Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Hong Kong but moved to Sydney, Australia when I was 4 years old. I’ve had a strong case of wanderlust since I was a little girl and have lived in some pretty random places: Lewiston, Maine; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Montreux, Switzerland; and Tokyo, Japan.
After university, I worked as a stylist and journalist for a national newspaper, but when I hit 27 I decided to give it all up and travel again. I somehow ended up in London, where I met my husband and began studying for a diploma in shoemaking at Cordwainers. After graduation, I worked in a fashion job, but in a back office role, and was actually quite relieved when I went on maternity leave! It probably sounds a bit silly, but I couldn’t find any clothes I liked to wear when I was pregnant (and pretty much the only thing that wasn’t growing was my head), so I started making my own hair accessories, then jewellery grew from there.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I’m a mother to a 2-year-old girl, so when she’s not at nursery, I’m entertaining her! We like to visit museums, galleries, stately homes and our local playground. We also love picking dandelions in our garden. You’ll also find me drinking way too many cups of coffee, car booting in the summer, traveling to foreign climates, eating fine and not-so-fine foods and daydreaming.
What would be the title of your memoir? Why?
At the moment, probably Running On Empty. I’ve been launching the new collection whilst moving twice in the space of three months, preparing our new house for a major refurb, redesigning my (soon-to-be relaunched) site and dealing with my daughter’s terrible twos.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere — books, art, film, blogs, travel. It only takes a tiny detail or a random image to inspire me to spin off on a new tangent.
What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means loving attention to detail. It means care, thoughtfulness, craft and patience.
Who has been most influential in your craft?
That changes from day to day; my influences are usually more about someone’s worldview and attitude rather than their technique or aesthetic. My most recent collection, “Tissage,” was heavily influenced by Louise Bourgoise, an incredibly inspirational (and uncompromising!) artist and founder of the confessional art movement. I went to an exhibition of hers at the Hauser & Wirth gallery in London and saw some lattice work fabric pieces she did. It triggered something off in my head. The end results might not look exactly like her work, but she was absolutely the inspiration behind them.
When did you know you were an artist/maker?
After a decade of working in various aspects of the fashion business, it was only when I finally gave design and making a go that everything really clicked into place. I always loved dealing with creative people, designers and craftsmen, but it took a long time to build up the confidence in myself to realise it was something that I could do for a living. I still feel incredibly blessed, and I genuinely love every single minute that I spend in my studio.
How would you describe your creative process?
Once I have a theme in mind, I usually start playing around with materials, then move on to illustrating ideas on my computer. Then it’s back to the materials again. It changes a lot from point A to the final destination.
If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
Yayoi Kusama. I love the crazy, obsessive, repetitive nature of her work, and the polka dots — I love a good polka dot! On a more personal level, I’d love to visit my friend, textile designer Joanna Fowles. She just moved back from London to Australia, so I’d like to see what her new studio near Bondi Beach is like.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
A pair of beautiful hand-cut, hand-formed and painted paper hung pheasants from the 1920s that my husband and I found at an op shop. We made the mistake of gawking over them and, when we came back, they’d already been sold to another dealer. In the end, we paid double to get a hold of the pheasants, but it was definitely worth it.
How do you get out of your creative ruts?
I think I have the opposite problem — I usually have too many ideas! I have to learn how to cull, discard and focus on the project in hand instead.
Where would you like to be in ten years?
Doing what I’m doing, but on a larger scale, surrounded by family and friends, and feeling happy, healthy and loved. Oh, and also living in a Huf house, in a secluded spot by the sea. Not asking for much, am I?
183 comments
StudioDevinat said 9 years ago
Beautiful & bold work! Great interview, wishing you much success!
TwinkleStarCrafts said 9 years ago
Your items are terrific. And I love how you have been fearless in living in several different and quite varied cities.
beliz82 said 9 years ago
Beautiful shop and great interview !!! Congrats !!!
AlmondCrafts said 9 years ago
Great, bold designs! I've visited your shop before and am happy to see you in the featured seller blog!
katrinaalana said 9 years ago
Very bold and beautiful designs! Congrats on being the FS!
DollsAndDaydreams said 9 years ago
Stunning! I love the pill box hat :)
JasmineLund said 9 years ago
Splendid past and dreams! Congratulations on the feature, and blessings on you, your family, and your shop! Cheers, Hannah Jasmine
Iammie said 9 years ago
Nice shop! Congrats!
