Anyone else find some amazing people while scrolling through Instagram? I love small independent businesses who create something a tad different, but also show who they are within their brand. That’s exactly why when I stumbled across LOISgunn on Instagram, not only did I fall in love with her amazing Gin glass earrings, but the fact that she’s generally a down to earth person who has a true passion for what she does.
I find it very hard to write about someone who creates art, ornaments or jewellery. People create things for different reasons and it doesn’t always start out as a business inspired venture. That is why, unless I’m reviewing a selected piece for someone, you will not find any reviews in my blog that are based on a specific product produced by an artist or creator. It’s just too damn hard to do. With that in mind I recently messaged Lois to see if she’d be up for featuring on my page with a Q&A style post and I was so excited when she said she’d love too. So without further ado let introduce you!
About LOISgunn
LOISgunn was started by Lois who was making jewellery and selling it on Etsy back in 2015. It was a way for her to enjoy her hobby, but it quickly changed into making things that she liked and wanted to wear. Thankfully other people also liked her jewellery and also wanted to wear it. A few weeks ago Lois managed to leave her job as a SEN teacher to be able to work on LOISgunn full-time.
What made you decide on creating earrings out of recycled gin bottles or any type of recycled alcoholic bottles for that matter?
I first started experimenting using Bombay Sapphire bottle glass in my ceramic work as I loved the colour, how much it reminded me of the ocean and the colour and depth of it when it is fired. As a ceramicist and jeweller it wasn’t long before the little Bombay Sapphire earrings came along! It’s so great that using all different types of bottles has allowed me to make a big range of earrings and other jewellery while recycling at the same time!
Do you have a taste for gin yourself and if so do you have a favourite?
I do like a gin and tonic and my favourite for flavour and the bottle is the original Mermaid Gin. I do also love the grapefruit Malfy gin!
What inspirers your jewellery and why?
I’m always inspired by the seaside and the ocean. The shapes of seaweed, the mysteries below, the feelings that fill me when I’m starting out to or swimming under the sea. I’m also very inspired by ancient civilisations and the ancient Egyptians in particular. Their belief in the magic the world held and their use of symbolism always excites me.
What is your favourite piece to make and why?
My favourite pieces to make currently are my new ‘free to be’ clocks! I also made a Bombay Sapphire clock. They test my skills as a potter and end up looking pretty cool and crazy but are also functional. They even have little earrings they wear that you can borrow!
Have you found your small business has struggled during the pandemic?
I think my business really took off during the pandemic. My guess would be that my main product (the recycled bottle earrings) were the perfect little letter box gift to send to loved ones. People also did seem to drink a little more and have jokes about that which also helped! The good thing for me is that the earrings are a bit of a talking point and people tend to tell their friends about my earrings who then buy them for friends. It’s brilliant for me as it keeps the earring love going around!! I’m eternally grateful for this and the positive community around small business and social media too!
Lastly what is your favourite thing about living on our British Coastline?
I think needless to say I just love living by the sea. I enjoy beach days with my little boys, searching for sea glass, paddle boarding, sea swimming (even in winter) and taking our camper van for adventures all around the UK coast. Looking in rock pools on a sunny day is one of my favourite things to do at the beach.
I’d like to thank Lois or taking the time to share with me her business. She says it’s be been a slow but happy path so far and I personal wish her all the best with the big leap of taking her gorgeous designs full-time.
You can find Lois in my Gin & Coast Christmas Gift Guide this year or via her website. And remember supporting local and/or small independent brands doesn’t have to be boring!
ginandcoast.co.uk 