Q: Can you tell a bit about the early days of Pipsjewellery?
A: When I look back at my very first beads that I made, they make me cringe a little. They were very amateurish and not well finished. But, oh I did love making them. I experimented and learnt and experimented some more. I bought every book I could lay my hands on regarding polymer and learnt some more. I then stumbled on Polymer Clay Daily, the wonderful Blog by Cynthia Tinapple and saw the amazing creations and art being made all over the world. I was so inspired. There were very few of us working with Polymer here in the UK at that time, but this site just made me realise what a fantastic community was out there.
I learnt about Etsy and decided to open a shop on the site. It took me ages from actually acquiring the shop to getting it open. I knew nothing about making banners, or taking decent photos then, but slowly I got it how I wanted it to look and then actually opened
it. I can remember nervously waiting to see if anyone would even look at my shop, let alone buy a piece of jewellery, and then I got my first sale the very day I opened my shop…I couldn’t believe it! The happy dance was performed all over the house!
Q: What inspires you in your work?
A: That has to be nature. I know everyone says this to some extent, but really, when I walk my mad dog in the mornings, I am always looking for leaves, berries, nuts, twigs, stones, shells…anything interesting, different or just beautiful. Colours are everywhere and I am constantly looking for lovely combinations that nature supplies. Sometimes they can be really unexpected. Oranges and reds or pinks, colours that you wouldn't normally think of putting together, but in nature they work!
Q: Can you tell me a bit about the design process of a new bead? How do you start?
A: Most times, it starts with me simply sitting at my desk with a lump of clay and playing around with it. It is funny how just playing can lead to something. Othertimes I may have a specific idea and then have to work out how to do it. My beach hut beads developed from a lovely mosaic wall hanging that a good friend and maker gave to me. I just thought that a beach hut would make a lovely and unusual bead and so decided to try to make some. They have been a continual best seller since I started making them.