ADVERTISING FEATURE DIANA PORTER
JOANNA KANG
DIANA PORTER CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY 01179090225; www.dianaporter.co.uk What inspired you to start creating your products? I wanted to create jewellery inspired by my experience of life, which people could relate to. How long have you been creating your products? I recently celebrated 25 years of Diana Porter Contemporary Jewellery with a new collection of Sibyls, one of my original designs that I created whilst studying for my degree. I graduated in 1993 and began creating jewellery in studio that I created in my living room. What is the most enjoyable aspect about what you do? Each day we receive new enquiries for bespoke phrases, poems and names of loved ones to be hand-etched into our jewellery. I still enjoy creating these personalised pieces for people. What makes your products different from competitors? All our jewellery is handmade here in the UK with many pieces made here in our Bristol workshop, which is situated just behind the shop. We’re probably best known for our hand-etched jewellery, using words to create unique textures and meanings for the jewellery. Where can we find your products? My Contemporary Jewellery Gallery is based on the historic Park Street. This is where my full collection is displayed alongside over 80 other contemporary jewellery designers. We also have an online shop where you can purchase our platinum, gold and silver jewellery.
RED BIRD MAKES 07980 899 906; www.RedBirdMakes.com
Diana Porter
Joanna Kang
VIOLETA LLANO
How long have you been creating your products? I’ve had my business since 2011. Prior to going self employed in 2016, I was lucky enough to work part-time for 4 years at the amazing Workhouse Cafe (Now 404 Cafe). This proved pivotal to me being able to establish my business and eventually make the leap to full-time self employment for which I am forever grateful. What are your future aspirations for your products? I’d love to bring out a range using lost wax casting which will give me the freedom to create and sculpt pieces. I’ve been asked by several guys to introduce a male collection. So I guess this is something to come, although I like to think that much of my work isn’t gender specific and can be worn by all...! Which product are your particularly fond of? My go tos are my ‘Frida Chunky Brass Stud Earrings’ from my ‘Forged’ collection, which I’ve been wearing pretty much everyday since the Spring! They are slightly oversized but not too big, and have a nice clean and minimal form. They go with absolutely everything! Where can we find your products? I am in the process of setting up my own website but being a one lady business, it’s tough juggling the making, admin, social media, selling etc. Find me on www.RedBirdMakes.com or www.RedBirdMakes. etsy.com or come to a Bristol market either at the Tobacco Factory or this Christmas I’ll be set up in a hut in Broadmead with the Bristol Local Christmas Market, open everyday from Nov 29th - Dec 23rd...!
ILO 07531973109; www.iloclothing.co.uk What makes your products different from competitors? There are a few things that make us different, for starters we are committed to using only organic fabrics, and most things also use 100% organic cotton thread. Our ‘Grow with Me’ designs allow our clothes to grow with the wearer, lasting for much longer than traditional baby and kid’s sizes. Being gender-neutral is also very important for us, as is the traceability of all our fabrics. What inspires the design of your products? Ilo designs clothing inspired by the Scandinavian philosophy of childhood where play, comfort, environment, family and friends are all intertwined to nurture a wholesome child. Our philosophy can be summed-up as: organic, grow-with-me, local, gender-neutral & long-lasting. Where can we find your products? We are stocked in some of the loveliest independent shops in Bristol, like Toyville, Eclectic, the Windmill Hill City Farm Gift Shop, and The Little Shop; we are also further afield in the Museum in the Park in Stroud and at Made Gallery in Cirencester. We have also just started working with 4 new shops nation-wide and will be stocking them very soon. We also have a small web shop: www.iloclothing.co.uk. For more info follow us on instagram @ilo_organic_clothing.
68 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
JULIE ANNE PALMER
JULIE ANNE PALMER JEWELLERY 0117 962 1111; www.julieannepalmer.com
Violeta Llano
Julie Anne Palmer
What inspired you to start creating your products? A eureka moment at art college when I first tried making jewellery. How long have you been creating your products? I commenced my degree in jewellery and silversmithing in 1974. What makes your products different from competitors? Every item is designed and made by me so every piece made is different and lead by my customer’s criteria and budget. What inspires the design of your products? The designs are inspired by my customers and their personal requirements. This is the feedback I received from a recent customer... “Julie has designed and finished a beautiful piece of jewellery based on some pretty vague ideas I presented to her. She seemed to know what I was looking for better than I did. A real artist and a pleasure to work with.” How long does it take you to create your product? Everything is unique so it takes a unique time to create each item! Where can we find your products? On my customers and on my website! Please visit www. julieannepalmer.com and or email julie@julieannepalmer. com My workshop/studio is in 129 Stoke Lane Westbury on Trym, Bristol. Open Friday and Saturday and during the week by appointment only.