Jewellery Maker’s Workshop 

At the bottom of a garden in Lancing, West Sussex, you might just spot a real-life elf hard at work. In this festive interview, we meet Ellen Hooper, jewellery maker and founder of Graceful Deviant , who crafts beautiful pieces from silver and gemstones in her garden workshop. Ellen shares how her love of making began and how her cosy workshop is helping her spread a little extra magic this Christmas.

How did your love of jewellery making begin?

Father Christmas gifted me some beads when I was around eight, so I made bracelets for myself and friends. Then, in my teenage years, I was introduced to metalworking at my dad’s restoration garage. Fast forward through a degree in forensic and analytical chemistry and several years in the pharmaceutical industry, and I took a one-day course learning to make a gemstone ring from silver. I became hooked, slowly gathered all the necessary tools, and began teaching myself the techniques I needed to create the type of jewellery I liked.

I work with sterling silver and like to use steel stamps to hammer in patterns and textures. The love of beads and gemstones remains from those first childhood pieces I made, but I really enjoy sourcing more unusual specimens, such as fossils, or beach combing for sea glass.

What does a typical day in your garden studio look like, especially during the busy Christmas season? 

The day always starts with a mug of tea, getting the radio on and popping the heater on. I’ll spend the morning working on orders, head inside for lunch, and then dedicate the afternoon to admin work and getting the post ready. 

How does having a dedicated garden workshop support your creative process?

It really does minimise distractions! My studio is for nothing else but being creative—and not being able to see that pile of washing you should really get on with helps too! 

What do you enjoy most about working in a garden building compared to a traditional indoor workspace?

It’s a self-contained space with minimal distractions, apart from the weather, the birds and the odd squirrel!

Do the changing seasons influence your work or the atmosphere in your studio? 

My garden studio was completed in May and my first summer was amazing. The workday shifts so I start earlier when it’s cooler and finish by mid-afternoon. The cooler, lighter evenings are bliss for creative time. My first Christmas has seen me get lovely and cosy inside with festive decorations and an electric log-fire-effect heater. 

How do you keep your studio organised during the festive rush? 

This winter I’ve implemented a new board to help keep track of projects and their progress. It’s a pinboard with sections for ‘ideas’, ‘in progress’ and ‘needs posting/photographing’. Jewellery can be placed into zip-lock bags with a written note detailing what needs doing next, then pinned in the right section. 

What materials or tools do you always keep close at hand in your workshop? 

My top-drawer tools are files, pliers, my saw and hammers, followed by a drawer filled with silver sheet and wire in various sizes. Behind me, I have some old engineer’s drawers that house all my gemstones. 

What are your favourite pieces to create around Christmas time? 

I like making winter-themed jewellery rather than Christmas jewellery. For example, this year’s collection was entitled Winter Star and used sparkling white topaz stones with a North Star stamp design. 

Do you notice any particular trends or customer requests during the holiday season? 

Customers love to personalise items, whether that’s adding sentimental dates or phrases, or incorporating birthstones. 

How does your garden studio help you maintain a healthy work–life balance throughout the year? 

Although it may only be a few feet away from the house, my garden studio feels so removed that when I close the blinds and lock the door at the end of the day, it really feels like leaving work behind. 

What advice would you give to other makers thinking about setting up their own studio in a garden? 

Consider the placement first, and where you’d like doors and windows, as this really helps maximise the workspace. Depending on how the building will be used, don’t forget about insulation and a heavy-duty floor. Speaking to a Malvern Garden Building specialist and seeing the buildings in person really helped me get exactly what I wanted. 

How do you stay inspired when working on multiple holiday orders at once? 

It’s difficult to convince yourself you have the time, but I always find that carving out some playtime keeps you inspired and motivated. You often discover a new collection or technique you want to explore. 

Is there a piece of jewellery you’ve made that feels especially meaningful to you? 

The first time I was able to solder a bezel (that’s the setting for flat-backed stones). I had struggled for weeks and admitted defeat several times. But the more I looked at my gemstone, the more determined I became. It was a solar quartz—a cloudy white stone with a perfect mossy green orb in the centre, really unusual. When I had my eureka moment, I knew this pendant was a turning point, and it still holds a special place in my jewellery box. 

What’s your favourite part of the Christmas season as a maker? 

I love wrapping up orders and getting them ready for posting, hoping the recipient loves the piece. It’s also special to sell in person at events, meeting customers and hearing the stories and inspiration behind their jewellery choices. 

Is there anything else you think we should know about your garden building?

It’s a sanctuary! As soon as I’m inside, I’m focused and inspired immediately. And I have more room than I ever imagined for a 10 x 8 studio—it’s like the TARDIS! 

Voucher code for Garden Edit readers

If you’ve been inspired by Ellen’s story and would like to treat yourself, or someone special, to one of her beautiful handmade pieces, she’s kindly shared a discount code with our readers. Use MALVERN20 at checkout to enjoy 20% off any purchase from her website until the end of January.