Heather M Skowood Contemporary Jewelry

Yummy Autumn Treat - Wood + Copper Electrical Wire Bracelet

2011-11-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

Happy Autumn!

I'm so happy with this new lil' hunny that came to life on my bench yesterday. It happily reminds me of my Steampunk bracelet and has made me realize I need to rethink think my materials and run down this road long and hard to see where it will take me. Wish me luck.

All apologies for not blogging in so long. It has taken several months to move and settle back into life in the UK. It's soooo wonderful to be back in Madchester, rediscovering all the lovely gems this town has to offer. My new studio has been set up in my home again so it is also very nice not to have to work in a cold warehouse in Salford again! :)

Peace.

Jewelry From Found Objects - Stackpole Books

2011-02-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

My book is coming out soon! It's about to hit the warehouse and all the artists featured in the book are about to get their complimentary copy. I cannot wait to hear what they think. The book is currently available for pre-order at a very nice discount so reserve your copy now!

All constructive criticism welcome, don't be shy.

Peace.

Let's Skype Sunday Nov. 7th at 5pm EST

2010-10-23T12:11:00.000-04:00


Steampunk Bracelet by Heather Skowood, Photo by Jonathan Keenan Photography

Topic: I'm an Excess Junkie

Join in a discussion about the challenges and successes of working with recycled and reclaimed materials in your artwork, workshops and promotion.

Visit and become a member of Crafthaus for details how to join in the discussion.

Jewelry From Found Objects - Stackpole Books

2010-10-21T19:10:00.000-04:00

Here it is, the cover of my upcoming book, "Jewelry From Found Objects" being published by Stackpole Books. It is due to hit bookstores and Amazon this spring. For those of you who are hearing about this for the 1st time the book focuses on the use of found objects, recycled and reclaimed materials in jewelry. The book includes jewelry made by me as well as artists from around the world who use unconventional materials to make their jewelry. It also includes some simple step-by-step instructions on the use of cold connections to create jewelry without a torch plus helpful tips on sourcing materials. Stay tuned for the book release date.

Peace.

Euro Wedding Jewellery

2010-10-18T13:07:00.001-04:00

Earrings, oxidized sterling silver + fresh water pearl

Brooch and earrings, sterling silver and fresh water pearls

The two lovely brides in all their glory, congratulations again!

Euro Weddings

2010-08-31T12:38:00.000-04:00

Earrings + Brooch, sterling silver + fresh water pearls


Earrings, darkened sterling silver + fresh water pearls

These beauties have been created for two very close friends of mine in the UK who are getting married in September and October. It was a pleasure to make these pieces specifically for each of them who will prove to be gorgeous brides. I'm gonna be a blubbering mess for sure...my babies are getting married. hee hee.

Family Jewels

2010-08-30T19:39:00.000-04:00

Envy Necklace from the Monochrome Memories Series, antique drawer pull, ribbon, spray paint

FLOWER VINE NECKLACE, Re-purposed sterling silver chains, glass beads, + sterling silver flowers from a previous project


GLAMPUNK EARRINGS, Re-purposed safety pins + faux pearls

To show some appreciation for some loving in-laws I have in the UK who always treat us soooooo well when we visit, I made some one-of-a-kind jewellery for some lively ladies who I know are serious magpies. All the pieces here are made from re purposed materials collected in my studio. I stopped purchasing new materials to make jewelry challenging myself to use up as much materials I have as I can.

Envy Necklace is from a series I am working on called Monochrome Memories. Two other necklaces from this series are featured in my upcoming book called, Jewelry From Found Objects to be released by Stackpole Books in Spring 2011. I will announce the date officially once Stackpole Books soon. Stay Tuned and spread the word.

Flower Vine Necklace is made from odd lengths of chain I had in my studio that were left over from previous projects. the decorative beads were made by Liliana Bead + the sterling silver flower ends were going to be earrings but they were a little too big in the end.

GLAMPUNK Earrings are made from re-purposed safety pins that once decorated and held together a tee shirt, the faux pearls are from a garage sale necklace + sterling silver ear wires.

I'm really looking forward to handing these over to my gurls and see their smiling faces. Who said jewelry was all about status?

Peace.

Swaps!

2010-08-05T17:18:00.000-04:00

I have been amassing jewelry by my favourite jewelers by initiating swaps for my work for years. Now there is a site called We Swap devoted to connecting artists who want to collect art but of course cannot afford it.

