Little Gems on Jewellery and Life

In this week’s episode, Ange and David are back together again…but it’s their final show!David is feeling into Canadian life and has been busy exploring the sites with a visiting friendDavid gives some insight into his preparations for his new jobAnge shares some of the jewellery highlights of her yearAnge finally spills the beans about her ‘big surprise’ - her appearance on BBC one programme ‘Make It At Market’Our hosts share their plans for Christmas and the coming new yearDavid J LillyInstagramWebsiteAngela BenjaminInstagramWebsiteLinks:If you’re in the UK and want to catch Ange on Make It At Market -https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001t4rt - its available to view on BBC iplayer and Britbox, and will be available in the USA in the new year. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

In this episode, Ange is chatting to classically-trained London-based goldsmith Darren Sherwood. Darren is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and Freeman of the City of London.In this episode you'll:Hear Ange talk to Darren about his journey into jewellery and how he ended up in his current workshop and retail spaceFind out what Darren loves about his workshopHear Darren share his fears and the aspects of jewellery making that he lovesHear about some of Darren’s favourite commissions and some of the esteemed jewellery houses he has worked with throughout his careerDiscover Darren's eclectic listening tastes whilst workingDiscover Darren's insight into what inspires his work, get his great advice for up-and-coming jewellers.Finally discover Darren's jewellery “superpowers” and if there’s anything he’s not good at.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteDarren SherwoodInstagramWebsiteJoin us next time for more insight into jewellery making and life.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

In this concluding episode David chats with Dahna (pronouced Day-nah) Makris of Madame Mak Jewellery. Dahna is based in Melbourne, Australia and is an efusive and bubbly self-taught jeweller who excells at using wax to make her colourful and gem studded pieces of jewellery. This is part two of two.In this episode you'll: 1. Find out what’s been Dahna's favourite commission to date 2. Discover what Dahna's rainbow rampage was about 3. Hear Dahna discuss her plans for the next five years 4. Find out about other jewellers on Instagram that inspire Dahna 5. Discover what allows Dahna to focus while she's working 6. Receive Dahna's advice for someone who wants to be a jeweller 7. Get Dahna's thoughts on where her jewellery sits between Fine and Contemporary 8. Discover what Dahna's unique skills are that have helped her become successful 9. Finally hear what Dahna's feels that sh'es not very good at and wishes to improveDavid J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteDahna MakrisInstagramWebsiteJoin us next time for more insight into Dahna Makris of Madame Mak JewlleryWant to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This episode David chats with Dahna (pronouced Day-nah) Makris of Madame Mak Jewellery. Dahna is based in Melbourne, Australia and is an efusive and bubbly self-taught jeweller who excells at using wax to make her colourful and gem studded pieces of jewellery. This is part one of two.In this episode you'll:Discover how Dahna got started as a jeweller, and what came before Find out why Dahna specialises in wax castingHear how Dahna sets her business up to provide regular incomeHear Dahna tell us about her latest workFinds out what Dahna's greatest fear is to do with her businessHear Dahna describe what brings her the most joy when she is in the studioFind out what gives Dahna creative inspirationDiscover what kind of fruit Dahna might be - and whyDavid J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteDahna MakrisInstagramWebsiteJoin us next time for more insight into Dahna Makris of Madame Mak JewlleryWant to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This episode your hosts have a catch-up on their respective summers and what they’ve been making and doing over the last couple of weeks.In this epsiode you'll hear:David share details of the wild fires that are currently raging in Kelowna, and the Shuswap in Canada - not far from where he is staying.That David has been teaching some workshops to adults with learning differences and the two discuss the rewards associated with sharing their skills with others.David talk about the challenges of job-hunting in CanadaThat David has also been socializing and networking with Canadian creatives.How Ange is gearing up for her local open studios and talks about what she will be showing this year. That Ange attended a private view of a textile artist Donna Lynch at Hauser & Wirth Gallery, London.That David will be interviewing Dahna @madame.mak_jewellery over the next two episodesDavid J LillyInstagramWebsiteAngela BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur makers-to-follow recommendations this week are: Ange's recommendations is textile artist Donna Lynch @studio_ashayDavid's recommendation is the jeweller Thierry Vendome @thierry_vendommeJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

