Artisan of the week, Veryan of Beady Pool

Today has turned out to be another rainy Sunday here in Wales, but fear not, we have an Artisan to share with you today that makes such beautiful pieces from lampwork beads that it will brighten up your day. Veryan of Beady Pool is passionate about her work and you can see it in each piece she creates. Lets hear what Veryan has to say about her craft.

1. Could you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?
Hi, I'm Veryan and I make all the jewellery at Beady Pool. I especially love using artisan lampwork beads, silver, gemstones and quality glass. All Beady Pool designs are unique one of a kind items, so you won't see anyone else wearing the same as you. The use of lampwork beads makes each piece even more unique as quite often the lampworkers only make one set of each design. I also have a diffusion range called "the treasure chest", for this I have used more readily available beads. Again, most items are unique but due to the beads used I can replicate designs if they are popular.

2. What led you to take up your craft?
I've been making jewellery on and off for about 15 yrs and am mainly self taught. Every few years I would pick up my pliers again and have another go. I started out as Beady Pool when I had my son. I decided I wanted to stay at home and look after him, but still wanted to do something that was for me. So, the pliers came out of the cupboard again after probably a three year break. As I decided I was going to sell my jewellery this time rather than just making for friends and family, I decided to take my jewellery up a level and to only use silver rather than silver plate beads and findings. This has added an extra cost, but in my mind it is worth it.

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
Buying beads. I am forever on the internet browsing websites for new stock. I also love seeing what the lampwork artists are designing. I try not to get too tempted but sometimes i just can't help myself.

4. Which part do you find hardest?
Resisting buying beads! Sometimes there is just too much temptation, usually when I have no pennies in the bank. Plus I could do with about 3 more hours in everyday. Beady Pool fits in around looking after my son and running the house... sometimes, it is hard to find some spare time.

5. Where do you hope to be in 1 year’s time?
I would love for Beady Pool to be more widely known and hopefully for my work to be in some galleries. I would also love to start including more of my own silver work into my designs (I have been having a few lessons) and also maybe one day my own lampwork beads. I recently had a lesson with Laura Sparling and it was fantastic.

6. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Promote, promote, promote tell everyone and anyone about what you do. I am finding this hard but it does pay off.

7. Could you name artisans sites/shops would you recommend are worth a visit?
How about some fantastic lampwork artists?
Laura Sparling
Izzy Anderson
Rachel Dawes
These are just three of my favourites, but there are lots of people out there making beads there are more links on my website if you fancy a look.

8. What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Davidstow medium cheddar, lettuce and salad cream - not butter on my homemade bread - yummy.

Thank you for being interviewed Veryan. I love lampwork glass beads and look forward to seeing more of your lampwork pieces. So many of the great Artisans we feature on this blog are mothers fitting their arts and crafts around their children and family commitments. It's astounding that they have the energy to do it all, but I'm so glad they do. You can find more of Veryan's work on her website and in her Folksy shop. You can also keep up to date with the goings on in Veryan's life by checking out her blog or Facebook page.

Written by Lynne of the PiratePixieCrew and Hyperloop Hoops.