My Jewellery Making Journey
First and foremost I'm a Mother and Wife, I have a fabulous family and all of this revolves around and for them.
Originally a freelance hairdresser, I couldn’t go back to work after the birth of my second child in 2013, due to a serious injury in my left arm. Leaving me unable to do the job I loved. During my recovery, I discovered jewellery making and it gave me the creative part of my life back. Additionally, around 10 years ago I studied gemstones and crystal healing, so using my already existing knowledge in my current jewellery pieces is an obvious progression.
Over the last 6 years, I have taken my hobby towards what it is now, an independent small business.
In the beginning,
I bought myself an amethyst nugget bundle, a strand of aquamarine faceted wheels, findings and a threading pack. All I made was stretchy bracelets but gradually ordering more strands and tools, I found myself exploring more mediums of jewellery making day by day. I use many different materials in my designs, mainly genuine gemstones as I spend a lot of time sourcing only the best for my business. I have a love for wirework and seed beading mediums, I’m also known for incorporating genuine Swarovski elements in my seed bead medium work.
I first opened my Etsy shop in August 2014, under the shop name Giraffe Jewellery Box, in which I photographed and uploaded the most loved items that I wanted to sell. The name Giraffe Jewellery box came from my love of the animals and also the first prop I used to photograph my jewellery was a wooden Giraffe neck. I used marketing strategies and the power of social media to promote my shop, and after a few weeks, my items were appearing on the first pages of Etsy searches and in other sellers Etsy Treasuries. Gaining sales wasn’t something that I expected to happen overnight, but with my own time and effort sales started to come and my little business was underway.
The Next Stage
3 years ago I was featured in 'Let's Make Jewellery' magazine, This was a feature about my discovered of the Jewellery making channel Jewellery Maker TV and from that creating my Etsy business Giraffe Jewellery Box. I also attended Jewellery Maker TV's customer garden party, I got to speak to the jewellery maker team and was encouraged to apply for the show. I felt confident in my designs and creative pieces so I took the plunge and applied to become a Guest Designer on the show. My application was successful, I now have regular shows on the channel showcasing the company’s beautiful kits and products. ​ I have my show dates listed under the events menu on my website so please take a look.
I have now changed the name of my business to Katie Parker Jewellery. I have a website www.katieparkerjewellery.com On my website you will find links to my Etsy shop and also details on how to book Workshops with myself.
This Is Me
So that's me, It’s still surreal to think how far jewellery making has taken me as I would never have thought 6 years ago I would be where I am now. Please feel free to contact me or browse my shop if you have any questions I haven’t answered.