welcome to www.milomade.co.uk
Too good to waste...
I am a maker following the good old fashioned principle of “make do and mend” but I bring this concept into the contemporary environmental and ethical context of “reduce, reuse and recycle”.
Why throw away an old shirt or jumper when you can just as well put it to better use by re-purposing the fabric, wool, buttons and zips? These principles of re-using and recycling items were a prominent factor throughout my upbringing and I still apply them to my everyday life now.
I also apply them to the jewellery, accessories, stationery and decorations I make and incorporate into these not only re-purposed items, but found objects as well.
The jewellery I make is fashioned mostly made from vintage buttons and sea glass mixed with precious and non precious metals. I am trying to reduce my use of mined sterling silver and instead recycle silver cutlery and tableware and incorporate this into my work as much as possible.
My paper goods are made by recycling cereal boxes, envelopes, magazines, maps and sheet music. I also reuse scraps of leather from old jackets and furniture as well beads, jewellery and other items that are donated to me.
All my packaging is recyclable and biodegradable and I always post items out in used jiffy bags and envelopes.
You can always help Milomade by donating buttons, envelopes or anything you think I could use to make stuff out of. Alternatively you can make a cash donation too:
What's happening...
I am currently creating a range of jewellery from the sea glass I find and collect from the beaches on the coast of Scotland where I live.
I am making pendants, earrings, brooches and rings and a full range will soon be available for purchase.
I owe my thanks to...
In 2008 I applied for the Craft Artist Grant Scheme and was awarded a grant to get Milomade up and running.
Last year [2009] I received a follow-up grant to further my abilities as well as my product range. This year [2010] my application for a grant was successful again and the grant awarded will help me financially to purchase a new camera and produce a Milomade Brochure.
I would like to thank everyone at Fife Contemporary Art & Craft, Arts & Theatre Trust Fife, Creative Fife and Fife Council for believing in me and helping me grow as a business.
I would also like to thank Audiences East Scotland and Love Arts Scotland for their support.
