Haia, I’m Elin Mair.

My work is heavily inspired by the natural beauty of Llŷn and Eifionydd, particularly the gorgeous floral landscapes.

I celebrated 10 years in business in 2021 and I’m so proud to say it’s going from strength to strength.  

My biggest achievement so far is I was commissioned to design and make the Crown for the Eisteddfod held locally in Boduan in 2023.  

My love for creating began at a very young age, competing in the arts and crafts sections in local community shows and at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd during my primary school years.  My favourite competition was creating a “garden on a plate”! 

I began my jewellery-making journey at London Jewellery School (now known as The Jewellers Academy. <link>) where I enrolled in the intensive jewellery business course. It was then I was introduced to and fell in love with Precious Metal Clay (PMC), which is also known as Silver Clay. PMC combines organic binders, water, and microscopic recycled particles of silver.  The clay is hand-formed into a shape and the desired texture is added, before being dried, sanded, and fired in a kiln.  The firing process removes the binder and fuses the metal into a solid form.  Post-firing, all the soldering and silversmithing work can begin, where the pieces are transformed into wearable designs.  Working with PMC is quite different from traditional silversmithing as it requires a different set of skills, ones that tap into those of potters and sculptors.  Sounds like magic, doesn’t it?!

Over the past thirteen years, my method of working has changed significantly to allow my business to grow.  My work has developed from quick sketches and sculpturing in silver clay to ‘lost wax’ casting and 3D CAD design, to produce my signature feminine and floral jewellery, without over-shadowing my original work.  I love working with precious metals such as silver and gold to create feminine and dainty pieces that reflect the delicate yet strong spirit of women.

I grew the business by attending craft fairs every weekend, which enabled me to widen my customer base before I started to sell online.  In 2015 I was invited to join Siop iard in Pwllheli as an associate member.  Since 2020 all five jewellers of Siop iard have shared shop floor space and jewellery studio space in Caernarfon. The shop is in the centre of the historic Caernarfon town, within the old castle walls.  I love that Siop iard is an all-female business. It’s a successful cooperative where all involved share space, knowledge, and labour to make it work. Teamwork!

My lovely little studio upstairs is a perfect space to create, alongside our big communal workshop where I occasionally teach courses.  The studio has plenty of working space with tall lofty ceilings and fabulous natural light from the sash window, which overlooks the bustling street full of independent shops and cafes.  Did you know that Palace Street in Caernarfon picked up the prize, the ‘Welsh Rising Star’ award at the Great British High Street Awards 2019?!

I am very grateful to all my lovely and supportive customers and stockists, who over the years have enabled me to develop and sustain my business in the area I grew up in.  To me, that is priceless. Thank you.