About me.

​

After a lifetime of creating and making, I had a long hiatus off due to bereavement and a relatively early menopause. I am now fully in my whimsey era. 

​

I grew up being encouraged to make by my potter Mum and painter Dad. It was a way to get pocket money at the time but developed into a need to create as I grew up. AFter completeing a diploma in Foundation Art and Design, I completed a BA(hons) in Silversmithing, which I did for a few years professionally, until I was drawn into managing the various co-operative shops my Mum had started.  We eventually had our own shop together in Chippenham, originally called 'The Craft Company' and then 'Hall's emporium of Fancy Goods'. I made many of the items we sold, painted glass, blackboards, cards and also did jewellery repairs. It was a really succesful shop, hard work of course but so enjoyable. Life took a turn in 2017 when Mum sadly died and then another turn when unexpectedly my husband also died. My heart was broken and I just didn't have the energy to continue.  I gave myself some time (plus a pandemic) and then in 2023 this idea of mushrooms and then mice came to me and here we are. 

​

I'm so glad to have found my making self again while continuing to work through grief, it's an on-going process!

​

The inspiration to make again came to me as some gnarly wood got delivered for the fire. The bark was too interesting to burn and I felt I could do something with it! From that inkling of an idea these whimsical worlds have grown. I incorporate found items into my work as much as possible, supporting my belief as a maker in sustainability. Plus using all these mis-matched objects keeps the making process fresh, interesting and inquisitive.  No two makes are the same!

 

I make the mice, mushrooms, birds and other animals in polymer clay, then hand paint. The flowers, leaves and plants are made in coloured polymer clay using a millefiore technique. Once these key components have been made, they are brought together with the found items and foliage. I believe my background in silversmithing means I keep a firm eye on detail as each piece is constructed mouse-by-bead and become these magical worlds.