Interview with... AMI Designs

 

Alison is a really lovely lady, and has an eye for vibrant coloured beads and shows off her work beautifully through pleasantly lighted and composed photographs. She has been on Etsy exactly a year today, so happy anniversary AMI!

 

Who are you and where do you come from?My name is Alison Irving and I live in a wee village about 15 minutes outside Belfast.What do you do in your spare time other than craft?I'm a physiotherapist working with people with lung disease and I have 2 kids aged 7 and 10, so I'm kept pretty busy.Please tell us a little bit about what you make.I make beaded jewellery, especially bracelets.What do you enjoy making most?I love making wraparound bracelets on memory wire! I never seem to run out of ideas for them and if I could just make them I'd be happy. It's a bit strange because I never, ever wear a bracelet. I can't stand them on my wrist!What part of jewellery making do you dislike the most?The futtery bits! Like finishing off a bracelet with crimp beads and ensuring jump rings are properly closed.What are your main inspirations for making a piece?When I started out making jewellery it was after a holiday to Cornwall and I was totally inspired by the ocean. I still love blues and greens and would make loads of my jewellery in those colours but I try and vary it a bit.Do you plan out your designs or do you get stuck in straight away when inspiration strikes?I get stuck in straight away. I'm not a very organised person so planning isn't really an option!What are you currently making?I've started making some new pieces for the spring and am using all my turquoises, aquas and greens again after making loads in grey, silver and black for the winter.Do you make custom orders?Yes I've made a few.Where can we buy your work?My shops are:http://AMIdesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.folksy.com/shops/amidesigns