Joanne Thompson

2011-11-08T11:57:00.000Z

http://www.dovecotstudios.com/events/
I am exhibiting at the Dovecot Studios this month, an Exhibition celebrating the work of all of the makers who have received craft development bursaries from the Inches Carr Trust since it was established in 1996.

2011-08-25T09:52:00.001+01:00

Details from the Heirlooms exhibition at the Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh.

2011-08-19T10:35:00.001+01:00

Hecho en Mexico, holiday gifts to me, all from San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas.

There are no little girls in our family but this dress looks great hung on the wall.

2011-07-31T15:29:00.002+01:00

Just back from a month in Mexico with my family, and a little stop in NYC on the way over ! We had a wonderful time.
Favourite photos to follow, I'll start with the food;
The Mole Negro from Oaxaca

Tacos

Fish soup

Which we ate here

We visited some great ruins sites, this was our third time at Teotihuacan, the first back in 1995, this time we got there so early we had the place to ourselves, having a picnic on top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Palenque

Calakmul

And Tulum, where we also managed some beach time

On this beach we watched a giant turtle come ashore and lay her eggs, under a full moon rising

More beach time on Isla Holbox where we went swimming with whale sharks

This is where we stayed on the beach

And we ate here on Isla Holbox

Some jewellery research at the Anthropology Museum In Mexico City

San Cristobal de las Casas in the Chiapas hills is the most beautiful City, and there's some Oaxaca pics in there too, which comes a close second.

A's favourites were (apart from the whale sharks) the Lucha Libre and snorkelling in the Grand Cenote.

And I have to mention the unbelievable cardamom and coffee hot chocolate at Kakao Natura in San Cristobal, I'm going to give it a go at home.

2011-05-27T11:40:00.001+01:00

I am now a member at Klimt02, see my page here
Other news, I'm really excited to have received the Inches Carr Trust, this will allow me the time to concentrate on a new body of work.

2011-04-04T13:32:00.004+01:00

I made such a fuss last year when I didn't get a birthday cake. This year my family made up for it.

2011-03-17T14:34:00.004Z

Stunning necklaces by Marion Vidal, via Chariotsonfire

2011-03-17T10:41:00.007Z

I've just had the most amazing three nights in Paris with my girls to celebrate my 40th, which is at the end of the month, I'm still in my 30's for a couple of weeks yet !
We rented this apartment in the Marais and it was excellent.

Bistro du Peintre was the perfect restaurant for a celebratory meal, complete with cake and candles !

Other cafe's we loved - Les Philosophes

And Au Petit fer a Cheval

Chartier restaurant

L'as du Falafel was incredible

Had great fun here, buying my birthday treat !

This exhibition at the Pompidou was like giant scale jewellery.

Astier du Vilatte is the most incredible shop, specializing in ceramics, they also have glass, candles and incense.

I'm now determined to make some delicious colourful macarons. This book is on its way to me.

2010-11-29T12:27:00.004Z

The snow is amazing, the schools are closed, and Max the dog is here so there's not much jewellery being made.

2010-11-03T14:12:00.003Z

Grainne has created the most exquisite body of work for her solo show 'Triumph of Nature' at the Scottish Gallery.

2010-10-28T14:14:00.002+01:00

Finished necklaces, including a new one, the 'ladder necklace' on the right, in black, and white.

2010-10-28T14:06:00.003+01:00

Some new rings I have made, very simple nesting ring with a scalloped edge, available in 3 thicknesses. They roll nicely on and off the finger. I'll add these to the shop soon.

2010-10-21T13:33:00.002+01:00

Nikolay Sardamov
via Kilmt02

2010-09-17T13:16:00.000+01:00

Wonderful leather jewellery by Natalia Brilli at Chariots on Fire found through Marianne Anderson
Chariots on Fire also have a really good blog

2010-08-31T11:37:00.001+01:00

Some pieces finished for a collection for Gill Wing Jewellery

I used these discs to display the jewellery at Origin last year and have just added them to my studio wall.

2010-07-15T14:06:00.000+01:00

We're just back from a week in Barcelona where we had the best food. We made a picnic from the food market each day.

We found this lovely sweet shop called Papabubble and watched how they make rock.

2010-06-15T13:17:00.000+01:00

A couple of new long oxidised silver necklaces.

2010-06-15T13:15:00.000+01:00

A newer version of the pod necklace, I have made the pods bigger, more rounded and the necklace is shorter.

2010-05-03T13:44:00.001+01:00

Shapes on the wall while re-decorating. We have finally got our wonderful 'Thaw' drawing up on the wall. We bought this from Lizzy nearly a year ago.

2010-05-03T13:23:00.006+01:00

2010-04-17T13:12:00.000+01:00

I am showing new work at the Open Eye Gallery until 4th May. I ran out of time to photograph the new pieces to show here.