Our hosts are reunited after a lengthy separation. David is settling into Canadian life and Ange is recovering from a cold.In this epsiode you hear:David and Ange discuss their personal takes on Russell’s podcast episodes.That David has been wax carving and designing some gemstone pieces with some interesting sounding stones.David talk about a stained-glass workshop that he’s been running in his local community, including classes for people with physical differences. David also share his previous experience of working with diverse client groups.How David has been socializing and networking with Canadian creatives.Ange share her latest wax carved works and talk about her struggles with clean-up and the perils of soldering mix metals.David gives Ange his tips on naming jewellery collections and Both of them share their contrasting design and sometimes 'dangerous' design styles.The pair chat about their respective creative/jewellery communities and Ange extols the virtues of WhatsApp groups!That David has a job interview and Ange has a secret to be revealled sometime in the future!David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAngela BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur makers-to-follow recommendations this week are: Ange's recommendations are Pepe Tools @pepetools_usa and Penny of Amanti Argenti @amanti_argentiDavid's recommendation is Dahna, known as Madame Mak @madame.mak_jewelleryJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This is the concluding part of Ange's interview with goldsmith Russell Lownsbrough who she knows from Morley College. Russell is a well established specialist in wax carving for jewellery and miniature sculptures. Furthermore Russell is the author of ‘Wax carving for Jewellers’, a new and essential guide to all budding wax carvers.In this episode you'll:Hear Russell's hints about his favourite commissions and he shows Ange a piece he created to woo a girl - which has serendipitous links to one of Russell’s favourite artists.Find out what Russell’s favourite ‘material’ to work with is - it’s a good one.Hear Russell share some of his studio listening: from movie soundtracks to playlists (you can even find some on Spotify).Also hear some great advice for aspiring jewellers: from coping with self-employment and niche skills to networking.Find out Russell’s preference between fine and contemporary jewellery, and why!Discover Russell's USP and why it’s made him successful.Be pleased to hear that Russell has something he’s not good at Hear Ange and Russell get a tad sweary (oops!) about self-promotion.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteRussell LounsboroughInstagramWax Carving WebsitePersonal WebsiteIf you’re in the North of the UK in September you can see Russell’s work at Goldsmiths Fair North @goldsmithsnorthRUSSELL'S INSPIRERS ARE: Rene Lalique, the greatest jeweller of all time.Georges FouquetKevin CoatesGerda FlockingerJohn Paul MillerLydia CourteilleRichard MawdsleyWendy RamshawSolange Azagury PartridgePatrick WoodroffeAlphonse MuchaRodney MatthewsIan GibsonAlan AldridgeMartin BowerArthur RackhamEdmund DulacBoris VallejoFrank FrazettaAntonio CanovaAuguste RodinUmberto BoccioneJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

