Crafting a 'Crazy Golf' Necklace
Creating bespoke jewellery with personal significance for someone is always a treat and it’s even better when it's on the theme of one of my very favourite things: crazy golf!
The fabulous Emily Crosby (podcast creator and one of my OG Tiny Scenic customers) asked if I could make something for her sister Issi’s birthday – something one-of-a-kind that would capture their cherished childhood memories of playing mini golf with their late grandparents. (Issi had in fact asked me to create this custom miniature bakery for Emily a few years ago that some of you may remember me sharing on Instagram!)
The commissioning process
I started out by creating a private Pinterest board I could share with Emily to get an idea for the style she was after. I then made several sketches – exploring different approaches and compositions for Emily’s thoughts. Involving clients in the creative decisions in this way is one of the most enjoyable parts of the process.
We narrowed it down and settled on a mini golf kiosk/snack bar design that hit the right notes of fun, nostalgia and personal references – including finding a way to incorporate Emily and Issi’s grandparents’ names in the piece, and a nod to the Isle of Wight, too.
I was particularly pleased with the ‘giant’ ice cream at the jaunty angle and the little shelf at the kiosk window!
Gifting Time
The necklace was a hit and I was so thrilled to receive a photo of Emily and Isobel in their Tiny Scenic bespoke necklaces they had gifted to each other!
It was a nice reminder that jewellery can be so much more than just an accessory. We can use it to express and celebrate the things we value, in a pleasing visual way as we go about our days. It can give us confidence, evoke memories or simply make us smile and feel good. And when people comment on it we can share stories and create moments of connection.
It also made me think how people usually only associate meaningful or heirloom jewellery with precious metals and gemstones. But a custom-designed acrylic piece can be just as special to the recipient if it fits their personal style (and if it’s well looked after it can be worn for many years – I use sterling silver chain and findings for this reason!).
If you’d love a piece of personalised jewellery or wall art made for you with my ‘Tiny Scenic’ aesthetic – whether it’s for a birthday gift, Christmas present, an anniversary surprise or just because – get in touch and let's chat!