Necklace
4cm (high) x 3cm (wide) x 0.6cm (deep)
Complete necklace 60cm (including clasps)

Inspiration
I was an avid reader when I was growing up and The Chronicles of Narnia were amongst some of my favourite books. This locket was inspired by a visit to the theatre with my daughter, and a request by a friend for a special piece for her daughter who played a lead role in a production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It depicts the portal to the land of Narnia where Mr. Timnus, who is included on the back, declared it is “Always winter but never Christmas”. The lamp-post is the beacon of light to guide the way home. Always enjoying a challenge I decided a locket would be a good way to represent the basic magic of the wardrobe.

Techniques
The locket is made in fine silver clay and started life as a basic box. It has a friction rim inside, with tiny magnets used to keep the door closed during wearing. Paper type clay gives dimension to the door on the front and keum boo for that extra special gold touch. The trees inside are made using syringe with texture scratched in and the lamp-post holds a tiny CZ to represent the beacon of light. Mr Timnus on the back was drawn into scratch foam and lightly textured with a needle tool. The whole piece is riveted at the hinges and hung on a hand beaded kumihimo cord with the fastening at the front to show the detail of the clasp. The cord is fastened on with split rings to allow the chain to be easily changed over if required.

Materials
Fine silver clay
Silver clay paper type
Syringe clay
Keum Boo 24k gold foil
Cubic Zurconia
Hand braided beaded kumihimo cord

Photographer: Arron Boyden

Juror’s Comments:

The design concept of this locket is charming and the finished work is very well crafted with excellent use of the idea, material, and technique. Tasteful use of design accents and elements, beautifully made.