ArtandArtisan said 9 years ago
Extraordinary work! I love your style--edgy and very feminine.
littleshopofphotos said 9 years ago
I love this interview! Very inspiring! I enjoyed reading about your love of travel and interesting places you have lived! I also like to read about other moms creating and selling on Etsy! Congrats!!!!
unflappableproducts said 9 years ago
wow what a lot of work involved-beautiful designs congrats!
accentonvintage said 9 years ago
Congratulations! Love your unique designs!
jackandjillwedding said 9 years ago
Love the colors! Great work.
MootiDesigns said 9 years ago
Beautiful work. Congrats on the feature!
optic said 9 years ago
Congrats on being the featured seller. I love all your bright colours.
owlgypsy said 9 years ago
Gorgeous!
ZebraPaper said 9 years ago
Congrats on being featured!! Great Shop!!
sonyarasi said 9 years ago
Beautiful work!
FAIRYTALE13 said 9 years ago
Lush block colours - adorable interview - congrats on FS. Happy Etsying to all x.
OneLaneRoad said 9 years ago
you are incredibly creative! keep doing what you are doing.
everythingok said 9 years ago
Brilliant, beautiful work! Wonderful getting to hear about your story and your inspirations!
HouseOfMoss said 9 years ago
I love the boldness in both your designs and your life! Congratulations on being featured, and may your success continue!
violintide said 9 years ago
Very nice! Congrats on the feature!
overthemeadow said 9 years ago
Very inspiring interview and your work is so beautiful! Congrats on the feature!
MishaGirl said 9 years ago
So colorful and unique. Congratulations on the feature and your ongoing business! BTW- I love the "oui" et "non" brooches.
Womensgirl said 9 years ago
Beautiful work!
myvintagecrush said 9 years ago
Love the color blocking!!
CountrySquirrelsRUS said 9 years ago
Thanks for sharing your story and Congratulations as the newest featured artist!
fantasyfloorplans said 9 years ago
Very cool!
sparrowgrey said 9 years ago
Beautiful pieces; congrats!
MegansMenagerie said 9 years ago
Love your designs! The color is beautiful! Congrats on the FS!!! =)
dekoprojects said 9 years ago
She said that she wants to be loved and happy, but I think she already is! The amount of her ideas is shown in her works - she has her own style but each item is different. Good luck, Jennifer! I think you'll be even more successful in the future!
YaFa said 9 years ago
WOW! It's all perfect!
bedouin said 9 years ago
Congratulations on your featured shop ~ your designs are innovative and are lovely pieces of wearable art.
SweetandDandyVintage said 9 years ago
Such a playful and unique point of view to your designs! Congrats on the feature!
Qminime said 9 years ago
Very nice!
CashmereJewels said 9 years ago
Congratulations!
Pearlk2 said 9 years ago
Congrats, love your work
MandyBesek said 9 years ago
Congrats Jennifer! I love all the geometric aspects of your work!
handprintlady said 9 years ago
your work is so original, I've never seen anything like it!
Zria said 9 years ago
Beautiful work :)
chloescrochetcloset said 9 years ago
Very interesting and so beautiful! Congrats!
rozzie said 9 years ago
Cool style! Very modern and unique. Congratulations on the feature :) -Rozzie
LittleWrenPottery said 9 years ago
Amazing work I love the bright colours and geometrics in your pieces. Quite an eclectic mix, wonder if your wandering days are over!
chinamommy said 9 years ago
I love your unique style!! It's really amazing :) Hope you survive the 2's, my daughter was actually a great 2 and a bit of a naughty 3 year old... now she's 8 and I WISH she was 2 again.
theowlshop said 9 years ago
Such a unique shop! congrats on the feature...
bhangtiez said 9 years ago
Wow! Your shop is amazing! Thanks for sharing your story!
CestSuperbe said 9 years ago
I say - OUI! - to your necklaces. I love the style of your designs and the style of your photographs. Congratulations on the feature!
PouchStyle said 9 years ago
Cutting edge artistry. Amazing work!
SugarKoated said 9 years ago
Beautiful and unique accessories. I looooove it!!!!
absolutefunnytshirts said 9 years ago
nice work keep up the good job
KKSimpleRegalJewelry said 9 years ago
Congrats!! ~KK~
EmeraldCut said 9 years ago
Such lovely and unique jewelry! I especially love your Art Deco-esque necklaces and brooch. Congrats on being a Featured Seller!
HandmadeArt6 said 9 years ago
Beautiful.
