Image features Flora inspired earrings – Handmade by Manuela Igreja Jewels
Melbourne based jewellery label Manuela Igreja Jewels will be making the journey north this weekend for our Brisbane SS15 Market. To learn a little more about Manuela’s process, we’ve asked her some questions about her inspirations, her all important resources, and what we can expect from her label in the future.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to begin your label.
I have been immersed in the Melbourne culture for almost two years now and it has been a very enriching experience. I wanted my jewellery project to be somehow tied to the Melbourne environment and that’s how I came up with the idea of creating my pieces inspired by local Flora.
Who inspires you and your creative process?
Living in Melbourne surrounded by an intense artistic culture has been a very strong source of inspiration to me: the freedom to think outside of the box and to follow my own path while interacting others exploring their creativity is a great source of motivation.
Image features Flora inspired earrings – Handmade by Manuela Igreja Jewels and Manuela sourcing for inspiration for her Botanical Collection.
Image features Flora inspired Necklace – Handmade by Manuela Igreja Jewels
Tell us something exciting that you have planned for Manuela Igreja Jewels for next 12 months.
The next big for Manuela Igreja Jewels is the new website and online store which is planned to be released in early 2016. Surprisingly enough, building a jewellery business is not only about spending time at the workbench, but also about having a strong online presence through a website and sharing details about my work and lifestyle through social media channels.
Name one resource that your label could not live without.
Melbourne Flora is my main source of inspiration! Most of my pieces are designed using elements I have found while walking through gardens and Natural Reserves, including seeds, pods and sprouts. These are fundamental because they are the very first step of my creations.
Image features Flora inspired ring & earrings- Handmade by Manuela Igreja Jewels
Image features Flora inspired Necklace – Handmade by Manuela Igreja Jewels
Tell us about your favourite product from your collection.
My favourite product from my collection is called “The She Oak” which is very special because it was my first experience with native trees in Melbourne. The idea of wearing something that is so deeply bonded to Australia made me create a whole line of products inspired by it that includes earrings, brooches, pendants and rings.
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Image features Manuela in her studio creating prototypes for her Flora Collection.