Meet jewellery designer and graphic artist Claire Grant of Spotted Petal…
I’m a qualified Graphic Designer with over 20 years of experience, working in print, advertising and creating one off creative jobs such as wedding stationery, logos and event design. I have always loved creating and learning. I continue to learn at creative night classes using my design skills in other ways. My favourite courses include silversmithing at Gray’s School of Art and laser cutting with Peacock and the Worm. The two passions come together at Spotted Petal where I produce laser cut and engraved jewellery. Being a sustainable brand is important to me. I use recycled sterling silver and recycled acrylic where possible, FSC plywood and recyclable packaging.
I really love to get customer feedback, from spotting someone in the street wearing my product to lovely comments from happy customers! I’m always delighted to try to accommodate customer requests and ideas, especially when they have brilliant ideas. I have recently launched hoop earrings on 14ct gold after a customer request and they have become one of my most popular products!
Spotted Petal is a fun light-hearted style of jewellery and I hope the name reflects the brand. The Spotted part comes from the detail in the individuality from my hand drawn illustrations combined with Petal for the soft, delicate, beautiful side of jewellery.
I take inspiration from flowers and plants, textiles and patterns, sketching in the evenings once I’ve put the kids to bed! I begin by sketching shapes and details while thinking about colours and finishes. Then I transfer my designs to the computer using a drawing tablet where I tweak the design until I’m happy with it. I carefully plan each cut to minimise waste by placing smaller designs within larger ones. I love seeing the designs come to life while using the laser cutter. I use Peacock and the Worm open studio to do my laser cutting then assemble the pieces of jewellery at home, balancing my part time design job and my family.
I’m drawn to the variety of colours and finishes that acrylic offers, as well as the level of detail achievable through laser cutting and engraving. My current range includes acrylic in mirror, gloss, frosted, matt, glitter and marble in a wide variety of colours. I find it so addictive to make my pieces as there are so many colour options and combinations! Acrylic is lightweight which means it’s perfect for everyday wear. I use Sterling Silver as it’s hypoallergenic, suitable for everyone, even those with sensitive skin.
Currently, I sell my jewellery through my Etsy shop online at etsy.com/uk/shop/SpottedPetal I also sell via craft fairs and local shops. I’m excited to be participating in another Craft and Flea market, this time in Edinburgh on March 16th at the Assembly Rooms. Followed by the spring craft fayre at Mill of Benholm Aberdeenshire, on March 30th.
My work is also stocked at The Fringe on the High Street in Laurencekirk and Havens Treasures, on Arbuthnott Street in Stonehaven. Online, my Instagram page @spottedpetal always has update on new stock and craft fayres I’m attending. Give me a follow!