WHITE SILVER COLD FORGE The Silver Spoon

Barcelona 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:43:00 +0000

I never thought I will see Barcelona again, but here I am. I will post pictures here as my photo album. Enjoy them with me.

See other posts of Barcelona:
Inspirations at Casa Batllo
Inspirations by Gaudi

Some scenes in the old town:

Picasso's first studio in 1896, at the age of 15!

The 4 Cats restaurant where Picasso
dined and socialised and painted other customers

My street:

Carrer del Carme 10

GSMA Mobile World Congress

Ericsson stands being built

Spanish Village, Motjuic

Glass kiln workshop

Mercat Gothic market:

Proud purchase

Sweden - February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:25:00 +0000

Photos during Ferbruary in Stockholm, Sweden

Thailand 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:57:00 +0000

Thank you Bangkok for being so nice to me.

Work was funnnn especially when I did not have to work in the office. My fondest memories of my Thai colleagues will be Jeab and Mod. Thank you for your genuine support and friendship. I cannot name everyone, but our Truely Asian/South African boy, Muizz... party party! Your birthday today? When we party? Ah, Muizz! We'll meet again for sure.

Getting to work... Tuktuk, Skytrain, motorbike. Home... motorbike, Skytrain, walk ... and often making a pit stop at Cheap Charlies who knows now that I take a double vodka-tonic in a tall glass. Fond memories it will be.

Thank you Christer for visiting and us not having a disagreement! Thank you Andreas for giving us a wonderful weekend and what fun it was to see the house we saw on plan.

Thank you Thip at Coran for the wonderful thai massages and facials - hope you visit South Africa again and work in the wonderful spas or any other place in the world! Thank you for my unsuspected wonderful going away gift - a thai over 'coat' - that was such a surprise. Thank you.

Thank you to the staff at Citadines on Soi 11, Sukhumvit. You were fantastic and jumping to my every wish – you made me feel special.

Till next time!

Office: Sun Towers falling over! No matter what.. I could not get the saved vertical version to stand up here!

Cheap Charlies

A few days on Koh Samet and to my exitement, beauriful views

Those who know me well will know that I have an obsession with stones, huge and mighty trees, bridges, tunnels, and as it is evident here, clouds and serene scenery.

Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 11

The lap pool on the roof of Citadines, Soi 11

Fond memories

Below, Jip, Andreas and Alex's house just outside of Hua Hin

Other great memories

Like you, I don't know what this is

Recipe Banana Loaf

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:20:00 +0000

Hey på dej fridags fika gang...
Click to download my Banana Loaf (click!) recipe.

ENJOY, Rae

Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:04:00 +0000

My previous workshop... I give you a peak into my world.

It is a converted bathroom/laundry that became my silversmith (jewelry) workshop/laundry - I would like it to be a proper silversmith workshop (corpus), but living in an apartment I cannot hammer much.

The Globe Pendant

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:25:00 +0000

Globe Pendant, Sterling Silver, hollow, 11.9g (including ring-bail), 22mm in diameter. This globe rotates on its rotational axis with the earth's axial tilt to a line perpendicular to its orbital plane.

When a friend asked me to make a globe pendant, I thought... "why not just buy what has already been created and available on the mass production market"... then I thought, I could make it individual as it is completely handmade, and I can add features like setting a stone on the home location or make the home country of a different material, etc.

This globe is 22mm in diameter - the biggest I can go for now with the forming punches and dies I have.

Yes, I focus on Africa... I am a true and thorough bred European-mix... born in Africa.

But I had to show that this globe does reflect the other continents as well.

The start:

Pearl Stringing/Knotting

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:51:00 +0000

Pearl Stringing is the professional career for many.

Pearls strung by Rae White -
a tiny knot between each and every pearl.

Another wonderful workshop session spent with Kiki Thorsell of TING KAI yesterday. It is always such an informative and learning experience when I meet with her. Her teaching skills are excellent and she shares with passion about her knowledge and many many travelling experiences with regards pearls to the East, where she had also lived before.

This is the string I worked on yesterday, but not my frist time knotting with Kiki. I will keep going back, because the courses are very affordable and a huge discount on the already very good prices on pearls and finding, and lots to learn and many people with the same interest to meet.

