Music to Create By - Vol. 2

Good evening, lovelies! 

Quite a while ago now, when I was still operating under my old business name, and doing some very different jewellery, I did a "Music to Create By" blog post which turned out to be super popular and got a really positive response. 

Since then, I've been through some stuff, personally, academically and professionally. My art has changed, and so has the music I listen to when I create. It is still super important that I listen while I work (as opposed to whistling, hehe) because the mood I'm in is reflected in my music, and in turn, in my jewellery. If you've been keeping an eye on my Facebook page, you'll know that I try to post a "Song of the Day" most days (okay, I've been sorely lacking here lately, but I'm trying to get back into it!) which gives you an idea of the mood I'm in on the day. Sometimes it's rock, sometimes country, sometimes something sexy and sultry, sometimes pop, sometimes really, really sad. 

So here's a teeny glimpse into what's on my Spotify playlist! These are 15 random songs that are in my saved songs list. They haven't been put into any specific playlist; they're just the ones I hear and think "Oh!! I love this song!" and add to my collection. I'm doing this with shuffle ON, so this could be interesting! 

Ok here we go!
1. This Is How We Do - Katy Perry

Katy is sort of my guilty pleasure. I love her songs, her videos are totally kooky and fun, and she's got an all round awesome attitude. Love this song!! 

2. Lips are Moving - Meghan Trainor

We all know that person, right? The one who just lies constantly. Yep, thought so. I love Meghan's take on this! 

3. Never Ever - All Saints 

I adore the vocal on this song! The girls of All Saints were all so beautifully talented. Their harmonies still give me goosebumps. The rhythm of it just makes me happy. I can't sit still while it's playing; it's one that just makes me move.

4. Dear Mr President - Pink

I've been a HUGE fan of Pink since I saw the video for "There You Go" where she sends a motorbike flying through her no-good ex boyfriend's apartment. I knew right then she'd be a force to be reckoned with. Her vocal on "Dear Mr President" is incredible, and the message this is provocative, powerful, angry, and yet she remains perfectly vulnerable and gentle. I can't say enough. 

5. Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-Lite

Oh dear. I knew there'd be some in here that might be a tad....out there. I am, if nothing else, a child of the 80's and 90's, and this song was huge back then. The video is bizarre, but this song is still one that has me bopping in my chair. 

6. I Got Money Now - Pink 

No official video for this incredible, moving song. I'll let her lyrics speak for themselves: 
"When I was a young buck
I tried to be liked by
Everyone
Everyone
I tried so hard to be funny and nice
I tried so hard to be sugar and spice
Didn't work for me
Got old quickly
But now I'm not losing sleep at night
No one's calling me on the telephone
To see if I'm at home
Cause now I've got everything that I have ever wanted or so it seems
Yeah so it seems yeah"

7. Fades Like A Photograph - Filter 

I first heard this amazing song on the end credits of my favourite ever movie, "2012" . I love it. I can't figure out why. I'm not sure if it's the lyric, or the melody, or the stunning harmonies and backing vocals...or what. Just give it a listen. You won't regret it. 

8. With A Little Help From My Friends - Wet Wet Wet 

 

I repeat. I was a child of the 80's! I adored these guys, and honestly thought that I'd grow up to marry Marti Pellow because he was (no sorry, is) just gorgeous. That Scottish accent, the cheekbones... Sigh. I just found out tonight that Wet Wet Wet is touring the UK in 2016 and will be in my old stomping grounds of Newcastle in March. I'm devastated I won't be able to go, but might have to send some friends to get some awesome video for me! Now, as far as this song is concerned, yes, some will say that The Beatles or  Joe Cocker  sang it better, but for me, Marti just aces it. Sigh. 

9. Tessie - Dropkick Murphys

I don't even know what to say. GO RED SOX!!!!! (Song doesn't really kick in until about 1:20 in). It's such an awesome, loud, song!! Enjoy!

10. Runaway - The Corrs

I remember this song came out the year before I left England. I sang it over and over and over until those harmonies were second nature, used it as a lullaby for my oldest daughter, and even today, 20 years later, it's still one of my favourite ever songs. Exquisite. 


11. Cheerleader - OMI 

Just a happy, smiley, boppy song. Love it. 

12. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson 

This has to be an anthem for every single girl on the planet. I'm not single, but this song just kicks so much butt, it's obviously on my list and one that I like to belt out whenever I'm alone :) 

13. Hot in the City - Billy Idol 

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love me some Billy. That bleach blonde hair, those piercing eyes... anyhoo...enjoy the song! I always think of Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer every time I see this (or, any of Billy's stuff, actually. I just think that Spike would sing it really well LOL! The video is quintessentially 80's and completely over the top, but it's still loads of fun and a great song to dance to! 

14. I Found Someone - Cher 

Oh Cher how I love you! That voice never fails to give me chills. Thanks to my lovely mum for bringing me up on songs like "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves" and "Dark Lady" and all her other classics. Awesome stuff. 

15. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne *NSFW - language warning!* 

To finish up, here's one of my absolute favourites for when I just want to dance around my living room like a complete idiot. Enjoy! 

So that's it!! Fifteen awesome songs from my own personal Spotify playlist! 

I hope you found something you forgot you once loved, or something completely new. Until next time, lovelies, 

{REVEAL} Pine Ridge Treasures Favourite Things Blog Hop and Challenge!!

Hi lovelies, and welcome to my FIRST EVER blog hop/challenge! I'm super excited about this and am dying to show you all my goodies. 

If you're unfamiliar with this concept, we all received a package of gorgeous things from Lisa and our challenge was to make jewellery using those items and items from our own stash if necessary. First of all, the package of yummy beady goodness that I received from Lisa was even more gorgeous than I thought it would be. The colours are stunning, the quality amazing, and it's all just beautiful stuff. 

I was, to be 100% honest, a little overwhelmed by the amount of stuff there was in this parcel, and it took ages for me to be able to sort through my thoughts enough to come up with pieces that made any sort of sense whatsoever. What I managed to come up with though, is in my opinion, the beginnings of a lovely Autumn themed line of jewellery that will suit many tastes and styles. So, without further ado, here we go: 

Piece 1. ~ Necklace
I wanted something super simple and yet elegant for my first piece. I originally wanted to do something totally asymmetrical and random looking, but I never find that easy to do and of course, ended up with something far more symmetrical. I'll work on that ;) I love the colours in this, and thought the addition of a bronze metal leaf from my own stash made sense for an autumn/fall range. (Focal from Joan Miller). 

Piece 2 ~ Memory Wire Bracelet
Keeping with the bohemian autumn feel, I decided to go with memory wire bracelets instead of messing about with clasps and multi strands (okay, okay....I initially went with multi strand and decided I hated everything!) 

Piece 3 ~ Second memory wire bracelet
This one uses the smaller, less chunky of the beads in this pack, giving it a completely different look: 

Pieces 4 - 7 ~Earrings 

All earrings are hung on sterling silver wires. I deliberately went with small and delicate rather than big and bulky. 

26g silver wire is used to wrap the top drilled leaf beads, This has been done in a natural, organic fashion rather than concentrating on nice, even wraps. 

That's it! My first ever blog hop and challenge! I'm hooked! I'm already looking forward to doing more in the near future. I'll be listing all of these pieces on the website; look out for this post being edited with the details. 

Enjoy your weekend! Lots of love,

***Here are the other gorgeous people involved in this blog hop. Please go check them all out and love on them a little bit :D***

Your Hostess: Lisa Lodge, A Grateful Artist

Gloria Allen, Wings and Beads

Kim Dworak, Cianci Blue

Veralynne Malone, Designed by Vera

Shaiha Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

Kathy Zeigler Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

Carolyn Lawson,  Carolyn's Creations

8 Things I Learned By Designing Jewellery

I've been feeling a little flat lately and wondering if this whole jewellery making malarkey is worth it, or if I've totally wasted the last 4 years of my life doing something that nobody gives a crap about. 

Then, the other day, I saw a post that said simply: 

Awesome. I let the words sort of sink in, then I sat down then and started to think about what I have really learned on this journey. Here's what I came up with: 

1. I can take criticism (when it's done properly). Don't just walk up to me and tell me my stuff sucks. Actually, don't do that to anyone because it's kind of a dick move, to be honest. Say something like, "Hey, I really like this piece, but have you thought about doing ............... instead?" Yes, offer me a suggestion! I won't bite your head off for doing so. Sure, I might bite my tongue and then cry a little bit when you're not looking, but I'll certainly think over your idea and try to put it into practice later on down the road. 

