Little Gems on Jewellery and Life

David Lilly
  • 5.0 (3)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Two UK based contemporary jewellers get together to talk about what they are working on, what they love, new tools and finds and who in the industry is exciting them. They also chat about life and how that plays into their working lives as creatives. Occasionally they individually interview others on the show. The show was originally hostd by All That Glitter's contestants David J Lilly and Emma White. Angela Benjamin took over from Emma White in December 2022. David J Lilly https://www.davidjlilly.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davidjohnlilly/?hl=en Angela Benjamin https://www.angebdesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/angebdesigns/?hl=en Music: Octopi by Alfie Amadeus https://youtube.com/channel/UCQMEwOMl1nPNKFerGQPZvvg davidjlilly.substack.com

  1. Toodle Pip Peeps, thanks for everything

    12/21/2023

    Toodle Pip Peeps, thanks for everything

    In this week’s episode, Ange and David are back together again…but it’s their final show! David is feeling into Canadian life and has been busy exploring the sites with a visiting friendDavid gives some insight into his preparations for his new jobAnge shares some of the jewellery highlights of her yearAnge finally spills the beans about her ‘big surprise’ - her appearance on BBC one programme ‘Make It At Market’Our hosts share their plans for Christmas and the coming new year David J Lilly Instagram Website Angela Benjamin Instagram Website Links: If you’re in the UK and want to catch Ange on Make It At Market -https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001t4rt - its available to view on BBC iplayer and Britbox, and will be available in the USA in the new year. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    26 min
  2. Seeing the Wood through the Trees

    10/19/2023

    Seeing the Wood through the Trees

    In this episode, Ange is chatting to classically-trained London-based goldsmith Darren Sherwood. Darren is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and Freeman of the City of London. In this episode you'll: Hear Ange talk to Darren about his journey into jewellery and how he ended up in his current workshop and retail spaceFind out what Darren loves about his workshopHear Darren share his fears and the aspects of jewellery making that he lovesHear about some of Darren’s favourite commissions and some of the esteemed jewellery houses he has worked with throughout his careerDiscover Darren's eclectic listening tastes whilst workingDiscover Darren's insight into what inspires his work, get his great advice for up-and-coming jewellers.Finally discover Darren's jewellery “superpowers” and if there’s anything he’s not good at. David J Lilly Instagram Website Ange Benjamin Instagram Website Darren Sherwood Instagram Website Join us next time for more insight into jewellery making and life. Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    44 min
  3. Some more Splendour from the land down under

    09/28/2023

    Some more Splendour from the land down under

    In this concluding episode David chats with Dahna (pronouced Day-nah) Makris of Madame Mak Jewellery. Dahna is based in Melbourne, Australia and is an efusive and bubbly self-taught jeweller who excells at using wax to make her colourful and gem studded pieces of jewellery. This is part two of two. In this episode you'll: 1. Find out what’s been Dahna's favourite commission to date 2. Discover what Dahna's rainbow rampage was about 3. Hear Dahna discuss her plans for the next five years 4. Find out about other jewellers on Instagram that inspire Dahna 5. Discover what allows Dahna to focus while she's working 6. Receive Dahna's advice for someone who wants to be a jeweller 7. Get Dahna's thoughts on where her jewellery sits between Fine and Contemporary 8. Discover what Dahna's unique skills are that have helped her become successful 9. Finally hear what Dahna's feels that sh'es not very good at and wishes to improve David J Lilly Instagram Website Ange Benjamin Instagram Website Dahna Makris Instagram Website Join us next time for more insight into Dahna Makris of Madame Mak Jewllery Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    31 min
  4. Down under - no chunder just chat

    09/14/2023

    Down under - no chunder just chat

    This episode David chats with Dahna (pronouced Day-nah) Makris of Madame Mak Jewellery. Dahna is based in Melbourne, Australia and is an efusive and bubbly self-taught jeweller who excells at using wax to make her colourful and gem studded pieces of jewellery. This is part one of two. In this episode you'll: Discover how Dahna got started as a jeweller, and what came before Find out why Dahna specialises in wax castingHear how Dahna sets her business up to provide regular incomeHear Dahna tell us about her latest workFinds out what Dahna's greatest fear is to do with her businessHear Dahna describe what brings her the most joy when she is in the studioFind out what gives Dahna creative inspirationDiscover what kind of fruit Dahna might be - and why David J Lilly Instagram Website Ange Benjamin Instagram Website Dahna Makris Instagram Website Join us next time for more insight into Dahna Makris of Madame Mak Jewllery Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    32 min
  5. Workshops and Wild Fires

    08/31/2023

    Workshops and Wild Fires

    This episode your hosts have a catch-up on their respective summers and what they’ve been making and doing over the last couple of weeks. In this epsiode you'll hear: David share details of the wild fires that are currently raging in Kelowna, and the Shuswap in Canada - not far from where he is staying.That David has been teaching some workshops to adults with learning differences and the two discuss the rewards associated with sharing their skills with others.David talk about the challenges of job-hunting in CanadaThat David has also been socializing and networking with Canadian creatives.How Ange is gearing up for her local open studios and talks about what she will be showing this year. That Ange attended a private view of a textile artist Donna Lynch at Hauser & Wirth Gallery, London.That David will be interviewing Dahna @madame.mak_jewellery over the next two episodes David J Lilly Instagram Website Angela Benjamin Instagram Website Our makers-to-follow recommendations this week are:  Ange's recommendations is textile artist Donna Lynch @studio_ashay David's recommendation is the jeweller Thierry Vendome @thierry_vendomme Join us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along. Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    33 min
  6. It's All a Bit Revealing

