Look East for bohemian treasures
IN Craft Creations this week we meet Sam East who describes herself as a ‘self confessed bohemian and child of nature, who’s work is inspired by the natural world.
“As a child I was always making craft items for my Sindy doll. I started my upcycling interest in earnest in 1988 when I began customising clothing to my own specifications.
As I began to develop an interest in jewellery design/ arts and crafts, I found that I naturally gravitated towards nature themes. It seemed also a natural progression, as a vegan, to include recycling (aka upcycling) into my creations helping to protect this precious planet.
About 15 years ago when I started to experiment seriously with jewellery and clothing design. I found that although I had no formal training or qualifications, ideas would flow naturally and constantly.
I briefly worked in an Arts and Craft shop where I started to sell my goods and it was here I discovered my love of sea glass. I found a few pieces and researched into what people were doing with them, jewellery wise. I wanted an original idea and so I came up with the idea of adding elements to the pieces, some new, some second hand. I was not afraid to experiment.
My designs need to reflect my personal ethos and the ethos of my business so I do not use any animal products in my items bar a few beach found shells.
I scour the beaches for old glass, unusual rope, plastic, metal and try to use them in my designs. I pick up ALL the glass from the beaches I trawlany glass that is unsuitable I use for my sea glass path in my garden or other projects.. it’s about keeping our beaches clean too for me.
The sea glass items tend to have certain themes: flora, fauna, faith, love, Celtic, vintage, mediaeval and of course marine/nautical but I am open to commissions. I never shape the glass..I simply embellish.
You can see Sam at Conwy’s Indoor Market, St Mary’s Church Hall, Rose Hill St., most Mondays and Fridays. See also facebook.com/pg/ Artlysparklydesigns