About Clair

In a nutshell my story is that I have had my own business making jewellery since 1990, based in NZ where I have a lot of experience selling the jewellery direct to my customers at markets, festivals and craft shows.

The phrase 'Made with Love' for me describes what works, what is enduring.

Pieces that look good, feel right and are fun to wear.

History

After a years experience in a factory as a benchhand and some part-time training in the basics of silversmithing I started to make my own jewellery pieces. My first studio was in The Armoury, an alternative boutique featuring costumes and body armour by Louise Maich and metalwork by Todd Stevenson. Check out www.powersurge.co.nz for his latest work.

This watermelon tourmaline sterling silver brooch is a favorite from those days. I also did a lot of handmade rings like this one featuring a marquis garnet.
		Carrying on the handmade theme with this sterling silver and turquoise set I made to order

From studios in K road and the at the Craft Centre in Dominion road I began producing a range of sterling silver ring castings. These were my mainstay for several years and I’d like to thank The Vault, Merlin Silver and Texan Art Schools for stocking my pieces.

My next range was of carved Maori design pendants in pewter.

These pieces are available from:

Elephant House Crafts 237 Parnell Rd Auckland. www.nzcrafts.co.nz

Artisanz, Victoria Park Market. www.artis.co.nz

		In 1996 I completed the foundation year ar Hungry Creek Art School. There I discovered modelling sculpture from clay and going on to make bronze castings from these originals was a great experience.
Since 2001 I have developed a new career in teaching. Firstly I began tutoring Mosaics at Mt Albert Grammar School in their Community Education program.
		I have also continued to develop my bead necklaces as featured on this site, making them to order.

These Days

I’ve recently graduated with a BA in Language teaching and linguistics then a diploma in teaching. Now I'm teaching English full-time at secondary school, and am available for 'odd jobs' in the holidays!

I love music and as DJ Planet Clair I have played at K road cafes and bars. My style is mellow, downbeat music including jazz, dub reggae, and Latin grooves.