I then go around, after finally putting down my bag, switching on lights which I hardly need as the space is so bright with natural light pouring in thru the windows. The beauty of being on the top floor is that there are windows facing both north and south so I get to enjoy endless flood of light and gorgeous views of the city and the rolling hills beyond (and spying the people in the offices cross the street..) I might not have anybody calling in first thing in the morning but I make sure all my display light are on as seeing all my jewellery shining under the warm glowy lights just make me smile. If any of you have ever crawled on the floor and put your head under a Christmas tree you know what I'm talking about... I get to feel that every day! I'll then have my first of many cups of coffee. I believe coffee making is one of those things that you have to take very seriously so I take my time letting the roughly ground coffee brew while switching on equipment and checking my torch and tidying my bench. I was 11 years old when I started to drink coffee so I would like to think I've had plenty of time to perfect the making of it. They say that Italians are the coffee experts not knowing that us Finns actually drink more of it than any other nation in the world! Needless to say I'm always eager to offer a cup of coffee to my visitors. For the tea drinkers out there I do make a nice cup of Barry's tea too as it's definitely something that I've learned to love in the past 16 years here in Ireland. It's then time to move on to the bench and the waving of hammers, files, pliers and spraying of gold dust can start. This is the fun part of having a plain piece of precious metal and manipulating and seeing it being turned into a beautiful new design. The very best part of it all is when a customer is collecting their new piece of jewellery. The anticipation and excitement of both of us is in a funny way daunting but such a joyful and lovely experience. I've heard beautiful stories from my customers about how this very piece of jewellery is so special and sentimental for them. Just to mention a few I've had children's names being engraved inside rings, lockets with personal messages, ring designs reminding the couple of how they met, a late father's wedding ring turned into a pendant for a grieving daughter and creating a film strip patterned wedding band for a very talented filmmaker who's incredible work brought tears to my very own eyes. I've shared tears and laughter with the people who have visited me in my old place and I'm so looking forward to meeting with new customers and to hear their stories and of course catching up with the old ones in my new den. I'm busy planning an official opening later on once you have hopefully all had a little summer break to recharge the batteries. In the meantime don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to visit my little urban jungle studio to talk jewellery or just to say hi!
Watch this space for the opening event date, you don't want to miss a chance to celebrate over a glass of bubbly and catching up with the other jewellery enthusiasts. I will also have some new pieces of jewellery to show and extra special offers on the day. I might even put together a few goody bags for the first quests! Don't forget to sign up for our mailing list (below) for your very own invitation. Love, Hanna
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New designs inspired by this very fascinating lichen called "cladonia". There's over 60 different types of it in Finland! The beauty really can be found in the nature's little details. And absolutely everywhere!
The range isn't quite ready yet. Still needs more tweaks and more ideas but so far I'm loving these little "tubas"! I just need to introduce more pearls... You can never have too many pearls! We all get our ideas and inspirations from somewhere. I've always used my memories, familiar places and nature as an inspiration. These photos are from my recent visit to Finland and early morning walks in a magical fairytale forrest just few minutes walk away where I grew up. Every time I go home this is one of the first places I have to go to. It always takes my breath away how beautiful and ever-changing it is in different seasons. Here's few more photos from home sweet home Finland I've taken over the last year or so. Maybe next time I'll share some pictures from my current home land Ireland...
How utterly amazing to be selected to take part of:
The 14th Annual Alternative Wedding Show at Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery at Salts Mill, Saltaire, UK Rings….The Changes LAUNCH EVENT ON SUNDAY 26TH APRIL WITH PRESENTATIONS BY CLARA BREEN AND JEANNE MARELL THIS EXHIBITION RUNS UNTIL 28th JUNE 2015 Subtly surprising, delicately different, demanding of a closer look and definitely not the norm! The focus for this year’s Annual Alternative Wedding Show taking place in Salts Mill is on Four Fabulous Jewellers whose work defies tradition: crisp corrugation in gold inspired by work in paper, furls of silver birch bark translate into the fluid curves of sculptural rings, hand cut lovingly sourced antique gems sparkle against rich matt 22ct gold, and for those who want to really buck tradition the Parody rings provide a welcome poke at the value placed on big rocks! Featured artists: Hanna Tommola Clara Breen Deborah Cadby Jeanne Marell For more information visit: www.kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk |
hanna tommola
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