2. I have more artistic talent than I thought I did in high school. You remember those art classes? The ones with the little paint pots and A3 sized paper and a gazillion brushes in the room? Then the teacher, blabbering on about some famous painter or another, expects YOU to create some sort of weird masterpiece? Yeah. I sucked at those. I mean, I really sucked. I remember one "creation" I came up with that supposed to be a silhouette of a sunset and the piers I used to go to as a kid...it looked nothing like it. I talked myself down so much over that stupid painting that I decided I would never, ever, ever, in a million years, ever be an artist. Ummm..... my mistake. 




3. I'm really good at online shopping. Do I need to explain this one? 

4. I might be just a tiny little bit pedantic. This is not a good thing, people. Okay so being pedantic about some things and needing to have stuff in a certain way can be constructive and helpful. For me, it's the most paralysing thing EVER. I can't work if my workspace is a mess. My workspace is always a mess. You see the problem? I clean it up, I work well for a while, then by the time I'm done it looks like little jewellery making elves came in during the night and had a party on my desk. Then I can't work because it's a mess and it's too overwhelming to clean it up, but then I do because I'm so desperate to create something...... and so it goes.  Sigh. 



5. I am far too easily distracted. It's a problem. Oh look.....beads and wire and cogs and clocks and...Oooh someone liked my Instagram photo! I have comments on Facebook.... Oh yeah. I was writing a blog....my bad. 

6.  The jewellery making community ROCKS. For the most part, anyway. There's always the few who look down their nose and go "Oh, you just string? That's nice." Yeah, I did just string until a few weeks ago, and I don't see anything wrong with that. It is still art! Aargh! I'm a member of SRAJD (Self Representing Artists in Jewellery Design) and that community is amazing. It's full of super supportive, funny, entertaining and insanely talented people, all trying to make the world a better place one creation at a time :D 

7. I have a serious addiction to storage boxes. I can count 15 different types of storage just sitting here. That doesn't include the stuff that's NOT here on my workspace within easy reach, or what's in my filing cabinet which doesn't actually store anything that needs to be filed.. My husband sent me a text a couple of weeks ago telling me he'd bought me a present. It was more storage for my clay. I was so excited I actually squealed when I saw the photo. I may have a problem.

8. Making jewellery is my world. Apart from husband and children of course. It comes a very close 2nd. I've learned that if you're not doing something that you truly love - something that you can be proud of and that is pretty much an extension of yourself, you're not really living. Go. Find your passion. 

With all my love,

xxx

Monday Style Focus - Steampunk

Welcome to the first of my weekly style focus posts! This will form sort of the basis of the style I'll be working in for that week (although I won't concentrate solely on that style - if that makes sense!). 

This week - the focus is on Steampunk - one of my favourite styles but also the one I work with the least and know the least about. So, I went on a little internet hunt and found some nuggets of information I thought I'd share: 

What is steampunk, anyway? 

1. Steampunk, before it became the full-blown sub-culture it is today, started out as a science-fiction sub-genre in the 1970s. Its fundamental inspirations go all the way back to 19th century Victorian writers, such as Jules Verne (author of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) and H.G. Wells (author of The Time Machine) https://sites.google.com/a/depauw.edu/airships-and-corsets/history-origins

This focus has been brought about due to my involvment in a jewellery making challenge where the topic is Steampunk bridal, and I must admit, I'm stuck for ideas! I'm a very visual learner so scrolling through Google has really helped get those creative juices flowing, and here's some of my absolute favourite internet finds: 

The  large one in the middle is actually an insanely beautiful creation by WhatUpMerna, and it is amazing. The others have come from different places around the net, so if you know the creator of some of these, please let me know so I can credit the artist. 

Recommended reading: 

If youd like to read more about Steampunk and it's origins, here's a few links to start you off. 

• http://www.gdfalksen.com/Steampunk
• http://steampunkscholar.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/history-of-steampunk-by-cory-gross.html
• http://www.bigbeadlittlebead.com/guides_and_information/history_of_steampunk.php (this is my favourite because it talks about the components that can go into steampunk jewellery!)

Keep an eye on the blog, my facebook page and the website to see what Steampunkery I get up to this week!

Love,

xxx

5 Fabulous Jewellery Tips For Guys!

A little while ago, I did a Q &A thingymajig on my Facebook Page. One of the questions I received was from a lady wanting to know what jewellery was on trend for our men folk.

Now, I admit it, I don't do much men's jewellery. I think I should, and this blog is sort of the start of my men's line. I also don't follow trends much, but sometimes I feel there's a place for them, so over the next few days I'll follow the advice I've found and see what I can come up with. 

