Interview with Laura Gladwyn of Jewellery Drops by Laura

Hi, I am so pleased to be able to present my first blog interview.  Laura Gladwyn of Jewellery Drops by Laura kindly agreed to answer a few questions for me.  Her answers are below;-

Tell us a bit about yourself:-
My name is Laura Gladwyn. I live in Nantwich Cheshire, and work fulltime as Auditor for a company in North Wales and when not working I like to create new and unique pieces of jewellery and try and sell them in my online shop Jewellery Drops by Laura.


When did you first start crafting?
I have always been crafty, loved art when I was at school, but got into jewellery making about six years ago. When I was at university one of the lecturers used to make jewellery and it started from there, most of what I know is self taught or out of books. I like to learn this way and get a lot of satisfaction from learning new techniques.

Would you describe this as your work or your passion?
This is a passion for me, or as I call it a hobby. I find it relaxing, and at the end of it I have a lovely item of jewellery that is wearable. I would love to call it work but it’s not profitable enough for me to make a business out of it. I would love to have my own bead shop where I can teach other people but this is just dream.

What inspires you?
Lots of things inspire me - people, time of year, the way I feel.


Tell us about your favourite creation – do you have a picture?
I have a Victorian style necklace which is one of the first things I made and learnt how to bead weave while making it, I still have it somewhere!!! Unfortunately I have no pictures.


How do you keep yourself motivated?
I find keeping motivated very hard at times, especially when I’m not selling anything, but I like to make what I like and when I’m in a creative mood that is what I do.

Do you attend craft fairs etc. or do you sell purely on-line?
I have a couple of Craft Fairs in the summer and am hoping to have more booked for Christmas time as this is my busy period. I do sell my jewellery all year round on my online shop: www.gladwyn.folksy.com


Where do you do your work?
I mainly work in my room where I can listen to music or TV while working. I also have a cupboard that was built specially for me by my brother who is a joiner, it’s fab (I am so jealous!!!! Zoe) I know where everything is and can find items easy


Do you have a favourite medium to work with?
My favourite medium at the moment is Lampwork Beads and I have been using these beads in my work. I love the colours, textures and the fact that every bead is different and unique. I would love to have a go at making my own beads but for now I will just buy from British Artists

What are you working on right now?
I work on lots of different thing at one time, that way I don’t get bored of one thing. I have a tubular bangle which I’m still working on, Pineapple Pendant and of course coming up with new ideas for my lampwork beads


Where can we see your creations?
You can see my creations at: www.gladwyn.folksy.com


Do you have your own website/blog?
My blog address is www.jdbylaura.blogspot.com and you can become a fan on Facebook as well

These are some of my favourite things from Laura’s shop;-

This Bracelet has been made with Lampwork bead made by a British Artist, the findings used is memory wire to keep the shape of the bracelet.

I love the colours of the lampwork bead, and the simplicity of the surrounding beads really set it off.

 
 
 
 

I adore the animal print lampwork beads used in this set.

The filigree spacers complement the colours beautifully.