Maker of the Month- May
Bio
Hazel Stenhouse is behind Xenara Crafts; a mother and daughter team based in the West of Scotland.
Hazel lives in Ayrshire and Lindsay in Luss by Loch Lomond. They have been making jewellery for a few years and have developed their own ranges. Hazel has become hooked on the bright colours and creative potential of polymer clay and Lindsay works on mosaics. Lindsay has not been doing so much crafting since the birth of her son Euan in August 2015 but is looking forward to getting back into it again in the future.
Hazel was a primary teacher an her love of arts and crafts has grown since her retirement. Always keen to try new things, she lists felting, stitching, sashiko, printing and weaving among the crafts she enjoys the most. Of course polymer clay remains her passion.
Hazel is also a volunteer at the Barony Centre. You will catch her here on a Friday morning. And she is a regular at the Simply Create craft sessions at the Barony on a Monday.
Hazel lives in Ayrshire and Lindsay in Luss by Loch Lomond. They have been making jewellery for a few years and have developed their own ranges. Hazel has become hooked on the bright colours and creative potential of polymer clay and Lindsay works on mosaics. Lindsay has not been doing so much crafting since the birth of her son Euan in August 2015 but is looking forward to getting back into it again in the future.
Hazel was a primary teacher an her love of arts and crafts has grown since her retirement. Always keen to try new things, she lists felting, stitching, sashiko, printing and weaving among the crafts she enjoys the most. Of course polymer clay remains her passion.
Hazel is also a volunteer at the Barony Centre. You will catch her here on a Friday morning. And she is a regular at the Simply Create craft sessions at the Barony on a Monday.
What inspired you to start making jewellery?
My love of earrings started me on my jewellery journey. I hated meeting people wearing the same earrings so I decided to make my own. I began buying beads then progressed to using Friendly Plastic , then I discovered polymer clay.
Why polymer clay?
Polymer clay is so versatile. You can blend colours to make jewellery to match an outfit. Use leaves, sea shells etc found on dog walks to make textures. My aim is to make affordable unique jewellery.
Where does the name Xenara Crafts come from?
The name Xenara Crafts evolved when Lindsay and I started out on the Craft Fair journey and we realised we needed a name. So after a few glasses of wine Xenara came into being. Xena was my dog’s name and Tara the original house name. So Xenara Crafts was born, lots of craft fairs followed with mosaics and jewellery on sale. I now have two grandsons who live near Perth so Lindsay as a working mum no longer has time for craft fairs.