Winners Directory

Hi, I'm Gilli of Gilli's flowers and I'd just like to tell you a bit about my business. I took up origami about three years ago following the advice from occupational therapists to find a way of exercising my fingers and hands. I found origami was something that I could manage with my disability and that also gave me the scope to be creative by developing my own designs. As I developed my skills and knowledge  I combined origami with my love of flowers and jewellery to form my business, Gilli's flowers. Although I initially chose this name as a play on words it is particularly apt as in the language of flowers the gillyflower means "lasting beauty" which is what I hope my jewellery provides.

I started Gilli's flowers in 2016 and initially sold mainly through local designers markets where my products and designs were well received. Over the year I extended my range and was lucky enough to be given permission by the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow to use William Morris designed from their collection in some of my items.

All pieces in my collection are hand folded by myself and other than my crane and fan earrings are my own designs. I use a mixture of traditional origami folds along with ones that I have modified or developed myself to produce my jewellery and each piece is individually made. Most pieces have a floral theme and where ever possible I make links with the traditional meanings of flowers as given in the Victorian language of flowers as well as to folklore and legends.

Although made of paper my jewellery is much stronger than it looks and is also water resistant as each piece is given several coats of waterproof varnish.

To find out more about me or to see more examples of my work then please visit my website or follow me on social media.

Thanks,
Gilli