Designer Feature- Lazy Giraffe

One of the most unique jewellery designers at the We Make London show, Deepa’s gorgeous creations combine beautiful beads, delicate silver and one of a kind charms. She constantly seeks inspiration for new ideas, new materials and beautiful materials.

She loves collecting unique beads and findings, each piece is one of a kind with carefully sourced beads and charms.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Cambridge, UK.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START BECOMING INTERESTED IN CRAFTS?

About 2 years ago, purely out of curiosity via a crafty friend. Before then I didn't have a creative bone in my body (I thought!) and it would appear now that I do, so I'm glad I found it.

GREATEST INFLUENCES?

I take inspiration from the materials I use mostly, if I spot an interesting bead or component I put a great deal of thought into how I could make it look lovely on a piece of jewellery, I love materials that are one of a kind and I am a bit of a magpie for vibrant colours. I also like to theme my jewellery around the weather and the seasons as they are so vibrant in every season that its hard not to.

GREATEST PROBLEM YOU'VE OVERCOME?

Craft wise - When sales were very quiet and low, looking at my work and giving my self some very harsh but constructive crticism. I really had a look at my style, shop layout and photography and it took a while but I am now much happier with the work I produce and the style of my shop - it was a bit of a slog to get there though!

WHAT PIECE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Hard to say really, every new piece I create is a bit different and a bit better than the last as I'm still learning so I'd have to say the last thing I made ? which is a lovely handwired sterling silver bracelet strung with amethyst, rose quartz and Czech glass with a little aluminium rose.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON SELLING THEIR GOODS?

Patience is extremely important! Try not to expect sales as soon as you open your shop ? it takes a great deal of time to build a customer base and also your skills ? I've been crafting for about 2 years now and I am definitely still learning things and trying to build up my customer base. I've found that promotion via blogs and handing out business cards at every opportunity really helps.

WHICH 4 PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE AS WEEKEND GUESTS ? AND WHY?

Stephen Fry - because he is very interesting and funny and completely unordinary

Alan Davies - same as above! And I like QI and they are both quite funny together.

An ancient Egyptian - I am quite fascinated with that time period and I'd love to have an insight into it.

Noel Fielding - for comedy/weirdness factor.

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU KISSED?

My fiancé

WHAT'S ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE?

Lamp, book - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (which I haven't actually started reading yet) and a candle holder with no candle.

HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU?

I'm awful at answering these because I really don't know! A bit mad?

NEW YORK OR BARBADOS?

Barbados - purely cos I've been to New York before!

FERRARI OR MINI?

Mini!

EASTENDERS OR HOLLYOAKS?

Eastenders - Ricky and Bianca are only mildly less annoying than Hollyoaks though.

CHOCOLATE OR CHAMPAGNE?

Champagne truffles

IF YOU COULD ONLY ACCESS 3 WEBSITES, WHICH WOULD THEY BE?

Gmail, Etsy and BBC News