Monday Maker - Ace of Swords

Hi Melissa,

Thanks so much for sharing a little about yourself.

Were you creative as a child and do you come from a creative family?

I was a very crafty child in more ways than one. Ask my Mum! I have always had a wild imagination and constantly made crafty projects all my life.  

My mum made all our clothes as children and was the handy one around the house. She was very clever, I watched her make things and was definitely inspired.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my silver jewellery as mystical and magical. 

I wish I could live in Middle Earth. 

I draw inspiration from spirit animals, ancient symbols, fables and  cultures.

I think my work is very talismanic,  I like to invoke a dialogue between the wearer and jewellery piece.

How has your work evolved since you started?

Funnily, the themes in my work go around in cycles. 

I have been making swords for two decades. 

The moon is always present, goes with my Lady of the Lake obsession. 

Technically, I think the quality of my technique improves as my practice continues.

How did you start selling on Etsy?

I started selling on Etsy about 10 years ago. At that stage I was running Metal Club, a silversmithing school for teenagers, as well as the Federal Village Gallery. So, I was not putting a lot of effort into my Etsy store. 

I am now silversmithing full time and put consistent effort into my Etsy store with great results. 

l love being part of the Etsy community. Living the dream with thanks to Etsy.

Who or what inspires you?

Ancient times inspire me, a time when life was less complicated with a slower pace and a focus on quality craftsmanship.  

Vali Myers, Australia’s own Queen of Bohemia inspires me endlessly. Vali was an artist and a true creative spirit, she lived isolated in nature with 100 animals and 2 husbands.  

I met her a few times and her advice to live my wildest dreams has always stayed with me. Please look up her art and life, she is an unrecognised National Treasure.

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?  If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?

I try to use sustainable materials wherever possible. I always use reclaimed sterling silver and I only use reclaimed gold, as I have been up close and personal with a heap leach gold mine, its an extremely destructive process and has ruined many a river from source to sea.

Describe your workspace for us?

I would describe my workshop as a Bohemian Paradise.  A shed crossed with a curio store and a temple. 

It's a regular Woman Cave, lots of hand tools, crystals, specimens, embroidered wall hangings, trinkets, old boxes, antique family heirlooms, beads and metal all over the place.

I need a rich collection of colour and forms around me like a cocoon when I work. 

What is your favourite thing to make?

Rings are definitely my favourite thing to make, they are mini sculptures.

I can’t stop making them.

I also love a commission job.  Designing a special piece for someone pushes my designing beyond its usual Lady of the Lake meets King Arthur.

How did your business name come about?

The Ace of Swords hit me like a thunder bolt at my workbench one day, I wasn’t even thinking about a business name at the time.  The Ace of Swords is a Tarot Card, it is associated with focused energy, victory, determination, strength and power. 

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?

I see myself continuing down the path of silversmithing forever.  

In  the next 12 months, I see myself building more loyal customers who love handmade jewellery and  sending my jewellery all over the world.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?

My tip for other crafts people trying to break into the market would be : 

Create don’t imitate.

Clear your mind, open your heart, and make what you would like to wear, people will respond to your authentic style. 

Also, don’t give up, sometimes it seems like you are not getting anywhere, but push on through these moments of doubt, success is waiting for you, it is your birthright.

Describe your typical creative day?

My typical creative day starts with a walk through the coastal bushland and beaches of Byron Bay with Little Dog, my mini foxy. 

I spend time appreciating the birds, trees and nature and just soak it up. Its my recharge time, being out in nature is a must.  

I then enter the workshop for 5 - 10 hours.  I snack on vegan food all day to keep my energy levels up.

What kind of Music do you listen towhile creating?

My favourite music whilst working varies, its mostly reggae, but could be ambient electronic, goa trance or Indian classical.    

My fav Australia artist of the moment, is Nattali Rize (former of Blue King Brown)  I am always listening to her work. I made her some stage jewellery because I respect the meaning and power behind her music. Check her out, she is a star.

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?

My favourite handmade item that I have bought would be a tree of life hand embroidered wall hanging.  It has a white background with multi colours and mirrors.  I bought it from the maker in a small village in Gujarat, India. 

