Featured artisan - Magriet from Babushka Jewellery Design

Babushka Jewellery Design
I "met" Magriet through us both being sellers on Dawanda and asked her to write a little about herself and her jewelry. I know you'll enjoy her story. She's is just completing a silversmith class too - so expect to see some new ideas coming to her store!

Why Babushka?

I have been asked many times in the past why I have chosen the name Babushka for my jewellery label.

Babushka is a Russian word meaning "grandmother," or more generally (but quite informally) "old lady." It reminds me of my own grandmother who had lots of trinkets and as a little girl, I used to go through her jewellery box. She owned the most gorgeous jewellery, which she collected from all over the world. I used to adorn myself with all these amazing pieces, wearing them all at once and it made me feel beautiful and very grown up and sophisticated. I have since then inherited some of these beautiful treasures, which I hope to pass on to my own daughter and grandchildren. And perhaps for some of my own designs and creations to be passed on as heirlooms for generations to come.

Babushka for me symbolises beauty, wisdom and love.

Imagine my excitement when I came across some little Babushka beads. I have used them in a few designs, most of which have been commissions. But this is by far my favourite.



This unique bracelet includes a selection of green, red & purple beads, Swarovski crystals and gold plated chain tassels plus two Babushka beads made with durable porcelain, finished with a gold plated toggle clasp.

Turquoise Skies
I am often asked what inspires me when making jewellery. I know a lot of designers might see a lovely flower or a beautiful sunset, and immediately feel inspired to create something to capture what they’ve seen. I almost wish I could work in this way, but I seem to be the complete opposite.

I am very much driven by moods and colours. And I tend to be at my most creative when I just sit down at my workbench with no idea of what I’m going to make and I just reach for the colours that appeal to me at that particular moment. I feel this gives me a lot of freedom with my designs.

When I sat down to make this bright and fun turquoise charm bracelet, I was in one of those moods where I just daydreamed all day long about lying on a beach somewhere really hot, sipping a cocktail and just completely relaxing and letting go. I work in my summerhouse in the back garden which backs onto woodland. It was a beautiful day with the scent of jasmine in the air and birds chirping so it was inevitable for me to create something to capture this summer feeling. This bracelet features turquoise coloured glass beads and Swarovski crystals and each bead has been individually wire wrapped onto the silver plated chain. A matching necklace and earrings are also available.

Magriet lives in Kent, in England and does shows and house parties with her jewelry so if you are interested, do get in touch with her. You can find her and her goodies here:

My website: www.babushkajewellery.co.uk
My Dawanda shop: http://en.dawanda.com/shop/BabushkaJewellery
My Folksy shop: http://www.folksy.com/shops/BabushkaJewellery
My blog: http://babushkajewellery.blogspot.com/