so beautiful Nicci, you have made a gorgeous job of it.

lesley
20-11-2009, 11:45 AM
That's fabulous, Nicci - so clever!

AlexandraBuckle
20-11-2009, 06:32 PM
Right here goes!

Christmas to me is about getting together with your family for Christmas dinner, and no Christmas dinner is complete without a Christmas pud!

So I made a two tone silver Christmas pudding ring with holly, accented with gold rivet berries.

It's not quite as perfectly finished as I would like but I'd quite like to have some Friday evening :)

*note to self - be more organised in future!*

I cut it out last night from 2mm silver sheet, then filed it in front of the telly. I spent the morning polishing and oxidising it. I then had a 4hr break this afternoon when I had to set up my jewellery at a show I'm doing in Buckingham tomorrow! I then came home to do the rivets and finish it!

I really hope you like it!

bustagasket
20-11-2009, 06:35 PM
How clever!!!! i cannot believe the wealth of talent we have on these boards its really quite unreal :D

Di Sandland
20-11-2009, 06:46 PM
Oh, how lovely!

AlexandraBuckle
20-11-2009, 06:54 PM
Blimey - surprised anyone is still on the forum!
Thanks for your nice comments :X
I'm going downstairs now for a large glass of vino :)

MuranoSilver
20-11-2009, 06:58 PM
OMG the snowflake pendant is wonderful and that ring cor blimey!!!
Alexandra I love, love, love the ring and the extra benefit is if anyone
playes up at the dinner table you can poke em with it :)
Awesome work both of you.
Nicxx

caroleallen
20-11-2009, 07:03 PM
Love em both! Wish I'd had time to come up with something a bit more special. Never mind, it's the taking part!

lesley
20-11-2009, 07:12 PM
Oh, that's adorable, Alexandra. - and another really clever one!

Ominicci
21-11-2009, 01:49 PM
Alexandra that is FAB!!

AlexandraBuckle
21-11-2009, 03:27 PM
Ahhh gee, thanks everybody :o
I'm just so pleased I managed to get it done in time!