Silver Stories from the Wyre Forest: Jac Brazier talks about her nature-inspired jewellery journey.

Jac Brazier, the artist behind Scarlett Willow Designs, has a natural affinity for materials and a deep-rooted connection to the landscape around her. Based in the riverside town of Bewdley, she works from her home studio creating silver jewellery inspired by the shifting seasons, woodland textures, and the quiet beauty of the Wyre Forest.

Jac’s journey into jewellery began twelve years ago, with a six-week course in silversmithing. She hadn’t set out to become a jeweller, but something clicked—and she’s been creating ever since. While she hasn't followed a traditional route through formal qualifications, she brings a long-held creativity to her work, having explored sewing, crochet and various crafts throughout her life.

“Over the last few years, learning techniques that are thousands of years old amazes me,” Jac says. “There’s always ups and downs in any journey, but I feel I’ve really settled into my own style.”

A Walk in the Woods

Much of Jac’s inspiration begins just beyond her front door. She lives a few minutes’ walk from the River Severn and the edges of the Wyre Forest—places she returns to daily with her dog, often at dawn, when the light is soft and the world is still.

These quiet walks are an essential part of her creative rhythm. She speaks of spotting deer close by, of the chill in the air, of the way sunlight plays through the trees. These observations find their way into her jewellery—not in a literal sense, but through textures, forms and details that echo the natural world.

“Nature changes day to day, season to season,” she says. “There’s always something new to inspire me—a texture in the trees, a colour, the way the sun dances through the leaves.”

Making with Silver

Silver is Jac’s material of choice. She loves its versatility—how it allows for both fine detail and bold design. Each piece begins with an idea, but she often allows the work to evolve as she makes, responding to the process intuitively.

Her studio is a calm, light-filled space at home in Bewdley. Music plays while she works—gentle piano pieces like Einaudi when she’s focused on delicate detail, something with more energy when the day calls for it. She prefers to work in the mornings, but admits that if a show is looming, she’ll be working well into the night.

Like many artists, Jac values time to simply explore—days when she can play with ideas, try something new, and make without pressure. These are often her most creative moments.

“My ideal day? A quiet morning walk, then straight into the studio to make—fuelled by endless cups of Earl Grey.”

Highlights and Everyday Joys

A particular highlight in Jac’s journey was winning Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday, which led to the opportunity to meet him in person. But it’s often the small, steady moments of making that bring the most joy: starting a new piece, finishing a tricky solder, or simply sipping tea from her favourite handmade mug—crafted by a potter she’s exhibited with over the years.

She keeps things simple in the studio: Earl Grey tea, always in a large mug, and her snack of choice (Ready Salted French Fries). A small comfort as she works silver into shape.

Jac’s work reminds us that jewellery doesn’t have to shout to be heard. There’s a quiet confidence in each piece she makes, shaped by time, guided by instinct, and deeply rooted in her surroundings. From forest walks at dawn to late nights in the studio, every design tells a story of connection: to nature, to craft, and to the simple joy of making by hand.

We’re so pleased to be sharing her nature-inspired silver jewellery with visitors to The Artists Gallery this spring. Whether you’re drawn to delicate textures, organic forms, or the beauty of silver itself, Jac’s collection is well worth a visit.

To explore more online, you can find Jac at www.scarlettwillowdesigns.co.uk or on Instagram & Facebook: @scarlettwillowd.