Care, attention, and purpose: the slow-crafted silverwork of Julia Banks

Julia Banks has a passion for hand making slow-crafted sterling silver jewellery using traditional silversmithing techniques. Working from her home studio in rural Greendale, Canterbury, her work takes inspiration from nature and her home garden – and her focus is on exquisite detail and quality from beginning to end.

What do you make?

Jewellery from sterling silver using traditional silversmith techniques; designing, sawing, filing, stone setting, soldering, and polishing. My work heavily features botanical inspired pieces and new editions that resonate with me at the time.

How did you get into your craft?

I’ve always been creative from a very young age but making jewellery was completely by accident! It was after a trip to the Little River Gallery that I was inspired by the local artists and craftspeople’s work on display. When I got home I started rifling through my treasure trove of antique and vintage buttons, putting colour combinations together with abstract layouts and I was hooked! I began making bracelets, brooches, necklaces and earrings that were hugely popular… part of the recycling and sustainability awareness that really resonated at the time. I began selling on Trade Me and was astounded when someone ACTUALLY bought one of my pieces. I then stumbled onto Felt, set up a shop and the rest is history!

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?

I’m so proud to say absolutely not! To look back and see how far I’ve come since the beginning; how I’ve evolved and taught myself techniques and processes I would never have dreamed I would be able to do. I think it’s inspirational to anyone out there wanting to do this but thinking they need to have “qualifications” in order to begin. With the right mindset and passion you really can achieve amazing things. A few years ago I became a member of The Silversmiths Guild of Canterbury and under the guidance of experienced tutors was able to refine a few areas I was unfamiliar with; such as stone setting. Since doing those courses I’ve been able to add another string to my bow, so to speak.

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?

I LOVE my emery files. For me the finishing stage is the most enjoyable. The rhythmic movement of filing is very relaxing!

Tell us about some of the techniques involved in producing one of your pieces

In a simple ring band the process is actually quite lengthy even though you might not think it to look at it. It begins with melting then pouring molten hot silver into an ingot mould which, once it cools down, produces a length of rod I can then use to form the ring band. It goes through a rolling mill several times to get the right thickness and length I want. Then it’s back and forth to the torch to keep the piece annealed (soft) while I work on forging it around a mandrel. I then saw a clean edge to solder the join. Once the join is perfect, the process begins of filing and shaping to create the curve of the band on the outside, sides and inside the ring band to make it super smooth and comfortable for the wearer. This has lots of stages as I work down the grades of files and emery paper. The final stage is finishing the band by polishing on the buffing wheel to create a beautifully smooth shiny surface.

What inspires you?

My biggest influence is the natural world around us. I spend a lot of time outdoors in my garden; tending to plants and revelling in seeing them grow and blossom. It’s how I recharge, be present and peaceful with only the sounds of nature around. That in turn makes the perfect inspiration for my botanical themed jewellery. I also find viewing other artists work incredibly motivating, whether it be a painting, pottery or jewellery. It really does keep the creative process flowing.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?

Yes to keep my business small and simple. I don’t ever want to lose the “slow-crafted” aspect of my jewellery and have no desire to mass produce it. In every piece I create I want my customers to know my jewellery is crafted completely by me by hand with care, attention and purpose. Each piece is meaningful, each piece is unique.

What has been a highlight of your maker journey so far?

I feel like I’m in the highlight of my journey right now! I feel right where I want to be, know what I want to create and how to create it. Maybe it’s something to do with getting older but I feel more relaxed, more content than I’ve ever been and happy with my niche.

Describe your workspace

I know I’m really lucky to have a dedicated workshop now that’s all mine and no longer part of a spare room or the kitchen table! When we moved to our property eight years ago it was already decided we would build a space dedicated solely to making jewellery. I can work at home, around my children’s school hours and it suits us just perfectly. I couldn’t be happier with how it’s worked out.

Your favourite feedback from a customer

Online shopping has grown hugely over the years which can limit the connection with customers, so I really appreciate the effort when someone does send me a little note to let me know. I’ve had so much wonderful feedback, but the latest was a sale in my Felt shop. A very special graduation gift from mother to daughter.

“You are a gem Julia! Thank you so much for your awesome creation it made the perfect gift for my daughter. Ideal size, unique, simple and stunning. The earrings went down a treat with my daughter and she will wear them with pride at her graduation. Your exquisite creation and lovely descriptive words were just fitting. Keep up the wonderful array of beautiful jewellery. I will certainly purchase again.”

What are you reading now?

The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley. Based on the Pleiades (Seven Sisters star cluster) the book series follows 6 adopted sisters and their journey tracing their lineage. Highly recommended!

A favourite quote

 “Leap! And the net will appear” from The Artists Way by Julia Cameron. A fabulous book on recovering your artistic creativity.

Tell us about your pets

We’ve just adopted a kitten named Loki. A wee wild gem rescued and raised initially by a wonderful member of our community. He’s now the boss of our two slightly unsure but accepting labrador retrievers.

What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?

Keep it simple. You don’t have to explore every avenue at once or continually create something new. I’ve really only just come to terms with this now almost 15 years on. Trying to keep up with these expectations can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming which completely destroys the whole point behind the creative process. When you’re self-employed you’re not just the maker. You’re the manager, marketer, salesperson, book keeper, cleaner etc. There’s already enough on your plate… keep remembering it has to be fun too!

What does it mean to you when someone buys your creations?

I feel incredibly humbled each and every time a piece sells. It doesn’t just sell to a ‘someone’. More often than not I hear the story behind why the customer purchased it. It’s a husband’s special anniversary, a daughter’s graduation, a couple’s commitment to each other sealed by matching ring bands, a 75 year old lady who just decided to treat herself ’cause… why not? To be a small part of that really is special and why I love what I do.

What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?

I bought a handcrafted wooden chopping board and the beeswax dressing to go with it. Wood over plastic for me any day… even just the process of re-applying the beeswax is a pleasurable act in itself!

What’s your favourite item in your shop right now?

I love my Twig Wreath Necklace, the circle representing the infinite cycle of nature. I wear mine all the time!

What’s in store for the rest of 2023?

Work is nearly finished on my workshop renovations complete with a space at the front for a small studio shop. It’s exciting to think customers will be able to come for a drive to our beautiful village in Greendale to view or purchase work. As it’s also our home, for now it will be by appointment only but in the busy seasonal months I hope to have it open on regular days. (Special thanks to my Mr for his carpentry skills and unexpected ideas!)

I’m also confirmed to be at the Geraldine Summer Fete this November and hopefully a few more after that.

Special offer for Felt readers!

Julia has generously offered Felt readers 10% off any of the beautiful products in her Felt shop, when you enter the voucher code JBJ10 in the voucher code field at checkout. This offer is valid throughout the month of June 2023. Thank you so much Julia!