Featured Artist - Jean Munro

Ceardannan Jewellery

1. How did you get started in lampworking/fusing/jewellery making:

I started making jewellery when myself and my husband were travelling around Greece in our old Mercedes motorhome. I saw a pair of earrings I liked in a local shop by the harbour but they were 80 Euros and I couldn't afford them. My mum said, "Well , if you look on the internet I am sure you would find some earwires and stuff to make something for yourself. " Yep I blame her for the rest; it all just grew from there. I soon came upon lampwork beads and started to find out all I could about them. I knew I wanted to make beads myself. The first lampwork beads I ever bought were made by Mike Poole.


2. How long have you been lampworking/fusing/jewellery making:

I have been making jewellery for about 5 years now. When we came back to Scotland 2 years ago I went to a lampwork taster session in Edinburgh, followed by a workshop with Rachel Elliot. I loved it! I was hooked. I now have my torch set up in a great space at the back of the house. It's a utility room which wanted to be a conservatory but never quite made it, but it's perfect for lampworking and making my jewellery. I spend as much time in there as I can.


3. Where do you find your inspiration:

My inspiration really comes from my love of colour. From the wild flowers of Crete, to my mum's back garden, it's only little but it is a riot of colour. I often sit there when the weather's fine and it is so beautiful. Purples teamed with yellow and bright oranges and reds all vying for their space and looking for the sun. When I'm making anything I'm fickle really and get bored easily so I just let whatever rod of glass, lampwork set, or focal takes my fancy lead the design and I know its right if I'm smiling when it's finished.


4. What is your favourite piece of your own work:

I don't think I have a favourite piece as such although I think the first ever necklace I made with lampwork has a special place.

5. Who's work do you admire most:

To say whose work I admire most would be difficult indeed. I love lampwork beads and there are so many artists who's work I admire, as can be seen from the variety of beautiful beads I have in my collection and from my etsy favourites page. I would however like to own one of Sabine's beautiful roses in every colour, I have one so far. As for jewellery making, I really admire Nia from Gemwaithnia who has a lovely way with colour, Lynn Davy for the intricacy of her designs and George for her silver workmanship.

6. What are your goals for the future:

For the future I want to continue to make and sell my jewellery and to be able to incorporate some of my own beads in my designs. I enjoyed last year's craft fairs immensely and will be doing more this year. I also aim to fill my website and etsy shop as I have lots of jewellery waiting to be photographed and uploaded. I would like to have more lampworking lessons, take a silversmithing course and I would love to join the lapidary association and learn how to find and cut semi precious stones and put them in silver settings. There is so much to learn and this is a journey I could never tire of; there is always another new idea to try, a new skill to learn and so many beautiful beads, stones ribbons and metals to play with.

If you want to know more about Jean and her art here's how to find her:

Etsy shop: Ceardannan Jewellery
Blog: Jeanie's Blog
Flickr: Jean's Flickr Photo Galleries