I was asked to write a piece explaining my background in Jewelry, so here it is!
First of all, if you have bought jewelry from me, may I say thank you and I hope you get as much enjoyment out of wearing it as I have in the creating.
I started making jewelry in 1992, while living in New Jersery, USA as a hobby, with my Native American friends teaching me the basics, but soon was taking courses in silver-smithing. Gradually my collection of beads started to grow, and I was hooked, and was doing craft events in the US, before I came over to Scotland in 2001.
When I arrived here I concentrated on working with beads, as I did not have the equipment here to continue my silversmithing… so I decided to make one of a kind unusual pieces, , using a wide range of different stones and media, including aromatic beads, myrrh, dried eucalyptus flowers, and really almost anything, but mainly with semi-precious stones freshwater pearls and amber. I work with silver and copper and a small amount of gold. Gradually over the years the business has grown, and I go to shows all over the north of Scotland. In 2010 I started working with copper again, but using mainly recycled copper. Also electroforming organic pieces such as acorns, peapods, leaves, even dogfish purses in copper.
In March 2008, the Bead Buggie hit the road. It had long been a dream of mine to have a mobile bead shop where people could come in and have fun browsing the beads etc. So, working with a wonderful friend, (thank you Dennis!) an ex carpenters van was transformed into Buggsie! I stocked all kinds of beads, cords, findings,tools etc, and the Buggie was seen all over the area. In August 2015 Buggsie went off to retirement as a camper van with o a lovely couple!! The beads etc are now available at the house in Macduff.
My work is eclectic depending on my mood. Often the sea has a bearing on this as my workshop is right on the seashore, and as I am working, I can see the moods of the sea, with, the birds, and often the dolphins, and Minkies swimming past.
Much of my work is commissioned by people who are going to special events, such as garden parties, wedding, or have just bought a new outfit and need something to match. I also do a fair amount of wedding jewelry, including necklaces, earrings and bracelets, and barefoot sandals, for brides, bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and mother of the groom etc Also have done cufflinks for the men. These are such fun to do, as we sit down for as long as it takes, and design exactly what they want, and of course everything is a one off.
Details of all the shows I do, together with workshop information can be found on my web page.
Liz Lyall
Pict Design