Check it!

Exit Stage Left - Leaving Facebook

2010-07-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

Just updating everyone one last time that I am proudly leaving Facebook. Why? Well, I'm over the social networking thing. Mainly, I am leaving Facebook because I'm tired of their data collecting, target marketing, censorship and personal info sharing. When I figure out how to stop using Google I'll let you know too.

Meanwhile I am reducing my electronic footprint as I have done with my carbon footprint. It's time to get back to basics and not let the computer eat up too much of my valuable time and socialize in the real world. I can still be reached via my blog and website. If you would like to receive a monthly update on what is going on with my jewelry please visit my website and drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!

Peace.

New Recycled Jewelry Contest

2010-06-08T11:16:00.002-04:00

This is the last of the series of bracelets I made last week. Someone said that it looks Gothic but I think it is rather tribal. To make this bracelet I again started with a cardboard ribbon spool, then wrapped it in layers and layers of electrical tape. I intentionally wrapped it heavier on one side than the other to give it a slight asymmetrical look as well as to accommodate the copper wire.

I'm hoping to maybe make a few more while I am on holiday at the beach next week or at least gather some new materials for some new pieces. I wonder what I will find. I so hope I get my hands on some horseshoe crab tails that have washed up on the beach as they would make lovely elements for a necklace.

New Jewelry Giveaway Details:

For this contest I will be giving away one of my cable-tie bangle bracelets to a person who leaves a comment on blog about one of the pieces I blogged about this week, June 6th, June 7th or today. Leave a comment about any of these bracelets telling me what you like about them, what you would wear it with, where you would wear it or a suggestion on how they could be made differently. The person who leaves a sincere constructive comment will win. I will announce the winner on June 23rd. Due to all comments being moderated before being published to my blog they will not be published to my blog until the 18th or 19th June when I return from holiday.

Thanx and good luck!

New Cable Tie Jewelry

2010-06-07T10:34:00.000-04:00

Spikey Cable-Tie Bangle Bracelet

Cable-Tie Bracelet (sans spikes)

The Materials: Cardboard ribbon spool, duct tape +
cable-ties

In my entry yesterday I said I made 4 new bracelets, well I made 4 new styles but actually 5 bracelets in total. Here are two that I created with cable-ties. In my book that will be released this autumn you will see a fantastic necklace I made with these interesting fasteners as well. I don't know what it is about these cable ties that make them so much fun to play with but they can be addictive. I have made quite a few pieces of jewelry from this material.

Tune-in tomorrow for to see another creation I made last week and for more details on how you can win one of these cable-tie bangles with or without spikes!

New Recycled Jewelry - Trashed Diva Collection

2010-06-06T12:35:00.001-04:00

I've been rummaging around in my jewelry box for some jewelry to revive and came across some rhinestone bracelets, a brooch and screw-back earrings I almost forgot all about. These two bracelets are part of a new series I am exploring called, 'Trashed Diva'.

Trashed Diva in Blue (top photo) is made from 4 blue rhinestone bracelets, blue satin ribbon, safety pins + a costume jewelry set of earrings + a brooch with lovely blue stones. The rhinestone bracelets although they are metal expand so you can get them over your hand + around your wrist.

Trashed Diva with Black Pearls is made from two white/clear rhinestone bracelets joined end to end + accented with faux black pearls on safety pins. I think the steel gray of the faux pearls works really well with the aging metal + rhinestones.

I love the romantic result of both of the bracelets as well as the trashy/punk feeling the assemblage gives off. I hope to find some more rhinestone pieces to create more for this collection. What do YOU think?

Now that my book on recycled materials in jewelry is finished and at the publishers, I'm finding a little more time to get back to making. These are 2 of 4 bracelets I have made in the last week or so. I will be posting about them all in the next two days.

JEWELRY GIVEAWAY CONTEST UPDATE:

I believe the contest guidelines are too labor intensive for everyone so I will be posting a new contest in the next couple of days. Keep your eyes peeled and get ready! All you will have to do to get a free piece of jewelry is leave a comment. Details soon...

PEACE.

Win Custom Made Found Object Jewelry by Heather Skowood!

2010-05-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

I recently completed my book on found objects and reclaimed materials in jewelry. It has been a wonderful experience gathering information and writing about this style of jewelry. I was able to make all new work to include in the book as well as find others who share the same passion for finding beauty in unexpected places and include their jewelry too!

