I started silversmithing in 2009 as a hobby, having made jewellery for many years. Initially, it was an evening of 'me time' at college after the birth of my son.

I also saw fingerprint and keepsake jewellery online and in magazines, and attended courses on making these items back in 2009.

I've been making keepsake and silver ever since, and have developed my own natural, rustic style of keepsakes and sterling silver, using recycled fine silver and eco silver where I can. Since the birth of my daughter in 2013, I decided to take the plunge and have given up life as a secondary school teacher to dedicate my full attention to Apricot.

My work reflects on nature, and the things I pick up and see on my walks (and occasional jogs!) around the typically English, rolling Warwickshire countryside where I live.

Apricot comes from the Latin word for 'precious', and most of my items are personalised and using the names, prints or writing/drawings of people special to my customers.