In this part one of two episodes Ange is chatting to goldsmith Russell Lownsbrough who she knows from Morley College. Russell is a well established specialist in wax carving for jewellery and miniature sculptures. Furthermore Russell is the author of ‘Wax carving for Jewellers’, a new and essential guide to all budding wax carvers.In this episode you'll:Find out how Russell relates his interesting journey into jewellery from silversmithing apprentice through to art school newbie.Discover how Russell started his working career..Get insight into Russell's workspace, and how he has always had a hand in constructing the studios where he creates. He chats about his need for tidiness, comfortable seating and good lighting.Find out who Russell can and cannot talk about through his work with different designers. Russell has to keep quiet about a lot of his work. He’s preparing some of his own work for Goldsmiths North Jewellery Fair in Sheffield, his hometown.Hear what motivated Russell to write his popular book on wax carving - from both professional and personal perspectives. He also gives some insight into the actual writing process.Discover that Russell does fear something (as a jeweller) and also what brings him the most joy when working.Get a list of the varied artistic inspirations Rusell draws from - Lalique to Antonio Canova.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteRussell LounsboroughInstagramWax Carving WebsitePersonal WebsiteIf you’re in the North of the UK in September you can see Russell’s work at Goldsmiths Fair North @goldsmithsnorthRUSSELL'S INSPIRERS ARE: Rene Lalique, the greatest jeweller of all time.Georges FouquetKevin CoatesGerda FlockingerJohn Paul MillerLydia CourteilleRichard MawdsleyWendy RamshawSolange Azagury PartridgePatrick WoodroffeAlphonse MuchaRodney MatthewsIan GibsonAlan AldridgeMartin BowerArthur RackhamEdmund DulacBoris VallejoFrank FrazettaAntonio CanovaAuguste RodinUmberto BoccioneJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This week, David is back in Canada and Ange is in sunny London. The pair catch up on what they’ve been doing over the past month and how experimenting is good.In this episode you'll learn:David talks about his reintegration into Canadian life and the options for permanent residence.Ange is de-mob happy now that her scholarship has come to an end.David shares his impressions of Ange’s scholarship collection. David has been buying new kit and gemstones, in preparation for doing some jewellery making in Canada.Ange hints at an exciting future and shares the identity of the next podcast guest - Russell Lownsbrough.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAngela BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur makers-to-follow recommendations this week are: Ange's recommendation is the Forge in London, their instagram feed is @theforgespaceDavid's recommendation is Ukranian jeweller Tanya Kolydata. Her instagram feed is @kolyada.tJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This episode it's David's turn to chat with another creative peron, and this time that person is jeweller Kim Styles. Kim and David know one another as they both took part in different series of the BBC TV show All That Glitters. David 'gets under thr skin' of what Kim is up to in her studio and what makes her tick. In this episode you'll:Hear Kim explain how she got into jewellery making, Learn about Kim's jewellery training at college and time in industry.Find out about Kim's workspace on the Isle of WightDiscover how Kim describes her jewellery and the things that inspire it.Find out what are Kim's fears and joys as a maker.Hear Louise focuses when she’s working.Be able to learn from the tips Kim has to offer budding jewellers.Hear what David and Kim both thought about the benefits of taking part in Alll That Glitters.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteKim StylesInstagramWebsiteJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This time Ange is chatting to Louise Seijen Ten Hoorn, jewellery designer and tutor. The conversation coincides with the publication of Louise’s first book ‘Design for Jewellery Makers’.  Apologies for the sound quality, but we hope you still enjoy listening.In this episode you'll:Hear Louise explain how she got into jewellery making, fresh from high school with the encouragement of her parents.Learn about Louise's jewellery training at college and progression into the industry.Find out about Louise's workspace, which she shares with other creatives in South East London.Discover how Louise describes her most recent jewellery project, making wearable pieces out of some unusual rubbish.Learn what motivated Louise to write her book and how it eventually came about, she’s keen to see what people make as a result of trying the challenges in her book.Hear Ange share how she has changed her making practice since taking classes with Louise.Hear what Louise has to say about how going to art college helped her approach design differently.Find out what are Louise's fears and joys as a maker.Discover what Louise shares about her very varied inspirations: from discarded items to film and more.. She also talks about other materials that she enjoys working with.Hear Louise tells us a bit about what she listens to when she’s working.Be able to learn from the tips Louise gives for budding jewellers, including peer-mentoring.be delighted as Louise shares her jewellery style favourites and her not-so favourite things.Know where to find Louise 'in the flesh' - Pullens Yard Open Studios 9th-11th June @pullensyard David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteLouise Seijen Ten HoornInstagramRecycled Parcel ChellengeJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This time around Ange and David are chatting about what they are currently up to in their respective workshops, whether that is stained glass, work that Ange is doing as part of her scholarship at Morley College, wax carving, international clients or competitions. It's all more jewellery waffle.In this episode you'll learn:How David has been busy interviewing a podcast guestMore on David's stained glass work including THAT commissionGood news from Ange about her @chroic competition entryWhat Ange has just carved in waxHow the pair approach the challenges of setting gems in wax carved jewelleryWhat selling on Etsy is like for David and Ange - pros and consHow the pair have used their creativity as currency, by swapping work with other creatives.That Ange has had a birthday and got to visit the Georg Jensen Gallery during London Craft WeekDavid J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur makers-to-follow recommendations this week are: Ange's recommendation is the silversmith portal of Georg Jenson @georgjensenDavid's recommendation is his rug designer friend Helen Yardley @helenyardleystudioJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This episode Ange and David are all silly names and giggles. They discusss collection naming and other aspects of jewellery making that are not seen by the buying public.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL:Hear how David is still busy with not only a challenging stained glass commission but also bespoke jewellery work.Hear Ange and David discuss their individual approaches to bespoke jewellery designs.Hear David talk about a new mentee and his coaching methods.Hear the pair get the giggles over ‘intergalactic jewellery’ and names for their respective jewellery collections.Discover that Ange has almost finished making her scholarship collection.Find out about Ange's first jewellery competition.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur 'makers-to-follow recommendations this week are both jewellers: Ange's recommendations are the fine jewellery portal @chroic.uk and Aurelie Dellasanta @aureliedellasantaDavid's recommendation is the Metalsmith Society @metalsmithsocietyJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

David is flying solo this episode and is excited to chat to Canadian Jeweller Amanda Galiffi who is based in Ontario. David and Amanda have been following each other on Instagram for a few years, and had attempted to meet earlier this year.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL:Find out about Amanda’s studio space.Discover Amanda's jewellery making journey, her joys and fears. Learn about some of Amanda’s inspirations and what she loves making.Hear about Amanda's current successes, future plans and career goals.Find out what Amanda's likes here creative space to be.Find out what it's like to be Amanda as she talks about the highs and lows of being a fairly new part-time jeweller.Amanda also shares her tips for aspiring jewellery makers. David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteSky Gems Designs by Amanda GaliffiInstagramWebsiteJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

