The Process
Each piece of handmade jewellery goes through a number of stages before it’s ready to be photographed and allowed to be seen by the public eye. This craft is known as ‘slow made’… because it is, and I love it!
The clay has to be conditioned, and conditioned well. I actually use a pasta maker my friend gave me. Depending on the design, I can use this method to mix colours or to form a smooth and even surface before the making begins. Once happy with the texture, colour and form, the design can start to come to life. Whether that’s building 3D textures and layers upon a slab of clay or tearing it up, mixing and adding gold leaf, shaping into a roll to create marbled pieces. Forming canes are probably the slowest form of this craft, and can be extremely intricate. After cutting the slab or cane into the desired shapes, it’s time to fire!
Once cooled it’s all about cleaning; I use a craft knife to clean the designs, then a hand drill for drilling holes and sanding. Finished off by giving each piece a little soak and scrub.
Now we’re ready for a thin layer of varnish; sometimes requiring a re-fire or if the jewellery requires a little ‘pop’ I put on my P3 safety respirator mask, gloves and safety eyewear and play around with resin, whilst listening to 90’s Indie.
Now the pieces have been cured, it’s time to make! Adding any jump rings, findings, charms or connectors and I’ve produced a little piece of wearable art. Any scraps of clay get re-used in other products, by mixing and blending colours = zero waste.
The collections at The Lilac Coral and Bridal at The Lilac Coral are vivid and unique, and no two pieces are exactly the same.
Designs are inspired by my surrounding in nature, art and seasonal holidays.
Follow me on Instagram @the_lilac_coral for more insights and videos into ‘the making of’.