Keum-Boo, October 2017

This title refers to a series of work in which I used the Keum-Boo technique in some of the pieces. Keum-Boo, which literally means 'attached gold', is an ancient Korean process of applying thin 24ct gold foil by heat bonding to the surface of another metal - in my case Argentium silver.

I have been attracted to this technique in my search for an environmentally friendly alternative for gold-plating. (Read more about my thoughts on the environment in my news section.)

I have also been experimenting with new braiding patterns and am very pleased with my new necklaces. I recently also had a new addition to my workshop - a new Marudai (see picture above) - the braiding stand on which I make the braids. It was lovingly made to my specifications by Michael Williams in Sheffield. The top 'mirror' is made from Sycamore, hand-polished (not varnished!) to such a degree that it literally is like a mirror, which is necessary for the silk threads not to catch on the wood fibres.

Necklaces