Inflation has hit double figures as the cost of living soared again in July,...

Inflation hits double figures

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that consumers reined in their spending in May amid belt-tightening due to the cost-of-living crisis. The data showed a pull back in spending on household goods and in department stores, with sales dropping 2.3% and 1.1% respectively, as shoppers wor…

Independent retailers react to May 2022 ONS data: “we will soon lose more businesses” | TheIndustry.fashion

Independent retailers react to May 2022 ONS data: “we will soon lose more businesses”

The fashion and textile industry is one of the leading creators of pollution and waste in the world, with a focus on profit resulting in a quantity over quality approach. The consequence is that tr…

7 Leaders in Sustainable Scottish Fashion

A diverse background that has featured science, journalism, lecturing, copywriting and then jewellery design. A mother who has found herself on an unexpected path, but relishing the peace and enrichment that creativity brings. 

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Elizabeth McQuillan

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A jewellery micro business based in rural Stirlingshire, Boho Silver are a mother and daughter team who create unique designs inspired by the elements and Celtic folklore tradition. Elizabeth &amp; Scarlett use recycled sterling silver and sea glass hand collected from Scottish beaches, and sometimes ethically sourced gemstones. Using rudimentary tools set up in a corner of their home, this tiny business realises beautifully raw and organic jewellery designs that are truly unique.&nbsp; ‘We are a fledgling business, and haven’t the range of expensive equipment seen in many jewellery workshops.’ Elizabeth explained Some might view that as limiting, but it has meant taking an experimental approach to finding our own ways to bend, form and create with simple hammers from my dad’s old toolbox, pliers and a Dremel. Apart from some night school classes in silversmithing many years ago, I am self-taught. The advantage is we have never learned the ‘rules’ around silversmithing, so create without boundaries. I think the lack of formality shows in our work.’ The range of designs are certainly diverse - with every single piece being a completely new and different design - and it isn’t hard to see that the pair are drawn to nature, the sea and the elements for inspiration. The jewellery is hard to describe, but each design has a raw and ethereal vibe, and is recognisably their design. It’s unlike any other jewellery I’ve come across. Every design has a name, and each has a story or narrative behind it. It certainly does engage you with the jewellery, and capture the imagination. ‘I never plan a design, but create organically around the piece of sea glass I’ve found washed up on a beach. My daughter and I love the written word and enjoy the strong Scottish folklore and storytelling tradition. So, as we make, we weave our story into the piece, and it informs the way the design develops. Neither of us really know what we are going to make until we have finished. The result is a unique piece of art that is made in a sustainable way.’&nbsp; There are designs inspired by kelpies, selkies, folklore, sea witches and the sea itself, with the latest Wild &amp; Free collection tapping into the elemental nature of things. Elizabeth describes it best: ‘The latest collection looks to the tempestuous nature of the ocean, and the mesmerising white sea foam patterns that form, recede and reform with the breath of the waves. It is informed by the wild elements that awaken the movement of the sea, and the intrinsic power of the water. The narrative also embodies the nature of women, and the wilder part of them that refuses to be boxed, contained or labelled. The ability to be fluid and change patterns. The free spirit, if you will.’ For those that don’t know, sea glass is our waste glass, tipped into the sea in the days before recycling. Glass factories from the late 1800’s would shovel their end of day glass dregs off the cliff tops into the sea below, and until our relatively recent past, our glass rubbish was tossed into the sea. It seems being pummelled in the waves for over one hundred years can result in something positive as jewel-like nuggets of coloured glass are deposited on the shoreline. These sustainable gemstone alternatives are at the root of Boho Silver designs. The sea glass is encased in recycled sterling silver which is silver professionally refined from unsold mass produced silver jewellery, electrical components etc, and avoids the destructive mining processes needed to extract fresh precious metals.&nbsp; ‘Travelling around the Scottish coastline collecting is part of the process, and one that I really enjoy, particularly after a storm. Some beaches are good, others not, but collectors tend to be guarded about where the best spots are. Sea glass comes in all sorts of colours, but some colours are extremely rare finds. It’s special in that every piece has been on a journey and has its own story to tell. When we start to work the sea glass with the silver, it isn’t hard to imagine kelpie manes and selkies swimming among the kelp and maerl beds. I think when you feel the narrative, that creative passion comes through within the designs.’ It’s hard to disagree. As a tiny eco-friendly kitchen top business, Boho Silver make beautiful pieces of wearable art that are mesmerising and totally different from the mainstream; sustainable jewellery inspired by the Scottish storytelling tradition that exude a real energy. There is no doubt that the passion and energy that goes into each creation stays with the piece. Find Boho Silver at&nbsp; Insta http://Instagram.com/bohosilverstudio http://bohosilver.co.uk<blockquote>The collection looks to the tempestuous nature of the ocean, and the mesmerising white sea foam patterns that form, recede and reform with the breath of the waves. It is informed by the wild elements that awaken the movement of the sea, and the intrinsic power of the water. The narrative also embodies the nature of women, and the wilder part of them that refuses to be boxed, contained or labelled. The ability to be fluid and change patterns. The free spirit, if you will</blockquote>

Sustainable Scottish Jewellery With A Narrative

A diverse background that has featured science, journalism, lecturing, copywriting and then jewellery design. A mother who has found herself on an unexpected path, but relishing the peace and enrichment that creativity brings.

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Boho Silver

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