 |  Flower Earrings - £7.50  Triangle Geometric Necklace - £12.50 |
In the first of a series of interviews with co-operative members I spoke to Helen Leigh Dolan, a jeweller based in Aigburth.
Helen designs and creates hand pierced minimalist, contemporary jewellery and modern metal artwork. Formerly trading under the name "Grinning Cat Designs", Helen is in the process of rebranding her business to "Helen Leigh Dolan". Her trademark brooches and necklaces are animal shapes cut by hand from reclaimed aluminum, however over the past year or so she has expanded her range to include geometric shapes, flowers and most recently beautiful wall art.
Tell me about how you became a jeweller.
I studied for a Bachelor of Design (BDes hons) specialising in silversmithing and textiles at Hope University. I've always enjoyed being creative and I love the design process.
Where do you create your jewellery?
I work in my makeshift workshop in my spare room listening to Kerrang! radio, when I'm not working in my day job as a florist.
What is your favourite material to work with?
It has to be aluminium, it's durable and light weight. It's appearance ranges from silver to dull grey and has amazing appeal when turned into jewellery. Using mainly reclaimed off-cuts, I allow the slight surface imperfections to add to the charm of a piece and enjoy the fact something previously unwanted has been turned into something beautiful.
Helen designs and creates hand pierced minimalist, contemporary jewellery and modern metal artwork. Formerly trading under the name "Grinning Cat Designs", Helen is in the process of rebranding her business to "Helen Leigh Dolan". Her trademark brooches and necklaces are animal shapes cut by hand from reclaimed aluminum, however over the past year or so she has expanded her range to include geometric shapes, flowers and most recently beautiful wall art.
Tell me about how you became a jeweller.
I studied for a Bachelor of Design (BDes hons) specialising in silversmithing and textiles at Hope University. I've always enjoyed being creative and I love the design process.
Where do you create your jewellery?
I work in my makeshift workshop in my spare room listening to Kerrang! radio, when I'm not working in my day job as a florist.
What is your favourite material to work with?
It has to be aluminium, it's durable and light weight. It's appearance ranges from silver to dull grey and has amazing appeal when turned into jewellery. Using mainly reclaimed off-cuts, I allow the slight surface imperfections to add to the charm of a piece and enjoy the fact something previously unwanted has been turned into something beautiful.
 Flower Collar Necklace - £30 |  Lambanana Brooch - £7 |  Geometric Dangle Earrings - £10 |
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Since my art college days, I've always been inspired by the work of Michael Brennand-Wood, a textile and mixed media visual artist and jewellery designer Wendy Ramshaw, especially her Picasso's Ladies, stackable rings which come on their own stand.
Tell me about your involvement with the Arts Hub.
I became a member in October 2012; I strongly believe in supporting local initiatives and I love the community ethos of the Hub. I sell my jewellery in the shop and I have been a committee member since January 2013. I attend monthly committee meetings and I am mainly involved with the marketing side of the co-operative.
What's your favourite thing for sale in the Hub at the moment?
Oooh, that's a difficult one! Lots of my friends have work in the shop, and of course I do love their work. However a new discovery for me was the chunky wood furniture made from sleepers. The big rectangular coffee table in the shop window at the moment (priced at £175) is definitely on my wish list.
When are you happiest?
I'm happiest when I'm walking, sketching or collecting shells on the beach, especially a beach in Cornwall with my husband!
Since my art college days, I've always been inspired by the work of Michael Brennand-Wood, a textile and mixed media visual artist and jewellery designer Wendy Ramshaw, especially her Picasso's Ladies, stackable rings which come on their own stand.
Tell me about your involvement with the Arts Hub.
I became a member in October 2012; I strongly believe in supporting local initiatives and I love the community ethos of the Hub. I sell my jewellery in the shop and I have been a committee member since January 2013. I attend monthly committee meetings and I am mainly involved with the marketing side of the co-operative.
What's your favourite thing for sale in the Hub at the moment?
Oooh, that's a difficult one! Lots of my friends have work in the shop, and of course I do love their work. However a new discovery for me was the chunky wood furniture made from sleepers. The big rectangular coffee table in the shop window at the moment (priced at £175) is definitely on my wish list.
When are you happiest?
I'm happiest when I'm walking, sketching or collecting shells on the beach, especially a beach in Cornwall with my husband!
 Swallow Aluminium Bird Necklace - £12.50 |  Strolling Cat Brooch - £7 |
What are you up to at the moment?
I'm currently working on some metal artworks, something which is new for me and planning my autumn/winter jewellery collection, moving more into silver.
And what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years time I would love to be working for myself full time, creating some larger scale work.
A selection of Helen's jewellery is available in the shop, and priced from just £7 it's the perfect choice for those who value the bespoke quality of independent handmade products.
I'm currently working on some metal artworks, something which is new for me and planning my autumn/winter jewellery collection, moving more into silver.
And what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years time I would love to be working for myself full time, creating some larger scale work.
A selection of Helen's jewellery is available in the shop, and priced from just £7 it's the perfect choice for those who value the bespoke quality of independent handmade products.
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