Twin sisters Megan and Christie Webber from Christchurch grew up in a house that that their dad built and their mum painted. Their mother is an artist who had a paintbrushes in her daughters’ hands as soon as they could hold them, so it’s no big surprise that both Megan and Christie are creatively inclined and now work together in their crafty business, Sly Fox Jewellery.
Tell us a bit about yourselves
Megan: In my spare time I draw, sew, carve stamps, read, and make jewellery. I’m a statistics and biology student at the University of Canterbury, and although these two subjects can be quite removed from jewellery making, they both have their influences; nature and geometry.
Christie: I am studying towards my Masters degree in biology at the University of Canterbury and my love for nature comes through in the jewellery I make, which is mostly animal themed! In my free time I like to collect insects, paint, carve rubber stamps with Megan, read, and sculpt.
What do you make?
Jewellery handmade from a variety of different materials including glass, metal, clay, wire, paint, and items collected from our garden. Many of our items are handmade from beginning to end, we hand sculpt, mould, and paint these pieces making sure each one is unique.
How did you get into your craft?
Megan: Sly Fox Jewellery’s nest egg hatched in the summer of 2009 – what began as making jewellery as a hobby has really grown from there. Along the way Christie joined me and we have picked up a few stockists. Coming from such a creative background it was never a thing that we had to ‘get into’, but rather something we’ve played around with for years.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
Christie: I love working with polymer clay. Using my hands to mould the clay allows ideas to take form which is a very exciting process. My favourite tool would be my desktop oven, it is so handy for curing my pieces.
Megan assembling the handpainted flags to create a bunting necklace
What inspires you?
Megan: My ideas and inspiration come from animals, nature, geometry, illustration based art, and whimsical objects. My favourite designers would have to be Sarah McNeil, Devon Smith, and Geninne Zlatkis for illustration. Anna Ruby King and Patrick Irla for jewellery design. And Sabina from Royal Mint for incredibly cute animal figures!
Christie: Nature, colour and art inspire me. My favourite artists are Joan Miró, Charles Harper and my mum Joanne Webber. Hayao Miyazaki films are amazing, with beautiful illustrations that are inspiring. I also follow Memi The Rainbow and Cat Rabbit for a dose of cute and quirky.
What does ‘handmade’ mean to you?
Handmade items begin as a concept and with time and patience become tangible. The process involves authenticity, creativity, perfection and imperfection.
Describe your workspace:
Megan: My workspace doubles as my study space, a room separate from my bedroom. I fill it with inspiration and things I enjoy seeing every day.
Christie: I am really lucky to have my own craft corner with a desk and pin board covered with art and supplies for creating. I often look at it longingly from my study desk as I do university work.
Christie painting intricate detail onto her handsculpted earrings
Five words that describe your mind:
Megan: inquisitive, organised, analytical, shy, and creative.
Christie: spontaneous, creative, adventurous, friendly and perfectionist.
What are you currently listening to? Megan: Lisa Mitchell; Christie: Joni Mitchell
Recommend an album: Megan: XX, by The XX; Christie: Body Talk, by Robyn
What are you reading now?
Megan: A Feast for Crows by George R R Martin
Christie: From Rice to Riches by Jane Hutcheon
A favourite quote:
Megan: “Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin
Christie: “Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.” – Edwin Hubble
Do you have any pets?
We have a cat named Albert, he is the king of the house. Also Felix, he is a little dog and anyone that meets him is besotted.
What was the last handmade item you bought?
Megan: Some forest themed screen printed fabric from an artist in Greece.
Christie: An art print from Lauren Carney
Where do you hope to be in five years’ time?
Finished university! Working as a scientist and a statistician by day and creating in the evenings. We would love to share a studio space where we could spend time together and work on projects.
You’ll find Sly Fox Jewellery at Craft Collective markets in Christchurch, and of course you can always find them on Felt! We have a fabulous Sly Fox Jewellery bunting necklace to give away to one super lucky person who comments below. The draw is open to New Zealand residents only until Friday 17 August.
Tags: christchurch, featured seller, jewellery, sculpture
they are so gorgeous!
I have been following Sly Fox Jewellery for a while now and love your work! Think i will need to purchase a pair of animal earrings for my very own
I love Sly Fox! Another fave of mine, Sailor Spy got me on to them and I check what they’re up to regularly and have a long list of their gorgeous things on my wishlist….in fact I feel inspired to treat myself to something from it today! Thanks for the great article, love to hear of creative whānau spreading cheer! x
So much love and care that goes into your pieces. So pleased I’ve discovered you!
