Alda Mason

Company: Gemiprecious Jewellery Designs

Speciality: Gemstone Jewellery and Chain Maille.

Town/City: Flitwick, Bedfordshire.

What's your day job? Curriculum Support Assistant for Learning Support in a local Upper School (13-18 years).

What is your favourite JM moment? I don’t get to watch as much now as I work full time but anything that makes me laugh out loud or when I learn something new – like pearl knotting recently.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I’ve been making for 5 years. I got the bug after my second hip replacement. After my first I taught myself to watercolour paint (I’m now trying oil painting), so I wanted to try something different. I was browsing daytime TV and I came across JM, purchased a string of garnets and tried making a bracelet. I loved it so I bought more and started selling at craft fayres. I got a lot of compliments and sales so decided to set up my own website. It’s been 3 years now but it does take time to get ‘seen’ so it’s been a slowish process.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? Only at school for certain students who want to try it.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? My family, although they do take the mickey out of me! Also Jack Vettriano – his art is so detailed and Bob Ross (artist) who started me on the road to try my hand at painting and any designer who makes jewellery – especially ones who use components that I just can’t. Wire work is the bane of my life – however much I try my wire work just looks like a pile of tatty wire, so I don’t do it now – too frustrating!

What is your favourite colour? Red

What is your favourite gemstone? Diamonds (but I can’t afford those) so I would say Garnets and Rubies, but I love all types of gemstones because they fascinate me and each one can be unique and beautiful.

Alison Tarry

Company: Howe Original!

Speciality: Speciality is wire work, probably my favourite thing is experimenting to create something different in any medium.

Town/City: A little village on the moors nr Mold, Flintshire

What's your day job? I am a Performance Officer for a programme called Flying Start that works with 0-4 year olds in deprived areas.

What is your favourite JM moment? My first appearance with Vicki doing the Doris bird named for her Nana has a special place in my heart but I have had lots of great moments and hopefully many more to come.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? My crafting background goes back as far as I can remember, my mother is a crafter and my sister and I were encouraged to make things and be creative as children and I just never stopped. I tend to use things learnt in other crafts in my jewellery making eg making paper beads or using resin. The wirework is relatively new starting a few weeks after Jewellery Maker really.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach wirework prong setting, shaped wire and ear jewellery workshops but am hoping to expand this in the future.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? Anything could inspire me. As a photographer, I am used to being very observant and so find all sorts of things that inspire me. I love watching and talking to other crafters too, there is such a wealth of talent that is an undervalued resource and I hope it will gather strength again.

What is your favourite colour? Black, brown, earthy tones.

What is your favourite gemstone? Tough question, love anything with an optical property but also beer quartz and pearls, blue topaz, oh no please don't make me choose.

Angela Edwards

Company: The Jewellery & Crafts Academy

Speciality: Helping people achieve their dreams.

Town/City: Birmingham

What's your day job? Coach, Mentor, trainer, teacher & friend.

What is your favourite JM moment? I have too many to mention.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? About 5 years (seriously) although I have always dabbled.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach JM Business Academy, Selling to the Bridal Market and other Personal Development/business related courses

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am inspired by athletes. When they think they have given all they can give and have exhausted all their reserves, they dig deep and find a little bit extra to achieve their goal. Totally inspirational.

What is your favourite colour? Red

What is your favourite gemstone? Opal

Claire Macdonald

Speciality: I love beading and wire techniques and working with gemstones to create different textures in my work. I would probably class myself as an ‘all rounder’ as I enjoy learning new skills all the time and introducing them in to my jewellery making.

Town/City: Birmingham

What's your day job? Technical Gas Engineer and Jewellery Maker

What is your favourite JM moment? My daughter Lola gave presenter Ali a Care Bear with an accompanying note as she felt sorry for Ali that she has never had one. Ali thanked her on air and showed her note to the camera. Lola was over the moon and it made her year.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? Since childhood, I have pursued my interest in design and creation. I made little polymer clay figures and simple jewellery when very young. I progressed to ceramics and wire work at school. At university I achieved a First Class Honours degree in Ceramics & Glass. I then went on to work in a gallery and bronze foundry in Birmimgham’s Jewellery Quarter. Throughout this time, my love of jewellery, the design and making persisted.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach Wirework Floral Wire and Feather Memory Locket workshops.

What is your favourite colour? Pink.

What is your favourite gemstone? Labradorite, Amethyst, Rainbow Moonstone, too many!

Deb Rudge

Company: Iolite Green Design

Speciality: It depends what time of day it is and what mood I’m in, but I love sheet metal work, macramé, wirework, polymer clay and making pieces which have strong design elements.

