Meet The Maker – Jodie Hook

Jodie Hook – Jeweller

Jodie’s passion for jewellery making started when she was a young girl. At age 17 her art teacher offered her the chance to do jewellery as a GCSE, it was there that her affection with the craft of jewellery developed.

Ribbon Loop Ring – Silver

After studying a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham she moved to London to pursue her dreams. It was here that she spent 7 years working for fashion jewellery designer Scott Wilson. Here she created collections for trade shows including London Fashion Week and one off commission pieces for major fashion houses and celebrities including Pringle, Swarovski, Robbie Williams and Kylie.

Ribbon Knot silver bangle

Jodie then returned to Cardiff and in 2008 set up her own business.  2009 saw her establishing herself within galleries and shops throughout the UK with her Ribbon Collection and most recently the Equilateral Collection. The talented designer has more than 15 years experience designing and making individual handmade jewellery.

Large silver Ribbon Knot bangle

In September 2009 Jodie was thrilled to be awarded the Lonmin Design Innovation Award in the established designer category for her Rollercoaster Earrings in platinum. Most recently she has created her Ultimate Stainless Tie as part of an Association of Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition, STAIN-LESS, in celebration of this year’s centenary of the discovery of Stainless Steel.

 

Silver Ribbon Knot studs

The Ribbon Collection is her signature range and is an on-going love affair, inspired from the moment you unravel a roll of satin ribbon, it twists and loops, as you lift it a knot forms. She manipulates the metal creating a light wearable adornment that looks beautiful from every angle. Since its conception new and complimentary designs and finishes have been included to this best-selling range.

Silver Ribbon Knot tied necklace

In 2010 it expanded into her Wedding Collection with hair slides, bands and grips made in a fine gauge of silver combined with beautiful Swarovski crystal beads and pearls to create striking yet delicate pieces that can be worn all day for a special occasion. For the Heart Gallery Exhibition ‘I DO’ she has carefully selected the range to include a few pieces created exclusively for the Show.

Allegra – silver and crystal hair comb

“Ultimately I seek to create wearable jewellery that makes a statement on and off the body.”

Meet The Maker – Katherine Lawrie

Katherine Lawrie - jeweller

From an early age Katherine has been familiar with the techniques involved in making jewellery and working with metal. Her father works as a jewellery designer maker and often Katherine would work alongside him in his workshop.

Silver textured heart studs

Silver textured heart drops on long wires

By the age of 16 her jewellery making became a serious hobby and Katherine sold jewellery to her friends for pocket money. She won young Craftsman of the Year in the early 1990s, which made her take her talents more seriously.

Silver textured leaf necklace with fresh water pearl

Katherine went to the Surrey Institute of Art and Design and then on to Edinburgh College of Art and in 1999 Katherine set out as a professional jewellery designer maker.

Personalised silver bracelet on fresh water pearls

Katherine’s jewellery, handmade in sterling silver and gold, is inspired by natural forms and textural qualities.She uses various techniques to create her jewellery. The predominant one is roller texturing, an unpredictable technique which involves the use of steel rolling mills and natural and manmade materials, such as feathers, leaves, lace and petals. The object disintegrates but leaves the surface of the metal with a rich ethereal texture.

Silver textured heart necklace on fresh water pearls

Using this technique involves a lot of happy accidents, but that is what keeps it fresh, and inspiring. The jewellery can be very evocative, the pressing of a special leaf from a place visited once, or grandma’s lace.

Silver textured heart necklace

She uses this in conjunction with semi-precious and precious stones and beads to create a body of work with sensitivity and subtlety which works in sympathy with the wearer. 

Personalised silver bracelet with fresh water pearls

Katherine sells her work through various outlets and off exhibitions and she is also an associate member of the Society of Botanical Artists, which has an annual exhibition at Central Hall in London. She regularly takes part in Open house exhibitions in Brighton and Heart Gallery is proud that Katherine has chosen Heart Gallery as a more northern stockist for her new range.

Meet The Maker – Gemma Scully

Gemma Scully - jeweller

Gemma creates jewellery inspired by the Chaos Theory, something that has fascinated her for years. The idea that small differences in initial conditions yield widely diverging outcomes fascinates her. Through a process of hand casting she is able to conduct her own research into this idea. Dropping varying amounts of molten silver and gold into different volumes of snow, ice and water she creates wildly different all one off castings that Gemma then designs around.

Silver Brooch from Gemma's Chaos Collection

Gemma is interested in adding order and structure to her designs to create an almost ironic balance or juxtapose. Drawing inspiration from Edward N. Lorenz’s images of chaotic flow she creates repetitive line drawings in precious metals including silver and 18ct gold, that add structure, form and wearability to the cast pieces.

Chaos rings in silver and oxidised silver

Having completed her degree in jewellery and silversmithing at UCA Farnham Campus, Gemma developed a new body of work based round chaos whilst on a residence at Bishopsland Educational Trust. A year long apprenticeship that helps develop business sense and skills as a maker. The Trust prides itself on the high standard of work or “The Bishopsland Standard” which all fellows are taught to work to.

