A little while ago, I fell in love with this beautiful design... by the light of a silvery moon. It's magical, right?
I'd spied it on Instagram and as well as putting it on my wish (upon a star) list, I knew I needed to chat to the awesome maker who created it - and to find out a bit more about her.
So, this Four Thoughts is dedicated to Gemma Atwell - the Bath-based, Somerset cool creative behind The Silver Shed. Here's what Gemma had to say when we asked her four questions we thought you'd love to know the answers to!
1. When did you start up The Silver Shed, what inspires/makes you happy and is there such a thing as a typical day for you?
I trained as a silversmith and jewellery designer about 12 years ago, but it wasn't until 2012 that I quit my day job to set up my full-time studio and started selling.
Inspiration can hit me from anywhere really. I'm incredibly lucky to live in Bath, with all of its history and stunning architecture - and to be surrounded by the beautiful Somerset countryside too. I'd say my style is mostly influenced by folk-style imagery , lore and literature, though.
A cup of tea, a sketchbook and a jewellers bench, being able to call that work... that makes me happy, and a typical day usually starts by checking my emails and shops for orders and enquiries. At busy times, like in the run up to Bath Christmas Market, I'll be making solidly all day and in to the evening. At quieter times, I try to work on new collection ideas and create commissions. I'm so lucky to be able to take time out when I need it too. Being self employed is tough, but being able to spend random days of fun with friends and family is an absolute dream.
2. Which of your pieces is your favourite and which is the most challenging to make?
The favourite is usually the most recent! :) At the moment I'm in love with my layered pendants. From the Scandi-style decorations on the dala horse, to the constellation on great bear... it's the details I enjoy piercing out.
The most challenging is often the design I have lingering in my mind. I have many ideas that I want to use, but have yet to find a way to incorporate them. From a technical point of view though, lockets are a challenge. I love making them but don't very often as the hinge is so fiddly!
3. If you could invite anyone over to the shed for a cuppa, a few laughs and to collaborate on a piece of jewellery, who would you choose and why?
Oooh, for a good old laugh and a cuppa I would invite Claudia Winkleman because she's my kind of crazy! But to collaborate with? There are many artists/crafters/smithies I admire, particularly from the Instagram community. I think I'd have to settle on a lyricist or writer though, so I could design a story neckpiece around their words. Maybe someone like Stevie Nicks - her song writing and style has a bohemian edginess I like.
4. Tell us a secret about The Silver Shed that nobody else knows.
My shed isn't really silver, it's made of wood, haha! ;)
I'd say the thing most people don't realise is the amount of self doubt I have. I'm often told I come across as being very confident in my work, but honestly, I get so nervous putting my jewellery out in to the world.
Well, thank flip Gemma does put her work out there, because we think it's absolutely beautiful - and if you love it as much as we do, you can check out folksy.com/shops/TheSilverShed or follow Gemma on instagram @silvershedgirl. You can also catch her at the Bath Christmas Market at Chalet number 81. We'll definitely be popping by to have a good look at her gorgeous designs.
#silvershed #silvershedjewellery #bath #somerset #somersetcool #somersetblog #makermovement #handmadejewellery
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