Kiamyka- Then and Now

Don't forget I moved my blog...

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:21:00 +0000

Here is the one that's up to date please come along and follow me there just Click now

Moving the blog

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:17:00 +0000

This must be the year of moves ! I made the decision to move my blog to here . The name Kiamyka is linked to where I used to be before I decided that my work should be linked to my name rather than some brand name

Soooo can all my lovely followers pop over to the new blog site and click to follow me from the new blog?
Thanks and see you all over there :)

MY NEW BLOG

Uh Oh I have confused things for you

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Let me just make things clear - my new studio is NOT where I posted the last pictures - that is where I am going to be Artist in Residence for 2 weeks in April
This means that I get to stay there and work from within the Summerhouse for the 2 week period

I will be giving more specific details soon I promise and I have had some lovely Invitations printed which will be sent out to all those people whose land address I have -if you want the invite then email me your land address please

Next week I will take photos of my new Studio (which is nothing like this place)

I am looking forward to meeting up again with John McIntyre who's going to come and see me as part of a project he's doing for his degree work - all good fun !

Another sneak preview..

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:02:00 +0000

So here is another preview of where I will be Artist in Residence - the shot was taken before Christmas from within the Summer House where I will be working . Isn't that just a beautiful residence!
This is the view as you walk up the drive

and here's the Summerhouse from the drive

am I excited? Answers on a postcard please :)

Mad Sale

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:26:00 +0000

I am still busy sorting out the new Studio - it's way too messy to show you photos of yet but one thing I can do is offer you a bargain! 30% off all necklaces on the website until the end of February!
Below is a sneak preview of where I will be ensconced in April as Artist in Residence - the photo was taken before Christmas and they were using the Summer House to make Christmas garlands

A new twist on things

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:18:00 +0000

How about this then? I hand painted this silk scarf and added the beady detail - it closes with a magnetic clasp making it more versatile to wear. More to follow just as soon as I am settled in my new Studio

Moving On

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Well to quote Bob "The times they are a changin" . But of course change is good it stops us stagnating.
Most of my decisions are based around how can I maximise the energy I have and so , along with other factors around which I have no control I have made the decision to move Studio. I will be moving to Westgate Studios in Wakefield which is a thriving community of artists.

There are many advantages for me but I will be sad to be leaving Doncaster and in particular Rosemary and Gallery 12a. I will still be around in Doncaster from time to time so you don't get rid of me that easily and in April Rose and I have an exciting joint venture which we will tell you all about soon.

Forward Planning

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:56:00 +0000

I am planning events for next year and as part of this process I have to select images which tipify my designs, as selection is based on the images submitted. After some serious consideration I have chosen the 6 following pieces.

A sculptured bracelet made with Czech seed beads and Czech glass flower beads . I was recently asked if I sketch my designs before I make them and have to confess i don't - I get a picture in my head and then work out the mechanics of how to create it as I go along.

This necklace is made with a medley of stones and Czech seed beads. The semi precious stones are Agate, Turquoise and Jasper. I love working with shape and form and merging colours together.

Dalmation Jasper is teamed with Delicas to create this lovely bracelet. The photograph cannot capture the drape of this bracelet which is so slinky.

Another design where I play with colour shape and form. Lapis lazuli form the focal part of this necklace which also uses discs of dyed Howlite and tubes of natural bone.

More Czech Seed beads - this time a garland entwined around the central core of the necklace. The garland quivers with movement.

and finally simplicity itself! Some beads need nothing more at all and as designers we need to recognise this.

I hope you enjoyed this preview of my work.

I do have one event for next year confirmed already and that is as Artist in Residence at Burton Agnes Hall . I will be there for the 2nd and 3rd week of April and am really looking forward to this- I plan to design a piece based on the Hall and this will be donated for them to sell and raise funds to keep the Hall and gardens open to the public

All things in the world are two

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:34:00 +0000

Quite some time ago I put out a plea to all my crafter friends as we were searching for a jeweller who could combine 2 rings to create one new one.

