Pretty pieces of passion

Unique Hobbies

As a kid, Josephine Allan would always create little accessories for her dolls. This is probably how she developed a love for making jewellery. Though she can’t recollect what got her started, the senior executive of retail operations in the watch industry finds the hobby relaxing and rewarding.

“When I was young, I used to mend my jewellery. I have been making jewellery for myself since then,” she says. Josephine mostly makes earrings and bracelets. She sometimes makes necklaces too. “I have made finger rings too earlier but I love designing earrings and bracelets the most as they are easier to make and not too time-consuming,” she says.
When asked what inspires her, she says, “It might be a painting, dress, sari or picture that triggers my imagination. I start with an idea in my mind but sometimes, the final product turns out to be different because I include various elements.” She says that she lets her creativity control her designs as it always brings out the best.
“I try to keep my designs different always as ‘variety is the spice of life’. That is what pushes me to be more creative the next time. I have an assorted set of jewellery which I match with what I wear,” says Josephine.
She repeats a design or combination only on request. “It’s usually one design per piece otherwise,” she says. The process of creation includes wire, beads, yarn or thick thread, which holds the beads together, and wool and crochet thread in varied colours.
“I prefer glass beads, crystal beads and white metal. I try to experiment with different colours to keep the designs interesting. My policy is ‘brighter is better and more attractive’,” she says.
Josephine uses these pieces often. “I match them with my outfit when at work or outside. Sometimes, I just window shop to get more ideas.” She feels that it is always more satisfying to create something from scratch.
“It gives you a sense of achievement,” she says, adding, “It’s a thrilling experience to realise that the designs, similar to the ones I make, are selling like hot cakes in the market.”
“It’s nice when I am able to make these items for a ‘next to nothing’ price,” she says. She often visits Raja Market on Avenue Road to get the raw materials. “I don’t buy a lot and stock as these items keep going in and out of fashion. I like to make many visits throughout the year and get beads which are trendy. I get beads of different sizes and colours that appeal to my eye, so that I can mix and match accordingly,” she says.
Her favourite design is a bracelet that she made out of white pearls, pink and black crystals.
“My friends absolutely loved it.” She likes to use a little black in all the pieces. “This makes lighter shades stand out. Even my friends ask for combinations with black and gold,” she says.
These jewellery pieces often make for anniversary and birthday gifts, says Josephine. Most of her friends want her to take this hobby seriously. “They say that it is a hidden talent and that I should become an entrepreneur. But I just smile when I hear all this. It is just a hobby and I do it for myself,” she sums up.