Town/City: A town or city would be nice, but I live down a dirt track in the woods in Shropshire. If I had to chose a town or city, I’d love to live in Barcelona, Milan or New York.

What's your day job? I’m now a full time artist and jewellery designer, and mum to Jake.

What is your favourite JM moment? I think it would have to be when I was on air with Becky and she gave me my challenge for the show, but we were already more than half way through the 4 hours. I said ‘well, I’d best get making then’ and everybody in the studio started laughing because they thought I’d said ‘I’d best get naked” I must learn to speak more clearly!!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I started making jewellery when I was about 10 or 11 years old, making from plastic beads, fabric and whatever else I could find. By the time I’d finished my degree in silversmithing and jewellery design I had made pieces in silver, steel and platinum as well as rubber and Perspex.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? Outside JM I have taught all sorts of things from interior paint techniques and greeting card design in the 1990’s to painting and jewellery making. I currently run macramé and manipulating metal workshops at my studio in Shropshire.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I’m inspired by anything and everything, something and nothing! It could be amazing combinations of pattern or colours, tree bark, graffiti on a wall, moss on a wall in the winter covered in ice, architecture, clever design or a random piece of metal I’ve found in the street. My brain likes to make connections between things, which may actually have no real connection and I’m constantly entertained by that.

What is your favourite colour? That’s a really difficult question because it depends what time of year it is or how the light reacts with a colour, but I think Its probably a soft green-ish grey like a moss or lichen on an oak tree.

What is your favourite gemstone? That’s easy… it has to be emerald.

Fleur Hastings

Company: Rocks n Chains

Speciality: Chain maille historical pieces

Town/City: Balsall Common near Solihull

What's your day job? Accounts Assistant/Dressage trainer

What is your favourite JM moment? When I got my first message to the studio from a customer saying they were going to give chain maille a go after thinking it was too difficult and realising it isn't as hard as what they thought

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have made jewellery since a child and I started selling my items when people commented on how much they liked my pieces and commissioned me to make something for them. I started Rocks n Chains 4 years ago mainly doing chain maille but I also make memory pieces using animal hair and resin. I also make pieces for people in re enactment groups and where possible I make them as historical as possible.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach various Chain Maille workshops as well as Pearl Knotting and a Feather Memory Locket Workshop for JM and have taught Chain Maille on a one to one basis outside of JM too.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am inspired by history and love to look at what jewellery was worn through the ages and what gemstones they chose and the reason behind the piece. I am also heavily inspired my myth and legend of gemstones and love the stories behind the gemstone. As for designers I admire; I love the work of a gentleman called Scott David Plumlee, he is a chain maille artist who creates the most stunning pieces using historical references.

What is your favourite colour? Red

What is your favourite gemstone? Labradorite and Moonstone

Gemma Crow

Company: Gemma Crow Jewellery and Tiaras

Speciality: I love making anything big or bold, so Fascinators, masks, bouquets or anything that makes a statement really!

Town/City: Gloucester

What's your day job? I am a full time Jewellery Designer/Teacher

What is your favourite JM moment? I have so many! But my favourite has to be when Lucy and I couldn't stop laughing during a felt show, I am sure many people will remember why!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have been making jewellery for almost 5 years but professionally for 3 years after deciding to turn a hobby into a career, part time at first but now full time.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I run various workshops including 1-1 specialist sessions, 10 week beginner’s jewellery courses and wire work day workshops. I also run hen party jewellery making sessions, which are great fun and even children’s birthday parties (but I am not sure you can call that teaching, more air traffic control!!) For JM I teach a Copper Metal Creations workshop.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? Figurative art has always been my passion, so for me its form and shape that I find most inspiring. I love creating pieces that echo their environment, and I most enjoy working to themes. I am also very, very fortunate to work with some extremely talented designers that inspire me and keep me hungry to learn new skills.

What is your favourite colour? It sounds boring but it has to be Black; it can blend, hide, enhance, echo, or contradict, its so versatile and allows everything else to shine! An unsung hero!

What is your favourite gemstone? I love Labradorite but a close second is apatite, the darker an more included the better!

Hannah Osborne

Speciality: I love making bold colourful statement pieces of jewellery, and enjoy mixing various techniques such as Macramé, Wirework, and Kumihimo with traditional beading.

Town/City: Warwick.

What's your day job? Project Coordinator for JM.

