Emma graduated in jewellery & silversmithing from Loughborough College of Art and Design in 1994 before moving south to work at a leading studio in London’s Clerkenwell, just around the corner from Hatton Garden. She spent ten years in the big smoke of London, learning about the jewellery trade and honing her making skills. In 2004, she moved to rural Ireland, specifically to beautiful county Carlow, which is now her home.

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

I start work at 9am, after the school run and my daily yoga practice. The last two years I have made exclusively commission work so I could be working on anything from an initial sketch for the client, to fabricating, experimenting with finishes or polishing.

Coffee at 11am is a must and a 45 minute lunch break can happen anywhere between 1 and 3pm. I tend to finish at 4pm so that I have enough time to get dinner made before the school run at 4.40pm. I will often go back to my workshop in the evenings to work a couple more hours, especially if the making process is flowing nicely. It’s rare to find me in the workshop at weekends. I run a craft shop with Leiko Uchiyama, so if I am not manning, I will be doing administration work, or chilling out with family/friends.

What do you like most about your work?

I like the flexibility of being self employed and that I manage to earn a living from doing something I love.

What’s your favourite craft item in your home?

A large dotty mug from Baurnafea Studio as it contains my morning coffee.

What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?

Inga Reed, her designs are simply effective, always interesting and beautifully executed.

What do you like least about your work?  

I don’t like having to look after every single aspect of the business, especially book keeping!

How do you switch off?

Watch a program or videos online (we don’t have a TV).

What’s the first thing you do when you leave studio?