Featured Designer: Hearsay



FK chats to Sarah of beautiful, brisbane based jewellery label Hearsay. Who will also be debuting at the upcoming Brisbane Markets!

Tell us about your label Hearsay and what the concept is behind it?
Hearsay is a line of unique statement accessories. It’s about fun, fashion and feeling good. When someone puts on a piece of Hearsay jewellery I want them to smile, to feel special and unique. The name Hearsay suggests something secret, whispered from person to person. It’s that indescribable feeling you have when you put on your favourite pair of jeans or lipstick, when you find the perfect accessory and just can’t let it go.
Each piece is hand crafted by me using natural cotton cords, semi-precious and glass beads, crystals, chain and other bits and pieces.

What is your creative background and how did it lead you to where you are today?
As a child I always explored the visual world, from taking photos of my toys to making things with blocks. I even designed clothing from parts of palm fronds. I also did a lot of beading when I was young, but in high school and uni my creativity focused more on drawing and writing than jewellery making.
I studied English Literature and Film and Television at the University of Queensland. During this time I started visiting markets and was introduced to Etsy which reawakened my interest in jewellery and opened my eyes to the potential for experimentation and innovation in that area. About a year after graduation I opened my Etsy store and participated in my first market.

What inspires your work? and what keeps you motivated creatively?
My inspiration comes primarily from two things: new materials and techniques combined with concepts and themes that I wish to explore. Hearsay’s new collection, Oceanid, was largely inspired by mermaid and pirate folklore as well as dark and mysterious yet vibrant and adventurous notions of the Caribbean. I try to bring to life the feelings and visuals evoked by these concepts.
I stay motivated by staying inspired. Getting out of the house, researching fashion trends, watching a movie and generally exposing myself to new images is a great way to do this. However, there are times when I’m down and completely unproductive, on those occasions I have my mum to pull me back up and push me forward.

What is your creative workspace like, and what inspires you about your surroundings?
I’m currently working out of the living room while my work room is being renovated. It can be distracting and noisy at times but it’s also filled with beautiful natural light and I can watch the local wildlife from the windows. The many bookshelves and surrounding nature is very inspirational. My mother’s collection of art books are just down the hall, and the children’s books, including several fairytale collections are to my left. Just looking at them makes me smile.

What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?
Both challenges and joys are abundant when starting a label, sometimes they’re one and the same. Simply learning how to run a business is a huge daily challenge. Sourcing materials, keeping track of the finances, being the only person accountable for every choice and action. It can be stressful but it’s also immensely rewarding. I knew I would love having the freedom to create but my favourite part is sharing what I create with the world and realising there are people out there who get it and love it as much as I do.

What can we expect to see from Hearsay at the upcoming Brisbane Markets?
I’m very excited to say that Hearsay’s first collection, Oceanid, will be released at this November’s Brisbane Finders Keepers Market. It is a combination of my best selling pieces, done up in new colours, and completely new designs. Bright yellows, corals, deep blues and greens (perfect for summer) will be on display alongside Hearsay’s feature natural cotton cords.

www.hearsaydesigns.etsy.com
www.madeit.com.au/hearsay
www.facebook.com/hearsaydesigns

3 Comments

  • Holly says:

    Congratulations Sarah!!! I wish I could be in Brisbane to say hi and see your first Finders stall, you’ll do amazingly x

  • Sarah says:

    Thank you Holly, I wish you could too, especially since you were there for my first ever stall 🙂

  • Cathy says:

    Well done Sarah,
    Your work keeps getting better and better. It looks fantastic and I’m sure you will be a big hit at Finders Keepers. 🙂

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