Author: Corinne

A week of Creativity

It is a rare moment for most of us to be able to dedicate an entire week to just being creative. But that was my mission for the last week of my holidays before returning to work this month. The original plan was to do a week long painting class however due to the recent cases of Covid in the Sydney area, the class was cancelled. I still really wanted to push my creativity and do some different things so i kept that week blocked out in my calendar to do just that.

So aimed with a little help from books and YouTube, i put together a plan for my creative week. The 3 areas i wanted to explore were painting, sewing and macrame. As well as finishing a couple of things were not finished in 2020. Including the Mala Beads i made on Boxing Day. I loved making them so much, i created a few more for you guys so check them out. Mala Beads

Watch the video above for my journey through the week and the end results. I would love to hear how you have been exploring your creativity and doing new things! So comment, DM or email to asilvercircledesign@gmail.com to share your story.

Until next time

xx Corinne

The Art Of Learning

Are you like me and keep saying to yourself, i would love to learn how to _______, but you never actually do it!!. One thing we can say a huge thank you to covid for, is that it has made us really appreciate what time can do for us. Before this time, it was normal to be ‘busy’, to be cramming in as much experience as we can. But what have we missed out on?? That time to just discover and learn new things.

During the last few months, i have been open to learning new things and being creative in other ways. In fact i have made learning more of a priority rather than a ‘one day’. My focus since i started my business was to be designing and making jewellery as my outlet for my creativity that i felt i didn’t have as much creative capacity for anything more.

What i was really doing was limiting myself! It is so easy to do and it takes a change of perspective sometimes to open you up to what is possible.

So i participated in a Marquetry course with the kind soul Peter Young. Marquetry is a wood working technique that cuts veneer (thin pieces of timber) to create images. This is something commonly used in cabinets and boxes.

I loved learning this technique and figuring out how i could use it in a way that would suit my aesthetic. Most marquetry is done with flowers and leaves and that didn’t appeal to me all that much. So i started to sketch a landscape that i wanted to do for my own handmade box in order to do a larger piece.

As i created my own box with the help of talented woodworker Steven Giannuzzi, i have realised that box making is not my thing! Haha! But i still love the marquetry and exploring my creativity through the expression of lines and colour. So the two of us have teamed up to make some unique and colourful jewellery boxes. They are available by commission so be sure to send me an email via the Contact page.

As my creativity is expanding it’s wings, i have enrolled in upcoming classes for 3D drawing, painting and guitar to really see where my creativity can go and all that is possible. I feel that everything is linked and that you can find inspiration in completely unrelated things.

I would love to hear about your creative explorations and how it has changed you. Send me an email, FB message, Instagram DM or if you are logged in, a comment below. If you have always wanted to learn how to make jewellery, jump onto our workshops page and make it happen!

I look forward to hearing your stories.

xx Corinne

Time for a Tree Change

Have you ever been one of those people who say ‘one day i will…..’ fill in the blank! This was me for a long time. I would always say that one day i will move to the country. Being someone who was born and raised in Sydneys outskirt suburbs, i was never close enough to the country or the city to be in either. After living in the inner west for over 10 years with my studio that i love for the last 6 years, Covid hit and i really started to think, is this where i want to be right now and the answer became no.

So i am going to tell you a little bit of my story over the past few months and how i came to pack up and move to the Southern Highlands.

I have been teaching at Sturt Craft Centre in Mittagong for the last 5 years and have been commuting from Sydney (1 hour 10 min drive) a couple of days a week. Some people gawk at that amount of driving, but i actually enjoyed putting on an audiobook and cruising down the highway. Getting out of the car, i was always greeted with a big breathe of fresh air that you never get in Sydney.

My dream life has always had the image of rolling hills in the background so this move is one step closer to me realising this vision and also a big test as to if i will be missing the inner west and all the culture i have so loved for so long.

When Covid hit, everyone in small business were freaking out. So much of our livelihood has been to be at markets to sell our wears. Once all the markets shut down, then my teaching stopped too, it was a bleak time for my business. But i was not freaking out like some of my friends. I thought, this is meant to be what it will be and relaxed into the flow of the next few months.

