MEET THE MAKER
For a Mother’s Day gift that’s kind to Mother Nature, look no further than Kate Wainwright’s delicate jewellery, crafted from 100 per cent recycled silver and beautifully giftwrapped in biodegradable packaging. Shown left is the La Lune Crescent Moon Necklace, £25, with £5 from each sale donated to Tommy’s, the baby charity.
MY STORY Ten years ago, I was a neonatal nurse craving a creative escape from work. I began making jewellery to de-stress and, slowly, my hobby became a business – although it still feels more like play than work!
TO-DO LIST During lockdown, I found the time to learn a new aspect of my craft – wax carving. Designs are carved into wax, then cast in silver or gold. I’ve used this to create new floral designs for spring.
WORDS TO THE WISE I believe in community over competition and would advise other crafters to form a support group with like-minded creatives. And never compare yourself to others
– what works for one business might not work for yours.
GREATEST CHALLENGE It’s difficult to compete with cheaper mass-produced alternatives. People often question my price points without realising that each piece is handmade, using artisanal skills and techniques passed down through generations.