LuminousCreation said 9 years ago
CONGRATULATIONs!!!!!! Love your work, original & very fashion forward. Wishing you all the best.
deLcobrestudio said 9 years ago
Love your work .. Congrats !!!
angryhairjewelry said 9 years ago
love your shop-- a perfect combination of fun and elegance.
LaTouchables said 9 years ago
I love the pop style you've created so elegantly! Beautiful! I love your sense of humour, too!
cartonBois said 9 years ago
an other of my favorite shop featured :) so happy when this happen!!!! Congrats love your work
AltogetherLeather said 9 years ago
Fabulous pieces! Congrats on your feature!
JenSanCandles said 9 years ago
Beautiful creations! Congrats on the feature!
helenbobelen said 9 years ago
Such distinctive and brave style...gutsy -- congratulations!
OscarDeanPhotography said 9 years ago
Congrats on being a featured seller!
PiggieKisses said 9 years ago
You are Beautiful, and so is your Shop!
kawaiiartists said 9 years ago
Congrats on being a featured seller! Your work is very bold and beautiful!
girltuesdayjewelry said 9 years ago
Great necklaces! I love the bold, graphic quality that your work has. Best wishes for your continued success!
Pinkpjs said 9 years ago
Very cool aesthetic!
Liduvina said 9 years ago
"Handmade means loving attention to detail. It means care, thoughtfulness, craft and patience".. I loved your handmade definition. Fantastic shop! Congrats on the feature!
branda said 9 years ago
Compliments Jennifer!!! :-) :-)
BanglewoodSupplies said 9 years ago
I love the designs!
MaJentaDesigns said 9 years ago
such fun and funky items! very cool! :)
Armalique said 9 years ago
Great interview! Congrats :)
nattirootz said 9 years ago
congratulations....your work is unique.
TheCrochetCafe said 9 years ago
Beautiful work, congrats! :)
SunshineSparrow said 9 years ago
Great interview- so, may i ask, what would be your "native" tongue, and what language do you speak most? fascinating! :0)
lilinspirations said 9 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the interview!
TheScarfTree said 9 years ago
Lovely story! Your work is beautiful! Wishing you all the best!
LaughRabbitJr said 9 years ago
Great items here! And I am intrigued by the backdrop or wall you are standing in front of ..... very cool!
lavenderandhoney said 9 years ago
inspiring. :)
HolmesandWatson said 9 years ago
A marvelous interview to go hand-in-hand with the gorgeous, bold work in your shop! Congratulations on the feature!
MadeinMogotes said 9 years ago
Beautiful work. Also, that photograph of you at the top standing against the colors is stunning. I love it.
paramountvintage said 9 years ago
beautiful work. i love the strong angles and shapes.
MOAS said 9 years ago
very cool, fresh style!!
AproposRoasters said 9 years ago
Wonderful work! I know what you mean about too many ideas, it's hard to concentrate on what's at hand but it certainly looks as though you've done it, what an excellent collection!
NinaMantra said 9 years ago
Amazing work!
CamelsAndCustard said 9 years ago
wow !!! Great interview !!! :)
LailapCreations said 9 years ago
Congrats on the feature - your work is unique and I loved hearing your story - blessings on business!
asileoriginals said 9 years ago
Very chic work! Congratulations!
cristinapires said 9 years ago
congrats! i love your work : )
JLCrochetedCreations said 9 years ago
Congratulations! Beautiful work! I have never seen anything quite like it! Continued success!
buttonsbyrobin said 9 years ago
Love the bright contrasting colours!
soranagallery said 9 years ago
nice interview...more to come from her I am sure.
EleganceElizabethLee said 9 years ago
Very unique and bold pieces. Congrats!
adoreneko said 9 years ago
Oui! Your accessories are classy and sassy.
honeycup said 9 years ago
Yay! I want a huf-haus house too! It clicked for me too, when I started experimenting with my own designs. There sure is a lot of talent coming out of Aus.
honeycup said 9 years ago
Whoops I see you are now in the UK...well there is lot of talent coming from the UK too :)
AmyJiggetts said 9 years ago
Love the vibrant colors and patterns on top of patterns awesome work!
TDNCreations said 9 years ago
Very interesting pieces! Love the colors!
shaylen303 said 9 years ago
Love your shop! Congrats on the spotlight. : )
FeFeTheGreat said 9 years ago
great design! Congratulations on the feature!
eastmeetswest said 9 years ago
really creative work :)
Belledazzled said 9 years ago
Lovely accessories and vibrant colors. You're inspirational and thanks for sharing your story.