Where can we find you online?

My work is available only through me at present. I am a regular stall holder at Byron Bay Beachside and Community markets, Bangalow Market, Gold Coast Creative Market, Vindie Markets and BrisStyle markets.

You can view my creations on Instgram and Facebook and purchase online through my Etsy Store.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Theaceofswords

https://www.instagram.com/ace.of.swords

How long have you been a member of BrisStyle?

I have been a member of BrisStyle for 18 months or so. I love being part of a community of creatives.

How did you find out about brisstyle?

I found out about BrisStyle online whilst looking for handmade markets that I could sell at.

Why did you become a member?

I became a member of BrisStyle because I was so impressed with the level of effort and organisation that BrisStyle achieves whilst remaining grass roots and friendly. I felt welcomed and supported straight away. It feels so good to be part of such a crafty organisation.

Why do you craft?

 I craft because I love making sheets of silver come to life. 

Creating quality jewellery that has its own personality and journey.  

I love the idea that my creations are treasures that will get handed down. 

My work will outlive me and will continue to float around the world for generations.

Jemica is the brain behind MeekzContemporary and she is our Monday Maker this week

Jemica and I go way back, I can't even remember the first market we met at, and we share a common interest.

Recycling!

Hi there Meekz, so glad I finally nailed you down for an interview.

Hi Anita
Thanks, I would love to be interviewed thanks for thinking of me :P
 

Well my first question is:

Were you creative as a child and do you come from a creative family?

Yes to both. I loved to do art and craft with my mum when I was little. My mum you could say is a gypsie and has been everywhere and done everything. She is very skilled in sewing, carpentry, floristry, beauty therapy, hospitality etc and has always tried to teach me everything from an early age.

How would you describe your work? 

I would describe my practice as evolving.  I love the notion that I am creating something out of nothing and that a piece of throw away metal can be turned into something beautiful and inspiring.  

Art can be anything and it is the story or journey taken that makes it rich.   

So how has your work evolved since you started?

My jewellery has evolved dramatically since I started back at university. I explored using lots of recycled materials as a source of inspiration and substance for my jewellery from plastic buttons, to hessian rope, to fabric off cuts and finally to recycled acrylic signs.   As a silversmith this gave me great excitement to explore the possibilities, but something was lacking.  

A shift and focus back to using recycled metals last year as my sole source of materials has filled the void and given me back the enjoyment I missed as a metalsmith.  I now work entirely with recycled metal from road signs, electrical wire, kitchen fittings, recycled and preloved sterling silver and gold jewellery, crockery and cutlery and other metals including recycled copper, brass and aluminium.  

The tactile qualities of working with metal and using traditional tools and techniques has sparked alive again the joy I found at university in making jewellery and given me a more fulfilling purpose in knowing that the traditional art of silversmithing is still continuing today.

How did you start selling online?

I started selling online through etsy to begin with.  This was an easy manageable outlet for me to sell my jewellery online along side facebook. 1 year later, I decided to pursue my own website, after I felt it was hard to find or locate me as at the time there were no Australian search areas on Etsy to refine your search for local designers and I felt I was getting missed.

I have now refined and changed my website 3 times as technology has progressed and with new formats, layouts, and underlying codes have changed.  This however has meant that I now have the ability to manage and edit my own website using Wix.com and find this greatly satisfying knowing that I can control the entire look, feel and format of my website and don't need to pay any one else to add or change content.  

Who or what inspires you?

My fellow jewellers, friends, and family inspire me everyday.  Art in general as well as direct topics such as architecture, geometry and fashion are great influencers in my practice and help to shape the outcomes of my work.  My sketches play a big part in the design of each piece and usually form the basis of each piece.

I know you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process but can you tell us how your art is eco - friendly?

I pride myself in having an environmentally sustainable practice from the techniques used to the materials I source.  I love to recycle, reuse, up-cycle and incorporate preloved materials such as road signs, tea pots, lamp shades, electrical wire, sterling silver cutlery/crockery/jewellery as well as copper piping, hot water systems, brass kitchen fittings etc.  Everything I source is locally found.  The tactile nature of working with raw materials alongside existing forms always creates a dialogue for me and continually keeps me searching for ways to express new stories.  

