Maker of the Month- April
Alison Hepburn
North Shore Sand Necklace
Resin Necklace & Sunbeam Earrings
Daisy Necklace & Forget-me-not Earrings
Bio
Alison Hepburn is a Glasgow girl and as such is influenced by its rich culture, architecture and history.
Alison was working for another jewellery based business when she started making her own pieces and RedApple Handmade was born.
RedApple is the home of the original Crescent and Orrery collections, inspired by Fulton’s Orrery in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Museum.
In addition to eco-friendly resin, sustainable materials and recycled pigments are used (which are diverted from land and ocean disposal).
RedApple Handmade also specialises in products for sensitive ears. Oh and yes- the pressed flowers are real- hand picked too!
Steering clear of mass production, Alison creates and hand makes small, limited edition batches in her Glasgow studio.
Alison was working for another jewellery based business when she started making her own pieces and RedApple Handmade was born.
RedApple is the home of the original Crescent and Orrery collections, inspired by Fulton’s Orrery in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Museum.
In addition to eco-friendly resin, sustainable materials and recycled pigments are used (which are diverted from land and ocean disposal).
RedApple Handmade also specialises in products for sensitive ears. Oh and yes- the pressed flowers are real- hand picked too!
Steering clear of mass production, Alison creates and hand makes small, limited edition batches in her Glasgow studio.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started making jewellery?
How easy it is for the creative brain to run away! Lots of ideas vs the business brain. Experimenting with resin can be expensive – not just the resin itself but moulds wear out and materials can be scarce when you are recycling. I’ve taken the time to develop processes, finesse ‘recipes’ and come up with sustainable alternatives to mainstream ones, particularly regarding metals. In the end though, when the balance is just so – it’s lovely!
How would you describe your process?
Compared to how I started I’m pretty methodical these days. I do random sketches and if one stays in my head, I’ll try to develop it – that’s generally the one I’ll go with. RedApple resin ‘recipes’ are still closely guarded secrets though, sorry!
What is your favourite piece of work and why?
I love the Coast necklaces. Each time I make one I wonder if I could keep it! They remind me so much of our wee bonny Isle and all her nooks and crannies. I will make special mention too of the Forget Me Not Collection – each head is handpicked and mostly from my parents’ garden (thank you Mum!) They really are beautiful flowers and mean a great deal to so many. I love that they are recognised, appreciated, and bring comfort to people all over the world.
How has your practice evolved?
I realised I can’t do everything on my own no matter how hard I try! I started in my kitchen and moved to studios in 2016 – I haven’t looked back. I love that there is a place I can go to and be surrounded by other creative minds. They’re handy at giving opinions when I need and in collaboration on occasion.
What is your dream project?
I have a very particular interest in architecture and I have been toying with a few ideas in relation (some in jewellery but some not…) Once upon a time, very talented local Ayrshire artist, Rebecca Scott and I shared a studio in Glasgow, so I hope to work with her one day on a larger project. We have spoken about it from time to time so maybe one day we will.