Throughout my jewellery career and four years at Duncan of Jordanstone Collage of Art and Design in Dundee, Investigating fashion and textiles has always been an integral part of my research and development process. I enjoy exploring the texture and free movement of textiles, and applying this element to the hard-edged nature of metal. In my final year of jewellery and metalwork, I found that Japanese textiles in particular played an important role inspiring my jewellery design. Most importantly this research has led me on to develop my own textile, which I use alongside precious metals when designing and creating my jewellery today.

My own unique textile is created by compressing Steel wool and inlaying Gold, Silver and coloured wire amongst the particles of steel. I also inlay other items such as feathers, pieces of coloured fabric and flowers. The steel wool material is compressed under immense pressure by using 10-Ton strong arm. I then hand make Silver or Gold frames to support and secure the steel wool fabric in place, before a final layer of acrylic spray is applied to protect the textile from moisture.

I feel I have developed an innovative and unusual textile that when used in my jewellery makes my work very distinctive and unique.