1.When and how did you start making jewellery?

I started making jewellery at the age of 9, just stringing seed beads onto wire and making bangles. I’m not sure who or what got me into jewellery making, I come from a fairly creative family, but none of them have made jewellery at any point. I suppose I just found my own way there.

2. Where do you go for inspiration?

I usually just indulge myself into a box of beads or go to a bead shop to buy new beads. I will very often just open my many containers of beads, and ideas will come to me.

3. Who is your favourite designer?

I wouldn’t say that I have a favourite designer, but Tracey Spurgin from Craftworx has definitely been my biggest inspiration. She is a lovely person, and the pieces that she creates are absolutely fantastic!

4.What cant you live without when making jewellery?

My tools go most places with me! I don’t make many things without them apart from my fimo clay bits. However, I think they have reached retirement age now, they have served me well for the past 12 ish years!

5. What advice would you give to someone getting into jewellery making?

I would advise somebody getting into jewellery making to not give up! it can get frustrating when things don’t go right. Just spend a bit of time doing something else to give yourself a rest, and try again with a fresh mind.

6. What makes you smile the most when making jewellery?

The thing that makes me smile when making jewellery is when someone is watching me, and the amazement on their face as pieces are being created. Also, when I am teaching someone, and the look of achievement when they complete what they are learning.

7. What advice would you give to someone thinking of setting up a business to sell their jewellery designs?

I wouldn’t be able to give much advice on setting up a business to sell jewellery designs, as I am only just doing this now. What I have come to realise is that it takes up an awful lot of time! I find myself getting up in the morning, start working on my website, and often carry on right through the day without even realising! But I’m loving every minute of it and it is definitely worth it!

8. Finally, whats your favourite piece of jewellery to make?

I love to make anything with swarovski crystals. It is by far my favourite material to work with, and you can create so many different things with them! The range of colours available is unbelievable.

9. Any thing else you would like to add?

Here are the links to my sites. Also, a photo of one of my favourite crystal bracelets to make…

Web – www.purplepenguinbeads.co.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/purplepenguinbeads