Our Stick Of The Week! is Sheena Purcell. Sheena is in the NOW as owner and designer of Sheena Jewellery, a unique collection of hand crafted jewellery made from antique and vintage lace, cast in silver or gold. A piece of history, captured eternally to be held close to your heart. The collection can be found at select boutiques in Canada and the US and online. Also, working closely with clients to create heirloom custom wedding jewellery is an honor that Sheena takes great pride in every step of the way.
Sheena Purcell and her two boys
Sheena Purcell was born and raised on the windswept island of Cape Breton on Canada's east coast. Inspired greatly by life by the sea, a curiosity to discover, sent her travelling the world and finally back to Nova Scotia where she received her BFA from NSCAD university. She has been based in Montreal for 5 years now with her 2 sons and Israeli husband. She runs her business full time from home.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
I run a small one woman jewellery business, called Sheena Jewellery. I design, make, market and sell everything myself. My collection is jewellery made from antique and vintage lace that I cast in sterling silver, gold and bronze to make contemporary and unique pieces. I often find myself at antique markets around the world searching for bits of lace that I will incorporate into my designs. I also love working on custom pieces for weddings and engagements. I have a small studio at my house which works well for me for now because I have 2 small kids. So, it's good for my schedule to be flexible if anything comes up with them.
I run a small one woman jewellery business, called Sheena Jewellery. I design, make, market and sell everything myself. My collection is jewellery made from antique and vintage lace that I cast in sterling silver, gold and bronze to make contemporary and unique pieces. I often find myself at antique markets around the world searching for bits of lace that I will incorporate into my designs. I also love working on custom pieces for weddings and engagements. I have a small studio at my house which works well for me for now because I have 2 small kids. So, it's good for my schedule to be flexible if anything comes up with them.
Fan Lace Necklace In Sterling Silver
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I would say its al dente...Although I have been making jewellery for many years I have only been doing it full time for 2 years. So I feel like there is still a lot I would like to do. Eventually, I would like to have a small studio/ shop outside of my house where I can also teach workshops and be more interactive with the public on a day to day basis.
I would say its al dente...Although I have been making jewellery for many years I have only been doing it full time for 2 years. So I feel like there is still a lot I would like to do. Eventually, I would like to have a small studio/ shop outside of my house where I can also teach workshops and be more interactive with the public on a day to day basis.
Scallop Lace Bangles In Sterling Silver Or Bronze
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
If you are thinking of starting a business, I recommend doing something that you love so it never feels like "work." Start slowly taking on some projects on the side and see how it goes before jumping in and taking on any debt.
If you are thinking of starting a business, I recommend doing something that you love so it never feels like "work." Start slowly taking on some projects on the side and see how it goes before jumping in and taking on any debt.
Custom Wedding Rings in 14K Gold and Black Diamonds
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
After I graduated from my jewellery design program at NSCAD university in 2004, I went to Japan to teach english for 3 years, while I was there I did my jewellery on the side. I continued to do the same after I returned to Canada but after my second son was born in 2010, I decided after I went back to work I really wanted to try and make a go of my jewellery full time. So I took my maternity leave to prepare myself for that and it has been 2 years now running the business full time. So far so good!
After I graduated from my jewellery design program at NSCAD university in 2004, I went to Japan to teach english for 3 years, while I was there I did my jewellery on the side. I continued to do the same after I returned to Canada but after my second son was born in 2010, I decided after I went back to work I really wanted to try and make a go of my jewellery full time. So I took my maternity leave to prepare myself for that and it has been 2 years now running the business full time. So far so good!
Adjustable lace Ring In Sterling Silver
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I think both as a parent and as a jeweller I am inspired by the every day things around me. The funny things that happen, the changing of the seasons, the amazing multi-cultural city of Montreal that I live in...never ceases to impress. I try to get out of the city with the kids as much as possible, go camping, float in a lake, watch the birds. When I am in the city, I love taking part in cultural festivals and just keeping in touch with the amazing communities in the city. It's a great learning experience for the kids to be surrounded by so many cultures and languages.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Well my older son is in school and my younger son is in daycare full time near home. So the time that they are out of the house I try to be as productive as possible. I keep a fairly regular work schedule and I rarely work at night unless it's coming up to Christmas and I have a million pieces to prepare. I like to turn off "work" when the kids are home, without some kind of balance I would go crazy. Since I work at home, I really feel like I need to get out alone too. So I like to go salsa dancing at least once a week. It clears my mind and I am more focused on my work and a better mom.
I think both as a parent and as a jeweller I am inspired by the every day things around me. The funny things that happen, the changing of the seasons, the amazing multi-cultural city of Montreal that I live in...never ceases to impress. I try to get out of the city with the kids as much as possible, go camping, float in a lake, watch the birds. When I am in the city, I love taking part in cultural festivals and just keeping in touch with the amazing communities in the city. It's a great learning experience for the kids to be surrounded by so many cultures and languages.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Well my older son is in school and my younger son is in daycare full time near home. So the time that they are out of the house I try to be as productive as possible. I keep a fairly regular work schedule and I rarely work at night unless it's coming up to Christmas and I have a million pieces to prepare. I like to turn off "work" when the kids are home, without some kind of balance I would go crazy. Since I work at home, I really feel like I need to get out alone too. So I like to go salsa dancing at least once a week. It clears my mind and I am more focused on my work and a better mom.
Lilibet Lace Ring In Sterling Silver
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
My ultimate pasta dish is a lace ring I make called "Lilibet lace ring" It was picked up by Anthropologie and sold on their website as well as in their Montreal store. It is by far my best seller. Its made with antique lace that I found in an antique market in Tel Aviv. Its a wide ring so it stands out but it has a really lovely delicate texture and design in the lace.
My ultimate pasta dish is a lace ring I make called "Lilibet lace ring" It was picked up by Anthropologie and sold on their website as well as in their Montreal store. It is by far my best seller. Its made with antique lace that I found in an antique market in Tel Aviv. Its a wide ring so it stands out but it has a really lovely delicate texture and design in the lace.
Sheena Jewellery is on ETSY • FACEBOOK • INSTAGRAM • TWITTER
Sheena Jewellery can also be found......
In Montreal at Anthropologie, Impact Galerie and General 54
In Nova Scotia at Seeds Gallery and Salty Rose's
And in NYC at Urban Alchemist (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
Sheena Jewellery can also be found......
In Montreal at Anthropologie, Impact Galerie and General 54
In Nova Scotia at Seeds Gallery and Salty Rose's
And in NYC at Urban Alchemist (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
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