SAMMI'S TRINKETS

It gives me enormous pleasure 
to introduce you to a wonderful
wirework jewellery artist ...
(as well as resin, fimo and silver!):

SAMMI FLETCHER
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Sammi lives in the beautiful English countryside of
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and runs her jewellery
business: SAMMI'S TRINKETS from her home.
Her wire designs caress and dance in the eyes ...
Sit tight and enjoy Sammi's artist feature!

(Above: Fossilised Coral Pendant by Sammi Fletcher)

WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUD?
I was born near Swindon, travelled around the country
throughout my childhood, as my Dad was an officer
in the RAF.  I also enjoyed three years in Hong Kong
when he was posted there!  It was a great place to be
a young teen ... sun, swimming and shopping!  I was
educated at Wellington School in Somerset as a boarder,
due to my Father's postings abroad.

 













(Above: Cleopatra Pendant by Sammi Fletcher)

DID YOU ALWAYS ASPIRE TO BE JEWELLERY DESIGNER?
I have no formal training, but I have always been creative, loving
pencil drawing - although having said that,  I have not done any for
many years now. I stumbled across jewellery making by accident - 
I wanted a Nalu bead bracelet - but couldn't afford the ready made one 
in the shop! So, I bought three beads and taught myself macrame 
from 'You Tube'. Then, I made a few friendship bracelets after that 
... then my friends wanted some ... and one friend started selling them 
at her work! Following that, I started playing with wire and bought a jig 
and began creating necklaces using wire jig shapes ... and that was it!

It all began with seeing those gorgeous beads in Woolacombe - 
that's how I discovered my "thing"!

 

 











(Above: 'Gomti Chakra' Pendant by Sammi Fletcher)

WHERE DO YOU WORK?
My studio is at home.  My husband has built me a jeweller's 
studio, including bench, in our house.  I love working from home,
as it means I can work as many hours as I like and not miss out
on the children.  They love to see what I have made and how I
am making it!  However, I do leave the blowtorch work until 
the younger ones are at school, or in bed!

 












(Above: 'Owl' pendant by Sammi Fletcher)

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?
I take inspiration from the stones I use, as well as nature.  I choose
a cabochon stone and it just decides what it wants to be!  The silver
does too ... sometimes, it just wants to curve in a certain way and I
go with it.  Other times, I have a clear idea from the start, but on
the whole, I just go where it takes me ... ! That's the beauty of it -
there is no right or wrong!

(Above: Amethyst and Moonstone wirewrapped pendants by Sammi)

DO YOU WORK WITH OTHER MATERIALS?
I also work in Sterling Silver Sheet, doing Silversmithing.  Although
I am still quite new to this, I really enjoy exploring where this aspect
of my work can take me alongside the wirewrapping.  I love fusing
these two techniques!  I also love using Fimo, being inspired by the
lovely Bonnie McGough, a hugely talented lady! I also use Epoxy Resin
and enjoy combining resin with bronze for my quirky Steampunk
designs.  However, I mainly work with wire and natural stone -
natural stone, most probably more than anything else! 

(Left: One of
Sammi's 
Steampunk
designs)











DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
My favourite technique is definitely anything wire related!
It's what I am more comfortable doing.  I love making pendants,
as anyone on my FACEBOOK page and WEBSITE will see.
I often start the day thinking: "Today I must make some 
bracelets" ... and three pendants later ... it's time for bed!!   

(... I still need to make bracelets ... !!)

 










(Above: one of Sammi's Bangles!)

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN TARGET MARKET?
Anyone who loves my work! 

(Above: 'Naunet' Turquoise Pendant by Sammi Fletcher)

WHERE DO YOU SELL YOUR WORK?
I sell my work on my own WEBSITE and FACEBOOK page.
I promote myself on TWITTER.  I have a BLOG, but due to
recent ill health, I haven't been able to upkeep this - I do need
to start it up again when I can!

I sell at craft fairs and big shows alike, anything to get my
name out there.  I am doing a HANDMADE CHRISTMAS 
exhibitionat the 02 Arena this December and I have been asked 
to permanently exhibit in Deepspaceworks Art Gallery in
Chelthenham. 

  











(Above: "Calanthe" orchid pendant by Sammi Fletcher)

WHAT PIECES ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?  
Gosh!  I have many buzzing around my head waiting to be born!
However, I am currently working on a Moonstone pendant
(one of my favourite stones), as well as creating a gorgeous Blue
Topaz pendant for a private commission with a matching cuff
style bracelet.

(Above: Topaz pendant by Sammi Fletcher)

DO YOU TEACH OR WRITE TUTORIALS?
Not yet, but I have a lot of requests!  So, when my health
allows, I will be!  (I have been suffering from chronic
migraine, but finally I have a referral to a neurologist, so
fingers crossed that my appointment comes very soon!).

   


(Left: Smokey
Quartz 'Snake'
Ring by Sammi
Fletcher)













WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU PASS ON TO OTHERS?
Enjoy it!  That is my main advice, because your joy and passion
will show in your work.  Don't be afraid to try new techniques
and use your different mediums.  It it looks complicated, don't let 
that put you off! Think to yourself: "What's the worst that can 
happen?". You might lose and ruin some plated wire, or you might 
find another technique that you can express yourself in ways you
never expected!

    















(Above: 'Kawther' Cuff by Sammi Fletcher)

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS AND ASPIRATIONS?
To continue to enjoy making beautiful things from bits of wire
and stone!  I aim to approach more galleries to showcase my
work and continue to spread the word about what I am creating,
through which I hope to meet lots of new and interesting people
to whom I can sell the things I make.  What could be better than
doing a job that I love and watching people love what I do 
(... apart from the occasional 4am starts to get to a big event!).
I would also love to start teaching at some point, even though
I still feel I am learning something new every day!

(Above: 'Sun and Moon' Pendant by Sammi Fletcher) 

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Thank you, Sammi for sharing your story 
and work with us and I have no doubt, 
you will achieve your every goal, as your
talent shines so beautifully bright!