Sparkling ideas for business

By BARBARA WARD

Bracelets created by knitting with wire are just some of the unusual pieces by Kirstie Gumbrell for her new jewellery business, Bead On A Wire. Kirstie (39) of Gainsborough Drive, Newark, has turned a challenging hobby into a business, encouraged by the enthusiasm of family and friends for her hand-crafted designs.

She launched the business on Tuesday in The Buttermarket Café and is in the process of setting up a website.

She makes a range of beaded jewellery, specialising in tiaras and wedding accessories.

She says: “I will visit a client and discuss their ideas then design whatever they want.”

The cost of something like a tiara can be tailored to suit a bride’s budget.

“I can use Swarovski crystals, which are the most expensive, or fire-polished glass. The colours are similar. It just depends on what the client wants or can afford.

“I make both contemporary and traditional designs.”

Kirstie found that knitting and crocheting with wire produced some interesting effects.

She also combines wire and ribbons for wedding chokers.

Kirstie’s mother, Mrs Valerie Gumbrell, makes cards and has a range of wedding cards for sale to complement her daughter’s enterprise.

Kirstie has held a number of beaded jewellery-making workshops and plans to hold more.

These will be for different age groups.

She says: “Making jewellery is a fun thing to do.

“It increases your patience and your concentration, which is something that is good for children.

“It also keeps your fingers nimble, so is something that the elderly could also do as a change from other crafts.”

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