2010-04-05T12:45:00.001+01:00

Easter goodies

2010-04-03T13:26:00.001+01:00

Great start to the school hols, a snowy picnic at Vogrie Country Park

2010-03-31T10:23:00.000+01:00

My birthday breakfast.

2010-03-31T10:21:00.001+01:00

Happy Birthday to me ! here I am as a little one on my birthday, I wish I knew what was in the present I just opened, I look quite pleased with it whatever it was. Mum made the dress, it was actually bright purple velvet.

2010-03-30T22:22:00.001+01:00

Web cam image from the Royal Mile right now, cannot believe the snow is back.

2010-03-30T10:17:00.004+01:00

I have ordered this stunning wallpaper. Have been waiting for it to become available in the new Anthropologie site. I don't know where I want to put it yet. It has birds kissing fish and jewellery dripping from branches.
It is designed by Carla Venticinque from Osborn Design Studios

2010-03-29T17:34:00.001+01:00

2010-03-29T10:56:00.000+01:00

Other knitting news. Finally finished this little cardi. It's a simplified pattern from Ysolda in gorgeous Orkney Angora which is the nicest yarn ever ever.

2010-03-29T10:25:00.008+01:00

I knitted this jumper a few years ago, I loved it but it never fitted me correctly, much too big around the shoulders and sleeves.

I chopped it.

And here it is now ! I love it. A certain friend is probably going to murder me however as she loved this jumper, eek.

2010-03-22T10:39:00.006Z

I had a flying lesson yesterday, just for fun, a birthday present from P&A from last year. He didn't like it when I had the controls, 'please mum don't fly the plane !' I wasn't too sure either, much better to just take in the views and let the pilot do the work.

2010-03-10T20:59:00.006Z

I have been working on 2 pieces for an exhibition at CAA called 'The Honeybee and the Hive'
I decided to keep it simple and use my chain tube necklaces, made with hexagonal units, giving the impression of honeycomb.

2010-03-02T14:07:00.002Z

This cheers me up, Jan Vormann's installations, featured in the current issue of Crafts Magazine.

2010-02-16T22:17:00.004Z

We had 15 children in our house for A's party, (never ever again) He said today that he wanted to rewind time so he could go to the party again.

2010-02-04T09:32:00.007Z

Returned on Tuesday from a girls weekend in NYC to celebrate Grainne's bithday, rather a special one. Much fun and much shopping was had by all.
DearRivington was a special surprise find.

Really enjoyed Brooklyn, this flea market was excellent.
We went to Red Hook, visiting Saipua, Erie Basin and Baked
Then up to Williamsburg where I got this dress from Built by Wendy, I really want to chop it to knee length.

2010-01-09T20:22:00.000Z

Our walk from school along the canal, it is frozen over just now.

2009-12-24T22:05:00.006Z

We haven't had snow like this at Christmas for a very long time.
It's Christmas Eve and the stocking is up, the reindeer dust is on the front path, shortbread and a Glenfiddich have been left for Santa and an apple for Rhudolph. We read 'The Night Before Christmas', Robert Sabudas' pop up version is great. A Merry Christmas to one and all.
I hope all those jewels are well received tomorrow.

2009-12-24T22:00:00.002Z

I made my first Tiny World as a Christmas gift, really pleased !

2009-12-22T09:27:00.003Z

Lots of lovely Christmas things going on in our house, and A finishes school today for the hols, and there is lots of snow on the ground, and we are going for an early Christmas dinner today at my sisters, really very nice.

2009-12-18T10:42:00.001Z

P's birthday yesterday so we put the bunting up !

2009-12-11T08:42:00.003Z

Have been so so busy getting my Christmas orders packed up and in the post, no time to blog.

2009-11-16T21:59:00.001Z

I'm having a girls weekend in NYC in January and I like to dream that we will be staying here.

2009-11-16T21:52:00.001Z

Max the dog is here for a week. I don't mind dog walking at all when the colours are like this.

2009-11-13T12:48:00.000Z

Really like these prints

2009-11-13T10:58:00.003Z

Last night my sister created an amazing feast for 8 from the Ottolenghi cookbook. The most delicious meal in a long time.
Recently fell in love with the Leon chain of restaurants in London, they also have a fab cookbook which is on my wishlist.

2009-11-02T12:53:00.002Z

Masking tape goodies came in the post from Uguisu, I had forgotten I had ordered them so got a nice surprise. Really wanted the spotty one but it wasn't in stock when I ordered, it is now.

2009-10-28T12:52:00.007Z

It's becoming a habit, stopping off at The Moffat Toffee Shop on the way to Mums. And then to Lothlorien Antiques which has the most amazing toy museum upstairs. It has to be the best place to shop, the boy is happy upstairs and I'm very happy downstairs, this time I came away with a fab glass lamp base.
My Mum received a Christmas card last week.