    08/17/2023

    It's All a Bit Revealing

    Our hosts are reunited after a lengthy separation. David is settling into Canadian life and Ange is recovering from a cold. In this epsiode you hear: David and Ange discuss their personal takes on Russell’s podcast episodes.That David has been wax carving and designing some gemstone pieces with some interesting sounding stones.David talk about a stained-glass workshop that he’s been running in his local community, including classes for people with physical differences. David also share his previous experience of working with diverse client groups.How David has been socializing and networking with Canadian creatives.Ange share her latest wax carved works and talk about her struggles with clean-up and the perils of soldering mix metals.David gives Ange his tips on naming jewellery collections and Both of them share their contrasting design and sometimes 'dangerous' design styles.The pair chat about their respective creative/jewellery communities and Ange extols the virtues of WhatsApp groups!That David has a job interview and Ange has a secret to be revealled sometime in the future! David J Lilly Instagram Website Angela Benjamin Instagram Website Our makers-to-follow recommendations this week are:  Ange's recommendations are Pepe Tools @pepetools_usa and Penny of Amanti Argenti @amanti_argenti David's recommendation is Dahna, known as Madame Mak @madame.mak_jewellery Join us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along. Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    30 min
  7. Can CAD Compare

    08/03/2023

    Can CAD Compare

    This is the concluding part of Ange's interview with goldsmith Russell Lownsbrough who she knows from Morley College. Russell is a well established specialist in wax carving for jewellery and miniature sculptures. Furthermore Russell is the author of ‘Wax carving for Jewellers’, a new and essential guide to all budding wax carvers. In this episode you'll: Hear Russell's hints about his favourite commissions and he shows Ange a piece he created to woo a girl - which has serendipitous links to one of Russell’s favourite artists.Find out what Russell’s favourite ‘material’ to work with is - it’s a good one.Hear Russell share some of his studio listening: from movie soundtracks to playlists (you can even find some on Spotify).Also hear some great advice for aspiring jewellers: from coping with self-employment and niche skills to networking.Find out Russell’s preference between fine and contemporary jewellery, and why!Discover Russell's USP and why it’s made him successful.Be pleased to hear that Russell has something he’s not good at Hear Ange and Russell get a tad sweary (oops!) about self-promotion. David J Lilly Instagram Website Ange Benjamin Instagram Website Russell Lounsborough Instagram Wax Carving Website Personal Website If you’re in the North of the UK in September you can see Russell’s work at Goldsmiths Fair North @goldsmithsnorth RUSSELL'S INSPIRERS ARE: Rene Lalique, the greatest jeweller of all time.Georges FouquetKevin CoatesGerda FlockingerJohn Paul MillerLydia CourteilleRichard MawdsleyWendy RamshawSolange Azagury PartridgePatrick WoodroffeAlphonse MuchaRodney MatthewsIan GibsonAlan AldridgeMartin BowerArthur RackhamEdmund DulacBoris VallejoFrank FrazettaAntonio CanovaAuguste RodinUmberto Boccione Join us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along. Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    23 min
  8. Why Wax never Wanes

    07/20/2023

    Why Wax never Wanes

    In this part one of two episodes Ange is chatting to goldsmith Russell Lownsbrough who she knows from Morley College. Russell is a well established specialist in wax carving for jewellery and miniature sculptures. Furthermore Russell is the author of ‘Wax carving for Jewellers’, a new and essential guide to all budding wax carvers. In this episode you'll: Find out how Russell relates his interesting journey into jewellery from silversmithing apprentice through to art school newbie.Discover how Russell started his working career..Get insight into Russell's workspace, and how he has always had a hand in constructing the studios where he creates. He chats about his need for tidiness, comfortable seating and good lighting.Find out who Russell can and cannot talk about through his work with different designers. Russell has to keep quiet about a lot of his work. He’s preparing some of his own work for Goldsmiths North Jewellery Fair in Sheffield, his hometown.Hear what motivated Russell to write his popular book on wax carving - from both professional and personal perspectives. He also gives some insight into the actual writing process.Discover that Russell does fear something (as a jeweller) and also what brings him the most joy when working.Get a list of the varied artistic inspirations Rusell draws from - Lalique to Antonio Canova. David J Lilly Instagram Website Ange Benjamin Instagram Website Russell Lounsborough Instagram Wax Carving Website Personal Website If you’re in the North of the UK in September you can see Russell’s work at Goldsmiths Fair North @goldsmithsnorth RUSSELL'S INSPIRERS ARE: Rene Lalique, the greatest jeweller of all time.Georges FouquetKevin CoatesGerda FlockingerJohn Paul MillerLydia CourteilleRichard MawdsleyWendy RamshawSolange Azagury PartridgePatrick WoodroffeAlphonse MuchaRodney MatthewsIan GibsonAlan AldridgeMartin BowerArthur RackhamEdmund DulacBoris VallejoFrank FrazettaAntonio CanovaAuguste RodinUmberto Boccione Join us next time for more insight into our creative processes, latest projects and how 2023 is moving along. Want to submit a question? Email your jewellery (or other) questions to: littlegemsonjewellery@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidjlilly.substack.com

    27 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Two UK based contemporary jewellers get together to talk about what they are working on, what they love, new tools and finds and who in the industry is exciting them. They also chat about life and how that plays into their working lives as creatives. Occasionally they individually interview others on the show. The show was originally hostd by All That Glitter's contestants David J Lilly and Emma White. Angela Benjamin took over from Emma White in December 2022. David J Lilly https://www.davidjlilly.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davidjohnlilly/?hl=en Angela Benjamin https://www.angebdesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/angebdesigns/?hl=en Music: Octopi by Alfie Amadeus https://youtube.com/channel/UCQMEwOMl1nPNKFerGQPZvvg davidjlilly.substack.com

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