So with all that said, here are my Top 5 tips for guys (with a little lots of help from the internet!) 

1. Bracelets. 

SIMON CARTER SEMI PRECIOUS BRACELET PACK

If you ask my hubby, or any of my male friends, they'll tell you "No! Men don't wear bracelets! Men wear watches. Men occasionally wear cuff links. They do not wear bracelets!" 

Guess what? Not true. 

Thin, leather bracelets that can be worn with watches and stacked with other pieces are very "in" this year. Brands and designers such as Miansai and Alexander McQueen are doing some seriously AWESOME stuff with men's bracelets. Check them out. I don't think I'll ever convince my hubby but I think this look is HOT! (I really, really love the little metal skulls in these bracelets. I have some of those somewhere, I'm sure of it! Hmm.)

2. Necklaces. 

Icon Brand Wild at heart necklace

I've always loved necklaces on guys but it's soooo easy to get this look wrong. According to everything I've read so far, these are your best tips for wearing necklaces: 

• Go for SLIM LINE. Don't go chunky, ever. 
• Medium width chains, please. Don't go all rapper on us.
• Look for silver, brass and gold. They won't be hard to find...it's EVERYWHERE. I'm also seeing lots of black. As far as precious stones are concerned, I'll always suggest hematite and onyx for guys. But as always, it's up to your personal preference, too.
• Keep it simple. 

3. Rings

SEVEN LONDON LIFE
FEATHER RING

Rings don't have to be scary, nor do they only have to tell the world, "Hey! I'm off the market!" They can be a gorgeous, fresh, stylish addition to your wardrobe. 

Here's some tips: 

• Don't JUST go for plain gold, silver or rose gold - they will look too much like wedding rings (Not that there's anything wrong with that but if you're single, that might not be something you want the ladies thinking!)
• Go for designs cast from oxidised silver, brass, and zinc for a look that's a little more bohemian and less matrimonial 
• Layer up or just wear one...it's really up to you but make sure that you don't end up looking like Mr T, please!

4. Cuff links

T.M.LEWIN ROUND KNOTS GIFT SET

Let's face it, it's wedding season (or at least it is here, anyway. Not sure about the rest of the world!). This means that at some point, you may need to dress more formally than usual. Somehow I can't see how a crisp white T shirt and jeans are going to go down well at a formal, black tie event. In the event that you have to ditch your T for a tux, cuff links are a timeless classic that every guy should own (I really, really like these on the right by T.M Lewin). There are some awesome styles out there at the moment, so go ahead and check them out. Summer is a great time to experiment with different types of cuff links too; don't feel that you have to go only with silver or gold. 

 5. And finally.....

Guys, do whatever it is that makes you happy. If a watch is enough, just wear your watch. If you want to layer up necklaces (that DON'T make you look like Mr T!), go for it. If you want to wear rings that look like wedding rings even though you've never been married....do it. 
Don't wear stuff just because some random fashion or jewellery blog tells you to. Your own personal style is just that. Yours. Be unique, be different, be yourself. 

With love, 

xxx

Midlife Madness - How I'm Coping With An Apparent Early "Change"

One of the wigs I just bought
from the amazing
Gothic Lolita/Rockstar Wigs
Rainbow
Rock collection

Something weird is happening to me. I'm reinventing myself ever so slowly....and not even really thinking about it. A couple of weeks ago, I ordered three wigs from Gothic Lolita wigs (check them out, they're amazing!) because "hey...get totally kick ass handmade  jewellery from the chick with the awesome wig collection!" 

Huh?

To be honest I've always loved wigs - I find them to be totally fabulous, and for someone who cannot grow their hair, they're also a lifesaver! Yay for new hair every day! Woohoo! I'm so excited!

I bought funky new stuff I can use as jewellery displays because "hey...velvet is boring!"

Ooookay then......

No, really. It sounds so much lamer than it is. I went op shopping (thrift store shopping for my US fans) and found some pretty awesome photo frames that I'm hoping to turn into earring displays. I got some gorgeous material (NOT velvet, even though the check out lady was puzzled and gave me the "Why aren't you using velvet?" thing) which will hang earrings perfectly and this week I'll get all creative with that.  

