I’m honoured that Sarah has agreed to be featured in the Relax n Craft Spotlight blog. I’ve known Sarah for a few years now, and I am constantly in awe of the beautiful pieces she creates. Her attention to detail, the thoughtfulness behind every design, and her ever-growing curiosity for new techniques make her truly inspirational. She runs a fabulous business called Whittle Wire. More recently, she has been rebranding to Green Maiden Designs. This is a new chapter that reflects her evolving creative journey. I know you’ll love hearing from Sarah herself, as she shares her story and the passion that drives her work.
A Childhood Love for Jewellery
How did you first get into jewellery making? I first got into jewellery making, like many others, as a teenager. It was the 80s and big, bold earrings were matched with layers of chain and pearls. I couldn’t afford to buy a lot of jewellery. Instead, I saved my pocket money to buy crafting magazines from WHSmith. I particularly remember Janet Cole Beads who sold kits as well as beads. In those days, you had to fill in an order form and post it off. A week later, I would be in my bedroom. I would be stringing beads and chain together to make my own little creations. I even sold pieces to family and friends to fund the next order. My mum and I still have some of those pieces.
Teenage DIY and Selling to Fund My Hobby
I’ve always loved jewellery. It can evoke a memory, lift your mood, or connect you with something or someone. I grew up in the 70s when jewellery was big, bold, and readily accessible. As a small child, I would spend hours rummaging through my Mum’s jewellery box. I pulled out all the colourful beads, chunky chains, and oversized pendants and layered them up. It felt like dressing-up with little pieces of found treasure. I did not know that a smaller jewellery box was out of my reach. It contained the slightly more expensive gold and silver chains!
As I got older, I experimented with making my own jewellery. It was mainly a fun and more affordable way to keep up with the fashions. I also started mending jewellery for family and friends. My projects ranged from re-stringing beads to sourcing crystals. I also replaced missing ones in those sparkly brooches that were all the rage back in the 80s. This gave me more of an insight into fine jewellery. I discovered a company called Caverswall Minerals. They sold pre-made silver settings and gemstone cabochons.
From Science to Sparkle
Life, of course, took a different path. I pursued my studies and built a scientific career, putting jewellery on the back burner. But about six years ago, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet. My desk job had become increasingly stressful, and I needed something completely different to help me switch off. That’s when I picked up my pliers again.
Initially, I started making jewellery just for myself—as a way to relax and escape. But in 2019, I was made redundant. I decided to take a year out and recalibrate, but then COVID hit, making the job market a challenge. I turned back to my jewellery table, and what began as a therapeutic hobby evolved into something more. In 2020, I founded Whittle Wire, started selling online, and took part in local craft fairs. I even have a shelf in a beautiful old barn. It is home to a mix of vintage, preloved, and handmade items from local artisans.
Entering a New Era: Green Maiden Designs
This year marks my 5th anniversary. I have decided to re-brand. I will be launching as Green Maiden Designs early summer. This is to better reflect my journey, influences and to get back to creating what I love.
How Relax n Craft Reignited My Creative Fire
Relax n Craft has played a big part in that journey. One of the things I love most is how the subscription boxes encourage me to try new techniques. They do this without needing a huge upfront investment in materials. Each box is like a mini adventure—thoughtfully curated, beautifully packaged, and full of potential. The surprise element adds to the excitement. I actually avoid Fleur’s Lives and sneak peeks online. This way, the box opening feels like a special moment. I love the challenge of working out what the projects might be before diving into the tutorials.
Chainmaille is one of the techniques I’ve come to love, though it wasn’t always that way. I remember trying it early on and being completely frustrated—those tiny jump rings pinging off everywhere! But thanks to Fleur’s clear and friendly tutorials, I gave it another go through Relax n Craft. The Dragonscale bracelet was a particular highlight. As a fan of dragons, I just had to make it. It wasn’t easy. I took it apart several times. Eventually, I finished it in bare copper, and it’s become one of my favourite pieces. One day, I hope to recreate it in sterling silver.
The Box That Changed My Mindset
My first subscription box also stands out in my memory. It arrived in January 2023 and featured Viking Knit—a wirework technique I’d tried before but never quite mastered. The tutorials were brilliant. By the end, I had even, beautiful lengths of chain. They were ready to be transformed into jewellery. That box brought me straight back to my happy place.
Relax n Craft has also helped shift my perspective on materials I used to shy away from—like pearls. Growing up, I inherited the superstition that pearls were bad luck, so I avoided them. But the March 2023 pearl knotting box changed everything. Seeing the elegance, versatility, and natural beauty of pearls gave me a newfound appreciation. Just one pearl can completely elevate a piece. Fleur’s passion for pearls is contagious. Now I’m hooked. I even find myself wishing she’d do more Lives on their history and varieties. (Hint hint, Fleur!)
I often don’t consider myself a naturally creative person. I can stare at a gemstone for ages without an idea. I’ve come to realise that creativity can be sparked, not just born. The thoughtful curation of the subscription boxes is one element. The colour palettes offer another layer of inspiration. The combination of techniques further guides me. Each of these elements nudges me in the right direction. I often challenge myself to use everything in the box and build a cohesive collection that tells a story. And that’s what jewellery is for me—a way to tell stories through texture, shape, and colour.
What’s Next: Exploring Texture and Fabric
Looking to the future, I’m eager to experiment more with textiles in jewellery—shibori silk, leather work, embossing. These materials add softness, warmth and depth that I think will pair beautifully with gemstones. I may not be handy with a needle and thread, but I’m always up for a new challenge!
Follow My Journey
If you’d like to follow my journey, you can find me at www.whittlewire.co.uk. I am transitioning from Whittle Wire to Green Maiden Designs. You can also find me on Etsy, Facebook, and Instagram. My new handle is @greenmaidendesignsuk. I’d love for you to join me as I continue exploring, creating, and growing.
A Huge Thank You to Sarah
A heartfelt thank you to Sarah for sharing such an honest, inspiring, and beautifully told story with us. It’s been a joy to see her creative journey unfold over the years. I’m so excited to watch her next chapter as Green Maiden Designs take shape. If Sarah’s story has sparked something in you, please share your own creative journey. We’d love to hear from you! To be featured in a future Relax n Craft Spotlight Blog, just send an email to info@relaxncraft.com—we can’t wait to shine a light on more of the incredible talent in our community.
If you would like to join the Relax n Craft subscription box check out this link below
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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