​​​My name is Karen and, I am a designer and maker of bespoke fine jewellery, living in a rural village near Selby North Yorkshire not far from York.

​

As a child I loved drawing and painting, and later, for many years I painted horses, dogs, cats and even guineapigs for clients, alongside my day job working for a bank.  Then one day a friend and I went for a “taster” jewellery making session and I was hooked!

​​

I use traditional techniques and selected precious metals and gemstones, bringing my designs to life, as beautiful “one of a kind" pieces of wearable art. I also enjoy collaborating with clients on commissions and creating bespoke designs that have real meaning for them -  truly personal jewellery.  I also offer selected workshops and individual tuition by arrangement.

 

After a 12 year gap recent retirement from my "day job", has alowed me time to return to painting (alongside my jewellery making), and I have been experimenting and developing a new collection of hand engraved jewellery using my animal portraiture skills.  I am am excited to see where this leads.

I am again taking part in North Yorkshire Open Studios which encourages visits to artists, to see how art and craft of all kinds is made. I find people fascinated my processes, from the original idea, through design, to the final piece. They are also surprised by the fact that making jewellery (and other items) from metal, takes time, skill, is often quite physical, and is invariably dirty!

​

I love that the challenges that this craft presents are infinite. I enjoy experimenting, and learning old techniques that are new to me. As a living craft, innovation is also important, as is keeping up with new technology.

​

I am never happier that when I am in the workshop playing with metal
and fire!​