German-born Natalie first became interested in jewellery as a young girl, making little earrings and necklaces from pieces and objects found in her dads toolbox. This became a fascination for her, and hours were spent in her dad's garage, making jewellery and objects out of bolts, washers and wood. As she got older, she would collect, make and fix objects, taking apart radios, telephones all in the name of jewellery.
This passion came to fruition with a chance meeting with a girl in newtown that was wearing amazing silver jewellery. Natalie asked her where she bought it, the girl told her she had made it herself and that she teaches private silversmithing classes. She invited her to enrol in the workshop, which she did, and the next stage of her love of jewellery making was born.
Natalie's influences are primarily nature as her love of flora comes out in her pieces. Her mens range is influenced by her youth, of tools and machinery as it is very industrial, bold and chunky. Using various techniques such as saw-piercing, forming and hammering, organic objects emerge from metal to create beautiful wearable pieces. Each piece is designed and hand manufactured in her studio, and has an individual concept behind it. Whether it be the hibiscus which means delicate beauty, the signet which denotes individuality, the daisy which is for innocence and loyal love or the bolt which represents strength.
Every piece has a story and Natalie makes each unique object with the hope of bringing the wearer as much pleasure as she has in designing and making them. "Nature has a huge influence on my work, as flowers are a recurring theme in my jewellery. When I am designing and creating is when I am happiest. It doesn't feel like 'work' for me because I love making jewellery and I really believe that each finished piece exudes this"
1997 - Started private silversmithing classes under Melissa Forde in the old Silknit building at Central.
1998 - Studied privately under Wal Van Heeckeren "School for Silversmiths" May street Studio in St Peters.
2000 - Commenced Advanced Diploma of Jewellery & Object Design at Sydney Institute of Technology.
2002 - Successfully graduated Jewellery and Object Design at Sydney Institute of Technology.
2000-06 - Worked in jewellery industry gaining valuable experience in design and manufacturing for various large jewellery companies.
2006 - Creates SugarKube Designs and launches jewellery through Rozelle and Bondi Markets, Dragstar Clothing in Newtown.
2007 - Launches self titled jewellery range through Miljo in Bondi and Funkis in the Strand Arcade, CBD.
2008 - Working for self, Natalie started selling her pieces at Paddington and Eveleigh Markets.
2009 - Completes private courses in stone setting with Sarah Whitlock in Sydney.
2010 - Still selling at Paddingon Markets, Eveleigh Markets and expands to Port Macquarie Foreshore Markets.
2011 - Launches online shop and attends higher end boutique markets around NSW such as Olive Tree Market, Foreshore Artist Markets and more... Follow on Facebook for more details.