Much later, one of my craft supply catalogues had button back parts... and the idea was back once again but with the supplies that were perfect. This is how I started making the ‘Snap To It’ pieces. There was nothing like it in the US or Canada at that point. Snap To It was the first of its kind in Canada.
With regards to the map jewellery, I swear I messed around with those things for two years before I found the exact procedure in which I wanted to make them. Again...so many prototypes that I did not like. If I’m not happy with it, I’m not making it, but I finally perfected it to the point I loved them. All of my other jewellery pieces are inspired by day to day events.
Casa London: What got you interested in making the steam punk jewellery?
Wendy: Steampunk is a mix of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steam power of the 19th century, with the twist that it takes place in a historical period or a fantasy world. My love for reading fantasy books was the biggest inspiration for this. This, together with the fact that I was raised surrounded by vintage pieces and antiquities. I’m obsessed with watch-works, which is a large part of steampunk. I love the cogs and wheels. It is all just so beautiful. I’ve always have this obsession with time, and the beauty of the ticking clocks.
Casa London: What about the maps? Where did that idea come from?
Wendy: That’s another thing I can attribute to my parents, and going to flea markets. They would take us there every weekend. My Dad used to collect all sorts of vintage items, and maps were one of the things that he loved. My favorites were those beautiful old brown antique versions. They look so old-school, plus they are the style always shown in all the fantasy movies. I love that. I started making jewellery with maps because of those memories. What I love about making them, is that every single person that buys from me has an incredible story about a location, and they always want to tell me about it. Locations mean everything to people.