Wired for silver: the Canterbury crafter who discovered a new passion

Debbie of Wiredlove is a full time office worker, busy Mum to two teenage daughters (and one chocolate furbaby) and wife to Chris. Debbie creates her individual wearable art works in her spare time and dreams that one day her creations will adorn the necks and fingers of the rich and famous…

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wiredlove
wiredlove

What do you make?
I make handcrafted jewellery items using Sterling silver, copper, brass and mixed media.

How did you get into your craft?
I have always done crafty things, be it clothes, or toys for my children or family or friends’ kids. But in the last four years I have gotten into jewellery – this started with a friend giving me some artistic wire and some beads and it went from there.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
In 2014 I attended a level 1 and 2 silver course with The Silversmiths’ Guild of Canterbury, who run courses at The Tannery in Woolston, Christchurch. From my very first lesson you could say I was hooked – I enjoyed it so much I became a Committee member on the Guild! The SSG run monthly workshops for members – so I’m always learning new techniques.

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I love mixing silver and copper in my creations. Both metals react differently once heated – over-heat silver and it will melt!

wiredlove
wiredlove

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Tell us about the techniques involved in producing one of your jewellery pieces:
Where do I start? Designing, handsawing a piece of silver plate, heating, forming, soldering, filing… not my most favourite job, but must be done!

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me. I love everything to do with nature, shapes… the list could go on. I also love looking at fashions overseas to see which way the trends are going.

Describe your creative process:
Sometimes I will wake up with ideas and sometimes just looking at something will give me an idea. I can’t say I have certain look to my jewellery (i.e. a range) – I’m forever trying new ideas out.

Describe your workspace:
Cluttered, disorganised and a work in progress. I currently have my work station set up in our office and my soldering station set up in our garage. My dream would be to have a bright airy studio in my backyard or at least a jeweller’s bench, which I’ve been waiting a couple of years for my brother-in-law to make, LOL!

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wiredlove
wiredlove
wiredlove

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Your favourite feedback from a customer:
Just seeing the customer’s face on seeing an item is feedback enough.

What are you currently listening to?
Imagine Dragons – Thunder.

Recommend an album:
Imagine Dragons – Smoke + Mirrors – they are my favourites at the moment.

What are you reading right now?
Nora Roberts – Whiskey Beach.

A favourite quote:
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Tell us about your pets:
An eight year old chocolate lab named Rusty – he’s finally starting to get out of the puppy stage! 🙂

What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?
Never give up on your dreams.

What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?
Some beautiful body butter by Inga Ford Soapmaker, in Peachy – smells divine and leaves my skin feeling beautiful.

What’s in store for the rest of 2017?
I’m currently working on some commission work which I love doing. Perhaps some markets once the weather warms up, and The Silversmiths’ Guild have an exhibition later in the year – so I’ll be working towards this.

wiredlove
wiredlove

wiredlove bracelet blog

Debbie has generously offered a sweet prize of a stamped Sterling silver adjustable bracelet with either ‘Aroha’ ‘Love’ or ‘Kia Kaha’ stamped on it, valued at $45.00 (see above) for one lucky Felt reader. To be in to win this beautiful bracelet, simply leave a comment telling us what you like about Debbie’s story and her creations. The draw will be made on Friday 30 June and is open to New Zealand residents only.

 

Purchase from Wiredlove here »

 

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11 thoughts on “Wired for silver: the Canterbury crafter who discovered a new passion

  1. Such beautiful pieces, truly a labour of love & passion. I love Debbie’s positivity & motivation to keep learning, experimenting & following inspiration to fulfill your dreams! Very inspiring! <3

  2. I loved Debbie’s use of circles -so organic. Her philosophy of giving things a try is encouraging and she is true to her philosophy and creates after her other work. Beautiful style.

  3. Wow, I love that Debbie manages to make such beautiful items on top of having a full time job and a family – that’s amazing! I love the beautiful simplicity of this jewellery – stunning!

  4. Love the story – and your friend who gave you the wire and beads that started this craft that you are clearly very talented at .. time to give that brother in law another nudge for your dream work space !

  5. I love that you have a cluttered workspace like me haha 😉 But I really love how you mix different materials together, like copper and silver, it makes for an interesting piece with an interesting story 🙂 Would love the aroha bracelet, I love the adjustable leather band and the simple message.

  6. Amazing work Deb, it’s been great seeing your work change over the last few years. So fantastic to see such creative work

  7. I love your philosophy of never giving up on your dreams. You seem to be constantly trying (and perfecting!!) new ideas which is inspirational! I’d love the Kia Kaha bracelet for my mother in law who has been through some tough times, but like you she is very crafty (haha not in the sneaky way!) and I’d like to encourage her to stay strong and never give up on her dreams!

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