It's quite a time-consuming process even before the pieces are actually cast and finished.
Here's how it starts.
1. The images that I'm going to use for inspiration are collected together and I have them in front of me while I draw.
2. The designs are sketched out and then refined until they're simple and graphic.
3. I cut the shapes out of cardboard and practice putting them together to make sure they will hang together properly and work as necklaces. This is also the time to work out where the holes will need to be drilled in the finished resin pieces.
4. Each design is then placed over rolled-out modelling clay and tiny pin pricks are used to transfer the design onto the clay's surface.
5. Then the shapes are carefully cut out using a scalpel.
6. When the clay has hardened, the shapes are smoothed and refined using sandpaper and sanding and buffing tools.
7. Each finished piece is laid into a mould made from acetate, then silicon is poured in.
8. After 24 hours, the moulds are turned out. Unfortunately the silicon has oozed underneath the shapes, so I'll have to trim it away with scissors.
9. Ta-dah! Three moulds all ready to be filled with resin.
Stay tuned for the finished articles! Hopefully not too long to wait.