I couldn't get my new polymer clay pieces into the gift boxes that I spent a STUPID amount of money on last year, so off I went to Spotlight (again!) and found these super cute paper mache ones that I'm in the middle of painting to match my colour scheme. They're ADORABLE and my customers will love them. I apologise for the awful photo. My camera decided it was going to just die a few months ago so i've been using my phone, which under normal lighting and whatnot, isn't awful. This photo just happens to be under NON normal lighting and not properly thought through. Sorry :/

I'm desperate to get my nails done in those long sharp points I see loads of people totally rocking lately. I mean come on, who DOESN'T want absolutely incredibly sexy nails like this. Riiiiight??? 

I want rockabilly dresses and more tattoos. I want to experiment and try all sorts of new makeup looks because....... 


"Hey, being almost 40 doesn't mean DEAD!"

My question therefore is.....

Is a midlife crisis at 37 (almost 38) actually a thing?

I thought I had to be in my 40's before this crazy set in! And if it is a thing, then how come it's setting in before the dreaded monthlies stop? That hardly seems fair. I mean, let me have the crazy without the bloating and cramping and whatnot.

I'm sure my husband thinks I've gone quite mad, although he's super supportive and doesn't really SAY he thinks I'm completely whacko. My kids just roll their eyes at me and groan. I haven't even TOLD most of my friends about this stuff. 

Why do women do that? We go through these phases in our lives, then we're so horrified by it that we can't even confide in our best friends about the inner workings of our minds because "OMG what if she judges me?!?" 

Good grief. 

I feel sorry for our men folk. I can't understand us and I'm one of us! God only knows how they feel! 

Anyhoo, between waiting anxiously for clay and wigs and jewellery making supplies to arrive, and the nagging feeling that I'm slowly but surely losing my mind, this is what I look like most days, except..less furry.

In my defense though, at least it's not sports cars an 20 year old men that I'm addicted to! 

Love, 

xxx

8 Kick-Ass Questions From Fabulous Fans!

Hi Lovelies!

I'm really excited about this post. This morning, I asked my Facebook Fans to ask me any question they wanted. Here are their perfectly awesome kick-ass questions:

Jennifer asked:

Seven Oaks is your business name. How did you come up with the name? It's very catchy!

First of all, Jennifer, thanks for that lovely compliment! Anyhoo, I grew up in the UK in a small town called Morpeth. It's a gorgeous town, the river Wansbeck runs through it, and it's surrounded by woods...and oak trees. They were always my favourite as a kid. I loved everything about them - the acorns, the shape of the leaves, the sheer size of them, the amount of shade you got from them...they're just awesome. When I was naming (or I should say, renaming my business), I knew it had to have something to do with Oaks. The "seven" part was easy. There are eight people in my immediate family, including myself. Eight Oaks didn't sound quite right, so I knocked myself out of the equation and named the business for the number of people around me who have always supported me, loved me and my work, and given me all the strength of an oak tree...Sappy, I know! Thanks for your question, Jennifer :) x

Fay and Carla asked:

What inspires you? Where do you get inspiration from?

This is a tough one. Lots of things inspire me. It could be a colour I see (I use colour swatches as inspiration quite often!). Sometimes the shape of a leaf or something similar might spark an idea. Recently though I've found inspiration in movies and TV shows (yes, I'm a huge Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings fan LOL). Music is always a huge inspiration to me too...it might be a lyric or something that just resonates with me and from that there's a spark of...something...and then I spend a night just sort of letting it sink in. Then I create whatever it is that's been buzzing around in my head. I've started sketching my ideas before making them and that's proving to be quite the inspiration too (it also stops me from going off on a tangent and never actually making that piece!). I’m also the one scrolling though page after page of celebrity photos to look for ones that I can do a “how would I accessorise that look” sort of thing. Different styles really inspire me too. Right now I’m really into steampunk but also faerie like, fantasty, elvish sort of stuff. Lastly….contests and challenges help so much. Right now I have a few on the go, which are helping with creativity and inspiration a LOT. Hope this helps a bit. Thanks for a great question, ladies! x

Emily asked:

How did you get into jewellery making??

