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About Michele
| Jewellery designer Michele Hankins has gained an enviable reputation, built on exquisite attention to detail and customer care. Her distinctive style is evident throughout all her jewellery and bridal pieces, often very intricate, always inspiring and most importantly very wearable.
With a great understanding and enthusiasm for vintage fashion, together with a love of colourful gemstones, freshwater pearls and anything that sparkles, she enjoys the challenge of creating a 'dream tiara', a credible vintage headdress or colourful piece of jewellery.
"I welcome ideas for making something really special ... it can be simple or elaborate, an understated hint of decoration or a wild, extravagant statement piece. I really enjoy the challenge of making something unique for every client!"
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BA (1st Class) Hons, Applied Art
Licenciate of the Society of Designer Craftsmen
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University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield. 2001 - 2004 Degree Show
'Creature of Volume' 2004
Hand cut soda (window) glass, silk screen printed and laser etched with japanese style birds and flower design; silk screen printed white organza, silver metallic organza; silver plated wire, in excess of 3000 Swarovski crystals. This dress was part of my final degree show exhibition. The dress was entirely constructed by hand and took in excess of 700 hours to complete.
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Alongside the dress, I exhibited a number of glass jewellery pieces, using a variety of glass techniques, including fusing, slumping, casting and lampworking.
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| A few words about my background
In the early 1980’s, I took a Fashion and Clothing Craft course at Hertford Regional College as a part-time mature student to enhance my knowledge base for my then new bridal business. In 2000 I embarked on a Foundation Course in Art & Design at the Hertford Regional College, Ware and consequently an Applied Art degree at the University of Hertfordshire, graduating in 2004 with 1st class honours. My degree show ‘glass wedding dress’ and jewellery received some acclaim and was exhibited at a number of galleries around the country.
Following exhibiting at the prestigious 'New Designers' Exhibition at the Business Design Centre, London, I was awarded a Licenciate of Designer Craftsmen.
I was fortunate enough to be nominated and accepted for a place on the NCGE (National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurs). This course was held at Cambridge University and was instrumental in my goal of firmly establishing myself as a designer in the bridal industry.
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The Guardian Newspaper article following my time at Cambridge University with the National Council of Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme. November 2005
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