I started making jewellery to sell under the name My Way Or The Highway around seven years ago. This was before children, and during a career, so it was always a partime thing. All my friends received jewellery for their birthday, I sold it at work and I fullfilled individual orders.

I had loads of creative outlets, so it remained very casual until after I had my beautiful kids.

Then it became almost essential to be able to be artistic and to create something. I often used it as retail therapy without the retail bit (why spend loads of money when you can MAKE yourself something!). And to unwind after a whirlwind day (I tend to watch very little TV).

My materials have evolved over the years. I find that when I see someone else making things similar to mine I change what I am doing.

Having said that, I have also found myself being totally inspired by what other people are making and have often used the same materials or colours.

I haven’t been restricted to jewels. I have made felt brooches, retro fabric hand bags…and…ok…jewellery.

 Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, button jewellery. Materials have included (but not exclusive to), black wire, czech beads, fire poilshed beads, chain of all description, ribbon, buttons and pressed glass.

Inspiration is always an elusive thing, but the most inpsired I get is when I have run out of materials to use.

 My black wire earrings and pendants, which have by far been my biggest seller over the years, came about as I was trying to make earrings to wear to a ball one year. I did not have a single bead, only black plastic covered wire.

The antique copper necklace (at the top of post) is a present for a special girlfriend, and once again, I didn’t have the beads I wanted (only chain) in the middle of the night…so the simplistic design was born.

My jewellery making has become something that I can do very quickly, so it’s instant gratification for me. An important thing in my life right now, as time to leisurely sit at my desk for hours is impossible with two small children.

And finding that thing that makes me feel good is as necessary as food and water.