When did you first start making your jewellery, and who or what inspired you to begin?
Jill, enjoying her work!
I have always been surrounded by artists and love creating and making things. A friend of mine is a technology teacher and I attended silversmith classes with her a few years ago. I have been hooked ever since. Another friend of mine who is a painter encouraged me to approach a local gallery and I now supply an increasing number of stockists throughout the UK.
Do you have a studio space you work from, tell us about it?
Sea glass and pebble pendant from the Rockpool Collection
I work in my garage in the summer but during the winter months I move inside and my dining room becomes my studio.
What mediums or techniques do you work with?
Silver is an amazing metal to work with, especially when it is reticulated. This a process which involves heating the metal several times and then overheating it causing it to melt. This creates wonderful textures and makes each piece unique. Every item is individually made by myself and no two pieces will ever be identical.
What is the main inspiration for your designs?
I suppose the main inspiration for my work is the environment and nature. A popular collection is the Rockpool collection which draws inspiration from the Dorset coastline.
Silver melted wire bangle
Do you have any amusing or interesting stories about your work?
Last year whilst working with my blow torch I managed to make a scorch mark in my dining table. Fortunately it is quite an old pine one so at some stage I will be able to sand it out.
From the Rockpool Collection
What has been your favourite piece that you've made?
One of my favourite pieces was a silver snowdrop pendant. It was a real challenge to replicate the intricate structure and solder it together.
What keeps you going while you work?
I love to work quite late at night and copious cups of tea keep me going.
Do you have a favourite tool?
My favourite tool is an old ball plein hammer which creates a lovely hammered effect on the silver.
Tell us about where you sell your work and any upcoming exhibitions.
I sell my work at many galleries throughout the UK - a list of which can be found on my website on the stockists page. In the future I would like to increase the number of galleries I show in and make time to develop some new ideas. Jill has recently exhibited at an RSPB Forage Festival in Wareham, Dorset and she is currently exhibiting at some local school Christmas Fairs.
What's next for jillyflowerjewellery?
In the future I would like to increase the number of galleries I show in and make time to develop some new ideas.
If you'd like to feature in one of our interviews, please feel free to contact us.