Though I still have work to do with the publishers on editing and layout before it's release in autumn, I'm ready to celebrate with YOU! I've decided to offer a contest for 1 lucky person to win a piece of jewelry designed and made by me from found objects/reclaimed materials.

Here is what you have to do to win:

1. Find 3 materials in your world that you would like me to turn into a piece of jewelry for you. This can be ANYTHING: scraps of fabric, a souvenir from a trip, discarded wire

2. Take a photo of these materials.

3. Tell me what type of jewelry you wish for i.e. earrings, bracelet, necklace, ring

4. Provide your address so if you are the chosen winner I can mail the finished piece to you.

5.To enter send all the above information in an email to me.

All entries must be received by 1 June 2010. I will announce the winner on 3 June 2010.

I will chose the person with the most interesting materials suggestion and post the photo of their materials on my blog along with the winner's name.

If you are the winner you will have to mail the 3 materials to me so I can make your jewelry. I will do my best to honor your request for a specific type of jewelry but I reserve the right to use the materials as I wish to achieve the best design. The finished jewelry will be made from the 3 materials the winner sends to me but I may also incorporate other materials to complete the piece. The finished piece of jewelry will be mailed to the winner 4 weeks from receipt of the materials in my studio.

Bring It On!

Peace.

Yummy Finds from The Recycle Shop at the Boston Children's Museum

2010-04-30T08:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to Boston's AMAZING Children's Museum with my wee one. What a wonderful place, it is HUGE and has exhibits for ALL ages. We really enjoyed the wet room where you can play with all sorts of bubble making toys.

I also had a hidden agenda for myself. This museum has a Recycled Shop where you can buy a bag to fill with yummy objects that the museum receives from local industries. I filled a bag the size of brown lunch bag FULL with these colorful plastic caps and tons of Monopoly game pieces! I have so many ideas in my head for turning them into jewelry. I cannot wait to get into the studio as soon as I send my book of found object jewelry to the publishers next week!

Please keep an eye on my blog for a fantastic jewelry give-a-way that I plan to launch next week as well. 3 lucky people will be chosen to receive a custom made piece of jewelry made of found objects. Don't miss out!

Thanx for the Shout Out Urban Sherp

2010-04-27T10:45:00.002-04:00

Urban Sherp a website devoted to spreading the word about the latest in eco-friendly designed products for the home and daily life recently made mention of my workshop at Metalwerx for EarthDay!

THANX Urban Sherp for helping spread the word and encouraging everyone to be more mindful of the environment.

Peace.

Metalwerx Interivew about my Workshop for Earth Day!

2010-04-07T08:52:00.000-04:00

Yleana Martinez is the blog master for Metalwerx new blog on Ganoksin. This week Yleana interviewed me about my upcoming workshop at Metalwerx for Earth Day. Be sure to check it out, comment and sign up for the workshop. It will be great to see and hear from you!

Skowood's Found Object Jewelry Book - Teaser, Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2010-03-26T08:52:00.000-04:00

Yesssssssssssssssss!

My friend + photographer Jonathan Keenan just sent me the final versions of the photos taken for my book on jewelry made with found objects + alternative materials. Oooooooo I wish I could share all of them with you right NOW because I LOVE them sooo much.!!!! Jonathan really knows how to capture the mood for my jewelry. I love his work. It's just brilliant!

This photo features a necklace made from antique drawer pull elements and stain ribbon. It is one of 2 pieces in my book that are from a new series of jewelry called, "Monochrome Memories". I will be working more on this series this summer and will begin to exhibit them online in Autumn.

My deadline for the book is approaching fast and all is looking good. Jonathan is sending the photos from England, I'm polishing up the writing, the publishers are working on some grpahics and I have some additional artists on board that are doing some amazing work I CANNOT wait to share with you too!

Stay tuned. Peace.

Oldies But Goodies - wooden drawer pulls + key Necklace

2010-02-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

antique key, wooden drawer pulls, remnant leather cord + copper electrical wire

I've been wanting to put these old wooden drawer pulls together in a necklace for a little while now + I couldn't resist adding the antique key too.

Give me a shout!

Recycled Jewelry Workshop with Simply Jess

2010-02-06T20:37:00.001-05:00

Necklace made of discarded metal + plastic bangle bracelets + lobster catch