The dynamic duo are both in the same time zone at last - David is back in the UK for a while. So, the pair catch up on the past two weeks and what they’ve been up to and how they have overcome certain thorny questions about running a jewellery (or any small) business.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL:Discover how David has hit the ground running and has several commissions to complete. Find out what David thinks of the challenges of making stained glass windows and jewellery and whether he has a preference.Listen to Ange talk about her polishing experience.Hear the pair discuss the hot topic (pun intended) of ‘firestain’.Listen to Ange talking about the business mentoring she has received as part of her jewellery scholarship.Hear the pair talk spreadsheets, pricing and how they approach it.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur 'makers-to-follow recommendations this week are both jewellers: Ange's recommendation is Steven Goldsmith @goldpolishingguruDavid's recommendation is a lapidarist with a difference @steventylerthedesignerJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

In this latest episode you'll find David enjoying yet another amazing Canadian location, while Ange is in full-swing with the various courses she’s taking as part of her scholarship back in the UK. Together they chat about their respective journeys over teh past few weeks (and looking forward) and what's driving both of them at the moment.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL:Find David in another location - Vancouver Island - on his Canadian adventure.Hear Ange talk about the latest pieces she’s working on as part of her scholarship.Find out how Ange is working with gold and wax carving. Hear some insights into Ange’s scholarship journey. Listen to David and Ange discuss the challenges of working in gold.Hear how David has been getting inspiration from lots of sources, including cake moulds, gem fairs and forest walks!You'll also learn about David’s future plans.Get insight into how Ange and David approach designing and making jewellery.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur makers-to-follow recommendations this week are both jewellers: Ange's recommendation is @paulwellsmetals - expert fold-forming silversmithDavid's recommendation is @danacadesignstudio - a jewellery design studio and creator of Instagram's annual 'Battle of the Rings'.Join us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

David and Ange are reunited for this episode. David is continuing his Canadian adventure and gives an update on his new location and job prospects, Ange tells us what she has been up to in London.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL:Find out how Ange has been busy with her jewellery scholarship, sharing some of what she’s been learning.Hear David talk about the culture and arts scene in the West Kootenays and how that compares with the North Okanagan.Hear Ange talk about the Collect Art Fair in London and excited her there.Hear David talks about his new Nelson-based menteeGet their recommendatiosn for peiople to follow on Instagram.David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur makers-to-follow recommendations this week are both jewellers: Ange's recommendation is @franonumah - silversmithDavid's recommendation is @samontecruzstudios - all round talented creativeJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

Ange is flying solo this episode and is excited to chat to German Jeweller Cassandra Kudoke who is based in Cologne. Ange has been following Cassandra on Instagram for a few years and has been looking forward to finding out more about Cassandra’s amazing work.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL:Find out about Cassandra’s studio space and what’s she’s currently working on.Discover Cassandra's jewellery making joys and fears. Learn about some of Cassandra’s inspirations.Hear about Cassandra's future plans and career goals.Find out what it's like to be Cassandra as she talks about the highs and lows of being a self-employed creative.Cassandra also shares her tips for aspiring jewellery makers. David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteCassaandra KudokeInstagramJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This time David and Ange chat about the joys of being abroad and what inspires them about their travels. David talks about his stained glass work and Ange what is going on as parts of her Scholarship at Morley College.Find out what David thinks about Canadian hospitality.David talks about a very unique musuem and art gallery he found in Vernon - The Caetani House and work of Sveva Caetani (https://www.caetani.org/)Find out what David got up to at The Vernon Community Arts Centre (https://vernonarts.ca/)Ange tells about how she has been busy with her jewellery scholarship courses Ange share one very important jewellery making tip.David talks about his new communities of Vernon and the West Kootenays.Ange and David share their ‘who to follow’ on Instagram. David J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteOur makers-to-follow recommendations this week are all jewellers: Ange's recommendation is @theresiatracy - jewellery designer/makerDavid's recommendation is fine jeweller Susan Kun of @susan.kun.1Join us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along.Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

This time around David chats with Welsh jeweller Lee Appleby. David and Lee know one another as they both took part in the BBC TV series All That Glitters - Lee in series 1 and David in series 2. David asks Lee a variety of life and jewellery related questions with one daft question in the mix. Find out a little about Lee's familyDiscover what inspires Lee's jewellery designsLee talks about what he fears and loves about jewellery makingFind out what fruit Lee is - yes reallyDiscover what Lee's favourite commission to date was and whyLearn about Lee's love/hate relationship with alternative materials in jewellery makingLee gives his advice to budding jewellersFind out what Lee has playing in the studio on both good and bad daysDavid J LillyInstagramWebsiteAnge BenjaminInstagramWebsiteLee ApplebyInstagramFacebookWebsiteYouTubeJoin us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and plans for 2023!Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com