Can you introduce us to Alba and why you decided on the name?

I have been making jewellery for around 10 years now, and it gradually became my full time business around 4 years ago. I make everything by hand from my garden studio here in Suffolk, but sell all over the country, both online and at events. It was always really important to me to be as waste free as possible and to use only recycled materials, and in the very beginning I worked only in recycled silver. When I began to think of a name for my brand, Alba fitted so nicely, meaning light, bright and dawn and so referencing the recycled nature of the silver.

How does your work connect to the environment around you?

Living in the countryside, and close to a river estuary, I feel hugely connected to my environment. I spend as much time as possible in or on the river and studying the plants on the marshes and flotsam found on the shores. These inspirations can all be seen in my collections; seaweeds, leaves, flowers, seeds and various bodies of water all feature along with the sun and moon. I am also hugely conscious of protecting the environment as I work - in my processes, products and packaging.

Do you find the seasons have an effect on your work and is there a time you feel most inspired?

Absolutely - there is quite a clearly defined seasonal pattern to my work now. The beginning of the year sees me tackle the more business side of things indoors - the website etc Then as spring approaches and I venture out more, the designs start to come and that’s an exciting time for developing new work. Summer is all about building up stock of this new work and old favourites, and then the last quarter of the year sees me focusing on events and sales but also indulging in using my skills with metal to make seasonal decorations - brass leaves, wreaths, candlesticks and sconces etc… So I would say Spring and early summer are the times I feel most inspired - and also happen to be my favourite times of the year. I much prefer outdoor living and being in nature as much as possible.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

Next week I am off on an Artist Retreat at Kindred House in Margate which I am hugely looking forward to. I feel immensely grateful to be able to work from home, but I know that having this week dedicated to drawing and designing will be hugely beneficial in terms of focus. Being a one woman brand there are always a mass of jobs on the to do list and they often take priority over research and development - being away with no distractions will hopefully lead to some new exciting work.

What do you like about Falcon and how does it fit with your lifestyle?

Falcon enamelware is perfect for me - it is so durable and completely suitable for my outdoors lifestyle. It is so easy to throw in a bag and take on the river or for a long walk or being in the garden - and equally lovely indoors at home. It doesn’t compromise its aesthetic with its usefulness either - it's so good looking for any occasion which really matters to me. The shapes and colours make it very special and individual too. The range is so comprehensive from little pinch pots to big water / flower jugs and everything in between - I could genuinely use it everywhere!

Alongside this Jackie also runs workshops in Lost wax casting. Details of this and how to book can be found via this link.