This week our feature business is the super talented NicJ Designs and I am so excited to be able to share her gorgeous designs with you!!
Nicole is a 30-something (hehe) North-Eastern suburbs (S.A) working woman and wife. During the day Nicole works as a Research Scientist and on the weekends she becomes creator and owner of NicJ Designs.
Nicole loves to keep busy and you will rarely see her sitting still for long periods of time. She loves her daily job because it helps her to support her main passions in life which includes food, wine, travelling and creative outlets!
We asked Nicole how she came across and started NicJ Designs and here is her lovely reply:
"For as
long as I can remember I have always done something art & crafty.
In high school I loved art class, and have always made cards and beaded
jewellery for family and friends.
Just
a little over 12 months ago, I decided that after working two jobs and
studying for the last 10 years (or more), it was time to do something
just for me! I wanted to explore my creative side, and started painting
with acrylics as well as making fabric wall hangings using Japanese
fabrics. This creative outlet is a great stress reliever and I feel like
I can go into my studio and zone out from the world around me. I have
many wall hangings on display in my house and received lots of wonderful
comments from family & friends, so thought “hey this might be a
viable business idea”.
My very first market was in August 2011 at Market
Moo, to complement the wall hangings I decided to try my hand at making
resin jewellery. I have always loved jewellery (what girl doesn’t), and
this was a unique way to explore my creative talents as well as offer
customers something unique.
I
think one of the hardest things about setting up a business is deciding
on a name! I used to call myself Possum Creations or Possum Designs as I
loved and hand raised possums for many years. With this venture I
wanted to reflect my creative involvement and keep my name present in
the business… so NicJ it became, derived from my name Nicole and my
middle initial."
Currently at NicJ Designs you will find a unique and creative range of limited edition resin jewellery and accessories, plus acrylic and mixed media artwork. NicJ Designs jewellery is made using jewellery grade resin and includes Japanese paper, specialist gift papers, digital images and glitter or acrylic inclusions.
The jewellery range includes rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants of varying shapes and sizes.
The accessory range includes compact mirrors, purse hooks, key rings and cufflinks. So there is something for both men and women! Which is something we love here at Once Upon A Market.
NicJ Designs is also trying to expand her custom photo jewellery and accessories by creating a unique gift for customers with their chosen photos. Nicole plans on expanding her range and designs of resin jewellery as she starts experimenting with moulds and different colours. When Nicole is not making jewellery she also paints using acrylic and mixed media on stretched canvas.She likes to explore the use of texture and often incorporates sand and impasto, or other textural components to add another dimension to her work.
Nicole says that you could describe her artwork as abstract and she draws her inspiration from nature and loves using vibrant colours. You can purchase Nicole's artwork as well. I must say that Nicole is an incredibly talented lady :D
When asked what she likes most about creating and buying handmade Nicole told me:
"Firstly
I love buying handmade items as I know how much time, effort and love
has gone into the creation. Handmade items are unique, and no two
creations are the same (no matter how hard we try sometimes). I love
creating and making handmade items, it gives me a sense of satisfaction
and joy, knowing that no-one else has made something like it. The custom
photo designs are my favourites, as I know these are unique and very
special to the customer."
We certainly agree. Nicole's items are wonderfully unique and I myself own one of her beautiful necklaces.
If you would like to find out more about NicJ Designs or you would like to check out more of her wonderful creations you will find her on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/NicJDesigns?fref=ts
or you can contact Nicole personally via email:
nicj.designs@gmail.com
