Meet our talented tutors - Michelle Dady - Jewellery making

Introducing...

 Michelle Dady, our fimo and shrink plastic jewellery tutor, is a key member of the Ministry family. She can teach you how to make wearable trinkets from your favourite book illustrations, or Fimo treats which look good enough to eat.

What first drew you to your craft ?  

I have always had an interest in different types of craft as a hobby, so I began making jewellery from Fimo as a way to pass winter evenings that didn’t involve TV or the internet.

What’s your crafting background?   

I have been crafting since a child, but making and selling Jelly Button for the past few years. My skills have progressed to learning more complex skills at University for the past 3 years.

Did you train professionally or are you self taught?  

 I am mainly self taught, however I have learnt silversmithing techniques and gained more knowledge of resin/clay/acrylic from University.

What are your main sources of inspiration?   

I am inspired by anything overly sweet and kitsch, and hope to educe a sense of nostalgia for all older customers missing the fun of being a child.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?   

My Grandad inspires me daily, he has crafting skills I could only dream of possessing. I am however from a family full of creators so I have to say the rest of them are an influence too.

What’s the best thing about being a crafter? 

Being able to do what is essentially an enjoyable hobby as a full time job.

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialise in?   

I like to try a bit of everything, at the moment I am however trying to improve my felt plushie and dress making skills.

What’s you’re the best thing you’ve ever made?   

The sense of accomplishment from when I made my first piece of sterling silver Jewellery was amazing.  To know you have created a piece that will stand the test of time and still be wearable in decades is very rewarding.

Have you ever made a creative mistake? 

Mistakes are a daily occurrence, for me this is the best way of learning what works for you.

And your favourite tool or material? 

The versatility of Fimo makes it one of my favourite materials, however I do love my micro torch used for soldering precious metals – maybe I’m a secret pyromaniac.

Where can we see / buy your work? 

I sell online at www.jellybuttonjewellery.co.uk and throughout smaller boutiques in the UK and worldwide.

What have you got coming up in the future? 

 I hope to graduate within the next few months and then I will be focusing on developing my sterling silver range.

You can find Michelle at www.jellybuttonjewellery.co.uk or follow her on

Twitter @jellybuttonj, facebook jellybuttonjewellery or read her blog  www.underthecherryrainbow.blogspot.co.uk