2009-10-19T19:03:00.000+01:00

Naori Priestly my favourite exhibit at Origin.

2009-10-19T18:58:00.003+01:00

Grainnes new blog, and while you are there scroll down to see the fabulous Miss G in the Craftscotland video "The C Word"

2009-10-14T12:05:00.003+01:00

I have returned from Origin, very tired but delighted to have had such a great show. Having the jewellery displayed on the walls worked very well, instantly accessible to handle and try on. I have always used jewellery showcases before but the new necklaces only take their form when they are worn or hung up, so placing them in a showcase would not have shown them well.
Thanks to all my customers who bought lots and lots. It's always great to meet the wonderful people who wear my work and to benefit from their ideas and instant feedback.
Much to do now, a huge clear up in the workshop is the first thing.

2009-10-04T23:11:00.002+01:00

All stocked up and ready for London, getting this amount of jewellery through airport security is always fun !
So come and visit Grainne and I, our stands are right next to each other, week one at Origin. Hot beverages welcome, I'm an Earl Grey with a little milk, teabag left in and she's a skinny latte.

2009-09-18T16:33:00.006+01:00

Anna Lewis

Min-Ji Cho

Polly Wales

TT:NT
More fabulous jewels to be seen at Origin, the London Craft Fair .

2009-09-15T13:10:00.004+01:00

We already celebrated at Amore Dogs at the weekend but today I am dreaming of this restaurant that we went to in La Paz in Bolivia, very magical and romantic, it has to be one of my most favourites ever. Must find its name.

2009-09-15T13:04:00.006+01:00

It's our wedding anniversary today. As wedding anniversaries go it is going to be difficult to beat this one in 2007. We arrived at Machu Picchu on the morning of our anniversary after hiking the inca trail. The next pic is of P descending Wayna Picchu. There really was nothing to stop you falling of the side ! Wayna Picchu is the very tall 'hill' in the first picture.

2009-09-04T13:48:00.009+01:00

Saloukee
Biba Schutz
Misun Won
Rita Beyyulin

I have four weeks left to finish all the jewellery for Origin, a gentle mild panic is with me permanently now.
I will be in very good company, have a look at some of the other jewellers who will be exhibiting.

2009-08-21T09:45:00.004+01:00

The Edinburgh Festival is in full swing and I'm ashamed that I haven't been to see a single show. With being not long back from hols and school starting and mad busy with Origin stock I'm just not in the mood. Must at least get down to see Dazzle.

2009-08-21T09:41:00.000+01:00

My super talented husbands new site

2009-08-14T19:50:00.001+01:00

We had good fun at the 'Make It' sesssion at CAA

2009-08-14T19:39:00.001+01:00

We had just one rainy day on hols which took us to a book fair where we found this gem.

2009-08-14T19:12:00.014+01:00

Thanks Carol and Bob for this gorgeous picnic.

Legoland was theme park hell but the lego village is very well done.

Wished we had been travelling in one of these.

Had a few days in the New Forest which was just stunning. The horses roam freely through the towns.

Summer fun.

Back from hols and these were waiting to greet me in our garden.

2009-07-27T13:19:00.000+01:00

I'd really like this too, from here

2009-07-27T13:17:00.002+01:00

Should be working and I'm shopping, just got this tiny drawing here

2009-07-26T18:11:00.000+01:00

Made good use of the one sunny day we had this week.

2009-07-22T10:16:00.000+01:00

We got soaked at Mums caravan.

2009-07-21T14:51:00.003+01:00

Just about to add this new necklace to the shop

2009-07-14T12:40:00.000+01:00

Working from home while P and A are having fun in the house, it's hard to get much done, so an army has been mobilised to keep me in my studio.

2009-07-12T15:50:00.003+01:00

Had the most delicious afternoon tea at Grainne's yesterday.

2009-07-08T16:23:00.002+01:00

One of my all-time favourite jewellery artists is Lucy Sarneel, I love her use of zinc instead of precious metals.

2009-07-08T15:31:00.003+01:00

Just noticed Lizzie Fortunato have their new collection to view on the website. Really love the styling on this site.

2009-07-06T12:13:00.022+01:00

Just had a fantastic, very relaxing few days over in Fife at Largo, friends of my sister have a beach front apartment there, which is just as nice as all the houses above but I forgot to take a photo. Great weather too, hot enough for a dip in the sea ! Revived and back to work today.

2009-07-03T15:35:00.003+01:00

Food faces, we almost always make a face with A's dinner, we have hundreds of pictures like these, must do something with them.

2009-06-23T20:35:00.003+01:00

It's 8.30 on a school night and he's still up, in the garden, in Scotland.

2009-06-23T13:13:00.002+01:00

Don't often have the t.v. on at work but I'm enjoying Wimbledon this week.

