Tara Kirkpatrick creates her unique and tactile jewellery collections from her workshop in Knutsford, Cheshire. All of Tara’s jewellery is handmade with love, skill and a good dose of quirkiness. Her sparkling wonders are all made using traditional hand-crafted techniques inspired by the ways metal can be influenced and integrated with the perfect forms of nature and molecular structures.
We learnt more about Tara and her creative process in our fantastic interview with her below.
I went to college to study jewellery making from school, first studying in Manchester, then Birmingham School of Jewellery. Before setting up my business I worked as a pool lifeguard near Kings Cross, London and I did a one day a week silversmithing course, I learnt from that "goldsmithing" ie jewellery, is my thing rather than "silversmithing" ie larger scale objects, as silversmithing is too noisy!
I currently work in Knutsford, Cheshire and have been here for 15 years. I think there is so much to inspire that so far I haven't got stuck on what to make, it is more the other way around, there are not enough hours in a day.
Most inspiration comes from the people who buy my jewellery, their feedback is very valuable.
Although I hate being cold, so long as I am wrapped up I love being outside, it helps to release the tension and knots that you get during the jewellery making process. I do like gardening as I can really zone out, I feel it is my duty to create as much diversity for nature as possible.
Personally I tend to wear small pieces and for me a circle shape always wins the gold medal, but I do like pear shapes as well. I am never without earrings so the small round Outline stud would be my go-to.
Like most people, whatever your job or life situation, time management is a constant balance to get right.
My one piece of advice to other makers is use quality findings, that is the fittings such as scrolls, catches etc in layman terms. Somebody might have a £15 pair or earrings or a £500 pair of earrings that will be their favourite earrings for years, but they won't be if they lost one because the scroll wasn't good enough.
I grew up in an arty family, it has always been around me so I find most cultural things inspiring.
I like to think my jewellery is "made with passion".
Just for Iapetus I have made a selection of hoops and loops in a variety of sizes to suit all in simple shapes with a subtle texture that reflects the light.
You can see our whole collection of Tara's gorgeous jewellery here...