Materials & Sourcing
The materials I use matter to me just as much as the finished piece. I choose them carefully, not only for how they look, but for how they feel, what they suggest, and the meaning they can carry.
My work is built through a combination of carving, handmaking, and material contrast, so sourcing is an important part of the process. I want to be transparent about the suppliers and materials that support my practice, and over time I will continue adding more detail here about where key elements come from.
For me, good materials are never just ingredients. They shape the story, the symbolism, and the emotional weight of the work itself.
Suppliers
Terrapin Trading Limited
Supplier of tagua nuts, also known as vegetable ivory. Terrapin describes its tagua as fair-trade, ethically sourced, and sustainably harvested in Ecuador without harming the rainforest, positioning it as an alternative to animal ivory.
Exotic Hardwoods UK Ltd
Supplier of wood. The family-run company states that it supports CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and works with sustainable suppliers, with environmental responsibility forming part of its sourcing approach.
Bamyan Jewellery
Pearl supplier based in Portobello Market. Bamyan describes itself as a family business established in 2000, specialising in pearls, coral, gemstones, amber, and silver jewellery.
Your Precious Gems
Gemstone supplier offering a range of precision-cut stones. The company describes its gemstones as ethically sourced, with some individual stones accompanied by more specific origin and sourcing information.
Charlie Bexfield
Gemstone supplier based in Hatton Garden. The company specialises in fine coloured gemstones, diamonds, and bespoke lapidary services, with an emphasis on gemmological knowledge and stone quality.
Cooksongold
Recycled silver is sourced through Cooksongold. Its recycled bullion range is described by the company as 100% recycled, fully traceable, and equal in quality to unrecycled precious metals.
Reclaimed materials
Silver: I keep every usable scrap from failed or reworked pieces and remelt it for future work.
Copper: I also use reclaimed copper, including older scraps I originally saved from the university recycling bin.
Wood and found materials: I often work with older pieces of wood, scrap wood, and other materials I have kept over time, including pieces that originally belonged to my partner.
Fabric, string, and smaller project materials: Depending on the work, I may also use fabric scraps, string, and other stored materials for future use, alongside occasional materials bought from craft shops as needed.