These Hands
These Hands | Lulu
These hands belong to one of our talented jewellers, Lulu. Known for her bright and bubbly energy, Lulu has a positive approach to her craft and always gives everything a good go! As you are reading this, she could be making your next precious piece. Get to know Lulu below...
Who do these hands belong to?
Hi, I’m Lulu!
What is your role at Natalie Marie Jewellery and how long have you been on the team?
I am a junior jewellery here at NMJ. I work on creating the online range and have had the pleasure of working here for just over a year.
Describe a typical day for you?
My day usually starts with me rushing to work with coffee and avo toast in hand. Every morning I have a quick catch up and a laugh with the other jewellers and then sit down at my bench to see my job assignments for the day. I usually start with the polishing and repair jobs so we can get the pieces to our customers as soon as possible. Then I’ll tackle the handmade jobs from the online collection. After work I usually stop at the beach for a quick swim on my way home.
What advice would you give to anyone considering becoming a jeweller?
To anyone interested in jewellery making I would say, just have a go and try to make something for yourself. Part of the reason why I enjoy jewellery making is because there are so many different styles, techniques and approaches that allow you to make wearable pieces at any skill level. So, all you need to do is give it a go!
What is your favourite Natalie Marie piece to make?
My favourite piece to make usually changes depending on what is currently passing through my job box. At the moment I have been enjoying making the Kamali Ring. I really enjoy the organic nature of the design and love how each time I make it, it turns out slightly different.
When did you first come across Natalie Marie Jewellery?
I stumbled upon NMJ on Instagram and was immediately taken with their beautiful designs. I kept up with the brand whilst studying at uni and eventually decided to try my luck and apply for a job. Look at me now! What is your favourite TV series for binge watching?
I cannot get enough Fleabag. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a genius.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Count to three, and then Just do it! - This gets me going every time.
If you could have any famous artist — dead or alive — create a work of art just for you, who would you commission?
I’m a lover of anything colourful. I would go big and commission Henri Matisse to paint a colourful impressionist landscape painting for my lounge room.What are you are proud of?
I am so proud of my little garden. I love caring for all of my plants and testing out different species in the Sydney climate. I grew up in the countryside and I miss my parent's big backyard so have created a little garden of my own that reminds me of home. My latest seedlings for this spring have been sunflowers and marigolds.
Can you tell us about the most challenging yet rewarding parts of making jewellery?
A challenging part to jewellery is that it takes patience. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes if you want to achieve the design and make something that will last a lifetime. You need to be prepared to be patient with your skills and the processes. But after long physical hours of honing your craft, it is beyond rewarding to see the finished product and also to see it loved and worn by its owner. It makes everything worth it.
If you could start a new hobby, what would it be?
I would love to have a go at sewing. It’s something I’ve been nervous to try but I know it is a skill that would come in handy!What are you most grateful for?
My friends and family. I have been blessed to have such loving and supportive people in my life. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
What’s the best holiday you have ever taken? And where to next
This year I was lucky enough to go with a group of friends and visit my sisters in America. I went to Cincinnati, Puerto Rico and NYC. It was amazing to see such different types of places in the one country. Next up definitely Europe!!
Captured by @tealily