Janis Waldron
Designer/maker of original jewellery and miniature teddy bears
About Me
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 the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen exhibitions, Blue-Ginger Gallery in Cradley, Herefordshire and Worcester Cathedral shop.
Commissions
Handmade silver chain
Chain with beaten circular links made for a 21st birthday.
Trick or Treat bear
A 3.5" plush teddy bear holding a spider bag - made as a Halloween gift.
1:12 Miniature silver tea service
This tiny tea set was made for a customer's dolls house!
Santa and Snowman Christmas tree bauble bears
3.5" baubles made for a little boy's first Christmas.
Akoya pearl necklace
8mm pearl necklace with silver shell clasp.
Mohair teddy bear
A 3" bear wearing a jolly waistcoat, made to celebrate the birth of a granddaughter.
Custom 9ct gold pendants
Very special pendant necklace made for a client's daughter .
Leaf texture spoon
Small decorative spoon made as a christening present.
Events
2020
During lock down, and for the rest of this year, my work continues to be sold through the Blue Ginger Gallery online shop. Do have a look as there are a lot of interesting items for sale, from various craftsmen.
7 - 10 May Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
Thursday 9am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday 9am to 7pm; Sunday 9am to 5pm
Cancelled due to Covid 19
25 July - 1 August Three Choirs Festival, Worcester Cathedral, WR1 2LA
Daily 8am to 8pm
Cancelled due to Covid 19
5 to 13 September h.Art (Herefordshire Art Week), Blue-Ginger Gallery, Cradley, Malvern, WR13 5NW
Daily 10am to 5pm
Cancelled due to Covid 19
26-27 September Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
Saturday 9am to 6pm; Sunday 9am to 5pm
Cancelled due to Covid 19
27-29 November Christmas Fayre, Worcester Cathedral, WR1 2LA
Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm; Sunday 12.30 to 3.30pm
28 November - 19 December * Christmas in Ledbury, Market House, High Street, Ledbury, HR8 1DS
Daily 10am to 4.30pm; closed Sundays
* Dates to be confirmed
Workshops
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.