7 years ago, a group of friends and I started meeting in the local pub, hatching plans to transform the derelict village primary school into a co-working space and community hub. Countless meetings later, OST (Old School Thornhill) is not only a beautifully renovated building, but a registered charity and development trust with rental space to help fund its charitable aims. I had my eye on one of these spaces right from the start, to make into the atelier I had always dreamed of. So, on the completion of the building I felt emotional on two levels, pride for what we, as a group, had created for our community and excitement for this new beginning for my own business.

Because of my involvement from the start, I had the luxury of time to draw and re-draw plans for my space. I initially imagined a whole new fit-out, but settled on using as much of my original furniture as I could, with a few additional pieces, an option which sat better with me from an environmental standpoint. Thanks to the carpentry skills of our friend Ben, I was able to keep my workbench of 20 years which was altered to fit and fixed to the wall along with various other workbenches to fit all of our jewellery making tools,

As well as a work space, it was important that the atelier could be a comfortable place to welcome clients and display my collections. Always looking for furniture with a story, I sourced an antique Victorian couch, with just the right level of shabby. Situated at the sunny end of the atelier, styling this area has given me a chance to display some of the little treasures which inspire me. It has been wonderful welcoming my first few clients for consultations here, the first of many I hope!

Fancy a look for yourself? Join me for Spring Fling open studios 25th-27th May, where I will be joined in the atelier by Kaz Robertson and her resin jewellery and next-door Samuel Sparrow will also be opening his pottery studio.