Leaf Tableware
My leaf tableware collection is unique and each piece is individually handmade, using the impression from real leaves. You can even commission me to make pieces using your own chosen leaves by posting them to me. An extra feature is to have personal messages inscribed on the base of leaf tableware or vases for special occasions. I make plates, sharing platters, coasters candle holders and cake stands, anything is possible! All pieces are stoneware fired, therefore suitable for everyday use. Explore more about the making process below.
Please read on further to find out about the making process...
Foraging in Nature
One of my passions is strolling in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire and foraging for leaves. I’m also fortunate to have friends and relatives who are avid gardeners, owning shrubs which bear large and bountiful leaves. This means sourcing my leaves is both easy and a pleasure!
Making Process
My tableware collection is made using a stoneware clay with grog (sand) inclusions which can be fired to 1260 degrees making them durable for functional use.
Over time, I’ve formulated a glaze combination that works perfectly with copper oxide to produce a lovely natural green finish. When this is added on top this specific clay, iron speckles emerge which further enhance the rustic glaze finish.
Each piece is unique, as not only is the leaf impression one of a kind, the way the glaze develops in the kiln produces a unique finish.
Commission Me
I welcome commissions for whole dining sets made from various shaped leaves. I can make all sizes of plates, sharing platters, condiment dishes, coasters, tea light holders, really anything that you desire. If you would like to discuss your options further, please do not hesitate to contact me with your ideas.
Porcelain Leaf Jewellery
My leaf jewellery collection is made using high firing porcelain, using the impression from real leaves. My most popular designs use Acer leaves and Ginkgo leaves. I can also make bespoke pieces from any leaves you post to me. This is particularly poignant for special occasions or garden lovers. The bespoke jewellery I make is fired 3 times and detailed with gold and platinum lustre, giving that extra special finishing touch. I am passionate about this collection, so please do read more below about my inspiration and making process.
Please read on further to find out about the making process...
Leaf Beauty & Commemoration
My Family planted eight Acer trees at Westonbirt Arboretum over 30 years ago in commemoration for my late Grandfather. So I visit often, appreciating the stunning colours that transform from greens to sunset reds. I then mimic these colours in my ceramic jewellery and tableware.
My Acer Japonica Trees
My father has also entrusted me with three of his prize Acer japonica trees in my garden. Today, these beautiful trees are the source of inspiration for many of the bespoke pieces of ceramic jewellery I create.
Making Process
I use high firing porcelain to produce my jewellery, meaning they are delicate, yet robust. Pieces are fired in three stages, firstly to 1020 degrees biscuit ware; then oxide and glaze is added with a second firing to 1255 degrees. Finally, platinum lustre is added to the edges and fired to 740 degrees.
Jewellery After Care
Each piece of jewellery I make is delicate in form, reflecting the true nature of the leaf. Porcelain is durable, but responds much like glass or Swarovski crystal jewellery. Therefore, I always recommend putting your jewellery on in a carpeted floor to prevent possible breakages.
Trace Back To Your Jewellery’s Origin
When you purchase a unique piece of jewellery from me, I feel it’s imortant you understand the authenticy of the piece. I therefore offer you the chance to trace your unique piece of jewellery ‘back to it’s roots‘. Here you can see where the leaf that helped create your pendant or earrings came from. I include a grid reference, photograph and links to visitor information for National Trust sites so you can even visit the tree itself.
Commissioned Jewellery
I welcome commissions and I love to make bespoke pieces for customers, so please contact me with your ideas and post me your favourite leaves to design from! Many customers send leaves to me when they are moving house and leaving special trees behind. I have even been asked to create Ivy leaf pendants for family members because their middle name is ‘Ivy’ – a lovely way to symbolise the generational connection in a family.