Where it all started

I started making fused glass jewellery over 17 years ago, making many different pieces after buying a necklace from America and falling in love with it.  After months of research, I bought a microwave kiln and some glass, set myself up and had a go.  I am completely self educated through trial and error, experimentation and lots of practice.  This soon led to my memorial jewellery journey. 

My 1st piece of memorial jewellery came about when a friend was travelling to Egypt.  Her husband had died before the holiday and she carried a pot of his ashes around with her.  It is prohibited to take ashes into Egypt, so she asked if I could put some into glass.  This was way before any of the companies around now, had even started.  

I researched and there was nothing online at all.  Her response to this was 'he'd love to have been experimented with'.  I sat and worked out how I could do it and wondered if it would actually work. I was so happy it did.  1st try and the result was a beautiful green piece of glass with the ashes showing through a clear layer.  I turned it into a necklace and delivered it.  She cried, I cried, we were a bit of an emotional mess.  She went to Egypt with him and I was left feeling like I'd really helped someone at such a difficult time.  I decided then, that one day, I would make special pieces of other people. Although life, work and having a child took over, I've never looked back. 

I began working with silver at the end of 2015. My motivation to learn silver came from my journey making memorial jewellery.  Such a special piece of glass should be held within an equally beautiful setting.
I attended classes in Aldershot with Kirsten Hendrick, completed work experience with Donna Collinson in Guildford.  I was also privileged to spend some time with Isabella Day watching her work and learning new techniques.  They have all been a massive inspiration to me and taught me so much. 

Teaching
I currently teach monthly for a charity in Torquay.  Abbey Recreational Crafts is a place where anyone can come along and learn a new skill, have a chat and a drink.  It's great for those who are isolated and want to come and meet other like minded people in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Classes in microwave glass fusing are also available at my premises.  Contact me for information.

I am a member of the Guild of Jewellery Designers.