Gill Smith

Hello, I'm Gilly. By day I'm a community development worker, but in the evenings and spare time I turn my attention to my jewellery making and cake decorating businesses. I adore colour and nature, and this is reflected in my work.

I'm a self taught jewellery maker and enjoyed the creative process so much that I set up Gillyflower Jewellery in 2008, selling my wares online and at local craft fairs in Lincolnshire. Every piece of jewellery features my unique handmade flower focals: I use bead-weaving techniques to form the flowers from glass beads, seed beads and pearls, and these are then used as the focus for each funky and feminine design.

My obsession with baking grew from a love of tea sets and fancy cake stands, and a desire to make pretty cakes to share with friends over coffee. The cupcake craze took off in the UK, and I was powerless to resist! So in 2009 Gillyflower Bakery was born, selling cupcakes, decorated cakes and iced sugar cookies in my local area.

I write tutorials for UK Handmade, and blog for the Lifestyle team. I love being part of UK Handmade - it is a privilege to be involved with a movement that encourages an ethical and truly handmade craft industry. I hope to see a future where goods made from the heart eclipse our mass-produced, throw away culture.