Claire Howard handmakes silver jewellery inspired by the Norfolk landscape. Ahead of her first shop opening in Fakenham tomorrow, she explains how it has been a labour of love
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Claire, I make silver jewellery here in Norfolk and am inspired by the Norfolk coastline and how beautiful our county is.
When did your love of jewellery begin and what is your background?
My mum and sister are really creative. My mum ran her own business making baskets and repairing rush and cane seats, so it was a childhood of making things and going from one craft fair to another. A Christmas present from both was a jewellery making course and from the moment I sat down, I loved it.
Are you Norfolk born and raised? What do you love about the county and how does it inspire your work?
My dad was brought up in Norfolk as his parents were stationed here whilst his dad was in the RAF. He brought my mum here when they had my sister, and I was 2. I love this county for its relaxed beauty. I love the big blue skies, the rambling countryside, the little gravely paths cutting through fields and those beaches. I am never happier than when I am on a beach. The bits of Norfolk I love are the simple, quiet ones, the delicate flowers and that’s what inspires me. My jewellery is simple and delicate and wearable every day, but I like to think it’s also great for special gifts and to become cherished pieces.
When did you decide to set up on your own and what were you doing before?
I was a primary school teacher and had also been jewellery making – it was a hobby which had got out of control. I wanted to explore where I could take it. So, I took the leap and decided to do it full time. I have never looked back, although I really miss teaching.
How would you describe your jewellery?
My jewellery is delicate, handmade, wearable but also ideal for keepsakes. I use sterling silver and 9ct gold and traditional silversmithing techniques. My most favourite pieces are my beach shells, I took shells from the beach and cast them into silver. They are little reminders of wonderful walks.
How excited are you to be opening your shop on Saturday? Do you want to namecheck anyone who has helped you?
My shop has been a labour of love. I had a dream of how it could look and when I look around at it now, it makes me so happy. I wanted it to be a calm and pretty space where I could make my jewellery and people could watch me make, where people could come and do workshops, and where I could sell my work. I’m absolutely thrilled with it. There are more and more independent shops opening in Fakenham and it’s great to be a part of that community. I’ve had so many people help me and encourage me to get to this point: Venetia from Venetia’s Yarn Shop in Fakenham; Kathy from Little Piggy business coach; and Sue Welfare artist and printmaker. They’ve championed me and I am sure I would not be here without them. My husband has always been my most wonderful support, seeing what I could achieve when I couldn’t – he is phenomenal at turning ideas in to something very real!
Where can people find the store – and your jewellery, generally?
My shop is on Upper Market Street in Fakenham. We are open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. My jewellery is also on my website (clairehowardjewellery.com) and you can find some of my pieces at Holkham Hall shop, Gallery 10 at Alby Crafts, Brett Gallery in Monks Eleigh.
What are your hopes and dreams for your business?
At the moment I am living my hopes and dreams so I’m not sure I can see beyond this yet! I’m really excited for my first workshops in my shop and for having the time to chat to people about what I make and how I make it in my shop. Give me a couple of weeks and no doubt I will have a couple of half-formed ideas which will be swirling around waiting to come to life!
Claire Howard Jewellery, Upper Market Street, Fakenham, Norfolk, opens on Saturday August 17, 2024.
Featured image of Claire Howard by Tamsyn Morgan Photography
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