I’ve had the absolute pleasure of knowing Katie for over seven years. From the very beginning, I was blown away by her talent. Her creativity and passion for jewellery making are remarkable. She’s an incredible designer and maker, with an eye for detail and a natural ability to teach and inspire others. For the past three years, Katie has worked with Relax n Craft as one of our inspirational designers. I honestly couldn’t be more grateful. She creates beautiful, thoughtful designs for our boxes. She also plays a huge role behind the scenes. This includes offering support, sharing ideas, and being the most brilliant sounding board. I am incredibly lucky to call her a friend. It’s a privilege to have her as such a valued part of the Relax n Craft team.
My Journey Into Jewellery Making – From Hair to Handmade
I first got into jewellery making by complete accident. I was flicking through TV channels one day when I came across a shopping channel demonstrating jewellery making techniques. As I watched, I thought to myself, “I can do that.” Once I had the right tools and materials, I quickly picked things up. Many of the techniques just came naturally to me.
I didn’t actually start making jewellery until 2013, after the birth of my second child. Around that time, I suffered an injury. It was radial nerve damage in my left arm. This injury meant I couldn’t return to my job as a hairstylist. I really missed the creative side of colouring and styling hair. Jewellery making gave me a new outlet for that creativity. I started learning from YouTube tutorials and social media, and I especially loved working with wire. As I learned more, I began incorporating gemstones into my designs and developed a style that felt completely my own.
From the very beginning, I knew I didn’t want jewellery making to just be a hobby. I wanted it to become a job I could do from home. This job would fit around my family. I opened an Etsy shop. I started promoting my work online. I joined jewellery-making groups and built a presence on social media. I also started helping others learn jewellery making. This led me to apply for a role demonstrating on the very shopping channel that first inspired me. I ended up working there for nearly seven years, creating jewellery and showing techniques live on air. It was during this time that I met and became great friends with Fleur.
Alongside this, I began running local workshops in Wakefield. But then the pandemic hit, and like so many others, I had to find a new way of working. That’s when I started my YouTube channel and moved my workshops online. To my surprise, it worked brilliantly. I’ve built a lovely community of people who join me regularly—and new people are always being welcomed in. Now, in 2025, my main focus is teaching through my online workshops. I am also creating content for my YouTube channel. It is getting close to 40K subscribers! I also love working with Relax n Craft. I collaborate with Fleur on the boxes. I share jewellery inspiration with the community.
One of my favourite techniques I’ve learned through Relax n Craft has to be working with resin. I’d always wanted to try it but thought it looked too complicated. I was so wrong. The instructions were so clear, and everything in the box worked perfectly together. I had so much fun. I ended up buying more resin supplies. Now I make both jewellery and homeware with it. I still go back to the original box for inspiration!
Chainmail is another area I’ve always enjoyed. Relax n Craft has pushed me to try new weaves. I now include gemstones in my chainmail pieces. I really appreciate the way the tutorials are presented, especially being a visual learner. Having the PDFs to refer back to is a great bonus. The Facebook group is full of kind, helpful people. If I ever have a question, someone’s always ready to help—Fleur included!
One of the most unexpected surprises from the boxes was discovering Plum Blossom Tourmaline. I’d never worked with it before, but now it’s one of my favourite gemstones. The colours are so soft and blend together like a watercolour painting in spring. It completely influenced my design approach, pushing me to create pieces that are delicate, flowing, and elegant.
There are a couple of projects that really stand out for me. One is the Treasures of Semele design. I got an Amethyst bar in the box and made a bracelet. It’s become one of my most worn pieces. The tutorial was so easy to follow, and I always get compliments when I wear it. Another standout was the Crochet Box from October 2024. I adapted a design I’ve been working on for years and turned it into a bold, statement neckline piece. I’ve always loved crochet. Blending it with jewellery was a natural fit. I was nervous about how it would be received. I shouldn’t have worried. It was incredibly well-received. Seeing so many people recreate the design made me feel so proud. Designing for Relax n Craft is something I take seriously. I’m so grateful that Fleur trusts me with that responsibility.
Each month, I genuinely look forward to receiving my Relax n Craft box. I love the anticipation of discovering what the medium will be. Knowing that everything I need is right there in the box is comforting. It means I can get stuck in straight away without needing to search for extra supplies.
Looking ahead, I’d love to see resin return in a future box. This will allow me to keep building on what I’ve learned. I’m also really drawn to the idea of using sea glass. Adding cords and charms would be amazing. Something with a summer vibe would be fantastic.
Relax n Craft has played a huge role in my jewellery-making journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there’s something for everyone. Each box brings new challenges, fresh inspiration, and the chance to try something different. The tutorials, the community, the lives—it all comes together to create something really special. For me, it’s more than a subscription; it’s a community that keeps me inspired and connected to what I love.
Don’t forget to follow Katie on her Social Media and website
Would you like to get involved with Relax n Craft?
If you’re passionate about jewellery making, the Relax n Craft Jewellery Subscription Box offers a delightful experience. It is delivered to your doorstep each month. Curated by renowned jewellery designer Fleur Hastings, each themed box is packed with high-quality materials. It includes ethically sourced gemstones. The box also contains comprehensive tutorials suitable for all skill levels. Subscribers enjoy exclusive access to a vibrant online community. They can participate in monthly live events. Additionally, they receive a 10% discount on extra website orders. For those who prefer digital content, the Relax n Craft Digital Subscription provides tutorials. Subscribers gain community access without the physical materials. To join and start crafting beautiful jewellery pieces, visit the Relax n Craft subscription page.
Relax n Craft Jewellery Subscription Box
Relax n Craft is a monthly jewellery making subscription service, brought to you by Relax n Craft.
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