A Conversation with Rebecca of Spencer Jane Design

Today I have the pleasure of introducing Rebecca of Spencer Jane Design, designer of funky jewellery and accessories using non-traditional components.  Spencer Jane Design is a truly family collaboration with production, component sourcing, design, sales/marketing tasks shared, and I just love Rebecca's website comment.. "Own a piece of New Zealand by purchasing from our gorgeous stone jewellery range!" .

Let's learn more about Spencer Jane Design...

Who is Spencer Jane Design?
Rebecca Routhan

What’s your “handmade groove ?”
Unique and Funky jewellery designs using natural materials.

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
A Stone pendant and a vinyl cuff which I wore yesterday (made by Spencer Jane Design of course!), plus a copy of NZ Home and Garden. Also a clock/radio which plays the radio either way too loud or way too quietly! So I either wake up startled or don’t wake up at all!

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
Actually people. I am a great fan of Lisa O’Neill (stylist). She is really into funky, different jewellery and she inspires me to keep going. Also all the owners of awesome design stores we have here in N.Z. Jo Luping would be one of my favourite designers along with Stephanie Cahorel.

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Probably children considering I have two girls and am also a teacher. Also the next idea I have regarding design and our road to making it big (in my dreams)!

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?
Hmmmm…that’s a hard one. Probably something to do with creating jewellery from unusual or natural things. Attending local markets gets my creative juices flowing.

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
Luckily I have a wonderful husband who does half the work. I work 2 part time teaching jobs (which equates to full time some weeks) and have 2 school age children so we normally get creative in the evenings or if I have the day off.

What is your favourite creative screw-up?
Ummm gee haven’t had one yet I don’t think. Maybe the closest was when I attended my first ever market with lots of brown paper bags for people’s purchases. I only sold 2 things! Luckily things have picked up since then and I am nearly out of brown paper bags!

Kitchen table or studio?
Oh wouldn’t it be nice to have a studio? Definitely the kitchen table or garage or lounge for that matter.

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
To be in heaps of retail stores and have my work just ticking over nicely. Also for people to enjoy wearing something uniquely New Zealand.

 
To view Rebecca's full Spencer Jane Design range, please visit her website .. http://www.spencerjanedesign.com/, and felt shop http://www.felt.co.nz/shop/spencerjane.