Janis Waldron

Janis Presbury Designs is run by me, Janis Waldron, from my home studio between the historic city of Worcester and the beautiful Malvern Hills.

My twin passions are making jewellery and miniature teddy bears and rabbits, entirely by hand.

I began making jewellery over forty years ago and have studied at Nottingham Art School, and Hereford College of Arts where I gained City and Guilds (with distinction) and Open College Network qualifications in silver-smithing. I also attended the Birmingham School of Jewellery where I gained a passion for pearls and trained to advanced level in pearl threading and knotting.

Whilst I particularly enjoy making chains in silver, my range includes a variety of other items, from charms to spoons, and from etched copper brooches to animal pictures also in copper. Some of my jewellery incorporates semi-precious stones. I also seek out beautiful and unusual semi-precious beads and pearls, making them into desirable necklaces.

Alongside my jewellery I make miniature teddy bears, rabbits and occasionally mice, using a range of fabrics: mohair, plush and felt. Some of them even sport hand crafted or knitted accessories, anything from tiny rulers and pencils to duffel coats and scarves! I design my own patterns; in this I am influenced by traditional bears, but I delight in giving my animals individual expressions and characters.

As for what inspires me…I have a butterfly mind and love detail. I am interested in and inspired by so many things: from museum artifacts to careless doodles, from an interesting stone to a leaf or from a random word or idea, I am driven to make!

You can see my work at:

Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen exhibitions, and https://www.herefordcraftguild.org.uk

Blue Ginger Gallery https://www.blue-ginger.com/shop 

Worcester Cathedral shop

Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JanisPresburyDesigns 

Follow me on instagram @janiswaldron

MAKE A MINIATURE TEDDY BEAR
If you enjoy hand-sewing and would like to try something new, why not learn to make an adorable 4’’ miniature teddy bear?
Included in the cost is a kit containing everything you will need to make a bear or rabbit. Illustrated instruction sheets and a pattern will also be provided, which are yours to keep.

BEAD THREADING
Would you like to make use of all those broken necklaces and stray beads you have, and learn how to professionally thread a necklace or knot pearls?
Included in the cost is a pack of silver findings (catches, jump rings, crimps, earrings, and head pins) along with thread and wire, sufficient to make two bracelets or necklaces and a pair of earrings. Illustrated instruction sheets will also be provided, which are yours to keep. Any additional thread, findings or beads required will be available to buy on the day.

Each workshop lasts from 10am to 4pm (approximately) and costs £70. A reduction is available when booking for groups of 5 or more.

I have successfully run courses for various adult groups including the WI and the Jewellery and Allied Industries Training Council.

For more information or to book a place please visit the Contact page.