Can you describe your workspace?

My newly renovated studio space is fantastic.  I now have 4 fully functioning jewellers benches by which I can hold regular jewellery workshops to teach the community about traditional silversmithing.   Made with the help of my parents the benches are all made from recycled wood including two table tops.  We resurfaced the concrete floor, added a splash of paint and dad even made me a gorgeous sign to go out the front.

Do you have a favourite thing to make?

I love making all my jewellery.  There are no two pieces that are alike across all my ranges.  

My wrapped up range - (The brightly coloured wire jewellery)  Each piece is hand weaved using my signature weave and no two pieces are ever alike.  The simple form and minimalist design of this range make any piece the prefect accessory for an outfit.  The array of colours available allow for perfect colour coordination or colour matching.

My hammer texture range explores mark making and texturisation.  Featuring nine hand forged designs along with a combination of letter, number and symbol stamping, this collection provides the most possibilities for individual, personal and custom exploration.  No two pieces are ever the same.  Colour, pattern, texture and theme are the most inspiring characteristics of this collection for me.

How did your business name come about?

My business name : Meekz Contemporary Jewellery  came about from a play on my nickname - Meeka.  Unable to register Meeka at the business registry, I changed it to Meekz and added Contemporary Jewellery as a descriptive element and hence Meekz Contemporary Jewellery was born.

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?

I would like to see myself still teaching and designing new pieces within 12 months. I would like to perhaps travel and explore maybe a residency or go on a jewellery tour overseas to see how other jewellers practice and gain some insight.  Learning and creating networks is a big passion of mine and keeps me motivated and passionate.

What's your top tip to others wanting to break into the creative market?

Be passionate, driven and self motivated.  It is a big scary world out there but if you put in the hard work you wont regret it.  

Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it and if you can ... help others as we are all in the same boat.

Describe your typical creative day?

A typical creative day of making in the studio is filled with great music, plenty of water and my mood boards.  The hours are long, the techniques and number of tools used is some days enormous but the joy I get out of creating something from nothing is priceless.  Knowing that I made a piece of jewellery that someone one day will cherish is all that matters.  

Do you have a Favourite quote?

My favourite quote is by Albert Einstein and is Knowledge is Imagination.   This to me is great and I understand where he was going with this, but as an artist I have reinterpreted this and created my own personal quote and mantra. - "Imagination is Knowledge".  If we first don't create, imagine and explore then how can we know! Knowledge can't be created without imagination and so hence Imagination is Knowledge.   

Do you prefer Music or movies while creating?

Definitely Music

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?

My favourite handmade item that I have bought to date would have to be my original Little Brown Dog set of rectangular cushions made by the wonderful Bec Lewis.  They feature 2 guinea fowl's one on each cushion and are the perfect statement homeware in my room!

Where can we find you online?

I am on facebook, instagram and have a website.

Facebook - www.facebook.com/meekz.contemporary.jewellery

Instagram - meekzcontemporaryjewellery

Website - www.meekzcontemporaryjewellery.com.au

Plus I have 12  stockists at present and they include:

QLD

Perch and Pantry - Cleveland, Reverse Garbage Echoes Gift Shop - Woolloongabba, Miss Bond Jewellery - Fortitude Valley, Estelle Elliott Designs - Yeronga, KickArts Contemporary Arts - Cairns, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery Shop - Toowoomba, Bridget Bunchy - The Summit, Erin Lightfoot - Eat Street Market/Hamilton, Nicky's Fashion Fair - Laidley, Story Tree - Boonah, 

SA

E for Ethel - Adelaide

NSW

Zero Degrees - Thredbo

How long have you been a member of Brisstyle?

For ages now, I can't remember and don't know how to find out how long its been now.

How did you find out about Brisstyle?  
From a friend originally

Why did you become a member?

I became a member of Brisstyle to network, meet friends, surround myself with like minded people, to learn how to improve my business at workshops and discussion catch ups and to attend markets and sell my pieces while gaining recognition and get my brand out there. 

