12 facts to help you "Meet the Maker"

Isn't it disappointing when you find out that a designer or business you like has some dodgy moral compass or terrifying skeleton in the cupboard? I recently had to think a little after finding out that someone I approached for a potential collaboration has a few views against my own (I may talk about that in the future) so I've decided to share a bit about myself, to help you decide if you still like me!

The little snapshot photos through this blog are from #MarchMeetTheMaker, a month of instagram prompts from Joanne Hawker, also designed to help you, well, meet the maker behind the scenes!

The obvious, before I get a bit deeper, is that I'm Lisa, I'm my increasingly in my late rather than mid thirties, and I live in the UK sort of countryside (they keep building more around where I live, boo)

1. ​A simple one first - My glasses are for distance. I'm unable to wear contact lenses, but actually like being speccy, having worn them since primary school.

2. I'm a remainer, yeah, let's get political! I do think the people who should be most upset about Brexit are the in-the-middle people who voted leave, and since have found out how purposefully confused the details and promises were. 

3. A few weekends a year I spend as a fantasy version of a renaissance Italian actress, at live role play events, and I'm getting more into Steampunk too. I LOVE fancy dress.

4. As a teenager I couldn't find the jewellery I wanted in the shops, but after I found a bead shop in Manchester I realised I could make anything! We spent a lot of time in Affleck's Palace.

5. I'm nowhere near as organised as I look! I have a bit of impostor syndrome relating to this, which leads to me sometimes spending too long trying to get things done right, rather than just getting them Done.
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​6. Archaeology and history have always fascinated me, and that leaks into my work… My jewellery is influenced by how death has been represented through history, by ancient amulets, by superstitions…

7. ​It sometimes shows through how much of a nerd I am, here's little me with Lego and Star Wars figures! I now play X-Wing, Armada and Imperial Assault with my husband, read comics, watch the Marvel movies...

8. Cats! Three of the furry nuisances make up my Quality Control team.​ I like dogs, but am slightly scared of them, despite being raised with two lovely woofers.
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9. Getting out into nature is a huge mood boost for me. I'm very lucky to have Derbyshire on my doorstep, and that I was taught to value nature growing up.

10. Growing up there was a fair bit of second hand, make do and mend, upcycle, because we honestly weren't very well off. This continues in my work with some beads coming from old or damaged jewellery. It's great giving them a new life.

11. I'm a introvert, in that my batteries recharge through time spent alone doing my own thing. In a group I'm either quietly on the side, or being awkward as heck rambling at length through the conversation and over people!

12. LGBTQ rights matter to me, as some of my family and a fair few friends are in that glorious group, and I think that being allowed to be You is the most important thing in life. ​

So I hope nothing there has put you off me and my work, and I'd love to know if you see yourself in any of those facts. Let me know in the comments if you have a nerdy hobby, or animal you're a bit scared of!