I just love the Sly Fox Jewellery… so do my little girls 4 and 8 and it fits into thier world of imagination and play. My eldest wants to be a fairy with a whole lot of animals in tow.
Very cool stuff
How wonderful to work together as sisters! It must be great to have someone to share ideas, while still maintaining their separate creative identities.
Lovely work as always, and nice to get a bit of behind the scenes info
Love! their gorgeous creations!!
Lovely to see where your beautiful creations come to life
So intricate and detailed; you both must be very patient!
Love your work (as I’m sure you already know) and love the way you style your product shots. Very interesting read, thanks so much!
Thank you so much for the feature Lucy! It looks great and we love how you have arranged the photos.
Also thank you to everyone who has made lovely comments (^-^)
Those girls are so inspiring, love their jewellery and photos of it!
The Sly Fox sisters bring a quirky, humorous and imaginative take on the natural world to their beautiful jewellery. I bought a gorgeous pair of pale blue green ceramic bird earrings at the recent market, which I enjoy wearing. Keep up the great work!
Such an amazing bond that you share as sisters x
And you are both so talented too.
I love your work, and have sent your bird egg and wire necklace all the way back to South Africa for someone special.
It’s fantastic to see what you’re both doing and that you’re managing to combine science and art together in your days, Both are incredibly creative pursuits and it’s a shame it’s often seen as an either/or scenario. It’s fantastic. The jewellery is quirky, fun, bold, interesting and well made. Beautifully whimsical. Thank you x
WOW they r so cute! Loooooove the animal earrings
Lovely work. The animal earrings are delightful!
Lovely work! The little earrings are so cute!
Its so nice to read a little more of the story behind Sly Fox. I am an avid fan, but I have room for a bunting necklace!!
Lovely article about some very talented ladies!
Very inspiring, and exciting that I stumbled across this article
Gorgeous work. Love the little faces.
Fantastic write up – love their stuff, so creative, unique, and inspired x
Cute!
I’m not usually a necklace wearer but I love the bunting necklace – it’s understated but still really fun.
Some of these remind me of Beatrix Potter animals. Ever thought of writing stories to go along with your cute characters, could be interesting! Keep up the awesome work!!
Saw some of your work at Hapa last week – so lovely! My daugther was in raptures over the tiny cakes and terrariums, but I really love the bunting best
Adorable! so so cute!
Those are stunning! Love them.
Great read, Love the jewelry, so cute!
The bunting is very sweet. I saw something similar at Starfish, but I like the way you’ve done it better- more dainty. So hard to pick a favourite of your animals!
Stunning jewellery Sly Fox – the bunting necklace is just gorgeous…love!
First time I’ve heard of your jewellery. Those animal earrings are so cute.
Love the necklaces.
Beautiful!
Hello,
I am inspired by your commitment and work………craft is very close to my heart and i am passionate about hand made original items. I myself make broaches and have recently sold a few and gifted to my friends and family.
Keep up the lovely creations………………..the mind is a vast treasure of endless and priceless gifts..use them well and use them to create beauty…!!!
These necklaces are fantastic!
Hello
I saw your work at the Encraftment market and started following you after that. I love your unique, quirky style – particularly your animal jewellery. Happy crafting,
Wow – just stunning! Off to research some more of your beautiful items!
Megan and Christie…I loved reading your story. It whipped me up in to a fantasy world of creativity, knowledge, family, cute animals ( I love the fox in a terranium…so cute!). What a special bond you share as sisters. What I love about the felt blogs is the exposure it gives to people and crafts I never knew existed. Thank you! xx
Hi Megan and Christie – I love your products and was wondering if you would be interested in having a stall at the Amberley School Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 2nd December? If you do, please email me on tempyz@vodafone.co.nz and I can send you a registration pack.
I am always on the lookout for original art/craft items so if you have any “crafty” friends, feel free to pass this on to them as well. Cheers Gail.
SOOOO cute!!!
gooooooo chch girls!!!!! great stuff!!!from a few chch girls who love your get up and go!
Just found you through this competition. WOW! Amazing, beautiful stuff. Will be back!
I’ve been a fan of Sly Fox jewellery for a long time. Just love what they make!
What beautiful, whimsical work! The red fox earrings are really delightful
A very creative pair whom you can also find at the upcoming Spring Encraftment market! Not to be missed.
So cute. Keep it up.
Wow…this jewellery is so gorgeous.I am so pleased to have stumbled across these clever ladies!!
Awesome jewellery from 2 beautiful ladies! I am going to order some earrings tomorrow to help support such creativity and to get some lovely jewellery for me. Can’t wait!
Hello Foxy loxy!
Fabulous, quirky crafty corner:)