First up, give us a quick introduction, who are you, what do you do?
I'm Fiona, I make jewellery using sterling silver, pearls, semi-precious stones, and funky glass beads. I'm also a full-time mum, an amateur musician, and have a heap of unfinished sewing, knitting, crochet and writing projects on the go!
Give us one unusual or surprising fact about yourself, something we wouldn’t expect!
I once spent a week rowing down the Thames in a Victorian skiff, as in "Three Men in a Boat".
What are the 5 words that best describe you?
Determined, creative, fussy, impatient, passionate.
What do you make? Perhaps you are you a crafter or designer? Is it a hobby or a business? Perhaps you make something less tangible, like happiness or connections between people?
I try to make the kind of jewellery I would like to wear myself, and my five year old daughter is always egging me on to make things for her, so I now have several designs for children's bracelets and necklaces. I also love making patchwork (and have two unfinished quilts in my project pile), and will one day make good friends with my sewing machine and make clothes too. The jewellery is something I started when my older daughter was little: I'd given up work due to post-natal depression, and desperately needed something that was just for me. I wanted to create something beautiful and grown-up, and carve out that little bit of space for me! And when friends and family saw what I was making they encouraged me, so I gave my business a name and now I sell on Etsy as Morgan and Pink. I'm in the process of designing a range of gift vouchers, and am hoping to do a couple of Christmas craft fairs - it's always fun selling face to face.
Describe your normal day (if you have such a thing!)
My days are pretty much dictated by my small children, so the morning is a scramble to get out of the house in time for school, then there's usually something for the little one - playgroup, or toddler music or the like - then if she has a nap I get on with some jewellery making (if I can resist the urge to do housework instead!). Mid-afternoon it's school pick-up time, then once I've navigated supper, baths and bedtime stories, I try to settle down at my desk for a couple of hours work in the evening. There's never enough time!
Where are you happiest?
On a mountain - I love the Lake District, but have also had some spectacularly beautiful walking holidays in the Alps.
What the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don't be afraid of the 'shitty first draft' - it was advice given on a writing course, but works equally well for other crafts.
What talent are you most proud of and why?
My music; it makes my heart sing to be part of something so powerful as a good orchestra or choir, and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.
What would you like to be better at and why?
Knitting! I love snuggly jumpers and can never find flattering ones, so I'd love to make my own one day.
What would you like to have more of and why?
Time, so I could do more of everything I love; and fresh air and exercise, because they make me feel good and make everything else feel easier to deal with.
If you could be given any gift what would it be?
Patience, humility and the grace to make others feel good about themselves. Oh, and I'd love to be able to fly. Failing that, a week on a Arvon writing course would be amazing.
If you could give any gift to anyone, what would you give and to whom?
To my children, the gift of happiness, and lots of wonderful books.
What’s the next big thing you’re looking forward to in your life?
When my youngest daughter starts at nursery next year I'll suddenly have a lot more time to myself. I'm already planning far too many things to fit into the hours available!
What’s the item your house that makes you smile the most, maybe it’s a piece of artwork or furniture or maybe a secret culinary ingredient, cd or dvd?
The kitchen wall, where we ripped off the sticky mustard-yellow vinyl wallpaper (yes, really!) left by the previous owners, and then covered the space in family photographs and my children's drawings and paintings. It's bright and cheerful and keeps changing as we swap the pictures around - our very own art gallery!
You can find out more about the Handmade Makers Market and their upcoming events here.
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