Kiki Thorsell holds workshop sessions in her Pearl Room in Täby, Stockholm with a stock of pearls that fills the room. Her prices are unbeatable and there is something for everyone.

Click on TING KAI to go to a post about Kiki's workshops.

My purchase yesterday was these
beautiful freshwater and keshi pearls.

Have a peek at an YouTube film:Stringing of a South Sea pearl necklace at the Shanxiahu market in Zhuji, China

Sculpture

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Settling in the Cape, I am looking for a well equipped studio
with a 'super' lecturer to help me grow within the field of sculpture.

Paintings

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:32:00 +0000

Portraits and Other

Nikki

Amy

Cleaning Palet

Still Life

Remembering South Africa

True South African

Swedish kitchen/fireplace

Costume Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:57:00 +0000

The local (South African) and other Western country(1) mass jewelry buyers are only looking for the lowest price in costume(2) jewelry. It cannot be compared to the real thing (real thing(3)). My focus here is on costume jewelry compared to sterling silver jewelry.

Costume jewelry cannot be worn every day if the wearer wants it to last for a year or two. Even well made costume jewelry will loose its silver plated colour and turn grey or copper and those allergic to nickle are too aware of the irritation of this metal. The ones made with tiger tail (fine cable) poses the risk or breaking and falling to pieces 'while shopping' - with beads scattering and rolling under the feet of others...

We all love the trendy costume jewelry. If it breaks, do not return it because it was just intended to last for a while.

Mass produced silver on the other hand is affordable for the ones who are willing to pay a little more and support the Eastern and Far-Eastern countries like Thailand, China, Indonesia and closer, India and even Mexico where children enter the production field at an early age.

Why not support local artisans who make unique items and who are making a living out of their creations. Because we ignore our local artisans, we let the trade die out.

(1) Edited above on account of the message received form 'Rich', below.
(2) Costume jewelry in the rest of the post referes to jewelry not made of Sterling Silver (as the topic discussed in this post)
(3) Real thing referring to jewelry not made of Sterling Silver

PS: See a comment I got from 'Rich' which have been revoked, but I would like to add his/her comment here.

Firstly I would like to make clear to Rich that I am comparing costume jewelry vs. jewelry made of Sterling Silver. At the same time, I am allowing free advertising here for the Hill Tribe Families on my Blog.

"Interesting fact silver made in Thailand is only made in villages outside of the main cities by Hill tribe families. Most patterns have been in there family for many years and can only be made by large order. There are no stores or one central place to purchase Hill tribe silver in variety other than from the large Handicraft shops in the city. Mondays and Fridays are the days families will bring their goods to the main shops for sale and to pick up new orders. A trip to a silver village is a real eye opener to see how families work together to make beautiful silver pieces of art. All Handmade."
-'Rich' -

Baby Spoon in Progress

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:51:00 +0000

This spoon is my design for a baby spoon, and the perfect gift for a Christening. It is thé Christening spoon that has a function; it can be used as a feeding spoon and later serve as an ice cream spoon or even a coffee latté spoon. It could be the perfect gift to be handed down to the owner's first born baby.... Of course it could be engraved...

Each spoon is unique. I work from my own idea sketch. I would also make to a clients specification.

With this design I had the baby and the feeder in mind. The bowl is shallow, so that the food can easily be swept off the baby's top gum when he/she is still learning to eat. The front tip of the bowl is fairly flat in order to sweep any 'stray' food outside the mouth. The handle is long and curved, so to easily see the baby's face and mouth and keep an eye on the bowl of the spoon while feeding.

On this photo the spoon is not completed. I have completed the hammer work. The next step is to smooth it with files and sand it to a very fine sheen. The final step is to raise a fine silver surface to prevent oxidation.

To the left is the same spoon during the forming process.

Jam Spoons

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:51:00 +0000

These spoons are totally handmade with a piece of silver, a hammer and an anvel. I normally start with a bar of silver 6 x 6 mm thick and an estimated length, depending on what I make.

I spend about 15 - 20 hours per spoon.

