Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
I am Clare John and I have been making resin jewellery since I graduated with a degree in Silversmithing in 1976. I teach resin jewellery classes, write magazine articles and have appeared on TV.
Tell us a bit about the book?
I wrote the book because I wanted to share the fantastic qualities of resin and introduce people to a wide range of techniques. I chose to design jewellery that was inspired by different themes from Art and Craft History. For example there are projects based on Inca, Etruscan, Art Nouveau and Steampunk jewellery. There are different levels - starter, intermediate and advanced. But most pieces have versions that can be made by complete beginners. I had a lot of fun, as well as blood sweat and tears, writing the book.
What was the inspiration behind it?
I have been teaching and learning about resin for years and it was many of my students who asked me when I was going to write a book myself. There are lots of wonderful American books on resin but very few in the UK so I thought it was time to have another.
Which is your favourite project?
I think it has to be the locket which is a memory of my grandmother. It has some of her writing, a lock of her hair and her wedding ring embedded in it so it has a special meaning for me. I also love the Industrial Chic bangle, which is cast with various things such as circuit boards set into it.
What is your craft space like?
I have a large rented space which means I can spread my resin tools on the table and not tidy them away every evening as I used to do when I worked from home. I have separate area to take photos which is brilliant.
Have you always been creative?
Yes, I was inspired by my mother who is a painter and my father who is a sculptor. So there was always creativity at home. I am surrounded by their work and they are still working in their 80s. I hope to do the same at their age.
When did you first start crafting?
I can vividly remember the first necklace I made out of wool with crunched up silver foil beads. I can also remember collecting melon seeds, drying them and threading them into a necklace- I must have been about 10.
Who are your crafty heroes?
Wendy Ramshaw, Susanna Heron, Tim McCreight and Lisa Cain
Where do you find inspiration?
Art galleries, nature and books
What's next for you?
I am expanding our business and we will be supplying some exciting new resins this summer- I can't wait!
Publisher's Description
Resin Jewellery book containing Basic Instructions and 16 fully illustrated Step-by-Step projects. The projects can be followed by complete beginners and more advanced makers. There are also gallery pages showing the work of jewellers from around the world.