Spotlight on the Seller...Lorraine D Connolly Jewellery

I am a Yorkshire lass, born in Keighley and now based in the small market town of Howden, in the East Riding. I worked as journalist for many years before realising, in my late 40s, that I wanted to be a jewellery maker/designer when I grew up! Redundancy pushed me into making the move and I launched my business last year.

My jewellery is made in large part from fine silver clay, which uses silver recycled from the film industry and other sources, including x-rays! The finished pieces are 99.9% pure silver, with some sterling silver.

I also love the versatility and colour of polymer clay, which works well in jewellery, creating unique and wearable art.

I love to add texture and depth to my jewellery and many of my designs are inspired by textiles, specifically crochet and lace. Preserving the delicacy of the fabric designs, whether in fine silver or polymer clay means each and every piece is truly unique. There is no mass-production here.

 

My aim is for others to take as much pleasure from owning and giving my work as I do in designing and making it.

I love creating these pieces and hope that others will enjoy wearing them. 

 

Spotlight on the seller.... Sara Gartside

My name is Sara Gartside.

I studied Illustration at the University of Westminster and graduated with a first class honours degree, many moons ago!

Since then I have worked full time as an Illustrator, Muralist and Designer.

The hours are long and I have no switch off button, but I am passionate about my work and never forget what a privilege it is to use my talent and make a living from doing something I love.

My work has often incorporated Hearts and a few years ago I decided to develop my interest for this universal shape within my work.

I love combining art with something useful and practical, hence the mirrors, but since then the hearts have expanded into a range that includes names, dates, messages and gestures for special occasions including weddings, christenings and birthdays.

My influences come from a wide range of things; nature, jewellery, ceramics and general designs that surround us in everyday life.

The heart is such an iconic shape and I really enjoy experimenting with new ideas, shapes, colours and textures.

The heart shapes are my own design and are cut exclusively for me to my own specifications.

I produce a ready to buy range, which includes a wide variety of colours and designs. Also, I provide a bespoke service, taking commissions for any size of mirror, heart or keepsake.

I will work with the customer and discuss colour, size, design and deadline to ensure the end result is very special and each one unique!