JAZsSTITCHES said 9 years ago
Wow! Love the use of color and from in your work! Wish you much success!
theEmersonian said 9 years ago
absolutely stunning! inspiring talent, and i definitely love your color choices. Congrats, you deserve it!
LynJewels said 9 years ago
Very pretty colors! Congrats! =)
frogtoprince said 9 years ago
You are a talented artist and your items are lovely. Wiishing you success. frogtoprince@etsy.com
skyetaylorgalleries said 9 years ago
you are amazing! I enjoyed your story!
willowandsioux said 9 years ago
Lovely things. Amazing gal!
AliceCloset said 9 years ago
I love your work!! Amazing ^__^ Congrats!!
jechorydesigns said 9 years ago
Beautiful shop!
sockemdowndolls said 9 years ago
Your work is just beautiful!
ArleenDesign said 9 years ago
Lovely work! Wish you more success.
perfectwear said 9 years ago
Wow..I LOVE your work...bold funky and chic! Best wishes for many more success :-)
Maulani said 9 years ago
unique piece of handmade!
MelBandeira said 9 years ago
Congrats! Beautiful work!
BonChatBoutique said 9 years ago
Your signature style really shines through..a great cohesive collection!
redemptionart said 9 years ago
Stunning work! Thank you for sharing your heart! Huf Haus...perfect goal! Aloha!
MatildaBP said 9 years ago
I adore your creations!
feyzayazar said 9 years ago
Your work is fabulous! Best of luck!
AmberGypsySky said 9 years ago
wish i had as many ideas floating around as you do! :) Lovely shop!
Morado said 9 years ago
Your shop is such a treat! Congrtaulations on the feature! it's well deserved :o)
gilstrapdesigns said 9 years ago
I love your shop and all of your wonderful bold and very fresh style. You gave a great and very inspiring interview.
toriska said 9 years ago
Such great style!
besweetlyinspired said 9 years ago
Funky style! I love it :) Great job and congrats on being featured.
PeekoApparel said 9 years ago
Congratulations! Well deserved and its about time!!!!!!!!! LOVE your work and your style! xo
smallcouture said 9 years ago
very beautiful work !
rosepetalsjewelry said 9 years ago
WOW, great talent. Good luck.
AudraTextileStudio said 9 years ago
Great design! I like constructed jewelry:))
Strelicious said 9 years ago
I love your stuff! Great!
MarieVaughnDesign said 9 years ago
All of your items are very polished and well put together. You, yourself intrigue me to take a closer look!
queenbead50 said 9 years ago
very beautiful, and inspiring to see that you can live what you dream
ImagineThatCustDesig said 9 years ago
Congrats! jennifer, Beautiful and Unique pieces. Love the Mirrored Brooch. Best Wishes, Tammy
BirdsNestCompany said 9 years ago
Love the bright colors! Just fun!
ShootingStarVermont said 9 years ago
What a cool interview-very personal and insightful. I love a good polka-dot too!
exclusivehats said 9 years ago
Lovely work! Wish you more success.
Oval1to10 said 9 years ago
Charming
RedEden said 9 years ago
I love your work. You are an inspiration.
anaostrom said 9 years ago
Truly inspirational.
ChrissiesRibbons said 9 years ago
Wow! Stunning work! I smiled when you mentioned your little one's terrible twos! My little one is going through that stage too... I totally empathise with your memoir title!! Congratulations on the feature!
feathertreestudio said 9 years ago
Congrats! Very cool work.
cerezadecristal said 9 years ago
Wonderful! I love your work!
TheGypsyShop said 9 years ago
This is great work! How do you get to be a featured seller? Congrats to you! I hope it brings many sales and success! Love your work! I've paid for 7$ showcasing, but it hasn't produced any sales. Does anybody know? I listed over 200 items and would love to increase traffic- it seems my fees and time are outweighing... And my prices are inexpensive as I thought this would promote sales. I'm going to take some better pictures- working on that, but I'm really interested to know how to get things rolling. It seems saturated maybe? I'd love just a few sales- I'm unemployed and my eyeglasses broke... If only I could earn $130 for some new ones... I'm nearly blind LOL... I paid for another showcase- have never showcased my jewelry before, so maybe some of it will sell... We marked down the Art by 80% too- I'm surprised it isn't moving... Maybe someone that has a blog like I do, maybe we can help each other out by placing each others widget codes on our blogs?
artemisartdesign said 9 years ago
Very original things you do... Congrats!
