Statement

I just adore jewellery for its ability to convey, to friends and strangers alike, the tastes, character and attitude of the wearer. As a child I spent many heady, happy hours dressing up in long strands of my Mum’s beads, 1950’s style brooches and big clip on earrings. Some 7 years ago, and with children of my own, I embarked on a silver-smithing course at Barnsley College and was finally able to start to make the type of jewellery that I wanted to wear myself.

The style of my jewellery is undoubtedly eclectic; however, a love of bright colour and the tactile qualities and rich hues found in textiles are constant themes in my work. No matter how much I resist I seem always to end up incorporating handmade felt, bright silks, coloured buttons, resins, ribbons and beads into my pieces. I choose my jewellery to reflect the mood I’m in. Thus, when feeling a little reckless my black party dress is enlivened by a waist long strand of silver hoops and large red felt balls, tied at the neck with bold tartan ribbon. On a more demure, ‘grown up’ day my oatmeal cashmere twin-set is adorned with a sweet 1950’s style silver poodle that swings on a delicate chain from a pale blue velvet bow. For the school run my quirkier side escapes from the neck of my “sensible” coat in the form of a modern charm necklace - incorporating hearts, birds, flowers, beads and brightly coloured felt balls. Or my irreverence may exhibit itself in the wearing of a silver doggy ‘medal’ brooch.

I want my jewellery to speak out for its owner; to be enjoyed and loved for its humour as well as its quality; to be worn and not stashed away. Most of all, I hope that it will elevate the wearer’s mood, encouraging them to feel more sexy, quirky, feisty, fun, a true and confident original.