Astrid’s love of jewellery began several years ago when she started making her distinctive designs for family and friends. She hadn’t considered turning her hobby into a business until friends urged her to consider selling her creations.
She began selling her individual designs at gift and craft fairs around the county in November 2009. Encouraged by the positive reaction from her customers, she has already expanded her business with a web site for direct sales and is in the running for a prestigious European Design Award for her elegant Elizabeth necklace made from Swarovski crystals and pearls.
Astrid grew up in Vienna, where she was born, and came to Oxford to study, not only because of the reputation for the academic excellence at Oxford University, but also because it gave her the opportunity “to explore my English roots. My father is English and coming here has given me the chance to live here and get to know the English side of my family.”
Art and Science
Astrid’s passion for jewellery started at 16, when she attended the opening of an exhibition by a friend of the family. She was immediately hooked, “The beauty of her designs and her creativity fascinated me and it was on this day when I decided I want to learn the art of jewellery craft.”
Although she pursued scientific studies at school and university she continued to be enthralled by making jewellery. She says, “You might think that science and art do not go together but actually you need the same basic skills to be successful in either of them – imagination and creativity.”
Today, Astrid finds creating her designs hugely rewarding. She is passionate about the art and craft and the actual making of her jewellery. She says, “My aim is to offer individual designer pieces at affordable prices”.
“I love talking to customers at craft fairs where I get immediate feedback, and have been overwhelmed by the really positive response I have received for my work.”
Especially for You
Astrid offers a unique design service for clients who want that special piece of jewellery for a loved one or to mark a wedding, birthday, anniversary or special occasion. She says, “I will work with a client to create a completely original piece that is perfect, whether it is for themselves, or more usually for a gift. What gift could be more special to receive than an item of jewellery designed especially for you?”
Astrid is now working on a new range themed on jewellery from around the world, using Murano glass from Venice, natural wood from Africa and Swarovski crystals from Austria, “and something glitzy from the States, I haven’t yet decided what.”
Wedding/Event Beading Bar
Want to keep kids occupied at your wedding or special event? Astrid can keep the children creatively occupied making jewellery while parents chill out. She will bring a bar full of beads with colours or styles which can be themed to the event and keep the children busy.
To find out more about Astrid and see her jewellery designs go to www.angels-love-
ENDS
Notes
Astrid is available for interview.
Jewellery designs can be loaned or created specially for photoshoots
For more information and photographs contact Sarah Airey at the Buzzworks
t 01993 813848 Sarah.Airey@
