I went to Portsmouth Art college in the late 1980\u2019s. That is where I first had a try at making Jewellery. I loved it so much I stayed on to do a National Diploma. In the early 1990\u2019s I started at West Surrey college of Art to study for a Degree in 3D design, specialising in metals. After graduation I set up my own business in 1993. I slowly built up a customer base, making mostly bespoke pieces, firstly in silver, then moving into Gold and Platinum. I made pieces including wedding and engagement rings, anniversary gifts and remodeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the birth of my Daughter in 2010 I changed direction in my work, I really wanted to develop my own designs, and I now feel that I have at last found my own \u2018voice\u2019 in what I make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When did you discover your love of jewellery?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I discovered my love of jewellery as a teenager. I used to seek out junk shops and Antique shops looking for jewellery. I also collected stones and shells from out local beach. I was 17 when I first made a simple hammered band ring. I hammered it too much, so it ended up far too thin! But I loved it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell us a bit more about your work. Are there any particular materials or techniques that you favour?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I work in silver, I do use a little yellow gold, when a piece needs it. Gemstones are an integral part of my designs, they provide a backdrop, or landscape, a moon or a starry sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I use simple techniques, sawing, soldering, stone setting and engraving. My work is all individually handmade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How would you best describe your design style?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s a hard one! It\u2019s unusual I suppose, little pictures you can wear. It has taken many years to find my \u2018style\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a jewellery maker, where do you get your inspiration from for your pieces?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My inspiration is from nature, our native wildlife. I love animals and birds. The gemstones I use inspire what animal or bird will inhabit them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A big influence also is the wonderful art of Jackie Morris, and Kit Williams’ book Masquerade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have a piece that you are particularly proud of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many years ago I was proud of making platinum and diamond rings, these days it is much different! I love making large statement pieces, I have made a series of large leaping hares inspired by Kit Williams\u2019s Golden hare. I can let my imagination go, and use silver, gold and diamonds as well as Labradorite or moonstones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also love it when I find the most perfect stone! One that is the best background for an animal to inhabit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the one item in your workshop that you couldn\u2019t live without?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I couldn\u2019t live without my Green lion saw frame, and a plentiful supply of blades!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I used a very basic saw for over twenty years, so two years ago I thought I deserved an upgrade! I do spend a lot of time sawing. I also could not be without my torch for soldering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What upcoming trends do you see being popular soon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I really don\u2019t follow trends, so I\u2019m not really sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from your time in jewellery making?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I suppose for me it\u2019s don\u2019t hurry! It has taken me many years to build up my business, doing bespoke work, which is very challenging at times. The hardest lesson I have learnt in that time was saying no. I still have trouble with that, as I hate to turn work away, but sometimes it is just not the right work me. It is lovely to now be able to make what I love, my own ideas and imaginings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have any particular advice that you would give to up and coming jewellery designers, or someone interested in getting into jewellery making?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy it! Take time to develop your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Social media is great! I didn\u2019t have that when I started out, it is a great place to build a customer base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, time for a bit of fun in our quick-fire round!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell us your favourite\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Colour?<\/strong> \u2013 Purple Many thanks to Rachel for talking to us and for being part of our Cooksongold Meets series<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about Rachel\u2019s designs via her Pixie Made Facebook page<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> or website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cooksongold.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/image00001-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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Biscuit?<\/strong> – My daughter’s homemade cookies
Coffee or tea?<\/strong> \u2013 Tea without milk or peppermint or camomile
Place?<\/strong> – The countryside or forest
Animal?<\/strong> \u2013 Hare or blackbird
Gemstone?<\/strong> \u2013 Labradorite, moonstone, ocean jasper, aquamarine… I’d better stop there!
Food?<\/strong> – Vegetarian
Film?<\/strong> – Little Miss Sunshine
City?<\/strong> – Bath or Wells
Book?<\/strong> \u2013 The Lost Spells by Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris
Song? <\/strong>\u2013 Roscoe by Midlake
Describe yourself in a hashtag?<\/strong> – #pixie
What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?<\/strong> – I’m not really a pixie!
Style Icon?<\/strong> – Gudrun Sjoden<\/p>\n\n\n\n