About this teacher
I have always had a passion for designing, making and crafting, using a wide variety of materials and mediums and started my jewellery path at the very young age of 12. Initially I was self-taught by playing with tools and materials alongside reading books as this was the only way prior to the internet. I set up a workshop in my bedroom always on the hunt for more tools and stones. Eventually I found my incredible mentor Grahame Hanne and I persuaded my mum to come along with me to his evening class at Wilmslow Guild in 1990 where my thirst for knowledge kept growing. My grandma was of course my biggest supporter, having her ears pierced at the grand age of 86 so she could wear my designs.
I went on to study at London Road Art School, followed by specialising in jewellery and silversmithing at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee and San Diego State University, USA, graduating in 1997.
My secondary subjects at university were textiles, including weaving on gigantic looms and fabric dying, which I pursued as an African Wax Print designer and archivist, which helped me finance my early jewellery career. I set up in business designing and manufacturing contemporary jewellery from my high street workshop in my picturesque hometown, Knutsford. I showcased my jewellery at many prestigious trade and retail shows each year resulting in supplying over 80 shops nationally and internationally in the early 2000’s. I decided travelling, leaving my young boy at home was no longer ideal so I now concentrate on bespoke commissions, redesign of heirloom jewellery and share my knowledge to students.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, and developing my craft skills in a variety of disciplines including dressmaking, home renovations and upholstery.
Teaching at the Guild for Lifelong Learning is a privilege. The rewards are never ending, imparting my knowledge to my students and helping achieve goals. I love to help students to develop new skills, create wearable jewellery for themselves, or a gift or to sell in our shop, supporting our charity. Its great to be able to enhance social networking within our local and wider community, even internationally. My classes are suitable for and inclusive of all ages.
