Designer Interview – Valerie Anderson

How and why did you start making jewellery?

I have always been creative, making clothes for my dolls when I was small J As an adult I have enjoyed knitting and dressmaking, moving on to paper crafts around 4 years ago. I started making altered art dominoes a couple of years ago and decided to make them into pieces of jewellery, hence plummeting down the slippery slope of jewellery making!

What would you say keeps you inspired and motivated?

I enjoy taking part in workshops and keeping up to date with new techniques via online forums, magazines and meeting fellow crafters. You can be inspired by other people to create something truly original.

What are some of your favourite materials to work and create with?

I enjoy working with polymer clay and using wire to create my designs

Who’s your favourite designer?

They don’t have to be well known it could be someone you have met along the way.

Linda Jones is an inspiration for creating wonderful wirework and also Emma Ralph and Elise Canning who create fabulous polymer clay work (Emma also makes some stunning lampwork beads)

If you could sum up your look and aesthetic in three words, what would they be and why?
Contemporary, varied, arty. I find it difficult to catagorise, as I am somewhat of a butterfly and dependent on my mood, I can create in different styles

What’s your studio or workspace like and do you have a certain way of working in your studio?

I am not fortunate enough to have a workshop and I work on the dining table in organised chaos! My cats sometimes like to help. I do have all my beads and findings organised and invested in a tall storage unit, which is ideal (although it could now do with a twin 🙂

What can’t you live without when making jewellery?

My beading tools are a must, especially my snips!

There are lots of jewellery designers trying to make that next step and sell their jewellery, what advice would you give them and how did you make that step?

Maybe a friend would hold a jewellery party for you, this is the less scary option!
I joined my local craft association, who I found to be very supportive. Try to be a little different from your competitors and be enthusiastic about your craft.

What would you say makes you smile the most when making jewellery?

Lots of things make me smile. I love getting feedback on my website from satisfied customers, especially when it has been a commissioned piece.
At a recent craft fair a mother bought her 3 yr old daughter a bracelet from my stall, the little girl put it on and held her arm rigid, showing her bracelet to everyone who passed.

Finally, what type of jewellery and style do your customers love the most?

I have found that my more original designs are popular, rather than simple strung pieces. My sea glass jewellery, domino brooches and polymer clay work have proved to be popular.

and anything you would like to add?

Jewellery design is for magpies, who love pretty, shiny stuff. It becomes an obsession but also a passion. It really doesn’t matter what other people think of your work, as long as you have enjoyed yourself and found satisfaction in your designs.

My Website Bedeckbeads

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