So the idea is that creative designer maker types like ourselves answer just four questions about what it is that we do and a little bit about how.
So, to the questions.
What am I working on?
At this time of year I tend to work on what ever needs restocking! It is the time of year when things go a tad mad. However, in between fulfilling orders and keeping on top of stock levels I have smuggled in some new design ideas that incorporate some of my ink paintings that I created a month or so ago.
Recent additions |
I have also been playing with an idea I had a long while ago, the use of copper washers in my work. It comes from my love of the copper colour and how it sets off certain colour combinations. I have been using a range of metal findings and washers in my cuff link ranges but not yet branched out into the larger pieces.
Bronze cuff links |
So I have a big industrial pack of lovely shiny washers of every possible size and I have been trying them out in some of my designs, I rather like them.
Copper washer range |
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Selene brooch |
Why do I do what I do?
Over the last few years I have built up my business, honing my ideas, whittling out the things that I may enjoy doing but are not good business sense to sell and I have come round to a more secure identity as a result. I have grown in confidence and what is more, every day is different. I have met all sorts of interesting and like minded people and have gained some great friends who understand what it is like to be creative. Even more astonishingly (to me) it appears that I am creating something that others like enough to buy and so my little business is branching out and I am now stocked in 16 galleries and gift shops around the UK. I have a real sense of achievement in what I have built up so far, that is why I do what I do.
How does my process work?
Xylem |
I also love natural forms whether they be tightly wound fronds on a fern or the plumage on a guinea fowl. I don't go far without my camera which I use to photograph little treasures that I come across. All these aspects of my interests, once manifesting themselves first in a painting or in a photograph make their way in a cut down form to the back of my pendants. There they are embellished with tiny seed beads which are finally encased in a dome of resin.
Organised chaos! |
The resin takes up to two days to harden but I love the effect it gives of a lens magnifying the detail.
Rosa brooch |
And there you have it, a little insight to my world and the way that I work.
So thank you Liz for my nomination and now it is my turn to nominate two fellow makers. My first nominee is Bec Gilray of Do You Punctuate? Bec is a maker of letterpress printed cards that are both exquisite and at times rather rude! She has a fabulous sense of humour and her recent profanity ranges are flying off the shelves!
My second nominee is Becky Moore from Becky Moore Handbags. Becky's bags are lovely (I am a proud owner of one), practical stylish creations made in lovely combinations of wool, velvet and linen finished off with her trade mark spiral design.