About Me              

 

My name is Elaine Thornton; I live in Dunstable, Bedfordshire which is approx. 30/40 miles north of London. I have been making jewellery now for over 15 years (I can't remember the exact amount of time, it was a long time ago anyway!) and starting selling my work in July 2006. I am self taught and I started by using the step by step tutorials from bead catalogues and books because I couldn't buy any jewellery that would fit me, not without some sort of alteration.

Over many years I have taken a number of art and craft courses at local colleges and have numerous 'strings to my bow' they include Decorative Paint Effects/Techniques, Stained Glass, 3D Design, Welding and I completed my Art & Design Foundation Diploma in 2003. It covered many aspects of Art & Design but I found I loved large scale abstract sculpture, metal and wire being the main materials I felt happy using. On this course the designer in me prevailed and so after completing the course these elements featured heavily in my decision on what I wanted to do next, as I was unable to carry on with my studies at that time. I fell back into making jewellery as these elements were very necessary for where this has lead me to, today and more recently taking a course in Jewellery Design which included silversmithing techniques, my style has slowly evolved into what I am now currently trying to achieve in my work .

Colour plays a crucial role in my designs, as well as, Line, Shapes and Organic images and influences. I love non-uniformity or asymmetrical styles and the need to balance my jewellery using this style is sometimes challenging. American magazines are a big influence for me as they seem to use this asymmetrical design greatly.

My new found passion is lampwork bead making and after having a lesson in March 2008 with British Lampwork artist Sally Carver or better known as Red Hot Sal www.redhotsal.co.uk I have set up a torch in my workshop.  I have difficulty trying to split my time between my jewellery, tiaras and bead making so as you can imagine my days are very full, as I do hold down a part-time day job as well!

 

 

The Future....

I really enjoy learning new skills and glass fusing is next on my list, a kiln is required for this as well as the beads which need to be annealed for strength and durability.  I finally own my little blue Paragon SC2 kiln which has been a major achievement for me. So fusing could at some point in the future pop up on my site ~ you never know!! 

A new torch is next on the list and this will have to be teamed with an oxygen concentrator which supplies the oxygen for the propane gas required for the dual fuel torch to work efficiently. My old Hot Head torch works perfectly well but the dual fuel torches are much more powerful and a much hotter and cleaner flame which will help me in my desire for larger beadmaking in the future.

 

 

 

I created tutorials for Beads & Beyond Magazine during 2009, I did enjoy the challenge but I no longer write for them.  

I have also held in the past basic jewellery making workshops for beginners and with my local bead group Busy Buzzy Beaders, I continue to teach beginners and I will post dates for future events on my Tuition Page.  

 

I have been considering starting up my Jewellery Making Parties again and will be hosting children's and adult parties for those living around my area who would like a party with a difference. I will be willing to travel a certain distance but that will depend on where you live and whether I will need to include travelling expenses, please check out my Tuition page for more details.

 

That's about it from me, I hope you enjoy browsing my site and if you don't see something you want or that isn't quite right for you, please don't hesitate to contact me for a commission.

Thank you for popping in and please come back again soon....

Elaine