Friday, November 16, 2012

I just love playing with ‘pretty’ things! -- Sue

And metal clay art is serious fun for Sue of Somethingxtraspecial! She creates the very pretty and iconic peapod charms jewelry (or jewellery in British English). Sue fell in love with handmade jewelry when she received a handmade gift from her father at six - a deep ruby red glass ring! Sue was trained in traditional silversmithing but once discovered metal clay, there is no returning. Please enjoy the following feature on our very lovely British metalclayhead Sue from Southsea, England.

Peapod Ring by Somethingxtraspecial
 
Why did you pick the name Somethingxtraspecial ?
That's a silly one.. I was in a cafe with my boyfriend and was saying 'I want to call it something 'special' and he said well why not then call it somethingspecial, of course I went home and checked online and there were loads of entries like that, so tried with extra in still a few entries, so took out the 'e'. And that was where that name came from. If I had my time over I would certainly not have anything quite so long, people remember it but then spell it wrong or whatever, so I'd like something like blii or plo or one of those silly 4 letter names that mean nothing. When you look at the biggies like ebay, etsy, google, yahoo, moo none of them mean anything but they are all really easy to remember.

What inspires you?
Generally staring into space or being too busy, that is when all my best ideas seem to come. I'll be looking at something, while in the middle of something else and think 'I wonder if that would work in...'

Half Moon Cuff Links in Silver with Gold Accent by Somethingxtraspecial

What are the major challenges when creating metal clay jewellery?
Well I know I should say time or being quick or something like that, but to be completely honest I'd say the cost. When I first started using clay, it was a bit of a luxury but it was a totally acceptable cost, then the huge price hike of 240% of last year hit, that took some getting used to. Being from the UK our costs are already high so trying to compete in an international market place is really not so easy when you compare costs and what our cousins can sell for compared to what we over here can charge. Therefore you are always conscious of this when making something new, and for me I feel quite stymied by this. I see all the amazing huge things that the 'stars' make and wonder who can afford a -- to buy it and b -- to make stuff like this, and then I just go green with envy!

What do you enjoy most about working in Metal Clay?
I trained as a silversmith, I left it on the back burner for many years, then when I discovered clay I found that I could do some of the things that would take forever and probably need some very expensive tools or chemicals to do in sheet metal, in clay quite easily. I love that.

Padlock Hoop Earrings in Silver by Somethingxtraspecial

What is the biggest mistake you've ever made? What did you learn from it?
When I started I believed what the makers said about firing and finishing without realising that it was probably just a marketing tool. I then discovered that precious metal clay (silver) needs firing for a minimum of 2 hours in a kiln and then work hardened to make it as strong as it could be. Since I discovered this (from the adorable Kate McKinnon) I have found I can now make things that just would not have worked before (and refired all of the stuff I still had from before).

Sue is going to giveaway a peapod charm for a lucky winner. If you leave a comment on why you love the peapod charm, you're in for the giveaway.

Other ways to enter are:
1. Follow our blog = 1 entry
2. Check out featured artist and post favorite piece on the blog = 1 entry
3. Heart featured artist’s shop = 1 entry
4. Follow featured artist on Facebook = 1 entry
5. Make a purchase = 2 entries
6. Refer a friend = 1 entry
7. Tweet about the giveaway using key word metalclayheads = 1 entry
8. Share the Metal Clay Heads blog giveaway link on FB (Go to http://www.facebook.com/MetalClayHeadTeam and click Share) = 1 entry

But you must post a comment to let us know or you will miss out! Winner will be announced December 7th. Enter now!

Peas in a Pod Silver Charm by Somethingxtraspecial

31 comments:

  1. Just in case anyone is wondering - I have three types of link to choose from, so if this isn;t to your liking, we can discuss it and change it ;-)
    xxx

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  2. Sue, you rock! I love that charm! I would make a green gemstone bracelet wit it :)
    Off to share it on facebook....

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  3. I love my bali earnings I bought from you. they are my favorite but would love a peapod

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  4. Goodness I love this peapod charm...I have been admiring them for a while. Such a clever artist.

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  5. What a terrific interview Miss Sue- I do love your work and would love to have one of your pea pods so I think of you every time I see it:)
    I still love the little birdie with the abalone wing- I think he just rocks in your shop!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/105739892/paua-shell-bird-necklace-silver-bird-and

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  6. Sue it was great reading about you! I love this particular pod because it signifies myself and my loved one. Off to share this on facebook!

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  7. I love this charm because it reminds me of my adorable granddaughter Isabella. The only veg that grew in our garden this 'summer' were the peas, and Izzy had such fun (aged 18 months) picking, popping and eating as many as she could get hold of. If I win it guess who will be having it?

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  8. Loved reading about how you got started, Sue. Also, my friend loved the Unity ring I bought for him. I'd really like to win the pea-pod, as it would remind me of my two daughters, who really are like peas in a pod! :D

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  9. trying to post again! thank you Sue for all your input to the team! love your pods!

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  10. wonderful interview Sue :) I love your peapods

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  11. Great getting to know you better. Love your work....I would provide a good home for that little pea pod. Your work is inspiring!

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  12. Nice feature Sue! Would love to see one of your pea pods in person!

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  13. I really love your pieces

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  14. Sue, came across your website by chance! I love your Peapod pieces and have been trying to find a silver peapod for ages. My hubby has called me Peapod since we met, so one of them would mean the world to me. :-)

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  15. Sue, came across your website by chance! I love your Peapod pieces and have been trying to find a silver peapod for ages. My hubby has called me Peapod since we met, so one of them would mean the world to me. :-)

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  16. Sue, came across your website by chance! I love your Peapod pieces and have been trying to find a silver peapod for ages. My hubby has called me Peapod since we met, so one of them would mean the world to me. :-)

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  17. I love it because it's beautiful!

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  18. Looks so tactile. I would cherish it and play with it and fondle it.

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  19. Such beautiful detail in your charm. I absolutely love it!

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  20. Great interview and very adorable peapod charm :)

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  21. You should make a pea pod bracelet!

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  22. Lovely interview, & good to hear more about your work. I'd love a pea pod charm to go with the earrings my other half bought me for my birthday. I wear them all the time!

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  23. Lovely interview, & good to hear more about your work. I'd love a pea pod charm to go with the earrings my other half bought me for my birthday. I wear them all the time!

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  24. I loved these peapods from the first moment I saw them. Beautiful and unique x

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  25. They're so adorable Sue. They remind me of a stuffed set of peas in a pod my sister had as a child. So your peapods bring her to mind, which is always nice!

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  26. Wow! Love the peapod AND all the other items pictured, especially the padlock earrings!

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  27. Wow! Love the peapod AND all the other items pictured, especially the padlock earrings!

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  28. Wow, that's what I was seeking for, what a stuff! existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web page.

    My weblog ... pod coffee maker

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