What is your favourite JM moment? I think its hard to single out an individual event but I love the themed shows we do, and the mad moments like a conga through the studio!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? As long as I can remember! It's a life long passion for me.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach an Introduction to Design and Colour workshop and various seed bead workshops such as the cellini spiral, and I am the 'hands behind some of the How To demos' on the JM website

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? When creating jewellery I take inspiration from all sorts of things including nature, fashion and art in general. I'm a believer in positive energies and colour theory and love the way a beautiful gemstone or an item of clothing in an appealing colour can physically lift your mood.

What is your favourite colour? This has always been a difficult question to answer as I have many favourites but currently I'd have to say Purple, Teal and Red.

What is your favourite gemstone? Again having to choose just one is hard but a few of my favourites are Diamond, Tanzanite, and Turquoise.

Hayley Kruger

Company: Hayley Kruger

Speciality: Working mostly with precious metals and stone-setting.

Town/City: London

What's your day job? Jewellery designer, tutor and mentor

What is your favourite JM moment? Just generally having a laugh on air with the lovely and very funny presenters.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have been involved in the jewellery industry for 17 years, although I have always dabbled. I have done a degree in the art form, designed for many high street retailers, run my own business and been a jewellery teacher. I’m now working on more fine jewellery styles, so my experience is quite varied, and yet I am still very passionate about making jewellery!

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? My roots in jewellery making are in silversmithing, so I teach both beginners’ classes right through to advanced stone setting techniques.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? Any person doing their own thing in the creative industry. We are all so passionate about it and it is that very passion that makes it so personal and challenging at times.

What is your favourite colour? Fuchsia

What is your favourite gemstone? Tourmaline and Tanzanite (I can’t pick one…even picking two was tough!)

Janet Dwyer

Company: Janet Dwyer Jewellery Design

Speciality: Wire is my passion but I also love working with silver clay, polymer clay and jewel enamel and I always enjoy exploring new mediums. Usually the first item I make when I receive new gemstones is a ring as these are my favourite things to make.

Town/City: Near Builth Wells, Powys.

What's your day job? I am lucky to be a full time jewellery designer/maker.

What is your favourite JM moment? There are far too many to pick just one.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have been making jewellery for over 10 years and completely self-taught. I just wish JM had been around back then and my jewellery making journey would have been a lot easier!

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I do not teach any courses at the moment but my time at JM has taught me that I really enjoy teaching so this is something I am keen to explore.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I get inspired by people, places, objects, buildings, just about anything really. I am constantly looking at things and mentally turning them into pieces of jewellery and I always carry my pen and note book to jot down ideas, I also have a pen and notebook by my bed as I often wake up in the middle of the night with ideas.

What is your favourite colour? Purple.

What is your favourite gemstone? Amethyst…closely followed by Pearls.

Jem Hawkes

Company: Jem’s Gem Box

Speciality: Feature Wirework Pendants.

Town/City: Banbury, Northern Oxfordshire.

What's your day job? Jewellery Designer / Mum / Dog Carer.

What is your favourite JM moment? Too many to mention… When I stabbed a hole in my finger and camera Pete started running around and comedically flapping his hands looking for the first aid box.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I always had an interest in jewellery (usually met by buying lots of it) and always fiddled with store bought pieces, often buying two items to take apart and combine some other way, but I began my jewellery journey in 2010. I found wirework in the Autumn of 2014 and that is my jewellery making home.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I share my wireworking inspiration because making unique and original pieces brings me such great pleasure I want to share that. I want people to be able to create their own mark, their own recognisable brand.

What is your favourite colour? Purple! That’s easy!

What is your favourite gemstone? Ah now THAT is harder. I love Russian Diopside, Rainbow Moonstone, Sunstone, Black Star Diopside, Ruby, Morganite, Seraphinite, Astrophylite, Prasiolite … and so many more, but I suppose if I can only choose one it will always be LABRADORITE. A stone so magical the indigenous felt that the Aurora had been trapped within. That really is Magic!

Jill Hunter

Company: Beadiful By Jill

Speciality: Bead Weaving and Bead Embroidery.

Town/City: Nottingham

What's your day job? Veterinary Nurse.

What is your favourite JM moment? I don't have a specific JM moment; but I really enjoy watching the designers’ demonstrations. Everyone is so talented!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I started making jewellery after I graduated from University back in 2004. I bought a necklace and decided I would like it in different colours, so after a trip to the bead shop I returned home armed with seed beads and thread and have never looked back.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I have never taught my beading techniques before; but JM has now provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate them.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I get most of my inspiration from nature. I use a lot of flowers, birds and butterflies in my designs. I like to work with bright colours and my colour combinations are often inspired by mother nature.

What is your favourite colour? Turquoise.

What is your favourite gemstone? I have several – Opals, Abalone and Tanzanite.

