Tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Erika and I have a blog called Eclectic Enchantments. I am also the owner of Eclectic Enchantments the bespoke jewellery shop, where i design and create handmade pieces of jewellery. I am happily married to Mick and we live in West Yorkshire with our black Labrador Hendrix, the cheekiest but loveliest little dog on the planet.
When and why did you start blogging?
In August 2013 I decided to start blogging as a way to encourage myself to not allow my illnesses control the life that I live. For nine years I have been unwell and I wanted to try and address my confidence issues and give my life a purpose other than being ill. It was really just for me, I didn't even consider that other people might read and even enjoy what I was writing.
Have you always been interested in jewellery?
Yes. I have always been interested in my own kind of fashion, not necessarily mainstream and jewellery has always been a way to express individuality. I have always been a crafter in one form or another, since I can remember. I made the shell covered jewellery boxes, perfume from roses and water in a pop bottle, down to knitting and crocheting with my Little Nana.
I love making things, be it dressmaking, scrap booking, card making and so on, but when I discovered, just over a year ago, the world of jewellery making, a love affair began and my passion grew uncontrollably. Now there is no turning back, I am without a doubt in love with creating pieces of art for people to wear.
Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery you own?
That is a difficult question! I have a lot of jewellery and some very sentimental pieces. I wouldn't be able to pick just one!
The first of my favourites is made from one of the most incredibly interesting forms of jewellery making and is called Chainmaille. It is the same technique used by knights in medieval times to make their armour, only this is used to create beautiful unique pieces of jewellery. I am also a fan of history and one of my favourite periods is Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egypt combined with Chainmaille and the beautiful gemstone, Lapis Lazuli, (reported to be used by Cleopatra herself, who would crush the stone into a powder and apply it as eyeshadow), creates my first favourite piece an Egyptian Collar in copper.
I also have five pieces of jewellery that are extremely important to me and mean an awful lot.
I have a tiny brooch made of glass stones that is fashioned into an ant. It was bought for my grandmother, (she passed away when my Mum was 12), by my Mum and then handed down to me.
The next is a set of pearls that my Mum gave to me, they were a present from my Dad many years ago and are beautiful ivory pearls on gold.
I also have a rosewood rosary that was bought for my by a Nun, Sister Francis, to whom I was very close as a child. She went on a pilgrimage and returned with this for me. It hangs over my dressing table mirror and reminds me of her kindness everyday.
The final piece is something given to me very recently by my friend Lynne. Her Mum sadly passed away last year and Lynne found a brooch that belonged to her Nan in a jewellery box. The brooch is Art Deco and stunning, something I will treasure.
How did your jewellery shop develop?
After people saw my jewellery I started to get lovely comments and lots of encouragement to start selling pieces. I honestly did not think that people would be interested, much like my blog. So, I started to look into selling and eventually I found the courage to give it a try and will be forever grateful to my husband, parents and friends for their support and encouragement.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are simple, I would just love to continue making jewellery and hopefully if people enjoy what I make they might buy a few pieces, enabling me to buy more supplies and make more jewellery. It is a true passion and I can't imagine not making jewellery.
What do you think about Erika's jewellery? I love the handmade look, it can be striking and you know that no one else will have a piece like it.
My name is Erika and I have a blog called Eclectic Enchantments. I am also the owner of Eclectic Enchantments the bespoke jewellery shop, where i design and create handmade pieces of jewellery. I am happily married to Mick and we live in West Yorkshire with our black Labrador Hendrix, the cheekiest but loveliest little dog on the planet.
Bracelet and earrings made by Erika
In August 2013 I decided to start blogging as a way to encourage myself to not allow my illnesses control the life that I live. For nine years I have been unwell and I wanted to try and address my confidence issues and give my life a purpose other than being ill. It was really just for me, I didn't even consider that other people might read and even enjoy what I was writing.
Have you always been interested in jewellery?
Yes. I have always been interested in my own kind of fashion, not necessarily mainstream and jewellery has always been a way to express individuality. I have always been a crafter in one form or another, since I can remember. I made the shell covered jewellery boxes, perfume from roses and water in a pop bottle, down to knitting and crocheting with my Little Nana.
I love making things, be it dressmaking, scrap booking, card making and so on, but when I discovered, just over a year ago, the world of jewellery making, a love affair began and my passion grew uncontrollably. Now there is no turning back, I am without a doubt in love with creating pieces of art for people to wear.
