New Jewels to Behold

Life got fuller than I could have ever imagined at the end of last year with the arrival of our second wee boy Corin so my blog (and the housework!) is feeling a bit neglected. BUT my jewels have been ticking over and in a creative burst in January I made some new treasures. 

A major influence on my recent work has been the folk art motifs found on dolls house furniture I inherited from my, long departed, Great Aunt Ena. I've also made a move to expand my use of gold and diamonds from my wedding and engagement ring collection into elegant earrings, bracelets and necklaces. 

Then I occupied my mind with were and how to photograph my new creations. Working again with my friend, photographer, Caro Weiss was a given. Her incredible artistic eye, attention to detail and wicked sense of humour make her a pleasure to work with. A bit of Instagram research convinced me that musician and my old school chum Clare Uchima would make the perfect model and could luckily fit in a visit between her busy touring schedule. Completing the dream team was make up artist Sharon Stephen who's light touch gave Clare the most beautifully subtle dewy glow.

Architect Luke Moloney generously provided our venue giving us free reign of the old smoke house in Dumfries town centre which he is renovating. It currently comprises of the Yellow Door Gallery, an Airb&b apartment and his home, with plans to turn the rest of the building into live in studio spaces. In the completed spaces layers of ripped antique wallpaper and crumbling walls are contrasted with crisp new farrow and ball painted panels. An aesthetic which makes my heart leap. 

So, new jewels, a beautiful model with a natural glow, crumbling walls and a smattering of folk art have made for a collection of photos I'm very excited to share. Thank you so much to all involved xxxxxxx

Click each photo to buy the jewellery online.

Photographs: Caro Weiss

Jewellery: Alison Macleod

Styling: Alison Macleod 

Model: Clare Uchima

Make up: Sharon Stephen

Venue: Yellow Door Gallery and surrounding buildings designed by Luke Moloney

Handmade Skirt: Alison Willoughby

A Summer Garden

OK so we haven't had the greatest of Summers in Scotland so far but I'm hoping a Summer Garden theme for my latest photo shoot will help to bring some sunshine our way. I was working, with the ever talented photographer Caro Weiss who has taken the loveliest shots for me over the last couple of years (see some here and here). We had a hugely inspiring day at the Secret Herb Garden just outside Edinburgh which is THE most beautiful place scattered with vintage treasures and lush greenery. We were joined by hair and makeup girls from The Pro-Bridal Team Scotland (as the name suggests, they are total pros) and the gorgeous Domi as our model. Here's a sneak peek of some of the photos but there will be LOTS more scattered over my website very soon. You'll spot some new pieces which will be available to buy in my online shop over the coming of months.