It is time to celebrate another one of our amazing independent makers! We have been speaking to Penny aka Little Nell jewellery who we first met in 2016. Her range of gold, silver and rose gold plated studs, statement necklaces and bold brass earrings are a staple here in Little Beach Boutique and we have recently added them to our website for your home purchasing pleasure too!
Read on to find out about her life, inspiration and process.
Tell us about what you make...
I make contemporary jewellery from my studio in Shropshire.
How did you start out?
I started making jewellery when I was at uni, I’d buy bags of broken vintage accessories on ebay, then upcycle them into something new. It was always just a hobby until 5/6 years ago when I started selling online. (Alongside my full-time marketing job.) Things went a bit crazy one Christmas and I started to see a future in it.
What is your inspiration?
It’s ever changing! I’ve always been drawn to clean geometric lines and shapes, especially in architecture, but there’s something about the Summer that makes me want to add some colour and play with a new palette.
What is your favourite product in your range?
I love our brass statement earrings. Brass has always been my favourite material to work with, i love the colour, the textures you can create and the way it ages. A bold earring is always my go-to accessory, I can add them to jeans and a t-shirt and instantly feel more pulled together.
What is an ideal day off for you?
I’d start by taking Ernie (my schnoodle) for a long dog walk in the Shropshire countryside, then head into town for a shakshuka brunch. I’d have a mooch round some local indie stores and antiques/charity stops for a new project. Then I’d detour home via the green grocer to get supplies for dinner - the best days off always revolve around food! Obviously it would be gloriously sunny, so I’d make a Mexican feast and enjoy it sat in the garden with my friends and family watching the sun go down with a beer or 3.
What other artists & makers do you love?
I love Artcadia who make beautiful monochrome letterpress stationery and prints, Rachel Hillis and her botanical inspired illustrations and I’ve just discovered Studio Lowen who makes gorgeous leather accessories and jewellery.
What advice would you give other people starting a creative career?
Get on with it, I wasted so much time thinking about starting my business or considering whether to do certain trade shows and chickening out. You learn so much by just giving it a go. I think lots of us are perfectionists who don’t want to launch until everything is just right, but if that was the case I’d never have started! I think part of having your own business is that you’re always striving to improve and adapt, but it’s much easier to do that as you go along.
Next month we will be talking to Kat from Misskukie Jewellery...watch this space!