Rings

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 07:52:00 +0000

Rings and more rings

(some of them)

Swivel riong

'Party Ring' / Hollow ring / Signet ring

2nd ring... and lots to learn

On commission at Lars' workshop

On commission - Sara's design

Lotta's commissioning

Labradorite Ring

Sabi Ring (peble)

Student work: Rowena's ring

Candle Holder

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:00:00 +0000

A wall mounted candle holder of Jan Dahlberg's design. I made all the spheres for 6 candle holders and 2 variations of the candle stick itself while doing my practical workshop training with Jan.

Inspirations at Casa Batlló

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:11:00 +0000

Barcelona - the city of Gaudí

Gaudí's inspiration came from nature, the elements of organic forms. As one guide said while on tour at another place, 'Gaudí said that the best teacher he had is the tree outside his office'.

When I entered Casa Batlló, I stepped into another world and floated on a cloud of cheer happiness... I had forgotten any problems or sadness; I was in a world away from reality!

Gaudí was commisioned to remodel (1904-1906) a normal house on Passeig de Gràcia 43 and this is what he came up with.

Gaudí added two floors to the building.

The roof

Entrance to the water reservoir

Look at a pine cone the next time you are about to kick it out of the way... and see if you see the resemblance of this cross...

All the apartment chimneys are grouped together with an artistic and functional design.

Gaudí thought of everything. From designing the building, it's structural solutions, lighting and natural lighting, to the last tile and their 'optical' illusion on the tiles... the tiles to the top are darker in shade to the ones further down, for the maximum use of sunlight.

A stolen picture from the roof to one of the top floor balconies - isn't that something... look at the railing!

The attic with the unique application of Gaudí's parabolic arched trusses... structural support.

One washroom for each apartment in the attic... the laundry

Stair from the roof. Stair to the roof... one way system - the best for 'directing' tourists.

Not a straight line in sight.. apart from the horizontal floor.

I will hang a chandelier like this when I have a ceiling with these swirls like water going down a drain.

An apartment open to the public on the first floor.

Who can resist not taking hundreds of pictures for inspiration when visiting Gaudí's work!? Not me.

*** All the photos taken in this blog post, is by Rae White for memorable purposes only. Please do not copy them, you might get in trouble. Read about the copyright at http://www.casabatllo.cat/.

Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Earrings

Silver bracelet with toggle clasp as per commitioner's design

Super size angel

Lonely heart in fine silver

Peridot Byzantine Weave Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:11:00 +0000

This lovely little Sterling Silver bracelet with peridot stone beads and the charming little handmade heart toggle clasp, has been revamped and is ready to wear. It was one of my first little creations and became the jewelry piece of Hannah when she was still just a girl. Now I have enlarged it and it is ready to be worn again.

From wire, to rings, to chain

Care of Similar Jewelry:

Periodically soak your jewelry in a small bowl in warm water with a few drops of dish-washing liquid for 15 minutes. Then brush it gently with an old toothbrush to remove any grime, sweat and moisturiser that may have built up, but unnoticeable to the naked eye. This should keep your jewelry beautiful and cared for.

About Peridot - quotes from gemstone.org

"The peridot is one of the few gemstones which come in one colour only. The rich, green colour with the slight tinge of gold is caused by very fine traces of iron. From a chemical point of view, peridot is an iron magnesium silicate. The intensity of the colour depends on the amount of iron actually present. The colour itself can vary over all shades of yellowish green and olive, and even to a brownish green."

"'Peridot' is derived from the Greek word 'peridona', which means something like 'to give richness'."

"Peridot is the gemstone form of the mineral olivine and could be called by any of three names: 'peridot', 'chrysolite' and 'olivine' - but peridot is the preferred gem quality name."

Inspirations by Gaudí

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:15:00 +0000

La Sagrada Familia

The wonder of this church that is a Gaudí wonder is still not completed... they say 'maybe by 2030...'

Parl Guell

On a bright cold day I made my way to the park

Detail of ceiling mosaic.

The well known dragon at the entrance of the of the pilar hall where I came over musitions...

the acoustics there are unbelievable.

Ivory Coast Pendant

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:34:00 +0000

An unusual request to set four glass drops in silver - glass drops that was brought back from the Ivory Coast as a souvenir, led to the creation of this glass and sterling silver pendant.