These were the rings in question. The one on the right was Pete's Grandad's 21st birthday cygnet ring and the one on the left belonged to his dad. He had worn his Grandad's ring since inheriting it but when he also imherited his dad's ring he had the idea of having one combined ring.
My requests on the forums were unsuccessful but a few weeks ago , quite by chance on facebook I found Linda of Wiccan Wear who is based in Dewsbury ,about 15 miles from where we live.
We contacted Linda and arranged to meet her on the Sunday and discussed potentials and possibilities . We left quite excited as it was evident that we had found someone who knew what she was doing. Several emails , phonecalls and weeks later we went through to collect the finished article which is simply beautiful.

The outside is engraved with a Totem, designed by Linda from animals which Pete wanted including - inside is the quote

All things in the world are two
Eagle Chief (Letakos-Lesa) Pawnee

Advent Calendar deals still available

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:27:00 +0000

Right through until Christmas Eve there is a bargain to be had through my Advent Calendar. Each day a new door opens revealing another offer with the Voucher Code needed to claim the discount. The following deals are still available from days 1 to 5

.
40% Discount

35% discount

25% Discount

30% discount

30% Off

25% Discount

Advent Calender - December Specials

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:16:00 +0000

I spent all day yesterday creating voucher codes and writing the code for an online Advent Calender . Throughout December there is one amazing offer each day- and you can't see what it is until the day arrives so don't try to peep ! I can tell you that today there is 30% off one specific necklace. Click the image below to go see the working Advent Calender.

A bit of an online discount for my readers

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:36:00 +0000

10% off all online items from today until the end of November

Use code B89CB0AB05-1D5D0896C at checkout

Get this widget!

Selling through Artfire now

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:41:00 +0000

My online sales are now all happening on the Artfire site - click on any item below to go and see the whole range

ChrisLinacre

Unique Gifts

Off the Wall Art @studio 7 Gallery 12a- Victoria England

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:58:00 +0000

I just took delivery of these amazing bags created by Victoria England. Victoria is our featured Off The Wall artist this month at Studio 7, Gallery 12a

Launch Event - and you did ask for lots of pictures

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:19:00 +0000

LAUNCH EVENT - Thurs 30th September 2010, 12:00-6:00pm
Holistic Therapies by Sarah Vallance & Reiki Healing & Jewellery by Chris Linacre

* Free taster treatments
* 2 for 1 on bookings taken on the day
* 10% discount on Jewellery purchased on the day
* Refreshments provided

Hive Creative Challenge- Fruits of Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 21:20:00 +0000

I finished this commission today and decided to enter it into the Hive Creative Challenge. The colours remind me of early autumn hedgerows when the leaves are starting to yellow, and elderberry and blackberry are ripe. It has been made with Czech Glass Seed beads Size 8 and 11s. The original design had the textured frill as a neckline focal but my customer wanted it to be all the way around - we had a chuckle about this request as I had created 6 different colour combinations of this design and every one EXCEPT this had the textured frill along the whole length

Hope you like it but even more so I hope my customer does

Artfire Special Offer for all Sellers

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:04:00 +0000

Artfire are offering fixed monthly fee of $5.95 a month if 20,000 sign up for the offer- got to be worth a shot
ARTFIRE Group Deal

Made in Somerset :-)

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Just a sneak preview of new stuff made on holiday in Somerset- they will be on sale at Art in The Park,Botanical Gardens Sheffield on 4th and 5th of September

Craft Event in Barnsley for Bluebell Wood Hospice for Children

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:32:00 +0000

I thought I should blog about this before the event rather than after it! On Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th, Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August a range of Barnsley Crafters will be in the Alhambra Mall - we will be contributing to the Bluebell Wood Hospice funds by paying a stall rent and also donating goodies for a Grand Raffle.
The event has been planned by Raychel Perks and is all linked to the Jean Genie competition - essentially Raychel started with £50 and is striving to capitalise on that and raise more - much more in fact - the target is £2000
Stallholders include

JayGo Touchy Feely Textiles

Recycled Junkie

Cherry Amour

Cottonarts
and of course yours truly

Chris Linacre

Please come along and help support this great cause. And if you can't come along but still want to support the cause you can make a donation here

