One of our wonderful volunteers in our Croydon shop not only provides a warm welcome to our customers but also makes affordable pretty jewellery to sell in our shop. We caught up with Angie to ask her a few questions.
What materials do you use for your jewellery?
I use a wide variety of materials including: semi precious gemstones, crystal beads, sterling silver, fused glass, resin, shibori silk, pearls,polymer clay and artistic wire, to name a few.
What inspires you when making new pieces?
I have a condition called aphantasia, which means I can’t visualise images in my mind, so I have to approach jewellery making in a different way to most people. I usually play around with materials I have until I find a design that I like. I also adapt projects I’ve found on Pinterest or my jewellery materials supplier’s websites.
Why is it important to you to support local charities in this way?
Since I’ve retired from paid work, I get a lot of satisfaction from repairing and remodelling broken or damaged jewellery items that have been donated to local charities, as well as donating items I’ve made for seasonal celebrations such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Remembrance Day and Christmas.
It feels good to use my skills to raise money for a local charity that’s close to my heart. I also hope that seeing a great variety of jewellery in the RSPCA Croydon shops will encourage more people to visit the shop to buy jewellery and also to donate jewellery that they no longer have use for.
Do you currently sell on any other platforms?
I have sold some pieces at a local church Christmas Fair over the past 3 years, but I don’t sell on any other platforms. However, I have a Facebook page and an Instagram page where I upload photos of pieces I’ve made: fb.me/angiemadethisjewellery and Angela.J.Parke on Instagram
So if you would like some affordable festive jewellery, pop down to our shop at 267 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon.
Whilst you are there you can also pick up our children’s book, The Life & Times of Mr Bartholomew Bucket. You can also buy it online – just click on the cover image below. The online purchase includes a £5 donation to RSPCA South London, plus all profits will be spent on animal welfare too.
RSPCA South London - For Every Kind Of Creature 