Maggie Churcher lives at the beach in Tutukaka with partner Neil, daughter Bella and son Jimmy. Every morning she rides along the Ngunguru waterfront to her cottage studio, where, inspired by her surroundings in beautiful Northland, she designs and handcrafts her jewellery.
What do you make? Handmade jewellery.
How did you get into your craft?
For as long as I can remember I have loved making things with my hands.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Yes, I had a great time completing a Bachelor of Applied Arts at NorthTec, Whangarei. I concentrated more on sculpture while I was studying and have really just transferred those skills into jewellery making.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I love the whole process of wax casting. I love carving the wax, sending it off to the foundry… and then ripping open the parcel when it comes back in metal!
What inspires you?
It is obvious in my work that my ideas are strongly nature-inspired, but interactions with wonderful customers are super inspiring too. I find Felt customers are a lovely bunch. Seeing how other artists are working inspires me; it reminds me how cool it is to be making art.
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I guess my theme is just emphasising the intricate beauty in nature. When you imitate nature in another material you get to take a look at it from a different perspective.
Five words that describe your mind:
Free, treasure chest, mostly a jungle – occasionally a desert! Optimistic.
Describe your workspace:
My workspace is heavenly. I work in a little cottage at my friend’s place. She has a ceramics studio there too, so it is an inspiring place to be. I often sit at my jewellers’ bench just loving my space and wondering if that is how some men feel about their ‘man caves’!
Your favourite feedback from a customer:
“I love, love, love the necklace! It is my new favourite piece of jewellery and I am getting loads of compliments. You are obviously very talented! Thank you very much.”
Sometimes when working on a commission piece I do so much emailing with my lovely customers and wish I could meet them – that is the only downfall of internet sales.
What are you currently listening to?
The White Stripes, Lorde, Faithless, Fly My Pretties.
Recommend an album:
My old favourite – Back to Mine: Faithless.
Your favourite childhood book?
Lion and Blue by Robert Vavra. It’s such a beautiful love story about a Lion who falls in love with a Brazilian Blue butterfly. And the pictures are amazing.
What are you reading now? Anything to do with alternative power.
Your hero/heroine:
Me lovely Ma, she is amazing, nearly as amazing as my daughter.
What was the last handmade item you bought?
Some beautiful coffee cups from Akke Tiemersma Ngunguru Pottery. They are so good to drink out of and warm your palms at the same time. Handy.
If you were a crafty superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
I think I would be Miss Macgyver, because I love fixing things.
A favourite quote:
“Beware of deadly donkeys, falling from the sky, as you can choose the way you live my dear, but not the way you die.” I’m not sure who wrote this… would love to know!
Do you have any pets?
Yes. I have a gorgeous little Jack Russell cross, Vani. She does suffer from small dog syndrome… and lifts her leg on power poles, but she is quite nice at home. I did have a gem of a cat, but he left me for another woman. But I understand, she is very cool.
Make sure you visit Maggie’s Felt shop to see more of her gorgeous pieces. We’re also delighted to say that Maggie has generously offered one lucky Felt blog reader a prize of a $50.00 voucher to spend in her Felt shop! Leave a comment below, telling us what inspires you about Maggie’s beautiful jewellery, and you’ll be in to win. The draw will be made on Friday 2 August and is open to New Zealand residents only.
I have been a long time fan of your work, though haven’t been able to afford a piece yet! I love the way your work has an Aoteroa flavour but isn’t cheesy. I enjoy that some parts are chunky and others delicate, but together remind me of being outside in summer somewhere near a beach, and being happy!
I love the sense of place the flower pieces have. Its so wonderful to find jewellery like this that is not remotely generic.
The beautiful flow of the pieces – they’re wonderful.
I am inspired by Maggies gorgeous jewellery and the fact that she is living her dream in one of the most beautiful parts of the country!
Your jewellery is so unique and lovely! I would love to win the voucher to put towards a piece for my mother birthday – she is a keen gardener who doesn’t wear much jewellery but would love your pieces. Thanks for sharing.
What stunning jewellry you are making – I can see why you are the featured artist! I love your attention to detail and your tidy finishes.
I wondered if you would be happy to do a swap? I make lovely multilayered pots, I can email you some photos if you are interested.
Cheers, Yasmin
Your jewellery is beautiful, and true to the form of the original treasures which inspire it. I have spent my career working in the field of conservation, and wearing pieces like yours are an opportunity to showcase our wonderful biodiversity, and for me provide a connection to the things I love. My partner and I spent 15 years raising our sons in Northland, exploring its unique and wild places. We miss it terribly now we live in . Fortunately we make regular trips back to see grandparents and extended whanau. On our next trip we intend to call in at your studio 🙂
Your jewellery is stunning! I love the natural and Nz themes!
Ooh I’ve got the “I wants” real bad now! Love the outdoorsy found in nature vibe to your work Maggie.
Lovely interview, and exquisite jewellery Maggie. I’ll be putting your shop on my favourites list. Wishing you much success, and continued pleasure in your passion.
Tino pai! What beautiful representations of the natural world. (and I love your choice of music too)
The collection inspires me to get out and about in our beautiful Aoteoroa more! Stunning pieces
Amazing work! Just great.
I love how your jewellery is rooted in the fauna, flora and traditional crafts of Aotearoa New Zealand, celebrating the natural and cultural beauty and uniqueness of our country.
