Iceni Blog

Making of Stargazer Moonleaper

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Making of Stargazer Moonleaper

I had an order for one of these this week, so, I thought I'd document the making of it. All my designs start as a drawing - hares are a large part of what I do, not only do I have a great love for the animal itself, they're really pleasing to make with their sleek lines and curves. The hares in my range include very simple silhouettes to more detailed ones like this.  Once I've drawn what's in my head, I take a photo of it (on my phone, no fanciness!) and then upload onto my computer and into...

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Thames Garnets

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Thames Garnets

I spent half my childhood in the heart of that bohemian progressive place, and the other here on the Isle of Wight, so loved for its laid back vibe and micro-climate – two wonderful places, but worlds apart.

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The end of January...and I'm not sad about it!

The end of January...and I'm not sad about it!

This January though! Good grief, this January should blimmin’ well put itself on the naughty-step and have a good think about what it’s done!

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Creating the Moon Bear Cuff

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Creating the Moon Bear Cuff

I am often asked how I make things - so as I had an order for one of my Moon Bear cuffs this week, I thought I'd photograph the process. One day (when I grow an extra hand) I'll video it (or maybe I could ask Mumma Iceni to video for me, because the chances of growing an extra hand are quite low I think). Step One: Cut out the copper cuff. I work primarily from flat sheet copper. Most of my cuffs have a thickness of about 0.9-1.1mm, and I cut it out using a jeweller's saw. The blade on...

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Creation of the Boudicca Pendant

Creation of the Boudicca Pendant

I don't really use many larger stones in my pieces but sometimes I come across one that is just too beautiful to pass up! Whilst mooching around one of my suppliers websites, I found this.  This is a hand cut and polished Nipomo in Marcasite Agate Cabochon, with a nice little chunk of quartz in it. I loved the arrowhead shape of it and the gleam of marcasite, and it screamed Iceni at me, so I had to have it. I wanted to make something simple and primitive looking - something maybe Boudicca would wear ;)  I didn't draw anything, I just wanted...

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