Meet the Maker and Medway Open Studios

There is something very different about buying a piece of handmade jewellery when you've met the person who made it.

You see the bench where it was created, the tools that have shaped it and the place where ideas slowly become finished pieces. You begin to understand that handmade jewellery isn't just about the finished design. It's about the time, craftsmanship and thought that goes into every stage of the process.

That's one of the reasons I look forward to Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival every year.  This year it's Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th July. Do pop the dates in your diary.

For a couple of weeks each summer, I have the pleasure of opening my home and studio to visitors, inviting people into the place where I spend my days designing and making jewellery. It's a chance to have conversations that simply don't happen online. People ask questions, share stories, try pieces on and often tell me about jewellery that has been passed through their own families. Those conversations are always one of the highlights of the event.

I've been taking part in Medway Open Studios for many years now, and every year feels a little different. Familiar faces return, new visitors discover the festival for the first time and my studio fills with people who are genuinely interested in seeing how jewellery is made.

This year I'm especially pleased to be sharing my space with a wonderful group of artists: Amanda Franklin, Alison Boyce, Adele Love, Joan MacKarell and Rachel from iPrintedThat. Bringing together different makers under one roof creates a lovely atmosphere and gives visitors the opportunity to discover a wide variety of creative work in one place.

If you've never visited Medway Open Studios before, I would encourage you to make a day of it. Pick up the festival guide, choose a few locations to visit and enjoy meeting the artists behind the work. Every studio has its own character, every maker has their own story and that's what makes the festival so special.

If you're planning your route, you'll find me at Map Location 11.

Whether you're looking for a special piece of jewellery, thinking about commissioning something unique or simply curious to see how a jeweller works, I'd be delighted to welcome you.

And, as always, the coffee pot will be on.

I hope to see you in July.