INTRODUCING SARAH FROM BIRDIE HILL…bespoke jeweller

The word ‘bespoke’ is derived from the verb ‘bespeak’…meaning to ‘speak for something’. It’s made to order, custom made and individual. That’s exactly what jewellery from Birdie Hill is…bespoke.

I first met Sarah (jewellery maker extraordinaire) a few years back, cancer brought us together and her jewels, kind heart and great smile keep me coming back. Sarah is tiny in stature but packs a super punch in the design arena. She’s stylish, well schooled on art and design and has an incredible flair for interior design. The lady has it all going on.

Sarah has had her fair share of challenges in life and these days lives in the moment and is true to herself which is why she packed in her teaching job a couple of years ago and now makes jewellery full time. I know right, self employed in arts!

‘Birdie Hill’ is her creative baby, but let me say she’s also a very proud mumma and grandma too and loves to travel and spend time with her family…who are scattered in all corners of the country and beyond. Sarah calls Adelaide home and her and the hubby live in a pretty cool neighbourhood brimming with cafes, markets and shopping strips. I sat down with Sarah last week for a catchup because I wanted to introduce you all to her. I even snapped some great pics of her home and studio (like the yellow door below)…let’s get to know Sarah and take a peek…

Sarah makes jewellery using rare and semi precious beads which she sources from all over the globe, some are even fossils! What I really love is when you receive a piece of her art you also receive a little handwritten history card explaining the origins and meanings of the beads. Rich in history and style…bespoke!

Tell me what Birdie Hill is…
Passion.
style.
individuality.
and what Birdie Hill isn’t…
Generic
Mass Produced.
Boring.

What are your dreams for Birdie Hill?
To create a brand synonymous with understated luxe. I see trendy bohemian chic and a ‘go to’ brand where people can purchase something different and perfect for their personality.

What’s your favourite stone?
Labradorite ( grey with flashes of cobalt blue and silver)
Biggest challenge with working from home?
Oh it would have to be the isolation, I’m such a people person. I’ve also had to learn to be self motivated and find ways to get my people fix. I do love being able to zone out while I’m making jewellery though, I’m in the zone and completely enriched and fulfilled while working. It’s like a form of deep therapy, that’s when you know your work is good for you 🙂

What you miss from a regular 9-5 job?
Money! Gosh, this is when we both laughed hard! Don’t we all!
Challenges with moving to online?
Technology! Being a complete novice and having to teach myself everything which creates anxiety and takes me away from my passion.

What you love about your work?
The people for sure, so many wonderful people with stories who inspire me daily, I’ve made some wonderful connections. I love that I’m feeding my creative urges, am free to be there for family and friends and I’m always learning and being challenged so much. I also love that beading is portable so I can keeping working anywhere, even while travelling and when inspiration strikes.

Inspired by…
The European catwalk and Couture. I’m driven by the bravery I see in fashion, those creators that push the envelope and stay true to themselves.
Future plans?
To keep doing what I do…while making a living. I have such a loyal following and customers who purchase time and time again which warms my heart. I know that my necklaces enhance people’s lives because they are an expression of who they are.

What’s your other creative passion?
Interiors, photography and travel. Each day is enriched and inspired by visual beauty like leaves, shadows, still life and colour. There is so much beauty in the world and I love capturing it in my work, on a camera and expressing it through my home. Yes, Sarah did paint the blue art work below, along with several others on the walls of her home. She’s a clever cookie.

Thanks Sarah….if you would like to see more of what Sarah does then follow the links…

Sarah regularly hosts ‘Birdie Hill at Home’, an afternoon in her home with ‘grown up fizzy drink’ and tasty treats. You can chat with her, purchase or create something totally unique together. Oh, and be inspired by her stunning home.

You can also find Birdie Hill on Facebook RIGHT HERE and her online store HERE. Oh and on Pinterest HERE. If you are looking for inspiration, the perfect piece of jewellery or a special gift then check her out, she’d love that.

Til next time,

Jen x