Tag Archives: jewellery design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica Van Den doesn’t just dream about what she could do or be – instead she puts it into action. Jessica boasts a list of skills as long as your arm plus a bit more. First trained as a research scientist, Jessica then went on to become a primary school teacher, work in a museum and manage a maths and english tuition centre. She then discovered she loved crafting, completed a silversmith course and launched Epheriell, a jewellery design business in 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica uses 100% recycled and reclaimed silver in all her designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is not surprising that in addition to jewellery design, Jessica has other projects on the boil.  She has just launched the Epheriell Designs Bazaar, a webstore showcasing Australian and international handmade and vintage crafts.  In October she will also launch Bespoke Zine (above), a magazine devoted to all things handmade, art, craft, photography, vintage, upcycling and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What inspired you to start jewellery design/launch Epheriell?  Well, my move into the craft world was totally unexpected! I was working in education, after also studying science at university. In 2008 my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I went to Fiji. While we were there, we befriended a family – and when we all left the mother gave me a novel she’d just finished.  I don’t remember what it was called, but it was all about a woman who owned a yarn store in New York. It inspired me to try knitting again… and it all went from there. I soon discovered jewellery, and then took a silversmithing course… and I found my passion!

As for my blog – well, I’d been blogging elsewhere, and it just seemed a natural step to start a blog about my new passion – hence EpheriellDesigns.com was born!

Who/What are your major influences?  My major influences in general are the amazing group of crafty friends I’ve made online and offline since I began on this journey. When it comes to my jewellery in particular, my style has evolved to be very sleek, with clean lines and a minimalist touch. I don’t quite know where I get my ideas – usually something will just come to me, or I’ll sketch and play with ideas until something seems right.

What are your most popular pieces?  Oh, definitely my range of Urban Eco Earrings – my best seller is definitely my ‘Entwined’ earrings . I think it’s because they are fun, attractive, affordable, and unique! They’re also super-comfortable. In fact, I have a lot of customers who are slowly building up a collection of my Urban Eco Earrings – they fall in love with them!

What have been your major challenges in running your business?  For me – the time to do everything I want to do! I have so many ideas and projects that I want to bring to life, but only so many hours in the day. Not only do I run my jewellery business, I also have 2 blogs, have written an e-book, and I’m close to launching the first Issue of *bespoke*  – a zine by the handmade community: for the handmade community. I’m envisioning that time will become more of a challenge over time as my business grows – but it’s certainly teaching me to get much more organized!

You have your finger in a few pies – Describe what a typical day involves for you?  Well, currently I work all day, every day, with the occasional ½ day off here and there. I’m a night-owl, so I tend to wake up around 9, and hop straight onto my computer – usually I’ll do this in bed, with my laptop, and my husband Nick will bring me a cup of tea. During this time, I’ll respond to any urgent e-mails; re-list items that have sold and send thank-you’s to my customers; check my blogs for stats and comments, catch up with my online friends on twitter and forums; and write down any orders that have come in.

If I have jewellery orders to make, I’ll then start work around 10:30 or so, and work through until all the orders are complete. I generally hop on the laptop briefly every hour or so to keep on top of e-mails, and give my fingers a rest from filing, sanding, polishing, bending and engraving!

I’ll pack my orders and drive to the post-office by about 4pm, and then come home, have dinner, and get back on the computer until bedtime. I usually try to have at least an hour or so off in the evening to just hang out with Nick, watch some DVD’s or read a bit of my latest SF novel (I’ve always been a sucker for a good science fiction story!). I head to bed around 12 or so.  I also usually try to devote most of one day on the weekend to working on and scheduling blog posts, when my inbox is a little quieter!

It’s true what they say – running your own business will see you working the most you ever have! But luckily much of my work is play for me, too.

How does Epheriell endeavour to tread a little lighter on the planet?  Well, when I started working with silver, I did some investigating into where to find recycled silver, because I wanted my jewellery to be a bit more eco-friendly. I was lucky to find a great supplier of 100% recycled sterling silver, and the vast majority of the sterling I use is completely reclaimed from silver scrap and industrial uses. I love the fact that I can make and offer designs that contribute to the recycling and reusing ethos!

Where can we find your designs?  I sell mostly online, from my website  and Etsy . My work is also stocked in a few other places online, and I’m looking to offer my jewellery through a few select boutiques in the near future. I do the occasional market, but at the moment I’m too busy to build up the stock I need for a market!

What can we expect to see from Epheriell in the future?  I’m currently working on a small Spring Bridal collection featuring sterling silver and white coin pearls, so keep an eye out for that!  Otherwise, I will be working on expanding my range of eco-friendly sterling silver designs!

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the launch of Bespoke in October!