Selma Rainey of Rainey Designs is a self-taught glass and jewellery artist who creates unique, tiny forever flower bouquets. Based in Christchurch, she works alongside her husband Sean producing her miniature pieces of art. Working full time and doing what she loves, she is also a proud mum of two very creative girls.
What do you make?
I make art glass objects, namely lampwork art and jewellery. Lampwork is an ancient glasswork technique, where a torch is used to melt glass rods. The molten glass is then sculpted into objects such as glass beads or small art glass forms. I also make art glass enamel jewellery and recycled jewellery along with my husband, Sean.
How did you get into your craft?
I always had an interest in jewellery. As a child I used to fossick through my Mum’s jewellery boxes and marvel at the bright colours as well as the intricacy in the pieces in her beautiful collection. When my eldest child was an infant, I started making jewellery as a hobby. In 2007, I bought some handmade lampwork beads and grew curious as to how they were created. I visited the local library and borrowed a couple of “how to” books. I was captivated by the process and once I realised that the initial set up was simple (and didn’t cost a fortune), I ordered my first pieces of equipment from the U.S. and now, 15 years later, I am still so passionate about the art of lampwork.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I am self-taught, since my only physical resources back when I started, and for a while, were my two library books that I borrowed over and over to master the basic techniques of lampwork. Also I was lucky enough to find, at the time, the sole supplier of lampwork glass and equipment in Whangarei. The help I received from the owner and her staff at “Annie Rose”, including tips, tricks and trouble-shooting, was invaluable. Their presence provided me with a sense of community which was equally important; I was part of a group with a like passion, and something I could call my own – it gave me a unique identity, one that was separate to being a mum.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I have tried many tools over the years, and I always find the basic ones are the best – my “go to” tools are for shaping like pointed tweezers, small mashers and graphite marver. The shaping tools help me pull and squash molten glass and the marver is pretty much a small rectangle block that I can “push” glass with, and graphite doesn’t stick to glass. These help me shape my free-formed flowers, leaves and birds. Of course my torch and kiln are the most important and reliable pieces of equipment, and sometimes, I give them a wee “pat” for the great job they have done lol.
Tell us about some of the techniques involved in producing one of your pieces
Making mānuka flowers, I use copper wire as the “stem” in a bouquet or sterling silver wire for jewellery. I gently heat the metal and then start melting a rose pink glass rod (which will be the centre of the flower). Once the glass is molten, I wind the glass slowly around the wire. Once I have enough of a gather, I rotate the wire clockwise in the flame to achieve a nice round shape. With one hand, I hold the pink centre high in the flame (not too cold or hot), and with the other, I start melting a bright, white rod. I carefully place the molten white rod at one point of the pink centre, gently pull away and “cut” the glass with the flame. I repeat this four times to get five white dots, with equal spacing. Then, one by one, I melt each dot, and squash them gently into “petals”, being careful not to melt the centre, (otherwise I end up with a blob instead of a flower). There is a final step in making mānuka stems, to create extra detail. I pull a “stringer” from the rose pink glass (by melting the rod in the flame and pulling a thinner rod for smaller and more delicate applications). Next, I carefully heat the rose pink centre and one by one, I apply the stringer in the small space between the petals and centre of the flower, creating approximately five anthers. And that’s how I make my mānuka flowers!
What inspires you?
Nature, always. The nature of Aotearoa is stunning and unique. Through the years, I have been inspired by our natural environment, flora and fauna, form and detail, colour and light, and the subtlety and magnificence of it all. Nature is astounding and vast, thus I am always discovering new aspects of it that are always beautiful and constantly inspirational.
Describe your creative process
Since my inspiration is drawn from nature, and whether it is from my own backyard or from travelling to another part of our picturesque country, this is where my creative process begins. The inspiration I draw from all aspects, e.g. colours or forms, are often photographed, and soon after jotted down and drawn in my notebook. The next step is researching the detail and working out designs that will work with glass. The main challenge that comes with glass is that it tends to have a mind of its own, and this is mostly due to working with it when it is in a fluid state, combined with the constant imposition of gravity. Thus, it is a whole lot of experimenting, further researching and finally refining the design. The positives that come out of this have a flow-on effect, so not only does practice make perfect, but I grow my skills and learn new techniques that I can apply to other new designs.
Describe your workspace
I work from home, and this includes my dining room, where I draw and write, and the garage where I play with fire. My dining room is often warm and I sit by a large window, where I can look at my gorgeous orchids and also see people walking by. The garage can be dark and cold, but I have a hot torch and kiln, plus it is a place to escape to, my own place.
Five words that describe your mind
Crowded, busy, colourful, positive, fun
What are you currently listening to?
It depends on my mood, but I’m always in the mood for Simply Red.
What’s your favourite childhood book and why?
Just for You by Mercer Mayer – a book where a “little critter” is learning how to help his mum but he struggles with every task and gets it wrong every time. In the end, he is determined to do something right and gives his mum a big hug and says, “I did it!”. I guess it shows that it can be frustrating being a kid, as so many things that you set out to do don’t work out. But his mum knows his determination will get him there in the end. Viewing this book from a mother’s eyes, it shows how much the patience, kindness and non-judgemental ways of a parent can quietly encourage their child achieve a lot, one step at a time.
What are you reading now?
Midlife Bites by Jen Mann.
What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?
Networking and being part of a community is crucial, like joining a craft group. It is a way to get to know like-minded people and talk to more experienced crafters/craft business owners. It is a two way street: you can offer your ideas/views and others can help you with their expertise. This will help you acquire business know-how and confidence. Just remember to keep in touch on a regular basis. Do what makes you happy and believe in yourself.
Why do you think it’s important to buy handmade and/or locally made goods?
It’s important to buy local and handmade to keep small businesses growing and to grow new local business. As a buyer, you are getting unique/one-off items from an independent artist and encouraging more people to be crafty and more sustainable. Best of all, you are making a maker’s day!
What does it mean to you when someone buys your creations?
It makes me happy and encourages me to create new designs. When a buyer responds positively to something I’ve enjoyed making, it reminds me that I can make a living doing something I love!
What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?
Last week, I bought my first Christmas decoration of the year – a gorgeous mini ceramic Xmas tree!
What’s in store for the rest of 2022?
Making lots more flowers! I am so excited to be part of the Christmas Encraftment Market in Christchurch, 19-20 November. And at Christmas, I am looking forward to spending some much needed time with my family.
Instagram feature!
Follow Selma on Instagram @rainey_designs for a big giveaway this month!
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