I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be chosen by Metal Clay Ltd to be one of their "Makers" for the first 6 months of 2016.  As a fan of all things metal clay, I've been a customer of Metal Clay Ltd for just over a year and they're my "go to" place when I'm looking for products.

As a "Maker" I will be sent a package every two months to review, use and perhaps write a tutorial on.  It's going to be very exciting and I can't wait to get started along with the other 5 Makers.

You can find the announcement here:

https://www.facebook.com/metalclayltd/photos/a.155351562939.116834.92156982939/10153859953532940/?type=3

I usually design something in my head, then translate it onto paper and finally either trace that or freehand onto clay.  Normally, designs have to be tweaked a little - for instance, the dimensions may not work, the stone size may throw the design off or it just doesn't work! 

I wanted to make another example of how to set a stone and chose a gorgeous dichroic glass cabochon that screamed "Galaxy" to me.  So that was my starting point, then I designed around it.  The bale was inspired by a left over piece of oval shaped clay I had and I have to say that I love how that's worked.  I think I may use this design again on other pieces.