Maker's bio

I am the owner of The Silver Bird, an artisan, handmade jewellery business based in a semi-rural village in Cambridgeshire. I am a member of the Guild of Jewellery Designers, have a Diploma in Fine Jewellery making, and am currently completing a Diploma in Advance Jewellery making with the London Jewellery School. I specialise in bespoke commissions and customisable pieces, as well as teaching traditional jewellery making techniques. I retired from an 18 year career as a secondary DT teacher, over which time I taught hundreds of young people how to design and make novel, beautiful products, by exploring material properties and generating unique forms. During this time, I completed a Masters of Education at Cambridge University, focusing on creative idea generation and development. This gave me a particular passion for biomimicry; using and replicating the nature through product design to make unique textures and forms. I have taught adult silver jewellery making classes in several schools, and have set up my own teaching school in Pampisford, Cambridge. Jewellery making with silver is easily the most addictive thing I have ever done. And that's before we talk about the enchanting world of gemstones! Whether you are into contemporary or classic pieces, you are learning for pleasure, or you want your own career change, I can help you fall in love with the processes and achieve your jewellery-making potential. Contact me for an informal chat if you'd like more information of what I can offer. I look forward to making with you.