Maker of the Month – Lydia from Lydia Lotus Designs

Introducing Lydia, the jeweller behind ‘Lydia Lotus Designs’

Get to know all about her creative processes, inspirations and her life outside the Fold!

Who or what has inspired your career the most?
My mum was a very skilled bead worker. She worked with all shapes and sizes of beads, creating intricate jewellery, fringes for scarves and lampshades — even beaded light pulls. Her room was filled with every colour and style of bead you could imagine, and for a naturally creative child, it was a treasure trove to get lost in.

How has your career background led you to being a maker at The Fold?

After studying at the Birmingham School of Jewellery and Silversmithing in the famous Jewellery Quarter, I travelled for a few years before becoming a D&T teacher specialising in metalwork and resistant materials. My love of teaching has definitely shaped the bespoke workshops I now run from my studio at The Fold.

What are your interests outside of your business? How do you like to chill out or have fun?

I love to walk, practise yoga and pilates, and spend time outdoors — anything that connects me to nature. I like to keep my downtime simple; time alone or with my nearest and dearest is how I truly unwind.

What What are your biggest challenges currently?

Balancing my time between making in the studio and the more customer-facing side of things. It can be tricky to switch from a creative flow to answering questions if someone pops in, and getting back into rhythm takes a moment. There’s always so much I want to make (as every jeweller probably says!), and the days just seem to disappear here in the studio.

What is your dream project?

Any of my designs made entirely in solid gold. There’s something timeless, magical, and almost ancient about the glow of 18ct yellow gold.

What do you like about being based at The Fold?

Having neighbours to chat to is one of the best things! When I worked from home, it could get quite lonely, so it’s lovely having other creatives nearby to share ideas with. I’ve also met so many wonderful people who truly connect with my work — I’ve made some beautiful friendships because of this space, and I’m really grateful for that

What is your favourite or most inspirational place in the world?

My travels through India, South East Asia, Vietnam, and South America have deeply influenced my work. I developed a much stronger spiritual appreciation and understanding of symbolism during those times. The craftsmanship and artistry found everywhere inspired me to continue making jewellery — even when I returned home to teach full-time.

What can’t you live without?

Crystals! Yes, I’m absolutely one of those people — and if you’ve seen my work or visited the studio, that won’t come as a surprise. Crystals run through everything I do, and there’s rarely a day when I’m not wearing or holding one.

If you had one wish for the world what would it be?

For everyone to have equal opportunities — access to food, education, and basic needs no matter where they are in the world

What are you most proud of in your artistic career, and why?

That I’ve kept creating for over 15 years, no matter what stage of life I was in. My path hasn’t been a straight line, but jewellery making has always been a priority — it’s the thread that’s held everything together.

What do you enjoy most about your business, and what do you least enjoy?

I love that this business is completely mine — every piece, every decision. The flip side is that all the responsibility sits with me too, which can be a little daunting! But it makes every success feel that much sweeter.

What are your biggest dreams for Lydia Lotus?

I’m still figuring that out, if I’m honest. I’m not someone who likes to stay in one lane — I love change, so I’d like Lydia Lotus to keep evolving and growing alongside me. We’ll see where the journey leads next!

How do you stay inspired and motivated?

By creating space to think. It’s easy to get caught up in the flow of running a business, and if you don’t step back now and then, it can become overwhelming. I’ve learned that I need quiet time to recharge my creativity.

What advice would you give someone looking to follow a similar path in jewellery?

Keep at it. Success — however you define it — comes in waves. Creativity isn’t a straight road, and neither is running a business based on it. Consistency, resilience, and belief in yourself will carry you through the ups and downs

What is your favourite piece or commission you’ve worked on?

One that really stands out is an 18ct yellow gold engagement ring I made this summer, featuring a rainbow of stones representing the seven chakras. It was for a beautiful customer who came to me with this exact theme in mind. The band was stamped with symbols of their union, and it felt like such an honour to create something so meaningful. The chakras are a recurring motif in my work, so this commission felt especially close to my heart

To find out more about Lydia check out her website HERE, where you can also find details of all her classes and courses!