Name: Louise Pringle
Age: 30
Location: Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
Design background: BA(hons) Textile design, specialising in knit. Graduated in 2000, started jewellery business up in 2002.
Where do you get your inspiration from? Found objects. A childhood visiting car boots/ antique fairs with parents and a passion for decorative objects and antiques. My design training. The desire to reinvent things.
Is this your full time job? Work 2 days a week as a window dresser in John Lewis - nearly 4 years now. Enjoy the job and love being part of a team. Chose to stay on at job as working for yourself can be very solitary and this helps break the week up.
I'm starting a silversmithing class next week (September). Basically taught myself all the skills I have in jewellery making. I have been experimenting recently with 'precious metal clay'.
Where can I find you in real life? You can find out where to find me (fairs etc) on my website under 'events' www.eclecticshock.net
Any tips for someone who wants to start making their own stuff? Start off small and don't invest too much money in the beginning - if your idea is good it will grow naturally and you will naturally get a feel for what customers are looking for.
What music do you listen to whilst you work? Radiohead, Muse, Kaiser Chiefs, funky house and sometimes the radio.
What is the nicest comment you have ever received about your work? "I wish I was as talented as you" to which I responded "what do you do?" Reply - "I'm A GP!"
Any interesting customers? a commission for Elaine C Smith. Her mother had passed away and I was given her two jewellery boxes from which I made up around 20 curios-charm bracelets which were given out as gifts to female members of the family to remember her by. Also Lorraine Kelly.
What is your favourite item that you have made? For my degree show I made knitted beaded wire jewellery which was integrated into the garment - very couture style and extremely time consuming. Will never give it away.
Can you recommend another designer? Kate George - I seriously need more wallspace as I just can't get enough of her work.
Interests: enjoy nothing better than a glass of wine or night out with my mates.