Chaos necklace

Gemma prides herself on being Eco-friendly within her work, through casting herself by hand she ensures that there is no waste, all scrap is melted down and cast again. Also instead of using cast grains, Gemma buys old scrap and re-uses old silver pieces.

Chaos brooch with fresh water peacock pearl

Along with casting Gemma also uses other techniques within her work including, Gold inlay, fusing and fabrication. Lastly Gemma simply loves to design, create and then sell her pieces.

Chaos ring with fresh water pearl

Heart Gallery hopes you love your little piece of Gemma chaos!

Meet The Maker – Karen Morrison

Karen Morrison

Karen designs and creates beautiful, stylish and timeless collections which marry sophisticated glamour with delicate femininity.

Black Pearl Necklace

Karen first studied Fashion Design in Glasgow, her hometown, then moved to London where she worked as a Fashion Model for many years. After studying Jewellery, Art and Design she then worked with designers such as Reema Pachachi, EC One and Kate Dumbleton (Kate’s recent collection is also on display in Heart Gallery). With the knowledge and inspiration Karen gained from this experience she then moved on to designing her own collections.

Fuchsia & turquoise silver hoop earrings

Karen now designs two or three collections a season gathering inspiration from the catwalk and everyday life. Each piece is handmade in London using beautiful precious and semi-precious gemstones, rough cut diamonds, freshwater pearls and occasional pieces of swarovski crystal, blended with sterling silver, 9ct gold, oxidised silver and 22ct gold-plated silver.

                                                                                                                                                                    Onyx & fuchsia quartz statement necklace

Karen is inspired by the natural environment and has a life-long passion for fashion, both contemporary and vintage. She is also influenced by photography, modern architecture, film, music, the Art Deco period and by artists such as Tamara de Lempicka, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe and Kandinsky.

Swarovski pearl and silver heart earrings

Karen’s jewellery has featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Red, Retail Jeweller and Grazia. Customers include the singer Jameila and actress Julia Stiles and in 2009 Karen was nominated in the Scottish Fashion Awards for Jewellery Designer of the year.  See her press info here

Swarovski pearl and crystal earrings

Heart Gallery has been carefully chosen by Karen as one of her specially selected outlets and we are proud to showcase Karen’s amazing work.

Swarovski pearl and heart bracelet

Karen’s jewellery is beautifully created and always evolving. Karen’s strength is her attention to detail and her ability to forecast trends. This is why Karen has a loyal customer following who constantly call to find out when her next collection will arrive in Heart Gallery.

Semi-precious & swarovski pearl necklace

Karen’s latest collection has arrived at Heart Gallery and it is gorgeous! Her little friendship bracelets using semi-precious stones, small pearls and various silver charms sit really well in the cabinet with her larger statement pieces so make sure you call in soon before they all go!

Swarovski pearl and silver heart friendship bracelet

Hematite & silver star friendship bracelet

Coral & silver horseshoe friendship bracelet

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition at Heart Gallery – Valentines’ Day

I DO Wedding Exhibition – Sarah Mason, local photographer

This quick little blog is to let you know that Heart Gallery is holding a Wedding Exhibition on Valentines’ Day, 12pm – 5pm. So if you are celebrating the union of love in 2010 then you need to come down to Hebden Bridge to see what Heart Gallery can offer you and your party for your special day.

Meet Sarah Mason, a local photographer with a sensitive and individual approach to your wedding or civil partnership and the ability to capture those special moments. Sarah will be at Heart Gallery to chat with you about your requirements  and your plans to give you the photo’s you want. Sarah’s style is fresh, contemporary and natural and she likes to create a rapport with her client(s) and develop ideas prior to your BIG day. Sarah believes that the photographer shouldn’t take over your SPECIAL day so her approach is friendly yet discreet!

 

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Sarah creates your perfect cake

Sarah Jenkins’  fabulous wedding cakes are stunning; individually designed to meet your requirements  with style and attention to detail. For fashion conscious cakes for your BIG day then Sarah is the person you need to speak with. Sarah will be at Heart Gallery 14th February and inspiration is the key … from your invitation, your favourite flower, piece of jewellery, special place or perhaps a pattern from a vintage piece of china, Sarah can translate this into a scrumptious cake for your SPECIAL day using the best fresh ingredients including organic free-range eggs and Fair Trade chocolate.

 

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Amanda Cox bridal jewellery

Heart Gallery is already a stockist of Amanda’s amazing silver and gold jewellery so you have probably seen her stunning lily collection in Heart Gallery previously. On February 14th Amanda will be at Heart Gallery to talk to you about your bridal jewellery ideas and can also help you choose those perfect Bridesmaid’s gifts. Amanda’s silver lily collection is stunning and perfect for your SPECIAL day but she also has a fabulous rose collection too which can be chosen in polished silver and oxidised silver.

If you prefer more precious metals then we can also quote for any of Amanda’s pieces in yellow or white gold.