Repairing and Memories

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

I was at the studio on Friday and someone I met at the Art in the Park Weekend came along to buy something. (I just realised that I never blogged about the Art in the Park weekend grr it was amazing - but watch this space as I have a cunning plan , irons in the fire etc and I will let you all know about nearer the time) She also wanted to know if I did repairs , which of course I do , and I was able to repair some earrings for her as she was browsing the latest exhibition I have at the studio - Summer Lovin' (another grrrr as I didn't blog about that either) The other repair was not going to be as easy or quick as she left me a tangled mess of thread containing 13 red/orange beads, which are precious as her boyfriend had bought them for her. Amusingly on the mess of my table at the studio was an open box of red and orange bugle beads and we laughed at how apt they would be with her beads. I brought them all home and spent yesterday afternoon re building a necklace from the recovered beads. I added some Fire Opal Swarovskis which were under the kitchen table (another untold story) and here is the result-

I also repaired some beads for Pete which is a regular occurrence as he never takes his off and sleeps and showers in them and is bemused when they need fixing.
My last repair job was for my friend Helen who now lives in Canada - we have been friends for more than 40 years although rarely see each other now. But a test of true friendship is just picking up where you left off and on the rare times we do meet it's as if the years have melted away and we are as easy and comfortable with each other as we were way back when we began our friendship.

This was us back in 2008 when we met up for her dad's 80th birthday - of course we had to have the photo taken with Eric Morecambe's statue ! The beads belonged to her Aunt Edith and whilst not expensive ones have a great sentimental value. As I sat there yesterday afternoon deciding how to restring them and then actually doing so, I played back in my mind the happy memories of all those years ago. I am off to the Post Office to send them back to Canada tomorrow but Helen asked me to take a photo before I did - haha how impatient
So Helen, here are Aunt Edith's beads - restrung and re designed- enjoy :-)

Twisted Garland Necklace -Part of the New Collection

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Here is a necklace completed today worked with Czech Seed Beads. I have also made a bracelet to match it . The picture doesn't seem to capture the way that the outer spiral winds around and around the main core of the necklace although the left hand side does reflect this quite well

My Favourite Quote

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson

Which also links to another one I love...
Blessed are the cracked for we let out our light

New ideas , New designs

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:44:00 +0000

Over the last few weeks I have been working with Czech Glass seed beads and this is what I have so far- forgive the photos- I am still working on a spare laptop waiting for mine to be fixed so had to use online software - you can get a better view by clicking on each picture

Shades of blues, pinks and lilacs with glass flower beads

This one is in shades of dark blues, blacks and greys - the first one that I made and it is going to be auctioned on Saturday Night to raise funds for Safe@Last - I will let you know how much it raises
Shades of green this time with amethyst coloured glass flower beads randomly growing along it
Reds, pinks and lilacs combine for this textured bracelet

Beautiful shades of pinks, lilacs and blues for these funky earrings

Not yet competed a blue pendant - watch this space for when it is finished

A rope necklace waiting to be textured in shades of lavender, lilac and amethyst- once again watch this space :-)

If you have....

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:06:00 +0000

In Print again

noreply@blogger.com (CHRIS LINACRE) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:01:00 +0000

Once again I am in print with a feature in Issue 68 of Craft Business . I was interviewed by Beth, the Editor, a few weeks ago. Anyone who knows me will be aware I can talk, especially on a subject close to my heart and boy did I talk !
I kept saying "Oops Beth we won't be able to use this bit" as I spoke of my tears and sadness when I see the mass produced jewellery piled high in certain retail outlets. When you know how long it takes to create a piece it is difficult not to be sad when you ponder what the wages are of the poor people who make those earrings that retail at £1.50!

But then I also see UK designers grossly underselling themselves and want to say "Don't undervalue yourself" I make the point in this article that for every hour we spend creating there has to be 40 hours of "business stuff"
Mind you I plan to do just that tomorrow at a Garden Party for carers in Doncaster . I was asked to have a table there and plan to give them some bargains - carers are so vastly undervalued too you see :-)
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