Meet the Britain's Next Gem 2023 Contestants Part II
As promised, here's part 2 of meeting the amazing Britain's Next Gem 2023 contestants!
You can watch part 2 of round 1 on Wednesday 18th October on all the usual places - Freeview 72, SKY 674, YouTube and our website!
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Isobel Morgan
Since retiring from teaching drama in 2017 I have literally immersed myself in a love of all techniques, Jewellery Maker. Previously, I discovered polymer clay bead making twenty years ago, sourcing vintage jewels etc from boot sales and put everything together for my mother-in-law to raise charity funds. Mark Smith has been a huge influence on me - he has such a wealth of knowledge. I have a small business making bridal jewels as well as teaching wire work and beading skills at our local craft hub. Being accepted into Britain’s Next Gem is my dream come true!
One of my favourite pieces:
James Campbell
I started learning to make jewellery at the end of 2019. I saw a complex wire wrapped piece on Facebook and just decided I wonder if I can do that.
So, after loads of you tube vids and researching I did what I always do. End up in Hobbycraft and buy way too much than I need. I have always been good at teaching myself things. From photography to the guitar I have never had any lessons, and this is no different. My 1st piece was a tree of life and since then I have always had a love for these. Making jewellery kept me sane over the lockdown as I was mostly alone and as a chef I was out of work. It helped me improve and learn and then I decided to add silver smithing into my arsenal. I don't have any fancy equipment I just buy the cheapest version of what I need to get the job done. When I make jewellery, it seems to quiet what is a very overactive brain. I don't have a style as such. I will choose a stone and see where it takes me. One may say I wing it... I say it's just how I work :)
One of my favourite pieces:
Charlie Bailey
Hi I’m Charlie and I love all things sparkly with a touch of drama!
I like to challenge myself and develop my soldering and forging skills through intricate designs and hand fabrication. Using tools and modifying them to suit a specific application, finding creative and innovative ways to use up all materials,( I don’t like wastefulness in life or in the workshop!) and strive to make Classic pieces of jewellery with a modern twist in a kinder to the environment way that will stand the test of time.
Sparkly gems, precious metals, taming a flame and mucky finger tips is where it’s at for me.
One of my favourite pieces:
Nicky Lopez
I began jewellery making as a hobby when I was diagnosed with cancer. Not only was it very therapeutic but it also introduced me to a really friendly and supportive community through Jewellery Maker. For me, jewellery has a very unique power so I try to make pieces that are meaningful as well as beautiful. I started out as a metal stamper and I still like to use inspiring words and phrases in my jewellery. I live by the beach so lots of my jewellery is inspired by the ocean and I use tons of different techniques to create it. I’m not an expert in anything but I love trying new things! My favourite gemstone is Aqua Chalcedony because it reminds me of sea water. I’m still in a spin about making it this far in the competition, it’s like a dream!
One of my favourite pieces:
We hope you'll be tuning in to see the lovely people above, don't forget to text in to show your support!
-JewelleryMaker
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You can meet last week's contestants here:
Read Blog
AND you can catch up on part 1 of round 1 here:
Catch Up
