Houseof x Hannah Bourn.
For our blog series brands we love, houseof are introducing you to Hannah Bourn; a jewellery designer, maker and business owner. Her work explores and celebrates the majesty of our oceans. Sustainability is an integral part of her business, in which her sculptural pieces withstand the fleeting trends and become “heirlooms of the future.” Thoughtful, considered and sensitive; we cannot get enough of her work.
We are so excited to have you feature on our blog, tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand.
Thank you so much for asking me, it’s such a privilege. So my name is Hannah, the brand owner and designer of ‘Hannah Bourn’ jewellery. I have been making and creating ever since I was little; jewellery design was the thing that incorporated all my skills and channelled them into one place. Making with my hands and designing beautiful objects is my passion. I launched my brand when I graduated from Central St Martins and it has been my focus ever since. It’s always been my dream to have my own brand so I really feel very blessed to be on this journey.
My passion for art and creativity is what drives me to be a designer of individual artefacts and create personal experiences that enrich people’s lives and become heirlooms of the future. I am so fond of natural beauty, raw materials and the beauty of nature. I try to exhibit this through my authentic designs which offer a new outlook on the way we connect jewellery within the world and people.
We love the inspiration of the ocean; when did you first find that affiliation with the beach?
Having been brought up in Lincolnshire as a coast and country girl and lover of the natural world, this has been what has fed my creative influence for years. My mum has always had a really close connection to the seaside and being outdoors; she raised me and my sister by herself and beach walks and trips to the sea were a highlight. Her love for the sea and nature definitely rubbed off on me. Being at the beach, even just holding sensory objects from the sea gives me such a sense of calmness and peace. I always want my jewellery to reflect this and be reminiscent of the sea whilst respectful of the earth. The materials that the ocean makes and wash up simply amaze me: from the textures, colours, shapes to the intricate patterns and forms. The whole experience from collecting inspiration from the beach, to taking them into a jewellery form is so therapeutic. I wanted to subtly preserve these things within my work and allow people to carry them with them on their body’s.
“Being at the beach, even just holding sensory objects from the sea gives me such a sense of calmness and peace”
For anyone wanting to start a new business, what advice would you give them?
Just do it, I don’t think there’s ever a perfect time and there’s no point in waiting for better timing. One thing I wish I had done was just get my name out there as soon as possible. When I was designing my collection, making the website, photographing the pieces, I always strived for perfection. I never wanted anyone to see anything until everything was totally finished. Looking back I think it’s a great idea to gradually build up a collection and even start a website with just a few pieces or products. Don’t try and launch a website with 40 new designs all at once like I did. I think it really nice to gradually see the prices and build it up as you go along.
How do you practice sustainability in your craft?
Sustainability is at the heart of my brand; using recycled materials are an integral part of my business whilst also sourcing them in the most ethical way. I aim to enhance our perception of nature whilst leaving no footprint on our planet. Especially as my brand Is fundamentally inspired by the earth.
My ambition has always been to preserve and celebrate the beauty of our natural world whilst also connecting people to it through sculptural pieces of jewellery and making them aware of its fragility. All my pieces are designed to withstand changes and trends, remaining relevant and long-lasting through their links with nature and induvial design. I hope my jewellery will become heirlooms of the future and not just disposable fashion items. My jewellery is all made by me in my studio in Nottingham, using recycled silver and gold with Fairtrade options. All my packing is recyclable or re-useable, especially the handmade white linen jewellery pouches which a great for storing jewellery in.
“All my pieces are designed to withstand changes and trends... I hope my jewellery will become heirlooms of the future and not just disposable fashion items. ”
What has been your biggest achievement since creating your business?
Although I love my main collection and reproducing pieces, bespoke work is so special to me. It’s the biggest privilege when someone asks me to work on a one-off bespoke commission. I love the whole process, from working with the client to coming up with the initial design, to making a mock-up and seeing it come to life. Being able to achieve what they have in mind or helping them bring an unknown design to life is what is so great. I’ve worked on some really special pieces in the past year, the meaning and stories they tell will always remain close to my heart.
How would you describe your home interior style?
My interior style is bright, spacious, and minimal. I love pale, neutral, and earthy tones which I guess really reflects my affiliation with the natural world. I like my home to be a clear and clean space to think and feel peaceful. Admittedly I’m a bit OCD so there is never much clutter and when my home is messy so is my mind! I keep my messiest most creative space for my studio. I love having the two separate spaces. I used to have my studio at my house and I found it hard to switch off. I now much preferer being able to shut my door on my studio at the end of the day and revisit it with a fresh mind the next day. Lots of candles and plants are essential for me both in my home and studio!
Finally, if you had to pick a houseof light to pair with your jewellery, which one would you choose? We have a feeling you may like our sand collection…
All the houseof lighting is just stunning. But as you guessed I am in love with sand diffuser floor lamp. The simple aesthetic with the neutral colour scheme is right up my street! I love how the spherical shape looks like a beaming sun when its lit. It such a calming object to look at as well.
“[sand diffuser floor lamp] I love how the spherical shape looks like a beaming sun when its lit. It such a calming object to look at as well. ”
