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Jewellery designer creates joyful maximalism inspired by nature
Kate is a jewellery and textile designer who loves to create extravagantly colourful patterns on her versatile range of accessories – including tea towels, headscarves and earrings.
Kate Billingsley
Colourful jewellery for the joyful maximalist is Kate Billingsley’s signature style.
Kate is a jewellery and textile designer who loves to create extravagantly colourful patterns on her versatile range of accessories – including tea towels, headscarves and earrings.
After completing a Certificate IV in Design and Diploma in Surface Design, Kate wanted to venture into a creative business that would fuel her for art.
“When I came back from studying, I thought about whether I wanted to work for somebody or work for myself,” Kate said.
“Because I loved designing fabric, I thought about what else I could put patterns on.”
Kate was inspired to create big and bold earrings that were lightweight. Kate’s jewellery is created from lightweight polymer clay and acrylic, featuring hypoallergenic high grade 304 surgical steel posts.
“This material is ideal for earrings because it’s really lightweight. I wanted to make earrings that are big but not heavy, which is how it all came about!”
“It was just when polymer clay was kicking off in Australia – you can use polymer clay in all kinds of different styles but a lot of people make slabs and make patterns on it,” Kate said.
“Once you’ve finished creating the patterns, you put it in the oven and bakes. It then combines all together and becomes solid.”
Kate said her biggest inspiration is her mother.
“My Mum is a big garden nut – she has the most beautiful garden and loves roses. She has over 500 types of roses in her garden.”
Kate explained when the bushfires of 2009 came through, her mother rescued a whole bunch of roses bushes that were burnt to a stump and revived them.
“There are always happy little critters in my mother’s garden, and I draw so much inspiration from those memories and nature all around me.”
Kate also teaches workshops throughout the year – mostly at the arts space in Mirboo North, where she also volunteers.
