This is the very first in our new The-inner-workings-of-wedding-suppliers-photo-journalistic-interview series (yes, we’re still working on a catchier title!)
First in the hot-seat is our friend Aisling Nelson of Rangoli Jewellery. We dropped by her studio in the aptly named Design Tower in Grand Canal Quay and spent a little while getting to see her at work and pick her brain.
We could blather on about how Aisling’s a charming and witty jewellery maker par excellence, but sure that’ll quickly become apparent as you read on.
Is your studio normally so tidy and in order?
I’m guessing from your reaction Noel that my studio is abnormally tidy! The showroom end of my studio is easy to keep clean but my working area varies from neat…as in ‘Noel and Aga are calling over with their collection of macro lenses and would like to share your work desk with the world…’ to more normal days when my very large desk becomes a collage of everything from containers of beads, paperwork, commissions and trial pieces on the go, all sorts of tools, take-away coffee cups, threads and wires. It’s hard to create that convincing ‘naturally tidy’ effect obviously! It tends to be all or nothing with me…but I do work better in an un-cluttered environment. (Calm sigh).
What’s the longest it’s taken you to create a particular piece?
I don’t tend to measure the exact time that it takes me to make my designs. Some pieces can take up to a few days. My work is labour intensive though and involves much more than the physical making time. Often people forget the amount of time given for one-on-one consultations as well as designing, producing samples or sourcing unique beading or components.
Where do you get your inspiration?
The things that inspire are not necessarily other jewellery designs but random things like an exquisitely tailored McQueen dress, an oriental pattern or a magical photograph. I adore pattern. I am inspired by textiles and surface decoration. Some of my collections are made from fine crochet where I combine metallic threads and wires by hand. Recently I have been experimenting with intricate beaded forms which are woven together to form lace patterns. The world of imagination also intrigues me – where anything is possible! I have been writing a blog since 2008. This is where I catalogue the things that inspire me as well as showcasing my latest commissions. The blog and other online resources have replaced the paper visual diary that I used in college!
Do you ever start on a piece not knowing how exactly it’s going to turn out?
Quite frequently a client comes in with only a vague idea of what they are looking for. Often the end result will be a complete surprise. This type of commission really involves the client in the design process and is so much fun for both of us. Slowly the design emerges through discussions and looking at drawings and sample pieces. I also get great ideas from these type of projects.
Do you have a definite methodology to how you work?
I suppose I do! Most commissions begin with a relaxed chat – it’s really about getting to know about the person and their unique style. With wedding projects, the dress is a key element, so we’ll pore over pictures and fabric samples. Before trying on any accessories, I always find out if the person has a particular idea or image in mind. Then I suggest that they have an open mind and try on as many pieces as possible. Once a design has been chosen, it’s time for me to choose a soundtrack and relax into the world of creating.
Who is your ideal customer?
Personally, what makes my job so interesting is the different personal styles and variety of responses that people have to my work. If I was to suggest a positive characteristic, it would be to have an open mind! However, sometimes knowing what you don’t want is really valuable too!
What’s the weirdest request a client ever gave you?
I was once commissioned to embellish a pair of shoes. This was an unusual rather than weird request though and a commission that I really enjoyed. The shoes were made of a fine gauze which enabled me to sew lots of elaborate beading detail onto them. I also made jewellery and hair accessories for this client. I soon realised why most designer shoes are made in China – let’s just say it was a labour of love! It was nice to feel like Christian Louboutin for a day though.
Are you a workaholic?
That’s one of those questions that induces a ‘yes-no’ answer. I am completely passionate about what I do. I work regular hours and always take Sundays off. As a creative person though, I think that your mind is always on the lookout for new inspiration. Hours can disappear while researching online and often this is work that happens in the evening at home…
What makes you tick?
Wow – Noel and Aga want to get down to the nitty gritty! I feel like I should be lying on my Chaise Longue for this one. It is a good question to be asked though! Being creative is an integral part of my life. I see everything in a visual way so my world tends to be defined by colour, pattern and form! Aside from this, I really enjoy interacting with clients and producing pieces of jewellery that will hold special emotions for them. I love the feedback and appreciation that I receive which is one of the best parts of my job :-) On a personal level, I have quite simple tastes and enjoy the company of good friends. Travel to far flung places is my favourite luxury and provides so much inspiration for my work. This year I’m travelling to Uzbekistan with my husband Ben. It is part of the old Silk Route, connecting Europe with central Asia, as far as China.
What do you do to keep yourself entertained between jobs?
You make it sound like there are huge luxurious breaks between commissions – I wish that was the case! During the day, my office swivel chair ferries me between my design and computer desks. The in-between time is divided between client appointments and the everyday running of my business. I also have a few healthy obsessions online such as Twitter and Pinterest, (a visual social bookmarking site). I usually try to keep appointments to a maximum of four a day to allow me to have time to design and make. It’s the perfect balance for me between interacting with people and working quietly by myself. There’s also usually an afternoon trip to The Art of Coffee who serve the best coffee in the Docklands!
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, custom made piece of jewellery for your wedding then you could do worse than popping over to see Aisling. Go on, she won’t bite.
This an ongoing series. If you’d like us to capture what your business is like behind the scenes then drop us a line and let us know why you think that might be a good idea.
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