This post reflects the progress of the Ivory Coast Glass/Silver Pendant.

I am amazed that one cannot see the base plate through the glass even though such a wide band is left below the glass drops.

I used 1.2mm sterling silver sheet as the base plate for the box bezel setting for the glass drops.

Turquoise Ring

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:19:00 +0000

I like it, Row!

Silversmithing Corpus

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:43:00 +0000

Silversmithing is the art of cold forging by skilled silversmiths,
using hammers, anvels, stakes and huge hot gas flames.

So-called silversmiths making jewelry is actually
jewelry designers or jewelry manufacturers and not Silversmiths.

Water can, 17 cm high, brass:

made by using the artistic craft of a silversmith with cold forging.

Behing the scenes:

TING KAI

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:04:00 +0000

Kurser i Pärlhalsbandsknytning
Pearl Stringing Workshops

While the TING KAI website was waiting to get updated, THE SILVER SPOON Blog hosted some information about Ting Kai's pearl classes in Stockholm. The basic message will continue to live here on this spot.

Knyt ditt eget pärlhalsband. Hela året finns tillfället att lära sig knyta halsband från grunden och även att friska upp sina färdigheter och vidareutveckla sin knytkonst.

Wouldn't you like to knot your own string of pearls? All year round several workshops are scheduled to suited even the beginners to further your skills or just brush up what you have forgotten.

Ett kurstillfälle är ca 4 tim och är i hemma i mitt pärlrum på Radarvägen 37 5 tr i Hägernäs i Täby.

Nybörjarna får ett instruktionshäfte och en del material som tråd mm. Kostnad 160kr. På ett kurstillfälle hinner deltagaren lära sig att knyta ett ca 40cm långt halsband eller armband.

För fortsättningskurser är kostnaden 60kr. Då får fantasin flöda och alla olika modeller och tekniker prövas. Nu finns även ett litet häfte med olika tips och knep.

Ni är välkomna vid de tillfällen som passar er bäst oavsett om ni är nya eller vill fortsätta.

Courses are held in The Pearl Room in Hägernäs and takes up to about 4 hours a time. Newcomers receive an instruction pamphlet (Swedish) and some material like thread to get started. During such a workshop one will be able to knot a 40cm necklace or a bracelet. Kicki is also fluent in English.

The price for newcomers is 160kr and for each follow-up course 60kr.

ring elle maila och boka...
make a booking...

Kurstillfällen / Course times
Tisdag 4 maj kl 18.00 - 22.00
Tisdag 11 maj kl 12.00 - 22.00
Tisdag 25 maj kl 12.00 - 22.00
Follow the link to Ting Kai's web below for a detailed schedule...

TING KAI
Kiki Thorsell

Radarvägen 37, 5 tr.

183 61 Täby, Sweden

+46-(0)8-756 12 87

Mob. +46-(0)70-753 03 90

e-mail: svenkiki@hotmail.com
www.tingkai.com

Innehar FA-skattesedel

Om tiderna inte passar, hör av er så kan vi säkert ordna tillfällen som passar. Det går också bra att komma och köpa nya pärlor och handla annat smått och gott.

Ta med era vänner så kan sitta och knåpa och ha trevligt!

If the times above does not suit you, make contact with Kiki and something could be arranged - either for a course or if you need to buy pearls. Kiki has masses of pearls as well as ready strung pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings and many other smaller things for sale.

Take a friend to enjoy the knotting with you and have a good time!

Angels for Mom and Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:02:00 +0000

Here they are! They are so cute... just a bad photo!

17 and 20 mm head-to-toe

Silver/Metal Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:33:00 +0000

These pictures are of workshops I have worked in, showing typical metal workshop tools leaning towards silversmithing in corpus (items other than jewelry).

A silversmith creates hollowware (dishes, bowls, porringers, cups, vases, ewers, urns, etc.), flatware (forks, spoons, knives, etc.), and other articles for household use from gold and silver sheetmetal.

Row's Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (The Silver Spoon) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Detail of stone, bezel and nut & bolt

A Pendant for Real Fun - nearly finished

Row's first ring, before all the charms are on

Making the ring