"There are things other than jewellery, I hear. I don't quite believe it, but that's what they say.
I started making jewellery in 2004, I've got special love for metal clay, and especially silver, though I'm experimenting with copper at the moment. I'm also having a go at bead weaving, both on and off loom. That's a bit little comparing apples and giraffes, they're quite different.
When I'm not in my jewellery making tower, I teach English, run a Brownie group (girls not cakes) study linguistics, and try to travel as much as I can.
I love gemstones and matching and contrasting different textures and colors. I hope you like my shiny things and if you'd like something extra specially shiny just for you, do contact me and I'll do my best for you."
I started making jewellery in 2004, I've got special love for metal clay, and especially silver, though I'm experimenting with copper at the moment. I'm also having a go at bead weaving, both on and off loom. That's a bit little comparing apples and giraffes, they're quite different.
When I'm not in my jewellery making tower, I teach English, run a Brownie group (girls not cakes) study linguistics, and try to travel as much as I can.
I love gemstones and matching and contrasting different textures and colors. I hope you like my shiny things and if you'd like something extra specially shiny just for you, do contact me and I'll do my best for you."
Shop Name: Ministry of ShinyWhat you like to go by: Abbie
When did you start your shop? On Etsy in November 2011
Is this your only job? No, I teach English as a foreign language, and I'm studying for a Masters in Applied Linguistics.
When did you realize you had this talent? I've always liked making things, and my mum also makes jewellery. A friend got me into bead weaving about eight years ago and I decided to take a silversmith class. I enjoyed it so much, I bought some materials, then mum lent me her equipment and I was away!
Where do you find your inspiration? I love seeing where the materials take me, and using a basic technique to develop into something more complicated and spectacular.
Who has been the most supportive of your work? Family and friends, I made my sister's wedding jewellery and my mum gets me to repair her old jewellery.
What are your other hobbies? I am a Brownie Guide leader (girl's group for ages 7-10) They're great fun. Guiding has taken me to Japan, Mexico and Switzerland and I've met some of the best people in the world.
What are your words to live by or favorite quote? Be the change you want to see in the world, Gandhi I think.
Where is the farthest you have traveled? I live in the UK, so the furthest I've been is Japan (12 hours on the plane) Japan is awesome, I loved it and I cannot wait to go back. Japan is also an inspiration as that's where metal clay was developed, a material I use a lot. I tried a lot of traditional crafts when I was there, including my first go on a full size fabric loom. It's inspiring to blend the traditional and modern as you find in Japan.
Have a look at my blog and my Folksy shop has different things!
