ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m Paul – also known as ‘Rox’. I’m the creator of everything you’ll discover on Stuff By Rox. I live in the heart of England and handcraft jewellery from stunning natural materials inspired by the ancient designs of our ancestors. I hope you’ll enjoy exploring all my creations on the site, and love them as much as I do!
How It All Began…
- Rox
- October 19, 2023
- 4:07 pm
- No Comments
I thought it would be nice to let you know how all this started, my approach, and the journey of how I ended up here!
So, let’s dive into the story behind my journey, and more about how I design these one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Accidental Beginning
My journey into jewellery making started quite unexpectedly; I was fascinated by some crystals at a rock and bead show, and thought I’d have a bit of fun trying to wire wrap.
After a while, it curiosity got the better of me. I’d been making designs with spirals, and I wanted to explore the history of these designs. I found myself wondering what would happen if I translated my inspirations into bigger designs – and that’s when I started experimenting with aluminium.
Working with aluminium was a lot of fun, but it has a downside – it’s incredibly soft and whilst it’s great decoratively, it’s easily bent out of shape.
To find something much more robust, I moved on to copper… and that’s where everything really started to fall into place.
I loved working with copper, but unfortunately people tend to look down on it as a material. It’s such a shame because copper does so many wonderful things for us and we don’t even notice!
Electrifying Evolution
At this stage I really wanted to have more options on how to work with the copper.
My designs were becoming more and more complex, and I wanted to add a little extra zing!
So I did a lot of research, and I saved up for an electroplating kit. I wanted to be able to produce warm copper pieces with different finishes, and being able to electroplate, opened the door to a world of possibilities.
Now, I could plate copper with Fine Silver or 24k gold, adding a touch of bling to my creations.
I was also lucky enough to find a wonderful chap who could supply me with semi-precious gemstones, amethyst, labradorite and beautiful agates and jaspers, which would become the shining stars of many of my designs.
Celebrate the Unique
Everything I create is truly individual, shaped by hand and worked on until I’m happy it’s finished.
I love the individuality and physical connection you get by using simple hand tools – a hammer, a small steel block, or an anvil. This way, every single piece is a unique and full of character.
I use materials that inspire me; copper, bronze, and occasionally silver. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these metals carry a rich history and deep spiritual significance, adding layers of meaning to each piece.
Those metals are deeply embedded in the DNA of our ancestral makers. Whether it’s the hypnotic spirals of the Stone Age and beyond or the timeless elegance of the Bronze Age, I find endless inspiration in history’s treasures. Archaeological excavations continue to reveal hidden gems, sparking my creativity with each new discovery.
Going With The Flow
In my workshop, there are no rigid plans (apart from the necessity of caffiene assistance), and no measurements. I simply gather my tools and materials, allowing creativity to flow naturally. It’s about going where the materials take me.
More importantly than that, the most valuable lesson isn’t about technique or tools or creating perfection – it’s that jewellery should be crafted with love.
If I don’t feel the magic when I’m creating it, how can I expect anyone else to fall in love with it? If it’s not good enough when I’m making it, it’s definitely not good enought for anyone else!
No one should settle for pieces that aren’t made with heart.
…but wait! There’s more…
If you enjoy my work, can I ask a favour?
I know times are tough and not everyone has the means to buy things right now.
If you’d like to make a contribution to keep the work ongoing and help my journey, (like helping to fund equipment and traditional materials), you can make a contribution using the Ko-Fi button under my signature.
You can also head over to my social pages and follow, make comments and even love my posts (apparently Facebook now ignores thumbs up likes in their algorithms!)
Every little action makes a difference whether it’s a recommendation, a purchase or a compliment. Every new small creative endeadvour needs as much support as possible, so thank you for visiting Stuff By Rox.