Why do you craft?

I craft because I love to make, get creative and experiment.  I am a hands on person and love to learn.

Thank you Meeks.

Anita

Monday Maker - Michelle from Two Plums Designs Designs

Hi Michelle and thank you for participating in the Monday Maker series.

Do you you come from a creative family?

As a child my mum used to sit us down with an old sheet (we owned a motel) and gave us textas to draw until our hearts content.  

My brother and I were often at a loose-end because mum and dad worked all the time. Drawing was our go-to.  

Mum is trained as an old school graphic artist, using Letraset and doing all of her designs free hand.  She didn't get to work much at her art during my childhood years because the business and us kids took up all her time!  

I was quickly engulfed by the world of dance, from my first lesson at 4 years.  From then it was dance lessons, travel and costumes until I left home.  

Creativity is a constant part of my life, whether it's in the kitchen, sewing, decorating, drawing, dancing, writing, sculpting, gardening and now silversmithing!

How would you describe your work?

My work is quite simple and elegant, it is also unique and unusual.  

I do not like overly embelished or tizzy designs.  I simply love the metal, and for now, my work honors that.  

I use basic techniques of forging and fabricating to produce my jewellery and I like the bright polished and matt finishes in comparison to blackened oxidised surfaces.  I don't use stones (although I may decide to in the future).  

How has your work evolved since you started?

I started with the bare minimum of tools and skills and worked with what I had.  

My pieces have become more refined and in some cases more complex, yet still quite simple!  My work evolves as I gain new skills and new tools.  

I'm always learning new techniques and although I now produce some geometric and angular pieces, I think I will always be a botanic artist.  

My imagination is endless and every new piece excites me!

How did you start selling online?

I sell through my website out of necessity more than anything.  It seems every small business and artist needs to have a website for legitimacy. 

Where does your inspiration come from?

The small details in everyday things inspire me.  

Nature inspires me.  

Passionate people inspire me.  

Even a rainy day inspires me! 

My work comes from an ever growing library of ideas in my head.  I see things in my natural environment and they often translate to the basis of a design.  Such as bracket fungi and gumnuts.  

Inspirations may also come from a new delivery of silver.  There is something really moving about holding a clean sheet of silver in my hands! 

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?  

Treading lightly on this earth is important to me.  As such I only buy recycled silver.  The silver I buy is recycled in Australia from manufacturing off-cuts, old jewellery and industrial silver.  

I have chosen 100% recycled unbleached packaging for my products and I swap harmful chemicals out of my studio for biodegradable options.  100% of my silver is used.  I even collect my filings.

Describe your studio/workspace?

I am a lucky artist who has a separate studio on our ten acre property in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.  

It is a little self contained space and my husband has recently built a lovely big deck on the front from reclaimed timber.  It was used as storage space previously so I'm still fighting with stored furniture, but this year the make-over continues, I will be getting new flooring and a front door onto my new deck!  

It will be lovely but at the moment it's a bit of a mess.  I love my huge jewellers desk.  My husband and I drove all the way to Sydney to pick it up.  It was previously used in a manufacturing jewellers in the Strand Arcade.  It can accommodate two working jewellers as it is double sided - and I can spread myself out!

What is your favourite thing to make?

My favorite things tend to be quick things as I love that instant gratification from a finished piece.  A little toe ring or a simple bangle can be the most satisfying.  

How did your business/shop name come about?

In 2013 I decided I needed to start selling my creations and I harvested just two plums from our young tree.  I ate one and a bird got the other.  It was so sweet and juicy, I was in heaven!  

It must be the start of good things I thought to myself.  

Now I am happy to say each year my plum harvest is growing, just like my little business.  

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?

I think my creative journey is going to take me back to university!  I have just enrolled in my graduate diploma of Fine Arts at the Queensland College of Arts.  It may lead to a Masters in Fine Arts (Jewellery and small objects). 

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?

Go at your own pace - your business relies on you so you have to be able to keep up.  

Describe your typical creative day?

My waking moments are full of ideas and new designs.  I am always inspired to jump up and get into the studio in the morning!  Sometimes at 6am!  

