Laura Embrey
Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
I live in Cheshire, United Kingdom.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I am inspired by many different aspects of the world around me, from nature to cinema and architecture. I usually start with a set of colours from an image that inspires me, and then decide on a theme for the design and how I can create this with shapes and textures. Different shapes and styles can be achieved more effectively with either soutache or beadweaving, so this has an impact on my choice of materials.
What medium do you work with mostly?
I work mainly with soutache and beadweaving. I love soutache for its versatility and the 3-dimensional nature of the pieces created. I enjoy the "puzzle" aspect of jewelry-making-- figuring out how to create my design concept from beads and cord.
Why did you become enchanted with this style of jewelry-making?
I have been beading since I was 12 years old. I am self-taught from magazines and books, and enjoyed learning about the multitude of weaves and patterns. I started experimenting with soutache jewelry about eight years ago. Soutache opens up a world of new possibilities and I am always trying new ways to create elegant designs and expand on what I know.
Where and how do you sell your jewelry?
I sell my designs on Etsy at LozuraJewellery, and through Instagram @lozurajewellery, and Facebook (Lozura Jewellery). I currently sell finished pieces, but in the future hope to include patterns as well.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Cruella
What inspired this design?
This design was inspired by the launch of the new Disney film Cruella. The black and white colour scheme is inspired by her iconic hairstyle and the necklace design reflects the opulence of the character, with swirls of soutache and statement feathers. I chose an assortment of red crystals to add drama to the piece, and match her bright red lipstick. The pointed Gemduo shapes show an aggressive side to the character - she is a notorious villain.
How did it come together?
I wanted to create a dramatic piece, and as soon as I saw the adverts for the new Cruella film, I was inspired by the colour palette and drama of the fashion in the film. I drafted several different designs on paper, and refined my final design so that it was possible to make from soutache. I wanted it to be ostentatious and edgy. I then started assembling the design: sometimes I had several components on the go, and I was constantly checking them for scale so that they would fit properly with the next unit.