Say Hello To…Shark Alley

Brighton, craft, Cute, Events, Fairy Tale, Hand Crafted, JewelleryNo comments

Today we say hello to Sarah of Shark Alley and her wonderful resin jewellery creations and cute otters! We look forward to welcoming her back to the Fairy Tale Fair. Find out more about her…

“I put a lot of care into each piece and make sure they are finished to a high standard. I love selling to lovely customers too – the positive feedback makes it all worth while.” -Sarah, Shark Alley

Tell us a bit about you and what you do/ make….

I make jewellery from recycled materials, Japanese papers, resin and sterling silver. I really enjoy sewing too, so I also make purses decorated with original animal designs as well as some very popular hand-sewn otters!

I trained as an illustrator, but eventually grew tired of working digitally on things I didn’t enjoy. I am so much happier working with my hands and creating beautiful things.

How would you describe your style?

My style is inspired by colour, pattern and, most importantly, animals. I have loved nature and natural forms since I was a child and they continue to fascinate and inspire me. I also like a good graphic shape, so all of these ideas get thrown into the Shark Alley pot.

How long have you been making your craft items?

Since January 2010, but I have been crafting since childhood.

Do you have a best seller? If so what is it?

It really depends on the event, but the little mixed-media hare brooches are very popular. The leaping hare & star necklaces and the fox print (which appears on my purses as well as being available as a large print) are also big favourites.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I have gone from being an under-confident, struggling illustrator to a happy designer-maker. I have so many ideas to make and get out there! Once the initial designing and trial-runs are done, I love the making process the best. I put a lot of care into each piece and make sure they are finished to a high standard. I love selling to lovely customers too – the positive feedback makes it all worth while.

Do you take part in other craft events (fairs, open houses, markets etc…)?

I take part in lots of different craft fairs and markets, mostly in London and the South. If I can get to it easily on public transport with my heavy suitcase (‘The Beast’) then I’ll give it a go! I also exhibit in the Brighton Festival Open Houses.

What are your plans/ ambitions for the future? Or have you already achieved them?

I’d like to be able to devote myself purely to Shark Alley, get more media coverage and make my living entirely from it. I’d also like to get into products that feature my designs, but that I don’t have to make entirely by hand.

You have previously taken part in The Fairy Tale Fair. Did you enjoy the day?

I enjoyed the day very much. Claire had put in such an admirable amount of hard work and there were lots of lovely little touches to welcome stallholders on the day.