Silver by Teresa

Teresa is a friend I used to see on the train to work.  She recently moved to Switzerland and I miss her a lot - we had a good laugh and would both swap stories of what we'd been making. She thought it a hoot that I asked if she could make a silver palm tree to match some vintage style Hawaiian fabric I'd sourced! .... (probably because we both remember the 80's and Wham! etc, etc!!!) I'm still hoping she will now she's properly settled in her new home!

Anyway, I've seen some wonderful creations of hers on our journeys - often she would be on her way to a course at The London School of Jewellery.  She's currently starting to make once again and I asked if she'd do a little interview, as it seemed like a good time to do a feature, since the last post was all about how jewellery complements dresses and vice versa.

So here are the questions ...

Have you always been creative?
1.  I'm not sure that I have been. I've always appreciated creativity, but think I would really describe myself as always being 'practical/handy' rather than creative.

Where did the desire to make jewellery come from?
2.   Well, ones of those life changing events happened, and I realised life's too short not to be true to yourself and do things that inspire you. So I enrolled in a local evening course and have never looked back.

What are your main sources of inspiration?
3.    I would describe myself as more of an 'organic' designer and find that my designs come together as I work with a beautiful stone for example, or an interesting texture. I am also finding my clients for commissions inspirational. Listening to what they want and getting a sense of them as individuals really inspires me.

Where does the fascination with silver come from?
4.   I have always loved silver jewellery and my mum often bought us ( I have 2 sisters) a silver jewellery item as a Christmas gift, when I was a child. So silver is sentimental to me and I developed a fascination with it early on.

Is there anything you prefer to make rather than anything else?
5.  I do like making rings. I'm not sure why they are my favourite, perhaps because I get to work with some unusual and larger stones?

Is there any other metal you'd like to try?
6.  I do work with copper, but would like to introduce gold (when I am brave enough).

What are your favourite techniques?
7.  At the moment, I am loving setting stones and experimenting with textures using my rolling mill.

Is there anything else you plan on mastering?
8.  I am keen to add etching to my designs. I did a course a few months ago but haven't had chance to practise. I am hoping to be able to do that in the next few weeks.

What plans do you have for the future?
9.  Well, I have recently set up and launched a website and hope to approach some shops and galleries during 2014 to see if they would like to take on my work. It's a bit daunting, but exciting too. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Where can we find your jewellery?
10.   Examples of my work can be found at www.silverbyteresa.com, and on Folksy/Etsy under the shop name Silverbyteresa.

Teresa's prices are extremely reasonable - between £20 - £50 for an individual, handcrafted item.  Check out her shops, especially with Valentine's Day on the horizon ...