We are delighted to be exhibiting the beautiful work of three jewellery designer makers as part of this year’s Spring Showcase ~ please welcome Lucy Thompson, DeeLyn and Rhiannon Lewis. Their pieces range from geometric shapes, elegant settings, unique textures, colourful stones, bold statement necklaces and sculptural forms. Their work is contemporary, versatile and very wearable.

Our three guest designers, have kindly answered a few questions for us, starting with the lovely Lucy Thompson. We love to hear of individual maker’s processes, practices, inspirations and workspaces, and we hope you enjoy getting to know Lucy a little bit more.

Lucy Thompson

Please could you give us a brief introduction to your work and who you are?

Hi, I’m Lucy and I live in a tiny village called Whitton near the Welsh/English border of mid Wales. I moved back from Cardiff during the pandemic to be nearer to family when my son was born and to be back in the countryside where I belong! I love a good view, in fact I think a good view is integral to my sanity and was what sealed the deal with our house. My current work has taken inspiration from the barns and shed buildings that are scattered across the welsh countryside – I’m drawn to the layering of materials, multitude of textures and linear lines that construct them.

What led you to become a jeweller and how did you train/ learn your skills?

I studied fine art sculpture in Cardiff and still feel a strong affinity with that but left not really knowing which way to go. My cousin Anne Morgan invited me to help her in her workshop and it all clicked into place. She opened up the world of contemporary jewellery to me and taught me how to run a business. I love how jewellery can represent so many things and styles and I also found real satisfaction in learning how to use my hands to technically create something out of just some sheet or wire of silver from start to finish. Anne opened her gallery in Penarth so it was a steep but exciting learning curve from there on the job making stock and commissions. At a similar time I started working for Jacks Turner in Bristol once a week. She taught me how to stone set and really pushed me to refine my finishing skills especially with a micromotor! Her encouragement gave me the confidence to launch my own collection. The rest I have taught myself but I hope to attend a few courses to expand my skills once my son is in school.

We love to hear about people’s workspaces- please could you describe where you work?

I work from home in our garage detached from the house. At the moment it’s a little rough around the edges and could do with a ‘glow up’ but I’m so pleased to have this separate space. (My first workshop was in my spare box room and the previous in a caravan). I’m surrounded by trees and my window looks out across the garden down to the stream. At the moment the rooks are nesting above me so it can be loud and messy but they will soon have flown the nest.

What are the areas of your business that you enjoy the most?

Making! I love the thrill and focus I get when designing new work and I just go with that flow whilst I can. Other times when my mind needs quietening I love to sit down and batch make whilst listening to an audiobook or podcast. I mostly really enjoy soldering – the step when you see a piece of jewellery really start to emerge.
I also enjoy seeing my jewellery being worn on other people – it’s a great confidence boost and a reminder of why I’m doing this.

What does a usual work day look like for you?

I usually have two dedicated full days a week to work. The rest of the week I’m with my 4 year old son. I try to remain flexible and work with the seasons and what’s happening in our lives at the time.  So this means some weeks instead of making jewellery I’m working on renovating our camper van or stripping the staircase in those two days. I have a chronic illness too so sometimes I am forced to rest which can be frustrating. Then during the busier months jewellery takes priority which often means working late nights and weekends.

Being part time does put a lot of pressure on the days I do work so once I’m in my workshop I’ll start the day with a to do list to prevent overwhelm. I have to start with a tidy bench or else I can’t concentrate then I tend to pick up from where I left off the week before. Coffee followed by tea is a must and snacks including a pot of nuts and dark chocolate as I tend to forget to eat whilst working! I’ll work through with no concept of time until I have to stop at 5.30.

What are you looking forward to most during Spring and in the run up to Summer?

For it to start! Please stop the rain! I’m looking forward to making jewellery without the heater being on and having the door wide open letting the sounds of summer in. I’m looking forward to longer evenings and the energy and motivation that comes with that. River side hang outs and bbq dinners. These are the last few months before my son starts school so we plan to make the most of it in the camper van soaking up some vitamin D before the busy winter season.

Thank you Lucy for answering all of our questions. Lucy’s work will be on display until 29th June 2024 so please pop in to the shop to see Lucy’s full collection and a selection in our online shop.