Rediscovering My Creative Journey as a Jeweller

Imagine discovering a forgotten treasure trove—your own creations, buried in corner of a studio you called home for 21 years. That’s exactly what happened when I moved out of my beloved Muspole Workshops in Norwich. As I opened the hidden drawers , I unearthed the jewellery I designed and crafted in the 1990s—a career-defining chapter of my life that had long been tucked away.
How Nylon Transformed My Art
My fascination with materials started during my degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing. A tutor casually suggested nylon as a potential material—something new to explore alongside traditional metals. Though he hadn’t worked with it himself, I was intrigued by the possibilities. Nylon became the foundation of my creative journey, and I threw myself into experimenting with it.
I taught myself how to dye nylon and explored using printing techniques as resists to create patterns. I developed methods to transform flat, 2D shapes into striking 3D forms, resulting in bold, sculptural jewellery that was entirely unique. Click here to see images.
In 1992, I showcased my first collection at Chelsea Crafts Fair, and over the next six years, I returned with new designs. This platform launched my jewellery into an international spotlight, leading to exhibitions and collaborations with many renowned galleries and museum shops. Two trips to the USA to participate in the Crafts Council’s Accent on Design at the San Francisco International Gift Fair and receiving awards for innovation at the British Craft Trade Fair and Crafts from Britain. My work was sold at the Guggenheim Museum shop in the USA, the V&A Crafts Council Gallery shop in London, and the Castle Museum in my home city of Norwich. Some pieces even became part of museum collections, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Staffordshire Museum & Art Gallery, and the Usher Gallery in Lincoln.
At the time, I was immersed in my creative flow, continually designing, exhibiting, and travelling to craft fairs. I couldn’t have imagined a different path—but life, as it often does, had other plans.
A Creative Pivot Born of Awareness
Two pivotal moments in the late 1990s made me question the sustainability of my practice.
The first came in the form of a health diagnosis: epilepsy. While there was no clear cause, stress was suggested as a factor. My mother, a nurse, raised concerns about the chemicals and dust I was exposed to while working with nylon. I began to wonder if my studio environment could be contributing to my condition.
The second moment came when I was moving studios. As I packed up years of work, I collected a mountain of nylon offcuts. I naively thought I could dispose of them responsibly, but when I took them to the waste depot, I was told they would go straight to landfill. Seeing the sheer amount of waste I’d produced was a wake-up call. I felt responsible and began to question how my creative practice aligned with my values.
By 2000, I had stepped away from jewellery-making, apart from a couple of special projects. One was an exhibition called The Written Word at the Leeds Craft and Design Gallery, where I created text-adorned jewellery. Another was a piece for the Lesley Craze Gallery’s 20th anniversary, for which I designed a nylon neckpiece-mobile inspired by the work of artist Alexander Calder.
Ultimately, I felt a pull to work on a larger scale and began exploring sculptural lighting during my Design by Independent Project MA degree.
Uncovering Forgotten Treasures
Fast forward to today, and I find myself surrounded by pieces that tell the story of a different era in my career. While sorting through my studio during a move, I unearthed pendants, bracelets, earrings, and neckpieces I hadn’t seen in years.
They were part of my “back-catalogue”—designs with bold colours, I had tucked away when I moved on to a new collection using text. Over time, these pieces became out of sight, out of mind, hidden below a shelf in cupboard drawers.
As I held each piece in my hands, I felt a sense of nostalgia. These designs represented a period of bold experimentation and creative growth. They carried the marks of a younger version of myself—someone immersed in pushing boundaries and perfecting her craft of jewellery-making.
Now, these treasures are ready to shine again. Some pieces were large earrings from the early 90s, which I have upcycled into pendants. While transforming neckpieces into adjustable necklets, which are stylish and wearable. Carefully preparing them for an online sale. Giving them a chance to find new homes and spark joy in the hands of those who appreciate the artistry behind handmade jewellery.
Looking Ahead: From Jewellery to Sustainable Sculptural Designs
While my jewellery-making days are behind me, my love of materials and processes continues to shape my work. Today, I create sculptural interior pieces that emphasize sustainability, often incorporating found materials and eco-conscious practices. This shift has allowed me to channel my creativity into work that reflects my values while still pushing the boundaries of design.
Revisiting my jewellery has been a powerful reminder of where I started. These pieces tell the story of a chapter in my life that was filled with exploration, discovery, and growth, as I am about to embark on learning a new skill to create new designs. Sharing them now feels like closing a loop—bringing my creative journey full circle while looking ahead to the future.
As I have been preparing these jewellery pieces, I’m reminded of the joy and passion that went into creating them. Each item is more than just jewellery—it’s a piece of my creative history, a snapshot of another time.
I hope these treasures find their way to people who will cherish them as much as I’ve cherished making them.
