Leigh Shepherd - jewellery designer
After studying Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University Leigh worked in animation, including projects for Channel 4 and ITV. Following a career in teaching Leigh is now a ‘full time’ jewellery designer and maker.
Vintage Scrabble Tile necklace on silver in Sky Blue Blossom chiyogami paper
Scrabble tile necklace on silver chain with sakura amethyst chiyogami paper
Leigh’s designs were inspired by a desire to recycle or preferably ‘upcycle’ objects to create new pieces using vintage Scrabble tiles for necklaces, sixpence pieces for earrings and domino and draught pieces for brooches.
Sixpence earrings in blossom blue chiyogami paper
Leigh makes these beautiful earrings using original sixpence pieces and handmade silver earwires and presents them in a matching tin.
Draught brooch - Angel design using original photo of a 40s starlet
Each of Leigh’s pieces is carefully collaged with high quality papers. Leigh uses Japanese silk screened papers known as ‘chiyogami paper’, postage stamps or hand marbled Italian paper sealed with a glossy, water based resin to protect the design.
Draught brooch - Leigh's own tattoo design based on 50s style Rockabilly imagery
The resin used is very durable so Leigh’s brooches are safe to wear on a coat or bag. They will be unaffected by rain showers.
Draught brooch - dreamer
Leigh has been featured in Make Jewellery Magazine and Craft & Design magazine to name a couple and now has work in the British Museum.
Domino brooch in chiyo red
All Leigh’s lovely ‘upcycled’ pieces come on a card and are gift wrapped by Heart Gallery so all you have to do is enjoy the giving!
Domino brooch on display card
