It crept up on me that I have now been a professional handmade jewellery designer for ten years! I didn’t mark the first day but I can see that I opened my Etsy shop way back in 2012.

Making your special jewellery is an honour. I receive orders for all sorts of reasons. Reviews and messages that tell the story of why come to my inbox; Christening gifts, wedding rings, gifts for brides and birthdays. Memories of events, people and places; sometimes it is just ‘because’. Often the pieces are permanent reminders of lost loved ones that can be carried and worn for a lifetime.

My alarm is a respectful ‘woof’ from the living room. I fetch my furry friend and make tea bleary eyed. They both come back to bed with me, including Pepper, my canine hot water bottle. Once I know what world I’m waking up to today I snooze Radio 4, and write in my journal for ten minutes siping a fresh cup - this time coffee.

A recent visit to Kew Gardens. I particularly enjoyed the waterlily greenhouse, which I always do. This time especially to see the waterlilies that everyone had forgotten to identify for over a hundred years, even though it’s right there.

I live close to Petersham Nurseries near Richmond. - If you are looking for an inspiring floral treasure trove to spend some time with a friend or two, this is for you.

Take a look around my creative space in this tour of my garden jewellery studio. This is where Grace and Flora Handmade Jewellery is created.