Meet the maker: Inchworm

What do you make?
I make glass tile pendants, earrings and brooches as well as bottle-cap pendants. I use beautiful washi/chioygami paper in a variety of colours and patterns, as well as sections of classical and more whimsical art. All pendants come complete with an adjustable ball chain.

Why would you buy something handmade?
I feel good when I buy handmade. I know someone has put time and effort into each piece and I know they care about the quality of their product. I know each piece is unique, and that I'm not likely to see many other people with a similar product. I try to buy New Zealand made when I can as I like to support local people.

Where else might we see your work?
At the moment I sell on Trademe (seller name inchworm), on Etsy (seller name inchworm again) and on Felt (that's right, inchworm). You can also view by back catalogue on the Deviantart website (inchworm again).

How did you get into your craft?
I had been making beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets for years when I decided to branch out and try my hand at glass tile pieces. The skills and materials required are completely different and the product is very different also, but potentially much more versatile than the beaded pieces I had been making previously. I started making bottle-cap pendants shortly afterward as they are so quick to make and yet so pretty.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
No; I have learnt everything I know from tutorials found on the internet and my own trial and error.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I suppose it could be summarised as making attractive jewellery in a variety of styles to suit a large number of people at prices that make my jewellery accessible to most.

What are your favourite materials, tools and/or processes?
I love the washi paper as there are so many different patterns and colours which make each pendant so different from the next. I'd have to say the most necessary part of the process are the two types of glue that I use. I use diamond glaze to adhere the paper to the tile and to build up a glaze on the back. Then I use E-6000 adhesive to glue the bail to the back of the tile. Without good glue I would be nowhere! In terms of my bottle-cap pendants, I recently found a solid dome self-adhesive glaze which is applied over the paper or art and which adheres instantly. No more popping bubbles in the diamond glaze and waiting for the glaze to dry overnight!



inchworm.felt.co.nz