Jo Barclay Loggie

Company: Jo Barclay Loggie

Speciality: Seed beads and anything bridal… pearls, Swarovski… but LOVE the gems too.

Town/City: St Ives, Cambridgeshire

What's your day job? Had to give up my day job when you guys offered me the role of guest designer. I have my own VERY little Bridal/ Wedding accessory business.

What is your favourite JM moment? Pick any moment when Lucy Nicholls was presenting I NEEDED everything in my life that she picked up!! (I’ve been an addicted watcher and shopper for the last 5.5 years!)…LOVE all the laughs with Carol too!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I started making jewellery in 2006, went the wedding route about 5 years ago and also helped run a bead shop called Spoilt Rotten Beads for the last three and a half years, where I taught numerous workshops, wrote “constructions” as they’re called in our house for the beading magazines and did many YouTube “making” videos for the shop.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? Not spoken to anyone yet about workshops at JM – I’d love to…but have done seed bead, bridal, a bit of macramé and tiny amount of wirework in workshops taught at the bead shop I managed.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? Kelly Wiese…OMG – her seedbead work is AMAZING – such a classical, vintage, romantic style – I would wear ANY of her pieces! A company called Design Seeds- they are fab for colour combinations –some I would never have thought of putting together and although it’s cliché and so many people say it – the colours and shapes that nature throws at us day in and day out…phenomenal!

What is your favourite colour? Does it have to be just ONE? I love blues, but blues and browns/ copper tones together are my all time “go to” combination when I’m designing something for me!

What is your favourite gemstone? If I’m only allowed one, then it has to be Tanzanite.

June Wagstaffe

Company: June Wagstaffe Bespoke Jewellery

Speciality: Wirework and Silver Smithing.

Town/City: Sandwell

What's your day job? I took early retirement from a managerial office position a few years ago, which gave me the opportunity to set up my own business as a jewellery designer/maker.

What is your favourite JM moment? Prior to becoming a Guest Designer my favourite moment was on New Year’s Eve 2015 when Rebecca Redican opened the gold envelope to reveal that I had won the Viewers Design of the Year award - it was a very special moment for me. My other equally favourite moment was being told I had got the job as a Guest Designer, I was so excited, and looking back I’m surprised I arrived home safely in one piece.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have always had an immense interest in arts and crafts such as painting/drawing, dress-making, knitting, jewellery making and I just love creating things. I began taking jewellery making more seriously about four years ago when I decided I wanted to start my own business.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I currently don’t teach any courses, although I did attend a teaching course some years ago at which time I was considering taking up a career teaching in adult education.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am intrigued by entrepreneurs who have started global businesses from nothing. I have a BSc Degree in Business Studies which involved research on entrepreneurs and this is largely what inspired me to start my own small business. Learning about people’s journeys helps to focus on what may be achieved if you are determined enough. In terms of jewellery design, my inspiration is often drawn from the natural world, I love to create flowing floral designs, and ideas also come from works of art, architecture, basically everything around me.

What is your favourite colour? My favourite colour, at the moment is Magenta.

What is your favourite gemstone? I couldn’t pinpoint a favourite, but amongst my favourites are Aquamarine (my birthstone), Zircon, London Blue and Swiss Blue Topaz and Labradorite. I love anything sparkly or with interesting patterns such as Picture Jasper.

Karen Gray

Company: Karen Gray Jewellery

Speciality: Wire weaving, beading thread, sheet metals and Sterling Silver.

Town/City: York

What's your day job? Accounts, payroll and VAT for small businesses.

What is your favourite JM moment? When Ali’s phone rang on air. First time in 10 years and she was mortified!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? Since my degree in Art & Design (specialising in Jewellery Design and making in Precious Metals) 20 years ago, but in my teens I ‘de-constructed’ and ‘re-constructed’ many pieces of jewellery.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? None at the moment.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? Anyone who is passionate about what they do.

What is your favourite colour? Lilac

What is your favourite gemstone? Oh, so many! Labradorite, Opal, Amber, Pearls, Blue Lace Agate. I’ve been so lucky to be able to work with so many gemstones in my designs that my favourites keep changing!

Katie Parker

Company: Giraffe Jewellery Box

Speciality: Wirework.

Town/City: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

What's your day job? Jewellery Designer and Mum to my 2 Children.

What is your favourite JM moment? My favourite JM moment is watching Zena and Mark together on any show, they make a great team and make me laugh so much!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have been making jewellery for just over 2 years now. I started making jewellery through finding Jewellery Maker. I have learnt many of my techniques from our talented guest designers. I like to mix mediums and try to put my own twist on classic styles.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I have taught small local groups basic jewellery making but would love the be able to teach more in-depth courses.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I’m inspired by many different types of jewellery from all different eras. I’ve loved reading books about jewellery design over the years, but a lot of the time I take inspiration from nature and my surroundings.

