I have several hobbies. Amateur archaeology is the key one; apart from satisfying my intellect and getting me outside for some exercise, I spend an awful lot of time looking at the ground. Lying around in the gorgeous landscape I work in are flint nodules, formed millions of years ago, when the land was under a sea.
The flint tells the story of that ancient landscape; from time to time I find fossils turned into flint, or formed as part of a nodule. But even if I'm holding a perfectly smooth piece of flint, the link is there.
I love taking a stone and wrapping it to enhance its beauty. Which wire I choose, and how heavy a gauge, is all part of the fun; as is working with the wire and stone to create something completely unique.
Sometimes the stones are pitch-black, and cry out for a minimalistic silver wrap to enhance their elegance; sometimes the nodules are covered with lumps and bumps that remind me of science fiction landscapes. These get a steam-punk treatment, and I love choosing additions that work with the stone.
I have a huge collection of old costume jewellery, much of it broken or simply not worn any more. What better use for it than to upcycle it into something fun? I especially like crocheting earrings with wire and light, pretty beads, making something delicate and airy that catches every movement of your head. I also find the steam punk ethos interesting and fun.