The beauty of working from home is I can start work in my PJ's.  I have regular breaks as I'm often interrupted by one or both of my two Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  

I also structure my other chores around the property in my breaks.  I work to my own flow and no two days are the same.  I'm often in the studio into the night (particularly when I'm home alone and don't have to stop to cook dinner!)

Do you have a Favourite quote?

"I never waste money, I spend it" Oscar Wilde

What type of music do you listen to while creating?

It's often Brazilian Samba music as I also teach Samba.

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?

I used to live in Kenya and while I was there I bought an Ethiopian Coptic Cross.  It's one of my cherished possessions.

Where can we find you online and elsewhere?

You can find me at www.twoplumsdesign.com or at BrisStyle Markets and the Young Designers Market most regularly.  Market dates are announced on my Facebook page Two Plums Design.  

The Caloundra Regional Art Gallery shop and Coastal Artisans Gallery Perigian also stock my work.

How long have you been a member of brisStyle?

Two years.

How did you find out about BrisStyle?

By accident on the net!

Why did you become a member?

What a great idea to have a bunch of creatives sharing ideas, skills and helping to launch small businesses!  It was a no brainer for me.

Why do you craft?

Because it's in my blood - I simply do.

Thank you Michelle.

Monday Maker : Bernadette from Two Roads Studio

Hello Bernadette and thanks for taking the time to participate in this week's Monday Maker's interview.

So first up, were you creative as a child?

Yes I was always interested in arts and crafts as a child, with my earliest two memories being making a timber rake with wood and nails at kindergarten and sitting with my grandmother while she attempted to teach me to knit. 

And do you come from a creative family?

My mother has sewed all my life and is creative - she has her own vintage caravan full of interesting vintage wares.  
 

My love of textiles and sewing is definitely from my mother, but I didn't take an active interest in sewing until I started work at 21 and needed some new clothes!  

Jewellery making came much later in my early thirties, when I was subconsciously looking for an activity to do to manage the stress of my corporate day job.  I loved that jewellery has no rules about how it is created.  

How would you describe your work?

I create unique 'one off' found object jewellery that uses a range of techniques, tools and mediums.  Typically I incorporate vintage and modern items together, as it adds an interesting dimension to the piece.  

I particularly like to juxtapose items, as they add an element of intrigue and innovation and result in pieces that attract attention.

You could say that my pieces are for those who like to be different and are not afraid to wear jewellery that becomes a talking piece with complete strangers! 

Importantly I only create a jewellery piece once.  That means the overall designs are unique and the components used are unique.  For me, the constant changes in design are stimulating and keep my creativity.  I can never imagine creating designs that are repeatedly 'punched out'.  It's the story that I weave with the jewellery that is important to me and those who wear my creations.

How has your work evolved since you started?

My work was originally very simple and traditional, using beading techniques with new materials predominately.  

I have evolved from this to more complex pieces using a great variety of found objects that are not usually seen in jewellery.  You could say that I have become more fearless in creating, with a more diverse, edgy range of items in my collection.

How did you start selling online?

At first I created a website using Wordpress which I found quite frustrating!  I then moved my website to wix services and have an online shop at www.tworoadsstudio.com, as well as a small collection on Etsy.

Who or what inspires you?

I love Pinterest and collecting ideas - mostly sources of inspiration I use when I am feeling blocked or looking to develop a new skill.  If I am learning a new technique such as etching on metal,  I research on the internet to learn the basic techniques and read all I can about how that technique is completed.  

Thank goodness for YouTube!  

As for artists, I love Nina Bagley, Stephanie Lee, Diana Frey and the French Circus.  These artists inspire me with the detail, innovation and general love they put into each unique piece.

How do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process? 

Nearly all components of my jewelry are re-cycled or up-cycled.  I have been collected (some would say hoarding!) a lot of materials particularly in the last five years.  Many of my jewellery components have been in my collection for more than 20 years :)

Can you describe your studio for us?

I am fortunate enough to have a dedicated Studio space which is 6m x 5m. And I have managed to fill every wall space with large bookshelves (got to love IKEA!!), desks and re-cycled furniture from family members.  

