St Ives Farmers’ Market A chat with Neil Wills of Fabrica Jewellery Valentine’s Day was only a few weeks ago, and Mothers’ Day is coming up at the end of March. This must be a busy time for a jewellery maker!
Valentine’s Day three years ago was the first time I had a stall at St Ives Farmers’ Market – or any market! I’d been making jewellery for 10 years, but I’d only just started doing it as a business. Before that, I worked in engineering – heating and ventilation – and as a blacksmith, so I’ve worked with metal for 30 years. When I had a back injury, I had to think about what else I could do. I did some evening classes in jewellery, and the next year I signed up for a City & Guilds in creative jewellery. There are activities in engineering to do with moving and joining metals, and so many of the skills I had were transferable.
How did you go about launching the business?
I chose the name Fabrica because in Latin, it means “craft or art, workmanship, skilfully produced”. I did a Breakthrough course, designed for start-ups, with Unlocking Potential – their help and advice were invaluable. I then made myself a workshop and set up my first stock. All my raw material – gold and silver bullion in wire or sheet form – is recycled. I also source gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires and topaz.
What makes your work distinctive?
I make a lot of textured jewellery – bracelets, bangles, necklaces and rings – using a hammer or rolling mill. I also love to use an ancient Korean technique called Keum boo, in which 24k carat gold is fused to the silver, as a way to combine both metals in my designs. The idea is to come up
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with patterns which make my work individual. I also take great care that everything is finished to a high standard.
What inspires you?
The whole of St Ives is my inspiration – the beaches, the rocks, and anything the sea has worked its magic on – and the road towards Zennor, with its carpets of heather and gorse. I like to replicate these textures in my work. I’ve lived in St Ives since I was 14, and I absolutely love it. It’s a close community, and it’s the people who make it what it is.
How have you grown the business?
I’ve used social media to engage with people and build an audience, and as well as St Ives Farmers’ Market, I do summer and Christmas fairs. I am also now very pleased to say that I am a member of The Cowhouse Gallery in Perranuthnoe, where my work is on display and available to buy, as well as in Paraphernalia, in the Drill Hall in St Ives. If anyone is looking for something special for Mothers’ Day, contact me through Facebook or Instagram, or email info@fabricajewellery.co.uk
To find out more, visit https://fabricajewellery.co.uk/
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