Meet The Maker – The Nine of Hearts

Meet Bryony Criddle, the founder of The Nine of Hearts who will be a stallholder at this year’s Winter Craft Market on Thursday 7 December.

Tell us a little bit about your brand…

Established in 2016, The Nine of Hearts believes that jewellery is more than a mere accessory; it reflects your uniqueness. They create pieces with a rustic yet luxurious feel, using both wax carving and traditional silversmithing techniques, along with opulent, sustainably sourced gemstones and recycled silver. The handcrafted pieces are designed to be cherished, each being unique and special to you.

What inspires your work?

Rugged landscapes, skulls, the natural world, and the themes of memento mori are all big inspirations for my work.

Why would you encourage people to shop locally?

Shopping locally you will always get unique and high quality products, often made by hand which feels much more special than mass produced. You can see the time and effort that has gone into everything, and hearing makers talk about their work is really inspirational. It also promotes and sustains age old crafts and skills and sustainable practices, boosts the local economy and sense of community, and supporting a small business simply feels great!

What advice would you give to anyone starting their own creative brand?

Find your passion – starting a small business is not easy, but if you genuinely love what you are trying to sell or promote, it will feel a lot easier. The most important thing is not to give up when it feels tough.