Meet The Maker Transforming Coins & Scrap Metal Into Fun Characters

After discovering Becky's designs on Instagram we just had to find out more! Becky is the master of storytelling with her unique and down-right cute characters that she creates out of coins and scrap metal. From her popular robots who find themselves in all sorts of situations to her adorable coinlings! We love that at the heart of Becky's business is recycling and we find out more about how she ensures that all aspects of her business is eco-friendly. We also chat about findings inspiration, selling on Etsy, favourite commissions to making unique jewellery designs. We hope you enjoy Becky's fun designs as much as we do!

"I love the idea of breathing life into old scrap and discarded rubbish to make something new and cherished..."

Hi Becky, we are obsessed with your fun and creative designs! Tell us more about the gifts you create and the materials you use

At the heart of BoFlo is recycling. I love the idea of breathing life into old scrap and discarded rubbish to make something new and cherished. I use old coins, scrap copper wire and off cuts of copper and brass sheet to make all the little characters and creations.

All the coins I use are out of circulation British coins, there are a few legalities surrounding using old coins and it’s important to be aware of this as a special licence is required when using some of them.

What is the meaning behind your business name BoFloCreations?

The inspiration behind the name are my two dogs, Bonnie and Flo! 😊

"The idea of BoFlo started when my Mum gave be a rusty old Quality Street tin full of old coins..."

How did BoFlo Creations begin and what was the inspiration behind it?

The idea of BoFlo started when my Mum gave be a rusty old Quality Street tin full of old coins that my dad had collected when he was a boy. I wanted to make use of them somehow and so I made a forget~me~not lapel pin using a coin from his birth year. After that, I started making keyrings, pet tags and some jewellery until I saw an advert on telly with a robot! That’s it!! After a few failed attempts the first robot was ‘born’.

Recycling materials is an important part of your business, tell us more about this and how you ensure other areas of your business are eco-friendly

As I mentioned before, recycling is at the centre of BoFlo and I’m constantly trying to think up new ways of being eco-friendly. I recently bought an old manual typewriter so that I can type all the thank you notes that go inside the packaging. All the packaging has either been recycled already, like the internal box, business/thank you card and tissue paper, or can now be recycled, like the postal box and hessian bag, or I sometimes use the little pulp seed pots too. The tape and glue are both eco versions as well and I’ve just bought a deckle mould so I can try making my own paper/card.

Let’s talk about your Bots! We love how fun they are - how do you come up with different ideas for them?

The Bots are really great to make, each one has its own character which often doesn’t shine through until the little face is looking back at me. There are two main designs, one with a jaw with teeth and one with a neck and a little mouth, the rest is really down to a hobby someone may have or maybe the time of year perhaps. The names sort of come to me, sometimes they are more obvious, like Rod for the Bot that holds the fishing rod or Flapit the Bat, that sort of thing.

How do you want people to feel when they receive one of your pieces?

Hmm, interesting question… I like them to feel excited when the BoFlo box comes through the door and feel like they want to quickly get inside the packaging and see what the little chap looks like and then…. Awwww how sweet is that!

Tell us about your workspace and your go-to tools

My workbench is made from an old (recycled) dressing table with a semi circle cut out from the middle so its like a proper jewellery table. I have another table I use for packing the items up with all the stamps, tape, typewriter etc on there. My go-to tools are most definitely my Foredome drill, doming dapping set and propane torch for sure, I couldn’t do what I do without those, oh and my jewellers saw or course, nearly forgot that!

What’s been one of your favourite commissions so far?

My favourite commission….hmmm… tricky one. Probably Actus the cactus lover, he’s a little cutie.

Tell us about your Coinlings and an insight into the design process of these!

So the Coinlings are two domed coins soldered together at the back. Some have antenna, some legs, even a Mohican! There are only certain coins that I can dome as some, like the old Half Crowns, are much too thick. The coinling designs came after the robots, I wanted a slightly cheaper and less labour intensive alternative to the Bots but with the same amount of character.

"My favourite part of the design process is really when the little Bot’s come to life..."

What’s your favourite piece in your shop right now and why!

I think the Pirate Bot is the favourite Bot I’ve made so far. It was quite a challenge to make Cap’n Cutlass and he took quite a while but I was pleased with how he turned out.

What’s your favourite part of your design process and why?

My favourite part of the design process is really when the little Bot’s come to life. I start with a very sad, dirty looking pile of copper and coins and bit by bit, I make the body, join the head drill the eyes, and all of a sudden, their character comes to life! I also like making the little accessories, there is no end of possibilities.

You sell your pieces on Etsy, would you recommend this platform to other creatives?

I would recommend Etsy to other creatives yes. It’s a great selling platform, easy to use and although there are a lot of people on Etsy, you do get found!

"I started making jewellery quite a few years ago, that’s really where I learnt a lot of the skills I use now and it’s still a passion of mine to be honest so I try to ‘shoe horn’ a few designs in here and there, using coins of course..."

You make all kinds of gifts including jewellery, tell us more about your jewellery designs!

So, I started making jewellery quite a few years ago, that’s really where I learnt a lot of the skills I use now and it’s still a passion of mine to be honest so I try to ‘shoe horn’ a few designs in here and there, using coins of course. I like to use really old coins for jewellery as they used to be made from sterling silver 100yrs plus ago and I like to keep most, if not all, of the coin intact too so the designs are very much based on that idea.

You sometimes feature gemstones in your pieces, tell us more about these designs

I don’t often use gemstones but if I do I would usually go for the cabochon stones as they are easier to set and wobble about less! I love gemstones and buy far more than I use but they are not usually the main features in my pieces, they’re quite minimal and understated.

What’s your favourite gemstone and why!

I have two main favourites, the opal and moonstone, I love those stones but anything blue/green really.

What designs can we expect to see from you very soon?!

It’s hard to say as I’m not sure where my brain will take me next but there are some fire breathing creations on the horizon, I know that much.

Follow Boflo Creations

WEBSITE | ETSY | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Learn More About Using Your Scrap Silver For Jewellery Making

Head over to our tutorial page where we share with you the many ways you can transform your scrap silver to create unique jewellery designs.

Scrap silver is created from excess metal, including tiny particles of silver left over from filing and sawing - never throw these pieces away! Even tiny pieces of silver are valuable and can be used to create new and beautiful pieces of jewellery.

We show you some brilliant tutorials including how to make these little pebble earstuds.

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Kim Thomson

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

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.

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.

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!

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?

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!

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!

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.