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
You girls are so creative, just love your work, its amazingly cute.
Härliga systrar som gör härliga saker
Just love your Work.
Happy knitting
Eva
So quirky and delicate at the same time! I love your stuff! Best of luck!
xo
Wow! Totally unique and cool – want want want!
Love it! Bunting necklace caught my eye at the last encraftment market. Awesome fine details.
Love the imagination behind these works!
I like that you two bring different personalities to your creations – very inspiring. And love the idea of a bunting necklace – hanging just like the original wall buntings!
Wow these are so cute! *want*
Love these beautiful pieces!
I didn’t realise you are ChCh folk! Very excited about that. Your ideas are nice and fresh!
Love your necklaces – especially the colours you have chosen. A must for Spring! Yay!!
These are so incredibly cute! Love your work!!
Love your work, and awesome favourite quotes too (just by the way!!)
Gorgeous! I’ve been eyeing up those beautiful bunting necklaces for quite some time and it’s lovely to learn more about the makers!
Gorgeous colours, nice work guys! Very fresh, inovative and new
You two are so super talented, loving all your pieces!!
What stunningly creative jewellery! Love it all! Very clever.
Love, love love ! Would be perfect for a spring pop of color to any oufit
Wow! I never realised your figurines were so tiny and intricate. Well done, both of you, your work is gorgeous
I love the bunting necklace, and the cute little bottle pendants. Keep up the good work.
These little animals are so cute!!!
Also LOVE the bunting.
Nice work girls!
Love the combination of nature & science in your lives & designs. (So much symmetry & geometry in nature
Also great to see that talented designs are still coming out of Christchurch!
Beautiful jewellery, I love how intricate it all is! How do you not go cross-eyed?!
What a neat review of some talented and inspiring people, thanks Felt
Love the intricate symetry of triangles, and a great idea for a ‘celebratory’necklace of bunting. Then the wee animals are just gorgeous. You have a fine touch. Fab workmanship. Keep it up!
Seriously cute jewellery! Love love love the earrings.
HI, love your creativity & especially love the bunting necklace.
So gorgeous and whimsical, absolutely need some of these goodies!!
How gorgeous. I’m balancing study and crafting business too so I love to hear about others that manage it
Love your beautiful jewellery, I couldn’t pick a favourite it’s all so gorgeous!
love your stuff
Its so encouraging to see people start something like this and do what they love! I wish i could do something similar
Beautiful, beautiful work!
I just love the bunting necklace! Really hope I win x
Love your bunting necklaces, beautifully made – it would go so well with my bunting purses that I make!
I love how fresh, colourful and simple your jewellery is. The bunting necklaces are so cute! I’ve been trying to find the space/time to set up my own craft corner – so thank you for the inspiration! I hope my creations come out somewhere near as cute and wearable as yours
Lovely stuff and I really love the Bunting Necklace. Would love to win one… Keep up the great work you are doing….
LOVING the bunting necklace – I need more colour in my life!
You are so talented. Ever tried to make my own stuff, but I never have been nearly as good as you. Wish you all the best!
So exquisite handmade work. Excellent and creative! Love your job gals.x
Love the colours you guys use and the attention to detail! Beautiful!
Wow! I’ve been looking for bunting necklace like this for sooo long! My fingers are both firmly crossed behind my back! I REALLY hope I win (can you tell?)
Keeping it in the family – go girls! Love your crafty wares
You girls are so fabulous…. it must be lovely to work with a like-minded sister
Absolutly LOVE that necklace, what clever ladies!
What gorgeous, clever sisters!!! I just love all the fabulous things you make… LOVE this bunting necklace.. xx
So many beautiful things here! Clever ladies
Beautifully made! Thanks for sharing a bit of yourselves
Love your jewellery, very talented ladies :0)
Really funky designs, love it
These bunting necklaces are delightful!!!!!!! Enjoy your day