Magical Metal Clay, Love of Nature and Gems With Beaded Magpie

Today, we're chatting with Kerry, the founder of Beaded Magpie Jewellery, to discuss her stunning celestial and nature-inspired metal clay creations. We'll explore how Kerry honed her skills, her experiences in managing a successful online shop, and her future aspirations.

Hi Kerry, we absolutely love your jewellery designs. How did you discover the world of jewellery making and what drew you to it the most?

I have always loved jewellery and enjoyed rummaging through my mum's jewellery box since I was little. But I remember going into a craft shop in a garden centre my parents had taken us to when I was young, which had a big table at the centre full of beautiful and colourful beads. So that started my love for making stretchy bracelets and long seed bead necklaces. I still can’t resist a table or stand selling beads!

What’s the meaning behind your business name?

Magpies are known for their love of shiny things, and I’m just like them. I always head over to the jewellery stands in shops before looking at the clothes, and jewellery is normally one of the first things I notice about people too, so incorporating that with my love for beads, I came up with the name ‘the beaded magpie’.

Describe your jewellery in 3 words.

Celestial-themed, nature-inspired, unique.

"I have always loved jewellery and enjoyed rummaging through my mum's jewellery box since I was little."

"I saw metal clay mentioned in a jewellery magazine one time and was keen to understand what metal clay actually was - surely it wasn't a clay that turned into real silver when it was fired, but it blew my mind when I found out that’s exactly what it was!"

Tell us about your experience of creating a brand for your jewellery business.

I would say that this is definitely an evolving thing. I set up the beaded magpie about 8 years ago now, after a long time of thinking about it, and at that time it looked much different to how it does today. I started simple with beaded pieces and creating basic wire wrapped pendants with gemstones and sea glass. Then I discovered metal clay and how to bezel set stones, which really helped me to get even more creative and focus my style which is now mostly moon and star themed. However, I still incorporate beads and wrapped gemstones and sea glass from time to time.

How did you discover metal clay and what resources did you use to learn this technique?

I saw metal clay mentioned in a jewellery magazine one time and was keen to understand what metal clay actually was - surely it wasn't a clay that turned into real silver when it was fired, but it blew my mind when I found out that’s exactly what it was! I had previously done a polymer clay course with Jewellers Academy so when I saw they offered an introductory day course in silver clay at their studio in London, I signed myself up. I made a pendant and a pair of earrings that day, which I still have.

What advice would you give to those wanting to try metal clay but not sure where to start?

The first thing I always say is that it's not as complicated as you may think to get started, and you can make pure silver pieces with just a few quite basic tools like some mini cookie cutters, wallpaper samples to add a bit of texture and one of those mini souffle torches that you may already have in your kitchen.

I know working with fire can be scary (it certainly was for me) but there are some brilliant videos on YouTube which take you through the basic steps, as well as some great online communities like Facebook groups, where metal clay artists and teachers are really generous with their advice and offering tips.

What platform do you use to sell your beautiful jewellery?

I've recently closed my Etsy shop and joined another online platform called The Silk Purse Guild which is a really friendly place where talented creative people sell all sorts of unique, handmade pieces. It's also more of a community where Sara who runs the platform helps with marketing, promoting each other, and runs get-togethers to go over new functionality like her amazing AI tool, which is brilliant for those of us whose least favourite part of owning a small business is writing product descriptions for listings.

What advice would you give to jewellers struggling to come up with new ideas?

Don’t force it. I quite often have bursts of creativity where the ideas really flow, but that is balanced with periods where the opposite is true, and that’s ok! There are so many fabulous makers on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook and I often find inspiration there.

What’s your favourite design you’ve made to date and why?

Probably my statement mandala ring. I set it with an opal, and this was my first successful ring I made after several unsuccessful attempts, so I would say I’m most proud of this one for that reason.

Do you work on your business part time or full time, and how do you stay organised and on track?

I work on the beaded magpie at weekends and in the evening after I finish at my day job as a HR Director.

I would love to be able to dedicate more time to creating jewellery and am just over halfway through the Metal Clay Jewellery Diploma with Jewellers Academy which has taught me loads of new techniques I hope will help to enhance my designs.

Tell us why you are using Kernowcraft for your gemstones and supplies.

There’s such a great selection of gemstones in different sizes and colours to choose from, I always end up buying more than I intended - I’m sure others agree that buying beads and cabochons is a hobby in its own right!

What are your favourite gemstones to use in your designs and why?

This changes fairly frequently, but at the moment I love deep red garnets and carnelian. Moonstone is another stone I use a lot because of the blue, pink and purple flashes you can see when the light hits it right.

What’s the most underrated gemstone?

Tourmaline comes in so many different colours, I always think I should use it more in my designs, and also has great healing qualities.

What's the most sentimental piece of jewellery you own?

I have a ring which belonged to my gran which has a really vintage design and features marcasite stones which you don’t see much of nowadays. It’s a bit of a statement piece and I love wearing it.

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We love your use of texture, shapes and patination, tell us more about your design process and where you find your inspiration.

I absolutely love texture as you can probably tell, so most things I make will feature a mandala or leafy-type texture of some sort. A lot of the time, a gemstone may inspire an idea or I'll see someone on the Tube or a piece of pottery on instagram which triggers an idea I can then translate into a pendant or a pair of earrings. I'm no good at drawing so a lot of the time it's not until I open the clay that the design properly forms in my head.

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"Tourmaline comes in so many different colours, I always think I should use it more in my designs, and also has great healing qualities."

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When you’re not making jewellery, where can we find you?

I'm a bit (a lot) of a telly addict, so you'll probably find me on the sofa with the cats, bingeing a boxset!

Facebook or Instagram? What’s your favourite thing about using either one as a platform to promote your jewellery?

I use both, but personally prefer using Instagram, and can very easily lose time scrolling and discovering new creators and makers. Tik Tok is also great if you like watching how people make things step by step.

What design are you currently working on? Any hints of future collections?

I’ve just started the new term of my diploma so will be learning about enamelling and other new skills with silver clay. Recently, I've been working on a few blingy pieces which are a bit different to the pieces I normally make but still have a celestial theme with moon and star embellishments.

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Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

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I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

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Claire

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Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

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Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Deborah Roberts-Barter

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Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.