Facebook changes have meant that I miss a lot from some of my favourite Crafty B's. Bramalfie Beads etc often pop into my timeline however and I invited Ailsa to come and share one of her makes with us. Down to business...
Firstly, two very important questions.
Tea or coffee?
Tea, I hate coffee but you are more likely to find me with a bottle of water.
Biscuit or cake?
Either or! I have a very sweet tooth and I’m not fussy. A bourbon biscuit is a fave! However I’m on a health kick so both are off the menu at the moment.
So, tell us a bit about yourself.
Ailsa, living in Basingstoke but originally from Norwich. My business is Bramalfie Beads etc. and I make jewellery, you can find my blog here - www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk. I run the business around my day job as an engineer and my love of ice hockey (only a supporter, I can’t for the life of me skate!) I have 2 dogs a Patterdale Terrier called Alfie and a Beagle called Amber, our old dog Bramble, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who sadly left us last year and Alfie are the inspiration for my business name! You’ll find lots of pictures of them on my social media links.
...and what about the item that you are sharing with us?
This was a commission and I fell in love with it. It’s a Byzantine chainmaille bracelet made from black and purple aluminium rings. It was for a Facebook friend and she loved it so much she asked me to make some matching earrings!
How long have you been making jewellery and how did you learn?
I am mostly self taught though I have taken a few classes here and there. If I can’t work out how to do something then I turn to Google and YouTube. I want to learn more chainmaille weaves and macrame so that is my mission for 2014. I’m also attracted to paper cutting and metal stamping at the moment!
When did you start Bramalfie Beads etc and why?
I started it about 3 years ago, a friend had started making jewellery and seeing her work reminded me how much I used to enjoy making jewellery in my teens so I decided to start up again. I wanted to do something a bit different though so started looking into ways of making my own beads and rediscovered Polymer Clay and things have progressed from there.
What inspires and motivates you?
Most of my inspiration comes from Pinterest, I can get lost on there for hours and hours at a time.
Any crafting heroes?
Lots - too many to mention in fact.
Do you have a crafting space?
Sort of. I have taken over the kitchen table for my polymer clay works, my chainmaille and beading etc are usually done from the sofa.
Any big plans in 2014?
To learn more chainmaille weaves and macrame oh and to get myself more organised.
So can we join you in your virtual world?
I would love you to come and join me! I am in all sorts of places, I am slightly addicted to social media so you will find me on lots of different sites. So take your pick and come find me at some or all of the following :-)
Website: http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bramalfiebeads
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bramalfiebeadsetc
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bramalfiebeads/
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+BramalfiebeadsetcCoUk
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BramalfieBeadsetc
Finally, some quick fire questions that we are dying to know the answers to.
Favourite colour?
Purple
The best season?
Spring - I love them all though including Winter!!
Your favourite food?
Mexican - especially enchiladas or chimichangas
The best day of the week?
Any day I’m not at my day job!!
What is the best word?
Tough one!! I’ll go with “dream” which is my word of the year!!
Favourite place?
The Lake District, many fabulous childhood holidays there and it is just such a beautiful part of the world!!!
Your biggest achievement?
Getting my first (and each subsequent) sale on Etsy!!
Thanks so much Ailsa. theres so many places for all these Crafty B's to find you they're sure not to miss a thing!
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