What is your favourite colour? Green

What is your favourite gemstone? Labradorite.

Katie Reid

Company: PoppyKCrafts

Speciality: Wirework, Steampunk and Upcycling anything I can get my hands on!

Town/City: Stourport On Severn, Worcester.

What's your day job? I work for a supermarket clothing line.

What is your favourite JM moment? Being welcomed into such a great jewellery making family.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have been making jewellery now for about 4 years. I was roped in by my sister to help with a school fete and it all started from there. I have been creative all my life. Making cards, cross stich, painting and altering thrift shop buys.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I currently do not teach at the moment. But hope to do so in the future.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am inspired a lot by my surroundings and my mood. I love Vivienne Westwood and her quirky designs. I like to standout and make a statement. Clothing and jewellery are like the paint on a plain canvas. They help tell a story about a person and I love that.

What is your favourite colour? Earthy tones and neutral tones.

What is your favourite gemstone? Labradorite and London Blue Topaz.

Kleshna

Company: Kleshna Jewellery

Speciality: I am broad as I am wide but I am very well known for beading, weaving and of course my award winning bangle weaver!

Town/City: Surrey

What's your day job? Jewellery Designer

What is your favourite JM moment? I am such a newbie still, so really I enjoy every moment! Ask me in a few months as I am sure I will have had more fab & funny experiences on JMTV to report back on.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? 20 years!

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I am not yet teaching for JM but I definitely hope to. I run courses from my studio with a focus on beading as all you really need to start is a needle, thread and some beads! It is so easy to get into and once started, you do get hooked.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am a very visual person, so I take a lot of time absorbing the details around me and can find inspiration from anything from knotted and twisting plants to the colour hues of a sunset. You really don’t have to go far to feel inspired.

What is your favourite colour? Violet

What is your favourite gemstone? They do say diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

Laura Binding

Company: You Nique You Jewellery

Speciality: Wirework Pendants.

Town/City: Bristol

What's your day job? I run my own Jewellery Business, YouNiqueYou Jewellery, as well as freelance Jewellery Designing and Teaching and of course being a mum!

What is your favourite JM moment? I have had many favourite moments with JM, but for me it has to be when you get a fit of the giggles and you are trying to get your composure back when everyone else is laughing too, stand out moments include trying to demonstrate the looping pliers and failing big time and Becky sending labradorite all over the desk, including in her coffee! oh and i will never forget Jazz hands Gary with Vicki!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? About 8 years now, but it has only really been in the last 4 years that i have really been able to focus fully on wirework.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach a few courses for JM, including Intermediate Wirework, Weaving Wire, VikingKnit, Catch a cabochon and High End Jewellery

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am often inspired by everyday things, objects and nature itself, I often see shapes and ideas from simple things such as gates with filigree designs, trees, flowers etc and then note how the components can then form a piece of jewellery.

What is your favourite colour? I love all the earthy colours, the muted greens and blues but my favourite colour is teal.

What is your favourite gemstone? Lemon quartz, there is something so magical about it.

Linda Brumwell

Speciality: I enjoy making anything with genuine gemstones, particularly dramatic, multi strand designs with as many different gemstones as I can possibly use. However, I am now really enjoying working with soutache and am trying to expand my portfolio of designs, many of which have been published in craft magazines.

Town/City: I absolutely adore France so must say that my favourite city is Paris. I utterly celebrate the way the French people love life. French food to my mind is the best in the world from snacking to high-end dining, simply wonderful and their wine, well say no more!

What's your day job? My husband and I have our own Wines and Spirit wholesale company which we have been running now for over 30 years. However JM is now taking over and fast becoming my ‘day job’.

What is your favourite JM moment? There have been so, so many. I particulary enjoyed being the ‘Mona Linda’ last year on a show that was themed around the art world. It was hysterical. I managed to find a full size framed Mona Lisa (not the real one, I wish) and put my face, complete with a long black wig, through a head sized hole. Brilliant.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have always been involved in some form of crafting and decided to take up jewellery making about 8 years ago and have never looked back.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach Introduction to Jewellery Making and New to Jewellery Making workshops. I am also in cahoots with ‘upstairs’ to find new exciting courses to run.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I have always been fascinated by the 19th Century French Impressionist movement. I studied the subject for 2 years and became entranced by their use of colour and freedom of painting techniques. They are such a diverse bunch, so very different yet so intriguing. I love the thought of being able to take a blank canvas and produce such beauty. This is my inspiration for my jewellery making, perhaps one day, I can but dream.

