Florio Designer Feature:

About Florio Designs:

I came across a bead shop when I was 12 and there began my lifelong passion for hand crafting – then, jewellery. Nearly twenty years on, what started out as a childhood hobby is now Florio Designs, where I sell my handcrafted jewellery, tiaras, fascinators and hats.

I am originally from Dublin but moved to England with my family not long after I first started making jewellery, then onto Belgium, before returning to the UK for university.

During my university years, I was known as the ‘creative one’ out of my friends. I was busy studying for a Spanish, French and Business degree so I didn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to my jewellery making. I knew it was something I’d return to in the future.

After gaining my degree, I joined a training and development company and continued to work in this area, whilst continuing crafting in my spare time.

My interest in handcrafted jewellery was well and truly rekindled when I moved to London several years ago. As I was planning my wedding, I decided to make all of the jewellery for my wedding party – an experience I just loved; hand creating everything from my tiara through to my bridesmaids’ jewellery. I even lent a hat or two to some of the guests!

Soon after, I enrolled on a tiara-making class and a one-year millinery course at Kensington and Chelsea College, where I gained a BTEC with Merit in millinery. With qualifications gained and renewed motivation, Florio Designs was born in 2007 and I began to sell my handcrafted jewellery, tiaras, fascinators and hats both online and at craft fairs.

I am very excited about how 2010 has begun. In February, I began teaching tiara-making for the London School of Jewellery and I am planning a re-invention of my career to pursue my passion for hand-crafting and millinery. I continue to attend a variety of courses to further develop my skills and to learn new techniques and styles – all part of the enjoyment, and it helps me to keep Florio Designs at the cutting edge!

Inspirations:

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Whether it’s simply gazing across my collection of crystals and beads that sets my mind racing with the possibilities, or – believe it or not – some seaweed washed up in the surf inspiring my blister pearl ‘Autumn’ necklace. Almost anything goes!

Best Sellers:

My crystal fascinators are definitely my best selling items. They suit any occasion whether it be a wedding or a Christmas party or even just a night out. As they are on flexible wires they can be tucked down to the comb for a hint of sparkle or expanded out for a more dramatic look. They also come in a variety of colours. Their versatility knows no bounds!

We Make Summer Fair:

There will be crystal fascinators and sparkly tiaras, funky jewellery and sophisticated headwear. You will also get the chance to win a crystal fascinator on the day, so stop by to find out how! See you there!

Websites:

www.floriodesigns.co.uk

http://www.folksy.com/shops/FlorioDesigns