We asked Shelley Watts of Dizzy Jewellery some not so probing questions, but we hope it gives you a little insight into why she runs Dizzy Jewellery and what inspires her to make her work. Shelley often has a stall at I Make Fun Stuff markets and she also has a website where you can browse her beautiful jewellery.
How long have you been selling your work for?
I have been selling my work now for about 2 -3 years. I had been making and selling with my friend, but she has decided not to continue so I am now flying solo, which is both exciting and daunting.
Do you make/sell your work as a part time side project or as a profit making business?
We started selling as a part time project, then I was made redundant and so I bit the bullet and decided to see if I could make it a real business. So far it is going well – hard work, but rewarding.
Why did you start your business? And how?
About 4 years ago, on a whim, my friend and I decided to go to an evening class in Silversmithing. We were enthralled, had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the hands on experience of creating something unique. We couldn’t get enough! We bought a few tools and got carried away with making and ended up with too many pieces to wear so thought we would try and sell them. We then had a go at Art Clay just to see if we preferred this, but we didn’t. We enrolled in beading and wiring workshops and finally spent time with a Silversmith in his workshop.
Do you sell online/in shops or both? Any you’d like to name check?
I have just set up a website www.dizzydizzigns.co.uk not to sell directly. I think people like to touch and feel things before they buy, but if they have bought before, or, know what I sell then they can call me and I will sell that way. I don’t sell in shops at the moment but am willing to.
If you could do any other job other than make your products professionally what would It be?
There is nothing that I would rather be doing as it’s taken me 30 years to find it. All I wish is that I had found that I could design and create jewellery 30 years ago.
Is there a product you’d love to make but just don’t have the facilities/equipment?
There is still machinery that I would like in order to create different effects such as a Rolling Mill and Barrelling Machine. I would also like to go back to the Silversmith’s workshop and learn to make silver boxes.
Do you have your own studio?
I have a small workshop in a spare room but no studio as yet; I guess that would be the ultimate ‘want’.
Who is your favourite crafter/maker?
I can’t say that I have a favourite crafter/maker as whenever I go to an event I find that I love nearly everything I see, I have to hold myself back so as not to spend all my profits! If it’s hand crafted and made with love then I usually think it’s fab.