What is your favourite colour? Red

What is your favourite gemstone? This is a difficult one to answer as. To be honest, I love them all. If I really have to answer that one completely truthfully then it is diamond. However my favourite coloured gemstone would have to be Citrine.

Louise Jakobsen - Tutor

Company: Capricorn Creations

Speciality: I love the versatility of working with wire (I am a little obsessed with making rings!) but really class myself as a Mixed Media Designer and love immersing myself big bold, often structural, projects that incorporate elements from wire, gemstones and cord to enamel, fabric and broken china!

Town/City: I am from and still live in the beautiful city of York which inspires me daily with its mix of architecture, people and landscapes.

What's your day job? Teacher Trainer, Instructional eLearning Designer, Jewellery Designer-Maker-Tutor-Author, PartyLite Consultant and Mum! (I like to keep busy!?!)

What is your favourite JM moment? I love the variety of the different shows and the fun that comes across. I really like the Designer Inspiration shows at the moment, I love learning from others and there have been some amazing, and different, techniques explored over the last few months that I have tried (or have on my list to try!)

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have always been creative and have been making jewellery since I was about 6 or 7 years old (just a couple of years!). It is the craft I always go back to because it is so versatile and many elements from different creative pursuits can be combined into it, and with many techniques I like to use there is almost instant gratification with a finished piece you can wear quickly.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach many aspects of jewellery making to a wide range of individuals. For JM I teach the Wirework for Beginners Workshop which is a great opportunity to meet some of the wonderful customers JM have. Outside of JM I teach Introductory courses (beading, wirework and exploring colour), Specific wire workshops (including rings, memory wire, bangles & bracelets and hand-made chains), Jewel Enamel Sessions (introduction, intermediate and projects), Working with Cord (including Macrame & Kumihimo) and Vintage inspired mixed media and upcycling workshops at local cafés, creative venues and jewellery groups. I also run jewellery making parties (from children’s birthdays and girly nights in to hen nights and team building sessions!) and regularly write for several Jewellery and lifestyle magazines. I love teaching – especially witnessing the moment when someone realises that they ‘can do it’.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am a big fan of the styles that came out of the Art Nouveau period in terms of the swirls and flowing flowery patterns, especially Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs, however I also like the stark contrast and angularity of the Art Deco style as well as more modern & fusion styles like steam punk and the uniqueness of up/recycled jewellery. In short at one time or another everyone and everything, from nature and architecture to fashion and colour inspires me and my designs!

What is your favourite colour? I used to be very much a pink/purple person but more recently I have become a big fan of green - I guess it is my way of connecting what I do to nature.

What is your favourite gemstone? Labradorite – especially when it is high quality and displays amazing electric blue schiller.

Mark Smith

Company: Orbital Designs

Speciality: I enjoy all styles of jewellery design but I seem to have found my niche with Macramé and working with Gemstone chips and nuggets. I love the intricacy of tiny stones being used to make substantial pieces of jewellery.

Town/City: I live in the market town of Witney which is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds.

What's your day job? Jewellerymaking is currently my ‘day job’ with Jewellerymaker shows and workshops taking up most of my time. I am constantly on the road attending craft fairs and holding jewellery parties to make a bit of pocket money to buy more gemstones to feed my addiction!

What is your favourite JM moment? My favourite JM moment has to be Carol’s final show in 2013 before leaving us for her maternity leave. Our ‘Kylie and Jason’ themed show was so much fun. Carol had so many viewers contacting the show to wish her luck. It was all very humbling. The singing, outfits and those wigs…. well!!!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have always been involved in arts and crafts in one form or another for as long as I can remember. I had my first dabble in the world of jewellery-making about ten years ago using glass beads, but since discovering JM about three years ago my hobby has now turned into my work. I am very lucky and get more passionate about JM and the crew every day.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? At JM Towers I am currently running Chips and Nuggets wire fusion, Macramé for beginners and wire Macramé workshops and a two day Macramé and more experience I love holding the workshops as it gives me the opportunity to meet our amazing viewers face to face and see their amazing jewellery produced at the end of a busy day.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I have been inspired by the work of many people over the years, from the amazing craftsmanship of Tiffany and Faberge, to the imagination of Moorcroft and Morris and their use of colour. I have a special place in my heart for the era of Art Deco and Nouveau. I am also a huge fan of the Romantic period of the Pre-Raphaelite artists such as John William Waterhouse. I also get a lot of inspiration from the plants growing in my own garden.