As i had to move back in with my Father for a couple of months to find out what that next move would be, I was still relaxed as to what the future would hold for me. This big shake up gave me the perspective that, i shouldn’t just say ‘one day…’ i should just go and do it.

Things all fell into place and i found a cute house in Mittagong (now a 2 min drive to teaching!!) and i have enough space to do all the things i love. I now have a reading room! And i have a beautiful sunroom studio which is where i am currently sitting writing this blog.

There are bird noises all around, there are flowers sprouting in the garden and the air is fresh. It is the calm i was searching for and i am so looking forward to the next adventure in this place and i hope you are all ready to go on this journey with me.

We never know how our lives can change and do so quite quickly. One thing i have really learnt over the years is that the tighter you try to hold on to something, the quicker it falls through your hands. Relax and let it flow and know that the universe gives only gives you what you can handle.

I would love to hear your transformative stories so please email me at asilvercircledesign@gmail.com

xx Corinne

Going Going Gold

Gold as a material has such a rich history and a strong spiritual connection. It is a well-loved metal that still features so heavily in modern life. Even though here at ASC we predominantly use silver for our jewellery, we also love to use the warm tones of gold and connect to its interesting background.

Gold was used in ornaments in ancient civilisations, and was often linked to deities and royals because of its shine and permanence. In Ancient Egypt, it was used to decorate tombs and temples. It has been used in jewellery from as far back as 3000 B.C. in Iraq. In modern times gold has been used as a predominant form of jewellery, particularly in reference to showing love and commitment as seen in engagement and wedding bands.

Spiritually speaking, gold represents the sun and an assertive, masculine energy, in contrast with silver which represents the moon and feminine energy. As it is resistant to corrosion and acids, gold has been used to symbolise prosperity, eternity, and perfection. It has also come to represent unconditional love and spiritual purity.

In the ASC Collection, we have a selection of gold rings that were created by request based on some of our most popular silver rings. You can layer the Gold Plain Ring, Gold Twisted Ring and Gold Hammered Ring together to form a beautiful warm toned stack. Originally made as a commission for a dear friend, the Gold Roller Ring is a bit of fun while staying clean with its simple design. The Gold Thin Hammered ring has been a steady best-seller since it was first introduced to the ASC collection as this piece adds texture and interest to any look. The Gold Circle Ring is an elegant expression of simplicity, a play on negative space, and is the perfect statement piece for all gold lovers.

Our commissions are where we really get to explore and play with this metal. From Yellow to White to Rose Gold, Corinne has been able to work closely with clients to realise their vision for that special piece. From wedding bands, engagement rings, to remakes of a childhood favourite piece, the joint effort between client and Corinne has yielded some amazing results. This image features matching wedding bands in 9k Yellow Gold and 14k Rose Gold set with beautiful pink sapphires. Pink Sapphire mean good fortune, love and compassion, so it was a perfect addition to their rings.

Whether you feel connected to the rich history of gold, the colour, or its spiritual ties, this unique metal with so many different tones can suit any skin tone. We also have so much fun mixing up some gold in with our silver pieces. We have loved exploring this metal and if you have a design in mind you would love to make come to life, please email Corinne with what you have in mind and we can go from there.

Do you own any of the gold pieces from the ASC collection? What do you have your eye on, and what would you love to see? We would love to hear your thoughts. Hit us up on our socials or via email asilvercircledesign@gmail.com

Colour and meaning: Stones of the ASC collection

It is said that the crystals or stones that you are drawn to are the ones that you need right now. Here at A Silver Circle we completely agree. So many times has Corinne been drawn to certain stones without knowing what they are or what to do with them. Sometimes they can stay in the studio for a while before their purpose is clear. The studio is also fun of crystal pieces scattered around bringing lots of good vibes into the studio.

So this blog post is a revamp of a previous post which delved into the meaning of the stones
within our collection. However so much has changed since then, with so many new pieces and energies so we are bringing it back new and improved! With references to their colour, spiritual connection, energy and styling suggestions we have brought lots of info so you can choose the next piece for you.

AMETHYST
The beautiful purple tones of Amethyst is a staple addition to our collection here at ASC. Corinne continues to be inspired by this gorgeous stone as seen in both the Islamic Stone Earrings and Pendant through to the Raw Amethyst Drop Earrings and Pendant. These statement pieces are great additions to your eclectic colourful wardrobe.

