Having spent the last 25 years in corporate IT, I started BellaCatDesigns in 2014. My passion has always been art and design and when I took early retirement, I pursued my first love in the creative areas. I spent a number of years taking jewellery silversmithing courses at the Wilmslow Guild. I created my ONFI jewellery brand to differentiate my jewellery pieces from my other items. I continue to top up my hands on instruction with specialised workshops. Metalasmithing has presented me with my greatest creative challenge so far, and I am passionate about pursuing the advancement of my skills in this area. I love to work with less popular stones and settings, such as meteorites, and mammoth tusks. I have also complimented my learning with online courses, studying some of the well known traditional metalsmithing techniques. I am fortunate to have enjoyed modest success selling my jewellery and much of my custom is through bespoke custom designed pieces. Please contact me if you like my style and would like an individually designed piece of jewellery.
I enjoy spending time supporting the local charity Cheshire Arts For Health. I am a trustee of this charity, who runs The Sandbach Art Room. I also co-manage their retail space, which showcases local artists by selling their original hand made arts and crafts. It's very rewarding to be involved with such an essential charity that operates in the local community by providing mental health and wellness support through the creative arts. I also rent space in the shop where I sell my jewellery, candles and cards.
I enjoy spending time supporting the local charity Cheshire Arts For Health. I am a trustee of this charity, who runs The Sandbach Art Room. I also co-manage their retail space, which showcases local artists by selling their original hand made arts and crafts. It's very rewarding to be involved with such an essential charity that operates in the local community by providing mental health and wellness support through the creative arts. I also rent space in the shop where I sell my jewellery, candles and cards.
My happy space is my studio (converted shed) in my back garden
My workshop is my shed in the back garden which I spend many happy hours creating my designs.
The Name BellaCatDesigns is derived from the name of my moggie, Bella.