Today we’re pleased to introduce Ali of Metal Dove jewellery who we can’t wait to welcome this Sunday at Worthing Charmandean…
Please introduce yourself and your brand….
Hi there, I’m Ali, designer, maker and one woman show that is Metal Dove jewellery. I’m lucky enough to live in Brighton which is where I have my home studio. All my jewellery is handmade by me using recycled metals. I think all makers now have a responsibility to be as sustainable as possible in their making and love nothing more than a trip to the scrap metal yard for my brass and copper offcuts!
As a mature student I’ve recently graduated from Brighton Uni with a degree in 3D Design and Craft. What started off as a side hustle is now turning into a real business and it’s an exciting time for Metal Dove. I have a massive love of animals and nature since school really, I always came home with pockets full of twigs and leaves. Now I choose to cast these into eco silver botanical jewellery and fun animal necklaces and brooches.
How would you describe your style and your creations?
I have a few collections that might tickle your fancy. For those animal lovers of you I’ve got a huge range of fun animal silhouettes as necklaces and brooches. All friends furry or not are welcome in the Metal Dove workshop, from the T Rex to the miniature pony. All are made from brass, which is given a beautiful, hammered finish. Also, very happy to take custom orders if you have a particular animal friend in mind.
My newer botanical necklace collection celebrates both nature and geometry. Real Cedar and Juniper is cast into solid silver and mixed with geometric shapes for a modern twist. I’d say my style is a mixture of modern, fun and boho really, a mixed bag!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The pure joy I get from creating and the freedom to try weird and wonderful ideas and have people purchase them! Custom orders are definitely a highlight, taking someone’s idea and creating a piece of jewellery that will last is what it’s all about. Meeting customers in person still feels like an absolute treat, especially after the last couple of years and I always come away from Fairs feeling inspired to make and full of ideas. The makers community should always be mentioned, hanging out with other madly creative people is just awesome.
What can we expect to find on your stall at The Fairy Tale Fair Easter Special on Sunday 3rd April at Worthing Charmandean? And are you looking forward to taking part?
This is my first Fairytale Fair so I’m pretty jazzed to be taking part. My stall will be full of animal and leafy friends as necklaces and pin brooches. I’ve done an Easter range of animal pin badges for cute spring gifts, from bunnies to ponies to celebrate Fidget’s visit to the fair weather permitting. I’m also launching my new range of British Garden Bird pin brooches at the fair so that’s exciting.
For those looking for presents past easter I’ll be bringing along some of my botanical fern necklaces and little flower studs. All made from recycled silver, the cedar and juniper has been cast in silver from real botanicals and given a modern geometric twist.
Do you have a best seller?
No surprises here but my silver Seagull necklace so I’ve now created it in brooch pin form too, it’ll be seagulls a go go.
Do you have any plans or ambitions for the future?
Doing more fairs and getting my work out there is really what I’m about. I’m putting together some metal clay botanical workshop ideas at the moment so if this sounds good follow me on Instagram for any updates on that.
Do you have a motto or inspirational quote?
“You’re only given a little spark of madness, you mustn’t loose it.” Robin Williams
Describe your Easter in 3 words…
Eggs, friends, hopefully wine (4 words, rebellious)
How can we find out more about you?