What is your favourite colour? My favourite colour is red closely followed by green with all of its variations.

What is your favourite gemstone? That’s a tough one…. No can’t do it. I will give you my top 5…. Labradorite, Aquamarine, Fluorite, Rutile Quartz and Amethyst, though every month I am being introduced to new gems, so the list changes frequently!

Nadja Shields

Company: Imbali Crafts

Speciality: Micro macramé of course but I also really enjoy wire work and bead weaving, making simple stretchy bracelets and gemstone jewellery.

Town/City: Edinburgh

What's your day job? I write online tutorials and run workshops in Edinburgh as well as keeping my Etsy shop stocked up with jewellery pieces. I am doing my first craft fair in August. I am also a full time sandwich maker, homework checker and button sewer-oner.

What is your favourite JM moment? I think it has got to be my first day ‘on the job’. Everyone at JM, the crew in the studio and so many of the viewers were so welcoming which really helped to ease the butterflies. Various discussions in the studio such as pregnant sheep, Dave the fly and cake were quite entertaining, too.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have been making basic pieces of jewellery since I was a little girl. My mum and my gran were my biggest influence and have taught me different types of crafts. I have been doing macramé for the last 5 years and have recently started wire weaving.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach on various online sites such as Craft Art Edu & Adventure Arts Retreat. I also create PDF and video tutorials for my own website and Etsy shop as well as making the occasional tutorial for youtube My latest venture is micro macramé workshops in Edinburgh for those that live nearby. Teaching macramé is something I really enjoy and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a student enjoy the craft and create their first project.

What is your favourite colour? All colours are beautiful in the right context but I really like gold, silver, black, red, teal and aqua.

What is your favourite gemstone? That is a difficult one. I have a new favourite each time I turn on my tv to watch JM. I love Ethiopian opal, rainbow moonstone, peridot, pearls, sunstone, garnet, labradorite, citrine, Botswana agate... the list goes on. Like with colour each has its place ...especially in my stash.

Nathalie Whybrow

Company: Cote Jewellery

Speciality: Love intricate beadweaving with seed beads so love making bracelets. My favourite medium is working with leather.

Town/City: Bromley, Kent

What's your day job? I run my own jewellery business, hosting kids and adults jewellery making parties, I run weekly workshops and I am a mum to 2 boys.

What is your favourite JM moment? Working with Zena, she is lovely and always makes me laugh

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? 11 years.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I do not run any JM courses but outside of JM I run weekly classes covering many mediums to include macramé, kumihimo, intricate beading, beginners to advanced beading techniques , working with leather and wire work.

What is your favourite colour? Cream.

What is your favourite gemstone? Labradorite.

Patty McCourt

Speciality: Seed beading and bead embroidery.

Town/City: Nottingham

What's your day job? Running a bead craft supplies business, BeadByBead; jewellery designer; teaching, designing bead shapes, creating beading patterns for workshops and magazines.

What is your favourite JM moment? My first day on the job, I was made to feel so welcome by everyone both staff and viewers.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? Since 2004 after graduating from SNC from which time it has been a passion for me and I have published in various beading magazines and journals.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? At the moment, I don’t actually teach for JM but hope that may change soon. Outside I teach workshops in shibori, soutache, embroidery and seed beads at different venues around the U.K and at a wide range of shows and bead fairs nationally and internationally, as well as from my home studio. I do this to bring the fun and pleasure of beading to everyone and anyone who is interested.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why?When creating jewellery pieces, I find inspiration everywhere including nature, architecture, geometric shapes and Celtic design knot work. I am a very visual person and a strong believer in the use of colour and the natural energy of beads to create a mood.

What is your favourite colour? This is a difficult question to answer as I love colour, but my two favourites are Turquoise/Teal and Blue.

What is your favourite gemstone? Again, difficult to pick one, so I’ll go for Emerald with Labradorite a close second.

Rachel Norris

Company: Jewellery Design by Rachel

Speciality: Wirework, but I love making polymer and silver clay pieces and combining them with the wirework elements.

Town/City: Wadebridge, Cornwall, UK

What's your day job? I am a specialist in Vascular Ultrasound at 3 hospitals in the Southwest including Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

What is your favourite JM moment? There are so many! I think, do you know I can't think of a specific special one as I see so much talent every day from my fellow designers and such friendly happy presenting that each day is as wonderful as the last!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I did a very short evening class in silver smithing about 6 years ago now but stopped to have a baby. JM started while I was on maternity leave and there was no stopping me!I was so lucky that JM started when I had time to start this wonderful new hobby! So I have been making jewellery for about 4 and half years and I have been making wirework jewellery for 4 years.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach a few intemediate and advanced wirework courses. I have taught at the Big Bead Show in Sandown and will teach there again this year. I am starting to run a few more courses and hope to do more when my youngest starts school.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I am inspired every day the beauty and shapes of natural forms and I bring them into my designs whenever I can. My mother was a botanical artist and also embroidered in solid gold and silver thread in her tapestry work. These influences have been a great source of inspiration for me throughout my life.

