Introducing Natalie from Willo Jewellery Design. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Natalie handcrafts jewellery using stunning recycled copper, enamel and argentium silver.
Find out why Natalie started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I make enamel jewellery on recycled copper. Each piece is hand crafted by me in my studio in the Yarra Valley. Enamel is not an exact science so when there is more than one colour involved it is quite tricky to repeat a pattern or design. This makes all of my pieces one off creations.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I've been crafty since I was a child. I've tried almost every medium when it comes to jewellery making. Starting with the basics about 25 years ago, polymer clay, metal etching, basic wire work and the list goes on. About 8 years ago I came across enamelling and I've been obsessed ever since.
The learning of the processes are endless as there are so many techniques you can use to make an enamel piece. I learn something new every day
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in lots of things. Nature is on the top of my list. The beach, a bunch of flowers, even the patterns on animals are inspiring to me.
Where did you learn your craft?
We have family friends who were spectacular enamelists in the 1970's. They travelled all over the world selling their enamel creations. One day I asked for a quick lesson and they were excited to show me their technique. We spent about an hour playing with powders and a flame torch and the rest is history 💗
Enameling is very big overseas, in the USA especially so there are not many classes to take to improve your skills here in Australia. I'm mostly self taught and have lots of reject pieces to prove it.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Handmade artistry is important to me because I feel that in a world that's full of mass production and people purchasing products that will end up in land fill due to poor quality, I really want to create something that lasts forever and can be handed down to loved ones.
I also like to recycle as much as I possibly can, using copper I've found in second hand shops or antique auction houses. This is my small effort in preventing waste. I also love handmade as you know the effort and love that goes into each piece.
Natalie is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing their new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Willo Jewellery Design, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
