Personalised Jewellery With Trinkets By Moonlight

heidi crocker jewellery designer interview

Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Heidi, the jewellery designer behind 'Trinkets By Moonlight'.

Heidi creates beautiful jewellery, focusing on personalised items from pendants, keyrings to bookmarks! Working as a Holistic Therapist and then becoming full time mum, she tried jewellery making for the first time and fell in love. Now Heidi runs her own handmade jewellery business at home in her garden workshop.

Read the interview below, where we find out more about Heidi's jewellery making background, favourite techniques and why she loves creating personalised jewellery.

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Hi Heidi, tell me about yourself and how you discovered jewellery making

I have a very strange looking CV indeed, which almost reads like I've made it up! I studied Archaeology at University and always hoped to go on to work with the Police Forensics, however, after graduating I found that jobs were very far and few between so I ended up in an office job at an accountants in Southampton. I decided I really wanted to do something which would make a difference to people, I know it's a bit of a cliche but I liked the idea of having a positive impact on someone's life and so I went back to college and trained as a Holistic Therapist.

After training over a few years I qualified in a wide range of holistic therapies including reflexology and aromatherapy. I truly loved treating people and making them feel better and I ran my own business as a holistic therapist for nearly 8 years. However, when I had children that all changed, I was so tired all the time (neither of my beautiful babies enjoyed sleeping at night!). I just didn't have the energy to go back to holistic therapies! After a few years of being a full-time mummy, I was ready to learn something new again so I started making jewellery with beads and gemstones, but this just wasn't enough for me so I decided to go back to college.

I went to my local college and trained in the basics of silversmithing and I was hooked! I loved the fact that you could make a plain piece of metal into something beautiful that someone would treasure forever. In a way it was still fulfilling my need to help someone feel better, creating jewellery which they could have personalised with special words of encouragement, names of family members or special dates all acting as a constant reminder on their wrist or necklace of their loved ones. Jewellery which hopefully would make them smile!

You specialise in personalised jewellery, tell us what kind of pieces you offer

I love making personalised pieces of jewellery, sometimes I have absolutely no idea what the sentiment means and I love that fact that only the recipient would understand the message. Other times it can be lyrics of a song that is special to the customer and I spend all day in my workshop with that song going round and round in my head. I make a wide range of personalised items from small copper keyrings and bookmarks which often have dates or coordinates of a special destination on them to sterling silver cuff bangles or matching heart pendants for mothers and daughters.

What’s been the most special piece of jewellery you’ve created and why?

Each piece of jewellery I make is special, I put my complete heart into each and every piece I make be it a small keyring or a bespoke pendant. No matter the cost of the jewellery I'm still putting my everything into making sure I'm perfectly happy with it before it's sent out, and unfortunately for me, I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I'm definitely my toughest critic! Some of the pieces which stand out for me most are the pieces I make which are in memory of loved ones. I recently made a hot air balloon pendant for a lovely customer and friend of mine in memory of her daughter who was sadly stillborn, her two other children believe that she floats around in the sky in a hot air balloon so I created her a sterling silver hot air balloon pendant with copper basket with her little girls name stamped on the back. It was a real pleasure to make and my customer was really happy with the outcome.

What’s your favourite way to texture metal?

My favourite way to texture metal is my faithful hammers. I have several to create different textures but I have an old one which I use the most to give a dimpled look. I would love to get a rolling mill one day to experiment with different textures, that's on my ever-growing list of techniques to learn!

Tell us about your workshop and how you’ve made it your own!

I have a lovely cosy workshop in my back garden, Trinkets HQ! My very clever husband built me a workshop and painted the inside a beautiful dark green so it's a great place to be. I have a heater out there with me so I don't get cold in the winter and a spare seat for when my daughters are called in to help me with packing orders up when times get busy! I have a pin board where I make mood boards for inspiration and lots of pictures of my precious family!

How do you find inspiration for new designs?

I enjoy thinking up new designs and can be inspired by many different things be it a walk in the forest, a scrap of wrapping paper or just a beautiful gemstone. I find that often at night when I get into bed my brain starts coming up with different designs, I keep a notebook by the side of my bed as often when I get in bed it's the first time in the day when everything is just quiet and I am alone with my thoughts and then as I am dozing off the ideas seem to flow!

What tools and techniques do you use for your personalised items?

My most used tools are my saw, heavy brass hammer, my steel block and my letter stamps! Each letter is individually stamped by hand, letter by letter, sometimes I think I must drive my neighbours mad with the banging! I love making personalised pieces, but I also enjoy the whole process of creating a new design! I have a long list of new techniques I would like to learn, but there literally isn't enough hours in the day!

Tell us about your packaging!

Packaging! Argh! I am constantly updating my packaging! I think when someone purchases jewellery which is handmade they want that something a bit extra. I want my customers to feel special from the moment they contact me to the moment they receive that parcel through the letterbox. I want the opening of the package to be part of the whole experience so I always make sure it's beautifully packaged in a Trinkets By Moonlight branded box, with a thank you note, polishing cloth and card which tells you how to look after your jewellery. I've recently started using recyclable packaging too as I use so much packaging throughout the year I wanted to make sure I was being as eco-friendly as I could.

What’s your favourite gemstone?

My favourite gemstone has to be blue chalcedony, I have tried other gemstones but I'm always drawn to this one. I love that it reminds me of the sea, blue sky in the summer and I love the colour against the darkness of oxidised silver.

What’s your favourite metal to work with and why?

I mainly use sterling silver but I love copper! I just adore the different colours you can get from copper, how it begins all shiny and new looking but using a hammer to give it a texture and then liver of sulphur to oxidise it can make it look completely different, really rustic and old.

Why do you think personalised items are so popular?

I think personalised items are really popular as it turns a simple gift like a bangle into something just that extra bit special. The surprise when someone opens a present and then sees that it has been made specifically with them in mind, with a message which is completely personal to them makes that person realise that you have put that extra bit of thought into their gift, it makes them feel loved and special, then every time they wear it and look at it they'll remember that they are special and that in turn will make them smile! I know cheesy but true.

What are your jewellery making goals?

I am hoping to expand my business this year, I have started the year with many lists! I also have several techniques which I would like to try such as enamelling. I have wanted to master this for a while and every now and again I have a try but I would really like to get good at this so I could start incorporating it into my work, I love all the different beautiful colours you can create.

Top 3 Kernowcraft products

I love using Kernowcraft and have done for many years. I had a great surprise one day when we were on holiday in St Agnes in Cornwall and went out for a bike ride around the beautiful surrounding countryside and came across a little building which said Kernowcraft! I suddenly remembered that of course, that's where you are based. I couldn't just cycle pass so we stopped off and had a look at all your wonderful stock, purchased a few bits before continuing on our bike ride. How I wish you were closer so I could come in and look through all your wonderful gemstones!

Cabochons

I use Kernowcraft for all my cabochons, they have such a great variety and perfect for my birthstone jewellery!

Bezel Settings

Sterling silver bezel settings are a great way to save time especially the small stone settings which I always find tricky to make myself.

Alligator Tape

And thirdly alligator tape. This is a lifesaver for my poor fingers! Before I discovered this the ends of my fingers were so sore and could easily get cut, my hands are still dirty silversmiths hands, but the cuts are a lot less now!

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What Our Customers Say...

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.