I started jewellery making in 2010 after sort of falling into it. I had been at my local craft store looking for stuff for my kids to do over the long 6 week holiday (as if their Christmas pressies weren’t enough!) and I found myself in the jewellery aisle. There wasn’t much there but a starter kit caught my eye straight away. I had a friend who also made gorgeous jewellery and I was admittedly jealous, so I figured I’d give it a go. If I sucked at it or hated it, then all I’d lost is a few bucks and a couple of hours. So, I got the kit home, made a couple of pairs of earrings (they were HORRID), and was hooked. The obsession love of it started there and has continued ever since. I keep saying “I must really think about giving it up to make room in the house” but just can’t bring myself to do it. It’s my life now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thanks for your question, Emily! x

Stephanie asked:

What was the first piece of jewellery that you made?

Wow, this is a tough question! I mentioned above that I made a couple of pairs of earrings the day that I bought my first starter kit – so technically those would be my first pieces. Ohhh they were awful. They were made with pink, silver and white glass pearl beads, strung on these really gawdy looking hoops. They were horrid but I remember being SO proud of myself for making something that I actually wore them for work the next day! I don’t have a photo of them, luckily for you!

Most of my first pieces were earrings – I still have LOADS that I’ve never been able to sell because they were my first ever batch and weren’t really of a great quality. I just can’t bring myself to get rid of them yet. My first necklace was a disaster – I decided to try to do a floating bead design and it sucked. The wire was basically fishing line (which I’ve heard can work really well in jewellery but obviously not when you’ve been doing this for 5 minutes!) and it bunched up, wouldn’t like flat, tangled up….it was terrible! It still got some interest though. It didn't sell and I eventually tore it apart. Thanks Stephanie for your question! x

Shirley asked:

What are they made from?

My jewellery pieces are made from a range of materials, but it really depends on the specific design. Most necklace and bracelets are made from semi-precious stones or metals (occasionally wood, but since I live in the tropics I try to avoid using wood as much as possible. The humidity here plays havoc with it). Earrings are nearly always made with sterling silver ear wires; I’m slowly eradicating silver plate altogether, except for components that don’t actually make contact with the skin such as headpins. I adore Swarovski Crystal so 9 times out of 10 if a piece has some sparkle, it has some Swarovski in it. I don’t use stretchy stuff to string with – I don’t trust it. Instead, I use high quality beading wires such as Softflex and Accuflex – they’re much stronger and give a lovely drape, especially in necklaces. Recently I’ve begun using polymer clay to make pieces with, which I absolutely love and am now totally addicted committed to experimenting with more often. Hope this answers your question, Shirley! x

Angela asked:

I would like to know what colours are your favourite to work with?

This is tough! The short answer is….. all of them. My absolute favourites though are pinks, purples, blues and black. Of course this changes on a weekly basis – and again it really depends on what I’m doing. I’m heavily inspired by steampunk style at the moment so I’m looking at lots of brass, copper, brown, and gold tones. Then there’s the fantasy side of me which is all metallic blues and purples and pinks and faerie like goodness. I also really love the simplicity of black and white. I have a whole range of stuff that is just black and white – because I got on a roll with the monotone look and basically couldn’t stop! It varies a lot. I’m totally open to all colours but really don’t like yellow. I tried to do shopping for yellow beads the other day because I don’t have any, and couldn’t do it! They just irritated me (and yet buying yellow clay for a project I have in mind didn’t bother me in the least – go figure!). Hope this answers your question, Angela! x

Amber asked:

Where did you learn to make jewellery?

The short answer – in my living room on YouTube lol! Seriously. I live in a city, but it’s so far away from “civilisation” that it’s positively scary. We don’t have many places to learn arts and things and what there is, is very expensive (I wanted to do a Polymer Clay course here, but at $300 for a two day workshop, I had to pass!). So, I spend a lot of time watching YouTube, reading books and magazines and chatting to and learning from other designers. There’s a few really AMAZING groups that I’m involved in, my favourite being Self Representing Artists in Jewelry Design, which has taught me SO much and been so supportive that I can’t see myself furthering my jewellery career without them. Hope that answers your question, Amber! x

Dione asked: 

What or Who is the biggest influence in your designs?

Right now, I adore the work of Laura Bracken (she's one of my idols and I want to be just like her!!), Cindy Lietz, and a few other artists who are experts in polymer clay. I really love  Emily Green's work too - her use of colour is awesome. Diav Draconia is another one who I adore and am learning so much from through her YouTube channel. Style (or genre) influences me more than people though - I don't want to be another Laura, or Emily....but yes I adore their work and will happily gawk at it for hours lol! x

So there you go. All your questions answered! If you have any more you'd like to ask, you can do so in the comments below, or on Facebook! 

Talk soon, 

~Jacqui~