2009-06-18T17:04:00.002+01:00

This necklace is off in the post today with a couple of other pieces to CAA

2009-06-16T23:16:00.002+01:00

2009-06-15T09:30:00.014+01:00

Tidy now and we're keeping it so.

2009-06-15T09:24:00.003+01:00

The big tidy up in A's room

2009-06-12T19:54:00.003+01:00

Lina Peterson has a stunning website and the jewellery is incredible, link from Klimt02

2009-06-12T17:08:00.003+01:00

This piece is such a joy to photograph, it's the new pod necklace in a steely grey oxidised silver.

2009-06-12T16:14:00.002+01:00

Really love this green table from Dosfamily, another great link from Finelittleday, I have been thinking about painting our dining table and this colour might just be right. Or it might be awful.

2009-06-12T15:00:00.003+01:00

Multi-loop cuff bracelet finished for the Focus show at CAA
It's nice to see these together before going in the post, packing up is one of the nicest jobs.

2009-06-11T11:23:00.003+01:00

Shoe heaven today. Many of you will know that Grainne is the Queen of vintage finds (one of her best was an Ossie Clark black floral dress for peanuts), and she spotted these for me in Morningside yesterday. Oh they are perfect, vintage Rayne (my favourite make), never been worn, leather sole and upper, original price still on £99.95, got them for £12, yehaaa.

2009-06-10T15:43:00.001+01:00

In the studio today, working on a big cuff bracelet for the show at CAA , oh yes, I am about to hammer every single one of those loops.

2009-06-08T22:12:00.002+01:00

And this is A's portrait of Amy Winehouse, he loves her.

2009-06-08T14:23:00.001+01:00

The tooth fairy came to our house, this is what she looks like.

2009-06-08T10:20:00.015+01:00

Also graduating are the photography students at Edinburgh Napier, and have a look at this from one of the graduates Sam Luntley

2009-06-08T09:56:00.016+01:00

Degree show time this week in Edinburgh. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing work by Lizzy in Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art.

Launch !

2009-06-04T22:15:00.001+01:00

I have been blogging for a wee while but now that my shop has just gone live I thought this would be a good time to launch my blog. There isn't a huge amount in the shop just now but I will be updating it regularly.
Thanks for visiting

2009-06-04T18:49:00.000+01:00

And here it is finished, I'm delighted.

2009-06-04T15:47:00.004+01:00

I have been really enjoying making a new necklace for my upcoming Focus at Contemporary Applied Arts in London. The show opens on 25th of this month.

2009-06-01T12:50:00.005+01:00

First bbq of the year in our garden.

It seems the whole of Scotland landed on Gullane beach yesterday so we found a quieter spot further up.

Max the dog, he is back at home now with Mum. He goes for men who wear hats so at least I don't have to worry about that this week.

2009-05-29T10:14:00.009+01:00

Wonderful walk yesterday in Colinton Dell, we came across a little gate that led to the prettiest house I've ever seen. Couldn't get a decent photo on the mobile, will have to have another snoop with proper camera.

2009-05-27T19:01:00.001+01:00

mysteriousletters

2009-05-27T12:56:00.001+01:00

Dog blogging, its a slippery slope. Max is here for the week and missing Mum. He is very posh, he won't sit on anything other than a sheepskin.

2009-05-27T12:53:00.003+01:00

Brother-in-laws 40th birthday party, the weather was glorious and it was very magical.

2009-05-22T14:29:00.005+01:00

I'm working on the photography for the new shop, quite pleased with these 2, my work is so tricky to show in an image as it really only comes alive when worn, it has to move with the body to be seen in its true form. I took these myself, although having a photographer for a husband does help.

2009-05-21T10:54:00.002+01:00

They are growing herbs in shoes at Gorgie Farm, I really don't think I would want to eat any.

2009-05-21T10:43:00.006+01:00

Other recent finds, another bird plate to add to my other 2, need a couple more and then I'll put them up all together on wall. And a glass tortoise from an odd newsagents on Lothian Rd.

Teacup fixation. I downloaded my Mimi Kirchner tiny world pattern which inspired me to search out these antique teacups from an incredible shop in Moffat, Lothlorien Emporium, the whole top floor is a toy museum, didn't have my camera with me but I will certainly be back as there were so many things which really should have come home with me.
The grainy photo is from my mobile, another way to use a lovely teacup, delicious dessert from Grainne

2009-05-14T20:01:00.003+01:00

Acrylic bracelet by Allissia Melka-Tiechroew at BY:AMT

2009-05-14T18:54:00.002+01:00

On the needles just now, a variation of the coraline cardigan, also from Ysolda, I'm doing it in the most gorgeous Orkney Angora that I bought from K1Yarns on Victoria Street in Edinburgh.