Hello from me

[SuseA]

Hey all,

Happy New Year to you all.

I joined the forum just after Christmas, having happened across the forum whilst looking for new 'toys' on Cookson's.

I started an evening class in Jewellery & Silversmithing in 2008, just one evening a week and loved it from the very first class. I still have an awful lot to learn and am very slowly building up a collection of tools and equipment. I am hoping my dear OH will convert a little space in our garage, when the weather improves, so I can set a little workshop space up and then can start to 'play' in earnest. A small kitchen table, with 6 very curious cats makes it almost impossible to do much in the house.

I've spent the last few days trawling through the various subject headers and threads posted on here (and still only half way through). But already I can see there is a wealth of information available and you guys have provided lots of tips for which I am very grateful.

I am and will probably always be little more than a hobbyist - though I wish it were different. Since starting, my desire for this type of work increases as each day passes. However, it is not to be (although I know you can never say never), so I shall satisfy myself with improving little by little and enjoy each step along the way.

I doubt I'll ever be the one posting with any advice, so to speak, but I do like a chat so shall endeavour to join in with the banter and look forward to chatting and learning.

[Petal]

to the forum SuseA. You'll learn lots and there are so many friendly people on here, that time will fly. Beware, its very addictive! Looking forward to seeing some of your work..

[Di Sandland]

Hi Suse and welcome - all of us started exactly where you are now so all I can say is - beware this is addictive.

Oh, and happy new year too.

[Emerald]

Hi Suea to the forum

[Rustic Charm]

Hello and welcome, where abouts are you from ???? i'm nosey and like to know these things! well i think we all do really!! lol xx

[MuranoSilver]

Welcome to the forum
I'm sure you'll enjoy the banter and don'tbe afraid to pos pictures of your creations-we all started somewhere and it's fun to look back and compare your journey
nicx x

[lorraineflee]

Hi Susea, welcome from me too.
The others are right - it is addictive (but it isn't fattening so it can't be all bad!!!).
Whereabouts are you located?

Lorraine

[bustagasket]

welcome to the forums from me too

[SuseA]

Hello again - thanks for the welcome messages

I live in Norfolk, well at least I have for the last 18yrs - but am a London girl at heart.

I will post up some pics of my work once I have the right permissions (I think I have to have a number of posts to my name first).

I did a 30 week NCFE (or something like that) course, but only managed to complete a few things. I'm impatient you see and I wanted to set myself a challenge, so I made a 3 stone gem cuff bracelet, which took absolutely ages and I wasn't that happy with the final result - but I did learn a lot, so it was worth the experience.

My first effort was a simple pendant, then the bracelet and I had a go at a ring, with a bezel set stone which I gave to my daughter for her graduation. All of which have room for improvement - but hey, it's a start.

After the first course our LA changed the curriculum to City & Guilds, which is one day a week and seeing as I work full-time and can't do it, I've now swopped to a short 10wk evening class.

I've also ordered some books (having read the "whats on your bookshelf" thread) - Jinks McGrath and Tim McCriety (again not sure of the spelling) - am waiting for them to arrive from Amazon.

So, I am thrilled to have 'found' this forum and join the gang.

[Jayne]

Hiya Susea & welcome from me too
J x