In the centre of the Studio is a large custom made cutting table on wheels, which is for pattern cutting/drafting.  It has two sides which can be raised and lowered, based on the needs.  

As I have high ceilings in the Studio, I have a large collection of retro hand stitched art works and paintings on the walls.  Despite a vaguely aqua, pink and white theme, nothing in the Studio matches terribly well.  It is reflection of the creative part of my world and essentially contains things I love.

It is filled with 'essentials' such as vintage Mason Jars, retro clocks, retro china collection, glass paper weights, tools, fabrics, jewellery supplies, imac and fairy lights.   

I do admit to have a moderate obsession with fairy lights.  These are all over my Studio, across the high ceiling and at every window.  Somehow fairy lights make the space feel magical.....  

Do you have a favourite thing to make?

My favourite thing to create is vintage jewelry assemblage.  This is my favourite activity because of the interesting pieces that I find and put together.  I marvel at their stories and think about the people who may have owned and worn the pieces previously.  Some of the older found objects I have are sometimes damaged.  This doesn't make me sad as I give them new life through a new piece that reflects my own story.

How did your business name come about?

Two Roads Studio was named in honour of  the American poet Robert Frost's most famous poem 'The Road Not Taken'.  I have had a passion for Robert Frost's poetry since high school, so much so, I took a dedicated trip to travel around all Robert Frost's many farms in New Hampshire, USA in 2003.  My website tells the story in more detail.....

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?

Interesting question - I would like to get more into silversmithing, since I have taken some basic classes at the Brisbane Institute of Art and loved it!  Just finding the time to dedicate to learning this interesting medium.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?

Have confidence in yourself, get out at markets, network, talk to customers and of course in all things have fun!

Describe your typical creative day?

During the week I am a full time professional and part time mother, wife and student.  I typically have to crunch my creative time in on the weekends and find myself working typically in the evening when all of household or family commitments are completed.  

I usually have an idea in mind what I want to create when I go into the Studio.  It may be a new design or a new medium or technique I want to explore.   I tend to be quite implusive, so as a result I have explored many crafts and mediums over the years.  However, when I don't have an idea, I  might tidy up my messy Studio and find something interesting I had forgotten I had.  This can result in a new interesting piece being born.

Do you have a Favourite quote?

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

  I took the one less traveled by,

  And that has made all the difference." ( Robert Frost )

Do you prefer to listen to music while creating or watching a movie?

I generally listen to books on CD while I am creating so I can get two things done at once!

If I don't have a good mystery or historical Roman novel to listen to, I admit to listening to movies or TV series in my iPad, rather than watching them.

Do you have a favourite handmade item that you have bought?

I love all handmade and have a lot of interesting creations in my collection but my favourite recent purchase was a bag created by Wimcee that I re-made into a skirt. The fabrics were so pretty and crazy coloured I just had to wear it.

Where can we find you online?

Currently just through my own website at www.tworoadsstudio.com but I would really welcome some retail outlets in the future.

How long have you been a BrisStyle member and what made you become a member?

I joined BrisStyle this year after deciding to re-invigorate my handcraft work.

And I found out about brisstyle through Google while looking for great markets in Brisbane.

Then I joined so I could learn from others and to find like minded people, who just love to create.

It's so refreshing to spend time with people who are passionate about handmade and creativity.

Why do you craft Bernadette?

I originally crafted to keep balance in my life. Like so many others, I have a lot of different roles and responsibilities in my life.

Crafting was and still is my escape. My time to create things.

I love it when people buy  and I can tell them the story of the piece.

They are often touched by the inspiration and take this with them into their lives.  

It's really about sharing my passion with others and sharing some joy.  We create unique pieces that carry their prior histories as found objects and are lovingly imbued with our stories during their creation.

We would like people who wear our pieces to create their own special stories, incorporating the love and joy we felt in the creation process into their lives.

Our dream is that wearers of Two Roads creations feel special, encouraging them to pursue their many roads in life with love, hope and courage.

Thanks so much Bernadette, it was a pleasure to chat with you

Anita x