NEWS March 2024 - what I've been up to this month
Well hello Spring! It’s been some time in coming, hasn’t it, and we’ve definitly seen some false starts. I don’t know about you, but as I’ve got older, I definitely seem to be much more affected by the changes of the seasons. My heart needs to see some blue sky and my skin needs to feel warm sun!
I’ve recently received several lovely emails from some of the small businesses I support, sharing a range of things about what they’ve been up to, and sparking my interest in following-up on some of their suggestions. So I’ve decided I’d do the same each month (on the assumption that if you’re not very interested you can just press the back button!)
So here’s a little behind-the-scenes reflection from me for the month of March…
What I’ve been inspired by…
Early in the month I spent an absolutely inspiring day with Jane Bevan in her fabulous workshop in Derbyshire. Jane is a nature artist, who creates contemporary artwork using foraged items that she gathers from the woods opposite her house. This was such a calm and mindful day, where we were encouraged to see the beauty in the everyday, and play with pattern and form. If this piques your interest, then do check out her work. You can find her via instagram @janebevanartist and at janebevan.co.uk.
What I’ve been doing …
As you might imagine, it’s sometimes pretty challenging to get good ‘action shots' of making jewellery. So the tutors at Nottingham Jewellery School decided we’d get together and film each other. As well as lots of laughs, we ended up with some great pictures and videos that we can use in our own and NJS’s marketing. It meant there was no need for tricky balancing of cameras on the jewellery bench, and the hammers getting in the way of the lighting!
What I’ve been reading …
Jane followed up the workshop with a fabulously creative list of suggestions for further reading. I admit I succumbed to several purchases (all found second hand!), including this beautiful book - Wreaths by Katie Smyth and Terri Chandler. It’s a volume of inspiring photos and creative ideas for displaying plants and flowers. There’s so much I’d like to try - so watch this space!
What I’ve been buying …
I try to keep sustainability at the heart of decisions I make about my jewellery business. And as such, the conundrum of packaging continues to exercise my mind. When I originally launched, I used sustainable hemp and bamboo to wrap my jewellery purchases, but this has become increasingly less practical now I am selling more regularly. It is also less manageble to do this when I sell in person at fairs and markets. After a lot of research, I have settled on a company that shares my own eco values, and in March, I ordered a new set of gift boxes which I hope will better suit my needs. I’m still not 100% that this is quite what I want, but I do think that they have potential. I’d love to know what you think if you make a purchase.
What I’ve been making …
And finally, what I’ve been making recently! You’ll know about my new Lunaria collection, inspired by the seedpod of the honesty plant (this is a limited collection of pieces, so don’t forget to take a look!), but I wanted to share these beautiful bangles which were the result of a recent commission.
Nadine’s mother was a great, and very proficient, maker of bobbin lace. Sadly, her dementia means that she is no longer able to complete the many projects that she had on the go. Nadine showed me her most beautiful lace-in-progress; each individual strand attached to a handcrafted wooden bobbin.
We agreed that I would use a piece of the lace to create a wide silver bangle for Nadine and her daughter. I couldn’t have been more touched to be asked. The lace imprint was exquisite, as you can see. So, despite the lace not surviving the process, Nadine has her mother’s handiwork forever captured in something she can wear every day. What a beautiful treasure.