Tiara made by Erika
Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery you own?
That is a difficult question! I have a lot of jewellery and some very sentimental pieces. I wouldn't be able to pick just one!
The first of my favourites is made from one of the most incredibly interesting forms of jewellery making and is called Chainmaille. It is the same technique used by knights in medieval times to make their armour, only this is used to create beautiful unique pieces of jewellery. I am also a fan of history and one of my favourite periods is Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egypt combined with Chainmaille and the beautiful gemstone, Lapis Lazuli, (reported to be used by Cleopatra herself, who would crush the stone into a powder and apply it as eyeshadow), creates my first favourite piece an Egyptian Collar in copper.
Egyptian collar
I have a tiny brooch made of glass stones that is fashioned into an ant. It was bought for my grandmother, (she passed away when my Mum was 12), by my Mum and then handed down to me.
The next is a set of pearls that my Mum gave to me, they were a present from my Dad many years ago and are beautiful ivory pearls on gold.
I also have a rosewood rosary that was bought for my by a Nun, Sister Francis, to whom I was very close as a child. She went on a pilgrimage and returned with this for me. It hangs over my dressing table mirror and reminds me of her kindness everyday.
The final piece is something given to me very recently by my friend Lynne. Her Mum sadly passed away last year and Lynne found a brooch that belonged to her Nan in a jewellery box. The brooch is Art Deco and stunning, something I will treasure.
How did your jewellery shop develop?
After people saw my jewellery I started to get lovely comments and lots of encouragement to start selling pieces. I honestly did not think that people would be interested, much like my blog. So, I started to look into selling and eventually I found the courage to give it a try and will be forever grateful to my husband, parents and friends for their support and encouragement.
Jasper ladder weave bracelet made by Erika
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are simple, I would just love to continue making jewellery and hopefully if people enjoy what I make they might buy a few pieces, enabling me to buy more supplies and make more jewellery. It is a true passion and I can't imagine not making jewellery.
What do you think about Erika's jewellery? I love the handmade look, it can be striking and you know that no one else will have a piece like it.
This is lovely to read, a great bit of background from a blog I adore, the shop is fantabulous, I know it will go far! I like your choices of favourite items of jewellery, all sound gorgeous, would love to have a rifle through your jewellery box, not to pinch of course.
ReplyDeleteErika's shop is lovely isn't it?
DeleteThank you both and you are welcome to come for a rifle whenever you want :)
DeleteWow Mellissa!!! This is so lovely to read! You are a very very clever lady! Beautiful work! xxx
ReplyDeleteErika is incredibly clever and makes stunning jewellery, I wish I was as clever as her :)
DeleteWow they look great!
ReplyDeleteSophie
Xx
www.pocockins.co.uk
I particularly love the jasper bracelet, it is so pretty, great with autumn/winter clothing.
DeleteErika is a very talented and dynamic lady,no matter what life throws at her she is always positive and I am certain this new avenue will be very successful! @msedollyp
ReplyDeleteI agree she is and I wish her all the best for this new venture!
DeleteYou are too kind and I am very grateful for such a lovely comment! Thank you both!
DeleteI was lucky enough to win the comp Erika ran for a bespoke set of earrings and bracelet designed and made for me. Having seen the pictures of her work online I was stunned to win and was not left disappointed! The items Erika crafted for me are totally out of this world and it's made even more special knowing no one else will ever have jewelery like them. I fully intend to invest in more of Erika's jewelery in the near future!
ReplyDeleteWell done! Thanks for your comment and I am so glad you were pleased with the bespoke set she made you and that you are now a fan.
DeletePat, I couldn't have asked for a better winner, honestly it was an absolute pleasure to make something for you and I am so incredibly pleased you liked your prize. Thank you for a lovely comment!
DeleteReally beautiful and unique - I adore the tiara- stunning!
ReplyDeleteYes that tiara is so beautiful, and different too, Erika has a talent that's for sure.
DeleteWow, gorgeous jewellery. I love the tiara and the jasper bracelet, both are very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat jasper bracelet is just so beautiful and unique, I don't think I have seen anything like it before.
DeleteThe tiara is stunning!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful!
DeleteI loved reading this, you told us so much about yourself and you are very inspiring not letting illness get the better of you. I absolutely love the tiara, I've never seen anything like it, I wish you every success. X
ReplyDelete