Somehow you have managed to replicate nature brilliantly!
I find it inspiring Maggie, that you are obviously doing what you love. And it’s a bonus that your jewellery is not only beautiful but affordable (considering the design and workmanship). 🙂 Best wishes for the future.
What a wonderful selection of beautiful jewellry. I am inspired by the integration of formal study to perfect/hone her skills and the freedom and fluidity of her designs. Beautiful work x
Wow, Maggie your work is a real tribute to the beauty of our wonderful nation and it’s creative people. We are so lucky to live surrounded by beauty both natural and created, your designs add richness to that, and like the natural beauty around us they are timeless in their design, thank you.
your designs are beautiful – they reflect the beauty of nature – I imagine the place you work in really makes a difference to your pieces. Thanks for bringing such amazing jewellery into the world!
I want to touch your jewellery! I’m aware that sounds a little strange (perhaps more than a little), but textures are an important part of my life – artwork, wallpaper, furniture, indoor and outdoor plants just for a start. In the case of your creations I particularly like the woven pieces, especially the woven wrap around bracelet – gorgeous.
I love your jewellery! If I don’t win the voucher I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to buy something anyway… 🙂
beautiful pieces of NZ crafted by a beautiful woman
Really beautiful work i am always on the look out for silver jewelry that has some life in it, that i know a little about its creator, thanking for sharing your talent, your work is really beautiful. xx
Wow, I love the natural textures of your jewellery – it really says Aotearoa NZ to me. I particularly like the cicada wing necklace. And the idea of you riding to the cottage to create has got me daydreaming of having my own place by the beach to make art – very envious! Thanks for sharing your process with us, and I hope to get one of your pieces one day 🙂
I just love the Kiwi flavour of your beautiful designs. I adore the Kowhai pieces and the Flax rings are also beautiful. Those would be fantastic to wear overseas to show off our kiwi designers’ talents. I would love to own something from this collection 🙂
Your work is incredible! I’ve never heard of wax casting.. it is amazing!.. I’d love to do a workshop. The woven braids bring the most interesting texture to a ring. I’ve not seen anything like these before.. you are very talented!! x
Wow I love your items – especially the angel wing necklace (or is it a butterfly?). And I love that quote!
I think the word that comes most to mind is ‘organic’. Someone else above mentioned earthy and thats so apt too. I love how everything has such texture. I cant decide which piece is my favourite but probably the kowhai pieces
Love the earthy tone of the pieces. Who doesn’t find the beauty of the natural world out there simply stunning!
The true authentic Aoteroa flavour through your work is so evident. The weave and textures really appeal to me. The reflection of our beautiful country and landscape is evident in your work and gives it that individual flavour of something unique and ours. Aroha Maggie. I really like what the previous writer has expressed and totally agree.
Sallie
I really love the chunky quality of your work. The pieces have so much texture, contrast, shadows. Real earthy and so Aotearoa. I love when people buy of an artist such as yourself, the piece seems to become an extention of the person. We identify, and we wear like a medal, expressing to the world that this piece is part of our ethos somehow. I would love one of your pieces, would be so proud to add one to the collage of art I hold dear, that helps me make sense of my journey through life, and the strong bond we have with nature and this beautiful land we call home. Arohanui Maggie, I’m (obviously) really impressed with your work xx
Such a nice pick-up to get lost in an artistic Ngunguru world for a moment…envy your commute…kowhai piece particularly beautiful – but all lovely!
Gorgeous jewellery, I particularly like the woven rings 🙂
What stunning jewellery, so great to have found it by accident while on the Felt website.
Hi, I just love how your work appears to be so much nature inspired. So beautiful and one-off.
Not only is your jewelry stunning but you are such an interesting and awesome person to read about! I love how your work is so unique and recognizable – It is as if you have put your signature on each delicate art piece. Congratulations lovely lady! 🙂
Amazing work Maggie. It makes me smile to think of you happily at your jewellers bench.
I have the large Kowhai pendant and matching earrings. I really love them and receive lots of compliments too, thanks Maggie 🙂
I get so many comments on my woven ring. I love it and I loved visiting your studio. Sounds like you’re living the dream 🙂 Well done
So love having found you and your beautiful jewellery – have spoilt myself and my daughter with your lovely pieces.
What a fantastic place to work – with such lovely company – also creating her own masterpieces!!
Gorgeous, very inspiring.
Thanks for your wonderful words lovely people.You are giving me a great gift……….MOTIVATION 🙂
I was searching through shop after shop for many years to find a ring that’s not your usual style until I came across your jewellery Maggie. I bought one of your Flax Weave Rings, have been wearing it almost every day and so many people commented on how gorgeous it is! Thanks so much!!!
My mother in law owns several of your beautiful pieces. Love your work.
Maggie Churcher, not only are you extremely talented, creating your marvellous jewellery but you are also an eloquent and funny wordsmith! Your studio looks like heaven!
Wow, amazing, and what a gorgeous studio… 🙂
I love your work and my mum is my hero too.
All of the above is just so adorably Maggie. Loved it all xx
Great to read your story. It must also be great having the company of another artist working a different medium. My company is my animals. Although I love having them around some human artistic company would be great. Keep up the good work. Ross
I love that your designs are so kiwi and reflect some of the things we identify with, kowhai and weaving! I would be proud to wear your jewellery.