Georgina Ettridge's work stands out because of the way it appears so organic.  If jewelry grew on trees, it would look like Georgina's work.   The irony is that her background is in design - a discipline which usually clings to straight lines and structure.  Here she talks more about her work, and her business. Why do you find nature so inspiring? From a very young age I have always been interested in nature and loved to be outside, whatever the weather. I enjoy looking at the details of leaves and the way they grow. What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller? I don't particularly have favourite designs but the pieces that I most enjoy creating are wedding and engagement rings, especially the leaf design. In most cases it means creating the pieces from 18ct gold, which is such a lovely precious metal to work with. Do you try to keep yourself challenged and evolve your art, or do you find stability in sticking with what you know? I am continually driven to create new pieces and where possible explore new techniques. I have a number of rough sketches that I want to turn into actual pieces. I mainly work to commission so I get a lot of opportunities to create new things, especially items that I won't have created otherwise. I have also recently be incorporating more stones into commissioned wedding and engagement rings etc, which opens up more design possibilities. What is your favorite part of the jewelry making process? My favourite process, is probably also the hardest part, which is the development stage. If I have an idea, I usually create a rough sketch or sometimes just start making the piece straight off (in a less expensive material), as invariably, sketches often don't translate into the making process. I often find the actual making process and the materials dictate the overall design.  I still find it exciting to develop a new idea from sketches, to prototypes, to finished pieces. I get a real sense of achievement which spurs me on to create new pieces. What keeps you motivated? I have never had much of a problem being motivated as I really love what I do. When I start to create something I find it quite addictive. Once I start on a piece I find it difficult to take a break because I get so focused on what I'm creating. Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire? There are so many that I really admire. The wonderful thing about jewellery is that pieces aren't always created out of precious metals. Some of the most exciting and interesting pieces are made from other non-precious materials such as wood, plastics metals of ceramics. Michael Peckitt 's work has a painted brush stoke quality and is vibrant and colourful as is Jane Moore's. I have always admired Cynthia Cousens work as she also uses nature as inspiration. How difficult have you found it to balance art with business and making money? It is one thing to create pieces but it is another making it pay. I create pieces that I enjoy making and I work a lot of hours to do this, especially ensuring that every piece is made to the very highest possible standard.  I went on a few short business courses after I graduated [and] when I worked in a gallery I observed how things were run, which also helped me in running my business and especially the paperwork side of things. Unfortunately, if you work alone you have to dedicate a lot of time to that side of business, which means I have to spend time away from the bench creating pieces.  I have found my own ways of running the business which have happened organically as time has gone by and I sure my approach is different to someone else that is the same profession, you just have to find a way of doing it in order for you to keep doing the fun part. How do you feel about the various ways of selling work these days? (shows, internet, catalogue etc) I have always found that showing work in exhibitions or at events has worked well for me. I have built up customers over the years, many of whom recommend me to their friends, so 'word of mouth' is also a big thing for me. I found theinternet especially useful for showing customers my work that have already seen it a craft events. They already know what it looks like in the 'flesh' so the photos are great reminders. I also use my site to list details of the events that I will be attending so I keep people updated. I have never created a catalogue and although it would be nice, it is expensive and not an essential thing for me to do at the moment. If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be? I work a lot of hours and can often be heard saying that I wish that there were more hours in the day, especially during the busy run up to Christmas so maybe if I could freeze time when I'm particularly pushed, that would be handy. An extra limb would also be helpful or perhaps cloning myself would be an even better option! Contact Details: Georgina Ettridge Jewellery, Hampshire, UK Distinctive sterling silver & gold jewellery inspired by nature Website: www.georginaettridge.co.uk