Ever come across a new label that you just have to rave about? Well, that's how we feel about One Yellow Melon, a cutesy handmade jewellery line by talented young maker Nicole Spiteri! Equal parts contemporary and retro, One Yellow Melon's selection of earrings look fabulous paired with funky prints or minimal monochrome outfits, jazzing them up with their bright tones that just make us smile.
Nicole is a 24-year-old Communications student at the University Of Malta, but when she's not busy with her studies, she's quietly producing her small-batch jewellery range, or selling them at adorable artisan markets and vintage pop-up sales. We had a chat with Nicole to find out more about what her business entails. Here's what she had to share with Guide Me Malta!
Hey Nicole, we love your creations, they're so unique! When and how did you decide you wanted to be a jewellery maker and where did you learn how to make them?
"I had discovered the material a couple of years back, but didn’t start to experiment with polymer clay until recently. It all started when I found myself having nothing to do after work. I was always into wearing big statement pieces and thought why not try and make some for myself. I found many tutorials on YouTube and online, but following instagram makers is what helped me improve my work further."
What does your work entail regarding the design and making process?
"When working with polymer clay there are a vast variety of techniques, my favorite is using canes. A cane is a coil which is made with a design that runs through the cross-section, when the cane is sliced, each piece is arranged side by side onto a plain slab of polymer clay to create what is called millefiori. It is then rolled merging each piece into each other to create a pattern."
"The pieces are then cut either free-handed or using cutters, then baked in the oven for at least 30 minutes. After, they are left to cool. Once they're cooled they harden."
"Next, each piece is sanded to remove any scratches or finger prints. Afterwards you can either leave them matte or apply resin to give them a glossy finish. Leaving at least 24 hours for the resin to dry the pieces are drilled and assembled together. The final step is to stick the backings to the pieces."
What is your creative process like and what inspires your work?
"First I start by drawing the earrings to get an idea of what shapes I expect to get out of the slab. Then I would go on Pinterest where I save many patterns/random images which help me pick out my colours. Sometimes I even skip this process and choose colours at random. Most of the time my pieces turn out much better than what I had envisioned."
Great! Where do you sell your products and how do you market them?
"I sell my work through Etsy, at Artisan Alley Malta and have a display at Claire's Beauty Therapy in San Gwann. When I can, I also take part in artisan markets to meet my customers and gain exposure. Most recently I took part in a retro pop-up sale at Studio 104 art gallery in Valletta."
What are your customers like and what has the feedback been like for one yellow melon?
"The feedback has been better than I thought. I have so many people supporting my work which really motivates me."
How would you describe the brand and why did you choose to focus on earrings specifically?
"One Yellow Melon is a one-of-a-kind statement brand, each piece is bold, vibrant and fun. I have always loved bright colours and geometric shapes, the fact that I can create a wearable item is fantastic, as I able to bring my ideas to life through the earrings I create. I personally like wearing statement earrings rather than necklaces, since there are so many style possibilities, I decided just to focus on that area!"
What is the best part of your work?
"Since I was younger I was always creative. My Saturdays always consisted in going to arts and craft lessons. Upon meeting me you will notice I am quite shy, I'm not usually the one to start a conversation, but through my work I found a way to express myself. Apart from loving what I do, seeing a satisfied customer is more than enough!"
Thanks Nicole! We can't wait for the next One Yellow Melon pop-up!