Blog interview with Jewelbox

Today's blog interview is with Zoe from Jewelbox

Tell me a little bit about your craft(s)

I make jewellery! Primarily necklaces, but I am just starting to try different designs in earrings and bracelets, and have made a few spectacle holders for some of my mums friends which were fun.

What inspired you to get started with this?

I absolutely love jewellery and like to have a lot of choice in what I wear. I got really fed up of seeing basically the same designs in every shop I went in, except for the shops that sold handmade items! A light bulb went off above my head, and I decided to give it a try myself.

What do you think about the level of British craft & design talent around at the moment?

I think we have got a huge amount of talent in Britain, but I don't think we make the best of it. Call it the British reserve, but I think we should be proud of our accomplishments and should shout it out in the streets. (I agree!!)

What are your hopes for 2010? Is there a specific goal you want to reach?

My hopes are to continue with my jewellery making, and possibly to branch out into other crafts. My goal would be to be able to give up my day job, and craft full time, but I think that may be a little while yet!

Do you get out and about to craft fairs? What do you think to the general standard of fairs at the moment?

I only attend craft fairs as a customer, not a seller. I think craft fairs are great, but again, not advertised well enough. I believe craft fairs/websites etc. could all do with a Nationwide campaign to bring them to peoples attention.

What do you think is the best / worst / most unusual thing you have ever made? (plus photos if possible!) The best thing I have made recently is my Chrysocolla necklace (see it on the Jewelbox blog ) The worst things I have made were when I first started making necklaces, and wasn't very good at crimping, so as soon as I put a necklace on, it fell apart! I learnt very quickly from that one!!!

Which other designer makers work do you admire?

I love your designs! (Awww thank you!) and on Folksy I think Cinnamon Jewellery has some really great items.

Do you have any pets? If so what are they, and what are they called?

I have a miniature daschund called Rose. She is 15 now, bless her. There is a photo of her on my blog!

Do you listen to music when you're working, and if so, what kind of music do you like?

I don't really listen to music, but my favourite way to make jewellery is to have a tray on my lap whislt watching telly.

Thanks to Zoe for answering my questions, Zoe makes lovely jewellery, which can be found on her Folksy shop