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's 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!