Original Strands designs and creates a range of Irish contemporary handmade jewellery across four distinctive collections. Katie’s jewellery offers insight into how she sees and experiences the world. Katie is drawn to the irregular, the inverted, the quirky, the different, and the offside aspects of life. This is reflected in her work through unusual angles, rings that taper with off-centre gems, and inverted earrings.

With a background in psychotherapy, Katie is particularly interested in the movement between our inner and outer worlds, and what draws us to one piece of jewellery over another. She explores how certain pieces might remind us of someone or something, or evoke a particular feeling when worn.

This emotional connection is what drives her creativity, she believes that every piece of jewellery we wear should be meaningful and loved. Katie sees all of her designs as coming from within, sparked by an idea that she translates into a new, tangible piece. Through her work, she aims to evoke curiosity and encourage personal connection.

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?

I love to start the day by jotting down any ideas in my ideas folder, that I return to when I have some space. ( the first piece I ever made came to me in a dream, and I made a cardboard prototype while it was still in my mind!) I do marketing and admin as planned and then get to my bench work, my favourite part of the day! I try to remember to record the process but sometimes I become so engrossed that time slips away. It’’s my happy time!

What do you like most about your work?

I love the whole process of making, transforming a design into a piece of jewellery. I’m fascinated by how something that looks so uninspiring becomes something shiny and gorgeous!

Where do you get your inspiration?

I joined a jewellery night class in NCAD. The wonderfully talented tutor,Erika Marks came over to ask how I was doing, and I replied spontaneously “that I could happily do this for the rest of my life”. Something clicked in that moment.

What made you choose your discipline?

I first had a module of jewellery making as part of my training as on O.T. Jewellery making has woven through my career in mental health and I was thrilled when an opportunity to retrain came my way.

Is sustainability an important aspect of your business?

Yes. My unusual pebble shaped boxes are made of papier-mâché and are reusable and recycleable. I buy most of my materials in Ireland and my gemstones from a reputable source.

What’s the most challenging part of your craft?

Having come to jewellery late in life, I realise that some of my designs are too complex for me, which is frustrating.

What do you like least about your work?

I find marketing difficult, social media does not come easily to me.

What’s your favourite craft item in your home?

We have a large woven wall hanging that we bought many years ago in Swaziland. It depicts some of the ancient African cave paintings. I still remember the weaver at her unusual upright loom.

Tell us about your first craft item you made

I crocheted a lacy shawl and when people started to ask me where I got it I started my first mini industry.

Have you ever had a “happy accident” while making something?

Yes. I had a pendant cast but I felt it wasn’t stable enough. But I liked the outer ring of it, so I had this part recast and formed earrings with them.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member

I love being part of a wider community. Becoming a member of DCCI means being able to avail of a wide range of courses and opportunities, as well as the recognition it offers, providing reassurance to customers.

How do you balance creativity with the business side of things?

I plan everything a week in advance, and reward myself with time at the bench when I have completed my admin.