It’s day 2 of our “Sisters are doing it for themselves” series and today we’re going to meet the lovely Leigh Shepherd. I’ve been following Leigh’s blog for quite some time and as I absolutely adore her work I thought I should share it with you lovely lot. So without further ado, let’s meet Leigh!

So tell us a bit about Leigh Shepherd Designs – what do you make?

All of the things I make involve upcycling tiles, papers, and resin. I create a range of jewellery using upcycled games pieces. My brooches are made with vintage draughts and domino pieces. My pendants are made with Scrabble pieces presented in matching Teeny Tiny Tins and Mah Jong Tiles with matching Glass Keepsake Pots. I also create Tiny Tile Paintings and Collages featuring vintage imagery. All of my pieces are then finished with resin.

What got you started in this field? Were you always a creative type?

I have always been creative. I went to art college and have a Fine Arts degree, I’ve worked freelance in animation for films for television. After working for eight years in education and with children on the horizon I sat down with my husband and mapped out what we wanted from life. This mainly involved both of us working from home doing things we loved we also wanted to be around the kids as they grow up. So with a few sacrifices, a few risks and alot of work we are now doing just that.

When / how did you learn your craft?

I have always played around with jewellery making and I have continued painting and drawing since college, even when teaching I made things for friends and family.When I had decided that I wanted to do this full time I made up a few sample pieces (after alot of experimenting with different types of resins and papers) and took them to a local craft gallery. The owner placed an order which sold out very quickly and has continued to re order ever since. Approaching shops and galleries can be a hard thing to do and I think this is the step many new makers are afraid to take. For many creative people marketing themselves is the most difficult yet essential part of starting their business its an area I find challenging but its the only way to move forward.

Why do you make things by hand?

When I decided to set up my own business rather than return to teaching I really didn’t consider anything other than this. Making things by hand is a natural way for me to work. It is rare today for one person to be able to take a product from initial idea, through the design and making process and marketing, making by hand allows me to do this and I get a real buzz from that. I love sourcing my materials, especially the vintage finds that I use in my brooches and Tiny Tile Paintings.

Do you believe that being creative is good for you?

I can only speak for myself, but I do believe that being creative has been good for me.

I previously worked as a primary school teacher and special needs manager, this was at times very stressful. I found that to express myself creatively helped me to relax and look at situations more positively and think things through more clearly. I find working for myself much more satisfying. Whilst running a business can have its own frustrations working on a new design is an exciting process.

Is there anything that frustrates you about being a creative type?

My biggest frustrations come from not knowing how to do things that are outside of my creative field. They are usually connected to the day to day running of business or are techie related!

Do you believe the internet has had an effect on your creativity?

The internet has been key to helping me to keep in touch with other makers, its really helped to see how many other people are working in a similar way, and stops me feeling isolated when I’m working by myself. I love to read blogs and I find this is very supportive. Whilst I do use the internet alot I don’t spend much time in the many craft forums, I find time runs away from me when I do. It’s been an essential tool to track down materials and resources. So the internet probably has had an effect on my creativity, helping me to move my business on.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into another indie maker. Thanks to Leigh for doing this interview, you can find her online in the following places:

Leigh Shepherd Designs
Folksy
Facebook
Flickr
Twitter
Leigh’s blog

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