Jewel Art - handcrafted contemporary bead and wire jewellery, designed and made in Lancashire by jewellery artist / teacher Samantha Taylor

My main tools are my hands, which I use to bend, shape, twist, wrap and sew with wire to create my jewellery range of earrings and matching pendants, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and hair accessories.

Many of my designs are created by experimenting with different types of wire to form contrasting elements and abstract shapes. My latest sculptural designs are inspired by ancient symbols, medieval jewellery designs and also nature. Creating flower shapes, spirals and squiggles alongside an eclectic mix of beads and buttons to make unique pieces of wearable jewel art.

A passion for beads! I love to work with gemstones, shells, pearls, handmade glass and crystals to create contemporary jewellery in sterling silver, copper, leather and other materials. Like a magpie, I am drawn to beautiful and unusual beads and have been collecting them for many years. In some of my jewellery I reuse these vintage beads and buttons, giving them a new lease of life and a chance to be cherished and worn again.

Colour is a key element in my jewellery and the changing seasons influence me. Using lovely vibrant sea blues and greens, golden yellow, bright pinks and coral colours in spring/summer jewellery pieces and richer colour shades for autumn/winter pieces. Year round though, I love to create sparkly and shimmery jewellery and use shades of bronze, gunmetal, gold and silver. Colours ideal to compliment and accessorise as well as energise and uplift the spirits.

Balance, form and function are also important and I aspire to create pieces of jewellery that as well as being beautiful are also comfortable to wear.

My jewellery making began as a hobby over 20 years ago and more recently it has turned into a small artisan business, with my jewellery for sale in a growing number of galleries, exhibitions and contemporary art / craft events.

I am a qualified Further Education teacher, initially teaching design, but since 2005 concentrating on teaching jewellery making at colleges, in the community and running my own bebeady jewellery-making courses at venues in Lancashire. It’s a real pleasure to encourage my students’ creativity with beads and help them to develop their own jewellery making skills.

Contact Samantha Taylor

email: samantha@jewelleryartist.co.uk
info: www.jewelleryartist.co.uk
classes: www.bebeady.co.uk