AKingsThings said 9 years ago
so unique...love your colors Congrats.
PeaceStitchStudio said 9 years ago
love your stuff and great interview!
MissPattisAttic said 9 years ago
Thank you for sharing your life and shop!!! We enjoyed the interview so much and look forward to browsing your shop. You are a very unique artist!! We wish you well.
ACupOfSparkle said 9 years ago
Love your designs. Congratulations on the feature!
freshpikd4u said 9 years ago
Beautiful work; thanks for sharing!
kararane said 9 years ago
hi Jennifer~ i completely see your influences but you have definitely made unique work that is all your own. very modern & cutting edge, love the colors*!
TheBerryPress said 9 years ago
You're woven jewelry is terrific, so original, love it!
slappytheseal said 9 years ago
very pretty! It's always nice to see something different in a good way.
zahavblue said 9 years ago
I fell your design is like a scoubidou bidou,, I use to make it with plastic cord at school, nice interpretation, good luck for your design
Zodiaque said 9 years ago
Really unique jewelry designs. I love fresh new takes on beautifying ourselves!
sheenajewellery said 9 years ago
great work! I am off to check out your shop now.
dslookkin said 9 years ago
Great interview and really quirky/interesting accessories. And now I want a HUF House too!!!!
andwhatelseisthere said 9 years ago
Been a fan of your design for a while now. Congrats!
byhandstringlights said 9 years ago
Amazing!!
OrangeMood said 9 years ago
Great interview, amazing house, wish you much success in getting it, I like you work, it's cheerful and fresh.
mysticrafts said 9 years ago
Congrats on the feature! I love your pieces so beautiful!
elledielle said 9 years ago
really beautiful creation! wow!
OliveLongstocking said 9 years ago
So so swish , stylish, exotic and beautiful............... and from Australia too...............!!!!! Best of the best wishes !!!! Olive X
kimito said 9 years ago
I love how you create items. Beautiful work! Congrats!
MullansallaghDesigns said 9 years ago
I love your work and your great use of colour! x
FunkyFondledandFresh said 9 years ago
One of my favorite shops! Amazing stuff!
VidaDoce said 9 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Your shop is very unique. I love it!
aschiffm said 9 years ago
yayyy, i've been a fan of your shop for a while. i've had my eye on the Celeste asymmetrica necklace and the louise! very interesting that Louise Bourgoise is an influence of yours, she is one of my favorite artists as well so that makes sense that i connect to both of your work! did you name the long necklace after her? ;)
strawberrysnail said 9 years ago
These are absolutely stunning works and a very intelligent interview. Inspiring.
annyschoo said 9 years ago
love your style!
PyxusPassionProject said 9 years ago
Gorgeous work and inspiring interview.. thanks for sharing!!
ladyrachelscreation7 said 9 years ago
Lovely interview! Good luck on all your traveling endeavors and I hope you do very well on Etsy. With love and best wishes,Christine.
JoeyandMe said 9 years ago
I echo your comment about everything in your life "fitting" when you found your design niche. I have always been interested in the art of design but now that I have an outlet for my own expression I am widening out in my love of it. I find myself watching Orange County Choppers (of all things!?) and cheering Junior's designs on. I SO deeply understand what he does...and love his comprehension of balance and flow. I use the same notions to design my handbags. The beauty of being a designer is that it is born new every day. I enjoy the sense of movement in your work, Jennifer. Prosper! Kerry at Joey And Me Handbags
thedogandponyshow said 9 years ago
Love this story- Hip Hip Hooray for a fellow Cordwainer's grad!
MonkeyCatBoutique said 9 years ago
good luck!
thebeadgirl said 9 years ago
really unique work! congrats on the feature and best wishes for your future!
FlightandPattern said 9 years ago
WOWZA!!!!! Great, great, great shop!
mayyow said 9 years ago
Great creation & something original.... Well done!!
Plushable said 9 years ago
Oh I love these jewelry!
narasaca said 9 years ago
congrats! i love your work : )
Schaefli said 9 years ago
Jennifer... I was also born in HK! I wish you all the best!
TheScarletSageTree said 9 years ago
Congrats on the feature! It is indeed wonderful to see your shop and designs have such a clear and unique identity in a world of me-too jewelry design. Wishing you continued success, joy and inspiration :) Suzanne
pachamamalove8 said 9 years ago
Very creative. Beautiful work. Congrartulations and good luck.
Craftelina said 9 years ago
Well done! Thanks for sharing and the best of luck in all you do! :)
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