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's 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 intermediate 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.