It’s always such a pleasure to introduce you to a new WA based designer and today that designer is Suzanne Preston with her label SooP. Sue’s background as a graphic designer is evident in her bright and cheerful designs and I just love her nature inspired range of handmade jewellery! Here’s my interview with Sue!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative background?
I have been creating in one form or another for many years. I started seriously thinking about creating fulltime after spending a few years abroad where I was able to connect with some seriously artsy individuals. These people created from within, just for themselves and encouraged me to do the same. Once I understood that principle I was able to branch out and create for others without the fear of being judged – negatively or otherwise.
I have worked in many different creative capacities and I don’t like to pigeonhole myself but I do seem to have found a niche with jewellery and the ideas seem to pop into my mind very easily.
I’ve always loved the process of creating – the trials and tribulations that come with seeing the initial idea through to fruition.
What lead to you starting SooP and where did the name come from?
SooP is the nickname from a friend who realized that putting Sue & P together sounded like SooP! It just stuck and I kinda like it 
What inspires you?
I know people say this all the time but I am mainly inspired by nature. I especially love birdies and blossoms as it reminds me of a time when I would sit in the back garden with my grandfather and marvel at the flowers and even “talk” to the birds sitting in the age old gum trees.
What do you love most about your business?
At the risk of sounding way too relaxed, I just love the fact that I can get up early in the morning and start making things in my jim jams and nobody knows – or at least they didn’t until they read this piece haha!
Seriously, rushing around first thing in the morning, getting all dressed up for a day in the office was never something I felt all that comfortable doing – even though I did it for a very long time!
What are some of your own favourite products/creations and why
Well my new fav pieces are:
Lotus earrings with freshwater pearls – mainly because they look really cute in my ears! Actually they seem to look cute on everyone so they are a winner.
Blossom Earrings – These have turned out to be a big hit for the current season. I love the simple lines and the firepolished Czech melons were a divine find.
Silk-strung Medina Neckpiece. New for Summer 2011. SooP pieces are silk-strung and double knotted for strength and longevity and the colours in this piece – made from Tibetan Howlite - just pop!
This piece features a little birdie on a swing embellished by chiyogami and a gorgeous czech fire-polished glass gem. You can choose any colour paper and matching gem and is just a very cute way to jazz up an outfit.
Candy Jade silk-strung bracelets with a silk tassels looks fab with jeans but they really sparkle when worn with all white.
A Little Birdie Told Me So necklace has been one of the biggest sellers and is still going strong.
Hi Kelly
Thanks so much for blogging about my little label SooP. I hope your readers enjoy the content – and the colour:)
I’m so pleased to have stumbled upon I Love Pretty Things. It is just divine!
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Sxx
Pleasure Sue!!