About Judith Brown

2024 marks twenty years of running Judith Brown Jewellery! I started making wire jewellery back in 2004, when I experimented with hand stitching and coloured wire to create intricate jewellery.

Sewing and stitching were my first love, my Mum taught me to sew and knit, and when I realised I could study a degree in embroidery I was absolutely determined to get that degree! This took me along a path exploring intricate details, subtle colours and delicate textures, which is still reflected in the handmade jewellery I make today. Over the years I have developed my techniques and alongside stitching with silver wire I also loop, twist and wrap, and embellish my designs with beautiful glass beads.

My jewellery has been sold in the V&A and the British Museum.

Nature has become the biggest source of inspiration for my work in recent years. During lockdown my partner and I went out walking, exploring the nature reserves and wilder parts of the Staffordshire Moorlands where we live. I took thousands of photos and learnt all about the wildflowers that come and go through the seasons. I learnt to recognise bird song and enjoy the peace that nature can bring in a busy world. This experience inspired my wire flower collection.

I also love the elegance and detailed finish of Edwardian and Victorian jewellery and the dress and the sumptuous fabrics and embroidery of the twenties and thirties, these inspired earlier collections of my handmade jewellery, and the influence of these previous designs can still be seen in the beaded elements featured in some of my current jewellery designs.

In 2019 I started running my own craft workshops, something I had always wanted to do, as I love meeting people and I love making, combining the two has been a very rewarding experience. It’s wonderful to see people enjoying trying new techniques and grow in confidence as they complete projects.

My craft classes are built around my inspiration and my core skills. You’ll find nature inspired craft workshops, wire art, wire drawing, wire jewellery embroidery and wire flowers too.

My elegant and intricate style lends itself beautifully to bridal and wedding hair accessories, which you can see over on Judith Brown Bridal. It also means that I can indulge my passion and time in more elaborate designs. On a personal level, this often drives forward other ideas for my jewellery collections as well as my wire flowers, so it’s a very exciting part of what I do. I also absolutely love meeting brides and helping them find the finishing touches for their weddings, it’s always an honour to be asked to design something for such a special occasion.

I work from a lovely bright space above a quirky café in Leek, Staffordshire. It’s full of objects that inspire me, though my collection of dried seed heads and flowers is currently getting a little out of control!

I’d love to meet you at my studio and show you where I create!