I make wearable art by using traditional silversmithing methods to transform everyday metal items such as water pipes and washers. I first encountered the excitement of making jewellery at an evening class. Being able to manipulate metal into lovely shapes, texture the surface, and set semi precious stones and beautiful objects such as beach glass into it has always been a satisfying occupation. I love using all the tools that enables me to do this. (I have a good hammer collection!) During lockdown it became difficult to obtain silver from my supplier, so I turned to everyday metal objects that were easily available or were given to me - lengths of copper piping and copper washers. I learnt to mix these metals up in my jewellery pieces to produce unusual and individual pieces. I am attracted to uncut gemstones, or those which have a matt finish. Small geological specimens and irregular pearls also feature in my work.