 

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – White freshwater pearls with small oxidised silver rose necklace

As well as showcasing stunning bridal jewellery from top UK based designer/makers you can also bring your partner along too to look at a wide range of cufflinks from these makers. When it comes to gifts for your bridal party, personalise. This shows that you have taken time with the gift and it makes a great keepsake. You can do this in a number of ways. Bespoke is one. Have a jeweller make jewellery to your specification for your bridesmaids or cufflinks for the groomsmen. There will be many handcrafted cufflinks on display in Heart Gallery on Sunday 14th February so not only can the groom choose a pair to compliment his Wedding suit but so can the Best Man and Ushers knowing that they are choosing the Best of British Craft.

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Marisa Arna silver and 18ct gold cufflinks

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Nick Hubbard silver/9ct gold cufflinks

You can also see fabulous silk ties from textile artist Clare Webster who can talk you through the different silk swatches and match the silk to the bridesmaid’s dresses or a colour scheme of your choice. Clare also makes amazingly sculptural bags and scarves which are just perfect for the mother of the bride or groom and the choice of silk colours is endless so you can match to the outfit or the shoes and stand out from the crowd. So, if you are looking for an outfit for your daughter or son’s wedding, our advice would be to have something designed for you which is not typical mother of the bride and could be worn afterwards. Its always good to know if your accessories have been designed specifically for you as there’s no chance of meeting someone else in the same thing and Clare can make sure this happens.

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Clare Webster’s silk bags are structural and amazing.

On Valentines Day, Heart Gallery will focus on adornment, especially rings, jewellery, headwear, textiles and bags but is also bringing you interesting gift ideas from a selection of the best designers in the UK – forget crystal, crockery and cutlery and choose something unique and exciting instead. Treat your wedding gift list as a Heart’s Desire List – think about updating any existing homeware and include any gifts you’ve always wanted. Ensure you have enough gifts for your guests to choose from. It’s better to have too much on your Heart’s Desire List than too little. Also remember to include a wide selection of prices as friends and family may choose to club together to purchase a large item. When choosing Heart Gallery for your Heart’s Desire List, you can be certain we have a good team, polite and helpful to your requests and we have a wide choice available, with something to suit all budgets.  It’s always a good idea to include gift tokens so that if your guests can’t find anything they love on your Heart’s Desire List they can get our fabulous pewter Heart Gift Tokens and then you are able to pick what you like in your own time. If you honeymoon in New York then you could make sure that Clare Caulfield is high on your Heart’s Desire List to remind you of your time together: Heart Gallery also sells Clare’s prints of other famous cities and we always have a choice of about 6 originals either framed or just mounted.

‘I DO’ Wedding Show – Clare Caulfield limited edition print Times Square New York

Or you could chose something stylish for your home from our London boys, Dan Black and Martin Blum. These guys have numerous design awards under their belts and Heart Gallery is this area’s stockist of  their amazing products.

 

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Loop candelabra £18

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Fruit loop £28

At Heart Gallery, you’ll find every gift exceeds your expectations, from practical and innovative products to the luxurious and indulgent. You can choose from quality, well-established design-led brands and endlessly stylish exclusive lines from some of the UK’s top designer/makers working in ceramics, glass, textiles, wood and wall art. With a price range to match anyone’s budget you will not be disappointed choosing Heart Gallery as the destination for your wedding guests.

 

‘I DO’ Wedding Exhibition – Natalie Vardey Pearl necklace

So folks, I hope we shall see you on Valentines’ Day and if you know anyone who may be joining with another to celebrate the union of love this year then pass this info blog on to them. Heart Gallery is a destination 365 days of the year but on February 14th, 2010, Heart Gallery will be THE place to be if you are getting married, thinking of getting married or taking your commitment  to your partner to the next level and planning your civil ceremony. Resident at Heart Gallery on Valentines’ Day will be Sarah Mason a local wedding photographer, Sarah Jenkins confectioner, Clare Webster textile artist, Heather Wilson hat maker and Amanda Cox, Bex Bardon and other UK based jewellery designer/makers to discuss your requirements and of course you will also have the expertise of Heart Gallery staff at your disposal in an extremely relaxed environment.

See you soon, Alison xXx

September

 

Two moggies - capturing pets

Well friends, as September draws to a close I have now made a commitment pact with myself to keep this blog, my facebook account, flickr account and notonthehighstreet selling website more regularly updated. The problem being, as always, not enough hours in the day I’m afraid. These are the links for you all to bookmark so that you can keep dipping in to see new work:

 

http://www.heartgallery.co.uk

http://notonthehighstreet.com/heartgallery

http://heartgalleryblog.wordpress.com

http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=682814520&ref=name

http://www.flickr.com/photos/heartgallery

You can get to this blog and to notonthehighstreet from the main Heart Gallery website.

Here are some images for you of new work which has arrived this month and I shall be doing a monthly feature in the future to keep you up-to-date of new arrivals. Don’t forget though that when an item is sold it is gone for good as I don’t stock pieces that are mass produced and quite often my designers will make a collection specific to an exhibition and I will only have these pieces for 6-8 weeks. It really is a case of … if you see it, love it, desire it, have to have it … then buy it.

Bye for now

Alison

 

Hallmarked sterling silver lily torque with white pearl £275

 

 

Funky Chicken Tea Cosies made with reclaimed vintage fabrics and trimmings £30

 

 

Two pooches - capturing pets £22