Introduce yourself. How did you get started? What’s your story?

My name is Eleanor and I am in my second year at Durham University, where I am studying French and Spanish. I started making jewelry in 2020 after taking a gap year and wanting to carry on a creative pursuit in addition to my job at the time. After establishing my online presence, I discovered a customer base in making sustainable jewelry. Sustainability is an important value of my company: knowing the origin of the materials, their composition, and, ultimately, that they are as environmentally-friendly as possible. For example, finding recycled sterling silver was a bit of a challenge - but a necessity- for the brand. I love the process of creative jewelry so much, especially the joy of finding out that a customer or a friend loves the piece.

Additionally, donating some of the profits to charity was integral in allowing the brand to make a difference.

Did I think I would continue my business at university? Absolutely not, but, as I said, the joy when someone loves your products cannot be rivaled. I love sharing something that I'm passionate about; I have also continued to donate some of the profits to charity through university-run fashion shows too.

What dream collaborations do you have?

I would love to collaborate with the artist Willemien Bardawil, whom I discovered during lockdown in 2020. Her work is incredibly stunning and also exudes the same depth of color that Felt Fancy represents. I like the idea of a collaborative project that is not necessarily between two jewelry brands, but, instead, collaborating on something new and quite special. If I had to collaborate with a jewelry brand, I would choose Ella Stearn; her recycled jewelry would be the perfect accompaniment to any Felt Fancy earrings.

What are your goals for this year?

This summer, I will be working in France, hopefully Paris, until the end of the year. As a result, I would like to take Felt Fancy global. It would be pretty fabulous to sell my products in a small Parisian store. My real goal for this year is to continue to bring joy to those who purchase my products, finding more funky secondhand beads, and, generally, continuing my passion for making jewelry that is slightly “out there.”

How can people purchase your products?

On my website, feltfancy.co.uk, or via Instagram! I have also sold my products in a few physical markets in the past year, so I am hoping to do more in 2022! All the details will be relayed on my Instagram.

Who are your style inspirations?

It is so hard as a university student to not say that I am inspired by the people around me; especially now that lectures are back in person. I have definitely evolved in my style as a result of other students and their tastes. They have shaped my style to become more classic and expressive. That - and my Instagram “recommended” page - are always contributions to my style. □

Article Credits

Twitter: @eleanorclaudie

Instagram: @eleanorclaudie @feltfancy

Website: www.eleanorclaudie.com