Gemstones, metal, and tools
Leaves are what got me into jewelry making and I still enjoy making them. In 2009 I saw a class for metal clay and they had some pictures of silver leaves. I thought: this is what I want! So I took the class, bought the tools and supplies, and got started (and never stopped!).
I am one of those people who needs the right media for their creativity. I have drawn, painted, I took a swing at beading, but the need to be creative never got the right outlet. I thought it just wasn't in me. Turns out that was wrong. I can lose myself sitting at my jewelry bench. Suddenly I look up and hours have passed. It's the best feeling!
I let the nature around me inspire me, and I use materials from my garden and the forest around my house. I live in Sweden but I grew up in the Netherlands, where most areas are heavily populated and most nature is manmade (can still be beautiful!). Here, even the small forest behind our house feels wild, and moose, deer, fox, badgers, squirrels, salamanders and birds frequent the garden.
Besides metal clay I work with traditional metalsmithing, using mainly silver and gemstones, and tools like hammers, saws and files. Collecting gemstones has almost become a separate hobby. I used to collect mineral specimens as a child, and I was so happy to finally have an excuse to buy all sorts of colorful gemstones.
Selling my work on Etsy started as a means to fund a very expensive hobby - during this time I have learnt a lot about online selling, photography, and social media. I am grateful to everyone who has supported my work!
