Durie Design: Lynn Durie Jewellery Maker

 One of my favourite things to do, is to create a unique piece based upon a person’s personality or hobby. This was a private commission that I did for a groom. I didn’t know the man at all, only that he was getting married and was into mountain biking. So I fiddled around and presented the bride-to-be with 3 designs, crossing my fingers that she would go for this design as I was most excited about how this one would turn out. To my delight she did indeed choose this design and I got stuck in. The brushed finish was an after-thought but I think it created a more masculine finish than the high polish originally planned.

I just love, love, love making chains. I find them wonderful on two levels... 1) They are incredibly theraputic to create, link after link, slowly building up,until suddenly you look down and you have a whole bracelet... just like that!!! 2) They are wonderfully practical. Chains are like shoes...I believe you can never have too many! The only part I find 'not-so-theraputic' is cutting the wire into jump-rings. Grrrr! I'm always relieved when that part is done.

This is my workstation... A total mess. And this is actually quite tidy! My wish is to have a proper studio to do my work in, with all the gadgets and gizmos that would make it qicker and more economical to produce well finished pieces. A shed would do nicely, but when you live in suburban South Dublin a shed is a luxury. I will have to make do with the corner of our living room for now.(I hope my landlady doesn't read this). Between my workstation and my partners musical instruments (of which there are many) in this very little house.. the cat can barely find a square cm to curl up on!He is not amused.