Introducing Chelle from Earth Gypsys Designs. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Chelle creates her stunning pieces by hand.
Find out why Chelle started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I love the use of symbolism in my creations. I use symbolism from the various gemstones that I use. I also find symbolism in colours and shapes, and in the charms and buttons that I use. I love my creations to have a special meaning, and I create each piece with that intention. I like to sketch out an idea for a new piece and work from that. I put a lot of thought into what the final piece will not only look like but what it will feel like spiritually. This is the starting point for a piece, from there when I am creating it, I go with what feels right.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I had wanted to create a handmade gift for someone as a way of saying “thank you”. I was inspired to create a tree of life pendant. I then learnt the basics on how to create it. Then I ordered everything I needed, and through experimenting and learning I created it. I loved creating it, and the gift was very much appreciated.
It was in that moment that I understood just how meaningful giving the gift of something handmade was. I then went on to further learn, experiment and create more pendants. I realised I love working with wire so I went on to create suncatchers, gemstone trees, and then wire earrings. I now use thread also and create gemstone and glass beaded micro macrame bracelets, anklets, and necklaces. I love that now that I have my Madeit store I can continue creating art for other people to purchase and gift also.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I create with the intention of my art bringing happiness to someone. This is what inspires me to create. Most of my pieces are unique, one-off designs, that have taken a lot of time and patience to create. I believe that through art and the creation of items made with our hands we can bring happiness to others.
When I create, I envision what it’s going to feel like for the person receiving my art. I want people to feel happy and special, and I create with that intention in mind.
Where did you learn your craft?
When working with wire and thread I found that there were some fundamental skills I needed to learn initially. After learning the basics I was free to find my own flow to create, experiment, and work with new ideas for my pieces. I started out learning from instructional videos and from reading books.
I now sketch out ideas and work from those.
I believe that it’s important to be continually learning and experimenting with new ideas.
I spend a lot of time exploring new ideas, some work, some don’t, but I love when an idea comes together to add a new element to a piece, or a new piece entirely!
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
I believe that through art and the creation of items made with our hands we bring happiness to ourselves and to others. Firstly, there is a calmness when creating, it’s peaceful, mindful, and grounding. Then there is the special feeling that you get when you finally hold that finished piece in your hands. Seeing the result of something that you have spent time envisioning and creating.
There is a sense of completion, and a knowing that someone is going to receive what you have just created. When receiving a gift that is handmade it’s special as handmade artists carefully create with an intention. They want the final piece to be appreciated, cared for, and loved, and they create with that intention in mind.
Chelle is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Earth Gypsys Designs, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
