I studied for a degree in Printed Textile Design, so pattern and colour have always been at the heart of my work. By chance I started making decorative objects with chicken wire frames covered in layers of paper, which I then covered with decorative patterns. Creating trompe l’oeil drapes for windows, mirror frames, tables etc, I was commissioned to make display objects for shop windows such as Harvey Nichols and Top Shop in London. I also created pieces for restaurants, offices and private clients.
In 2004 we moved from London to south west France, where I continued with my work. One of the galleries where I exhibited here suggested I try making jewelry and that was it! It took many years to refine the process and find the best solutions to creating the charms and putting them together. I start with sheets of recycled paper which I colour and decorate with gold leaf patterns, before gluing several layers together to get the right thickness. Then I cut out the different shaped charms and add further decoration on both sides. Finally two coats of waterproof varnish and I can create the jewelry pieces.