Interview with... The Children's Jewellery Company
Harriet's designs are made with children and their parents in mind, what a child might choose to wear, as well as what their mum or dad would like to see them wearing. They are simple and classic in the way that they are put together to appeal to a wide range if age groups.
Who are you and where do you come from?I'm Harriet, originally from Honiton in Devon but moved around a lot now back south in Taunton.What do you do in your spare time other than craft?I have 2 children and a business, I have no spare time.Please tell us a little bit about what you make.I make children's jewellery. Each piece is designed to look like children's jewellery, with small beads and clasps for little necks and wrists. They are also made with safety in mind using only acrylic and wood beads (no glass or high lead crystals) super strength softflex wire, and tripple crimping each item. I also make bespoke flower girl jewellery for weddings to co-ordinate with the brides chosen colour scheme and style, this includes hair accessories and earrings.What do you enjoy making most?The rose necklaces, I still think they are so pretty.What part of jewellery making do you dislike the most?Trying to get thick softflex through little crimps, or trying to close crimp covers without marking them!What are your main inspirations for making a piece?My own children and what I would like to see them wear (one boy and one girl) and just pretty beads, if I see some I have to buy them!Do you plan out your designs or do you get stuck in straight away when inspiration strikes?I tend to sit down and let it happen organically. This can be an expensive way of doing things as I have made some terrible things, but I like to experiment, so you don't know until you try. I know other designers plan and draw out their designs that's not me, I just start threading and see what happens.What are you currently making?I am trying to make some spring inspired pieces, but I am struggling to find the right beads I want in my head.Do you make custom orders?Yes I am currently working on four flower girl jewellery sets for a wedding in March. They are having the whole shooting match so lots of work but should look stunning. Wedding Ideas magazine are hoping to do a feature on it.Where can we buy your work?On line at www.thechildrensjewellerycompany.co.uk