AMAZONITE

Calm and serenity is evoked in this stone. Mimicking the clear turquoise ocean, this stone reminds us to go with the flow, take a deep breath and release tension in our body. The Amazonite Ring has been a staple favourite in our collection since its arrival and we love to layer it with the Twisted Ring. Wear this colour in the Calm Earrings and Pendant to add a bright pop of colour to any outfit.

BLACK TOURMALINE
This stone has such a strong protective energy. As with most black coloured stones, the Black Tourmaline is great to block negative energy and protect you from any psychic attacks. This bold look in the Black Tourmaline Drop Earrings and Pendant is perfect for a night out on the town. The Protection Earring and Pendant are the perfect addition to your everyday pieces.

CITRINE
This stone is all about abundance! Used to channel success, joy, creativity, and self-confidence. Our Abundance Earrings and Abundance Pendant combine the Hamsa symbol with Citrine to channel all this positive energy. The gorgeous warm tones of yellow in this stone will pop when styled with some solid strong colours of Navy, Black and Brown for a bold look to go out and attract that Abundance!

LABRADORITE
Perhaps you are a fan of the enigmatic Labradorite stone? With the unique blue or green shine within this stone, we are constantly seeing different perspectives. This quality links so well to the way this stone symbolises transformation, and channel strength in order to persevere through hardships with self-belief and faith in the powers of the universe. We feature this stone in the Transformation earrings and Transformation pendant with the added symbol of the Scarab Beetle for the extra transformative energy.

RHODONITE
Rhodonite is considered the healing stone for relationships that encourages clear communication and union. Our Rhodonite Rings warm pink and brown-red tones make it an easy addition to your collection. Style this piece layered with the Moonstone Ring (below) and pair with your favourite outfit of neutrals.

MOONSTONE
Bring stability and serenity into your life through a moonstone! This soft coloured stone is translucent to milky white with bright blue iridescence. The Moonstone Ring is the perfect addition to your office attire or day to day wear as it enhances intuition, promotes inspiration, success and good fortune in love and business matters.

ROSE QUARTZ
Look pretty in pink with the rose quartz stone! It has quite a romantic meaning to it as well, symbolising unconditional love free from prejudice. The new Rose Quartz Drop Necklace and Earrings are a perfect addition to a beautiful flowing skirt and white top. Tap into your romantic side with this beautiful stone.

CALCITE
Blue calcite is a stone for healing and the stimulation of inspiration and clairvoyance, so it is perfect for those creative minds out there! It is featured in the Calcite Drop Earrings and Calcite Drop Necklace, so you can add a soft wash of colour to any look with these pieces! We think it would look extra special paired with a long patterned dress for that Bohemian feel.

RED AGATE
Featured in the Blue Lotus collection, Red Agate is often used to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit. The lively red of this stone compliments the intensity of the blues in the Long Earrings and Pendant, making it a wearable statement piece styled with loose white blouse and dark washed jeans for that effortlessly chic look!

BLUE HOWLITE
The Blue Howlite will assist you in achieving all of your dreams. This is another stone featured in the Blue Lotus collection, in tandem with Red Agate and Lapis Lazuli. Featuring a bright milky blue, this stone great to reduce anxiety, tensions, stress and anger, it is gentle, soothing and calms the energy around you.

LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis Lazuli is a stone of protection that quickly releases stress, bringing deep peace. It brings harmony and deep inner self-knowledge, encourages self-awareness, allows self-expression and reveals inner truth. Featured in the Blue Lotus Short Drop Earrings, and the Lapis Lazuli Ring, bring this rich blues into your life. Feel your inner Egyptian goddess in these pieces as you embody this powerful energy.

TURQUOISE

Embrace you inner bohemian with the cool tones of Turquoise. Featured in the Islamic Stone Pendant and Earrings, the Turquoise stone brings luck and protection. Wear with a gorgeous navy jumpsuit for your next outing or weekend getaway.

What are your personal favourite semi-precious stones? Have you found that they help you with manifesting what you desire? We would love to hear about it! Share via our socials or via email asilvercircledesign@gmail.com