What is your favourite colour? Violet and teal shades.

What is your favourite gemstone? Amethyst, Labradorite and Amazonite but I adore working with most gemstones as they provide a wonderful colour palette to work with.

Sara Elvin

Company: Saraelley

Speciality: Kumihimo, bead loom, braiding, beading, everything really..I love all creative mediums.

Town/City: Twickenham.

What's your day job? Mum to 2 growing boys.

What is your favourite JM moment? My phone going off in the studio and being answered by Lucy.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? 5 Years now and 4 at JM.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? For JM a French Beading Workshop Outside I also teach Mixed Medium, Wire for beginners and beading. I love to pass on my passion for making things and love to share my knowledge with others.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? Nature is a huge inspiration. But I draw inspiration from paintings, fashion and general life too.

What is your favourite colour? Purple.

What is your favourite gemstone? Amethyst.

Sheila Davies

Speciality: I do have a passion working with all the elements and styles of jewellery I love trying new designs. My favourite is creating Bridal Jewellery of all era’s.

Town/City: Henley in Arden, Warwickshire

What's your day job? Guest Designer at Jewellery Maker

What is your favourite JM moment? That is difficult I have so many, in the early days when we were doing promo’s, the promo for the X-Factor about 3 years ago I think. We laughed so much it took quite a while to film, and a lot was cut out!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I have been making jewellery for about 12 years. Having many hobbies though the years. I have used gemstones and accessories with all of my hobbies, cardmaking, wedding stationery, parchment , textiles and of course jewellery which Linda and I used to do for raising money for charities.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach the Bridal Accessories, Bridal Intermediate and Bridal Bouquets workshops at JM.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? When I went to see Monet’s Gardens a couple of years ago. I was inspired by the gorgeous array of diverse colours. I always say never be afraid to mix your colours which you would normally never mix. You will be amazed at the result.

What is your favourite colour? All the colours of the rainbow (seriously I love the calmness and tranquillity of blue.)

What is your favourite gemstone? My birthstone is Aquamarine and pearls are a close second.

Tracey Spurgin - Tutor

Company: Craftworx

Speciality: Making hinged jewellery, boxes and lockets in Silver Art Clay.

Town/City: I was born and bred in Liverpool, and still love to get back there for a bit of family time as well as getting out to some great shopping. But I live in on the edge of a small village called Walkington in East Yorkshire. A very quite quaint place and I love that too.

What's your day job? Metal Clay Artist, Instructor, Writer, Presenter and Company Director of Craftworx studio.

What is your favourite JM moment? The lovely warm welcome greeting I got form Liz on my first day, I’ll treasure that moment.

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I’ve been making jewellery for over ten years, and I’ve been a qualified Silver Art Clay instructor since January 2007.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I teach the Silver Clay for Beginners, Silver CLay Cocktail Rings, Silver Clay Swing Garden Locket and Siver Clay Impressions Workshops for JM.

What is your favourite colour? It’s hard to pick favourite colour, I love bold strong colour’s, Red, Turquoise, Blue and Green, but I’m not a huge fan of pastels, and I really don’t like Pink.

What is your favourite gemstone? Topaz or Labradorite.

Victoria Watt

Company: Exquisite by Victoria

Speciality: Wirework, Micro Macramé and Bead Embroidery.

Town/City: Liverpool.

What's your day job? Making jewellery and singing (to Lola the dog).

What is your favourite JM moment? Many moments but presenter Jenny’s story about her pet pig breaking out of his sty and armed police being called to her village always springs to mind!

Background/How long have you been making jewellery? I made my first piece of jewellery in metal-work when I was 14. I made a hammered Egyptian collar from sheet copper and tumbled my own stone. Then I rediscovered jewellery-making after an injury and I found the JM channel. I believe that JM helped me to find the courage to follow my heart.

What courses do you teach both for JM and outside and why? I have not taught a course yet, but I have some ideas in the pipeline.

Who/What else inspires you outside of JM and why? I love the artist Monet and a wire sculptor called Robin White. I love the Impressionist style of Monet and the detailed work of Robin White.

What is your favourite colour? Purple

What is your favourite gemstone? Labradorite and Moonstone.