Customer Stories: Jennifer Cockcroft
“When it rains look for rainbows, when its dark look for stars” Oscar Wilde.
Sometimes an inspirational quote can just hit the spot, and this does change my perspective when the chips are down. The rainbow precious stones necklace is one of the pieces I was making before I started casting nature pieces - glamorous with a touch of rustic charm with the imperfectly cut rondelles adding a touch of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ - perfectly imperfect beauty. The rainbow quote and this physical manifestation does lift the spirit. At the start of the lockdown the rainbow quickly became a symbol for hope and appreciation for the NHS and adorned millions of windows in the hardest few months many of us have faced in our lifetimes. This is when I started making jewellery kits so that people could make jewellery at home, as I could no longer offer workshops in house and may not be able to for some time. Jennifer here is a rainbow lover (check out her instagram @jennifercockroft) - she in possession of one of my little gemstone rainbow necklaces and also had a go at making something similar with one of my rainbow jewellery kits.
I felt at a loss to be of help during lockdown, although I am already a counsellor which can be demanding, and had my own issues to juggle just like everyone else. My idea to replace my studio workshops with jewellery kits - sending out these little projects, especially to make a pretty glass rainbow necklace and bracelet, for those stuck in isolation and in need of a creative boost gave me a boost in turn. Its not the same as caring for someone unwell in exceptionally difficult circumstances (you can donate to NHS Charities here) but I am happy to have provided a few hours of pleasure to distract from worry. Also, to have converted over a hundred people into making jewellery in some way or another feels fabulous and Jennifer is one of them.
Jennifer Cockcroft
Jennifer runs a creative business and creative life blog. She says “I love anything creative and also knit, sew my own clothes, dabble in embroidery and cross stitch, and have a list of all kinds of crafts I want to try “ I met Jennifer at the Handmade Festival a few years ago and she was taken with the precious stones rainbow necklace, if you head over to her instagram page you will understand why!
“I'm Jennifer, I live in Kent, and I first came across Kate @GraceandFlora on Instagram, then had the pleasure of meeting her in person at a couple of craft fairs, and have also attended one of her workshops in her gorgeous garden studio (pre-coronavirus!). I bought a Rainbow precious stones bar necklace from Kate a couple of years ago and love it! Anything with a rainbow always catches my eye, and I love wearing this when I need a colourful pick-me-up. It's a beautifully delicate necklace, but still has impact, and it makes me smile and feel a little more hopeful that any day I wear it will turn out well.
I adore all Kate's jewellery - I've got my eye on treating myself to an acorn pendant one day, as oak trees are very special to me.
You can buy a kit to make your own rainbow necklace, with the support of a really helpful video tutorial. Having been to a workshop and bought a kit, I've really enjoyed trying my hand at jewellery making.”
More about Jennifer:
I share some of my creative adventures, as well as photography, writing, and a multi-hyphenate creative business of my own over on Instagram @jennifercockcroft
