Related Stories

• Set for ‘Full Spectrum’ show
  
  
• NCCEB training programme helps accelerate small business growth
  
  
• Hodgins putting breakfast on the table for over 21 years
  
  
• Importance of sawmilling sector demonstrated to Minister by Fermoy company
  
  
• Minister welcomes launch of eircom’s “National Fibre Network” investment
  
  
• Network Cork Business Awards
  
  
• Local SuperValu stores score top marks for quality
  
  
• Cork builders merchant wins award in national event
  
  
• Glanbia’ Group Managing Director to retire by year end
  
  
• Over 80% of professionals in Ireland have a positive view of company performance
  
  
• Cork Chamber supports female entrepreneurs
  
  
• Irish Business Briefing
  
  

Ann Murphy of AM Jewellery and Hat Trick with her brother John Joe and twin Sile at last year’s Mallow races. Ann and Sile are wearing jewellery and head pieces created by Ann.

When Fermoy-based milliner and jewellery maker Ann Murphy made her first creations, she never imagined that anything she made would be worn in front of Royalty, but recently she designed a hat for a Cork client which was worn at the Queen's Garden Party in Buckingham Palace on May 30 last. 

Ann first realised that she was creative when she ripped apart an old necklace in college and made her own masterpiece from it and when people started complimenting her on the things she made, she realised that potentially there could be a career ahead in such work. In 2008, she started making jewellery more regularly and in 2010, she set up the company, AM Jewellery as a sideline to her day job - as a reporter with The Evening Echo.

Ann first started her business in Macroom, but is now based in Ballyhindon in Fermoy, as her husband-to-be, Paul is a farmer there. She mentions that while her business is transferable, his is not, so the move was a natural decision. She is also stocking her pieces in the Carma boutique in Fermoy, bridal pieces in Diamond Bridal in Cork City and hopes to secure other stockists in the area in the near future.

CREATIVE STREAK

"When I was growing up, I didn’t really know I was creative, until I ripped up that first necklace. Like most Irish girls, I learned to knit and sew in primary school, but I didn’t pursue them as a hobby, despite my sister and mother being excellent knitters. These days, I also love card making and have been doing a lot of DIY for my own wedding in July.

"I had never made hats until someone dared me to make a hat for a Mad Hatter event. I gave it a go, using netting and organza to make a red and yellow Easter bonnet, complete with a chick in a basket. My sister Sile knew I enjoyed making it and she urged me to do a millinery course.

"I did two different courses with Australian milliner Lina Stein, who lives in Mayo, and I have not looked back since. I think I started it just in time, as the hat craze seems to have taken off with the 2011 nuptials of Prince William to Kate Middleton. Many people have been asking for hats similar to those worn by the Duchess, so I am always watching her style to keep up to date with what she wears. A huge part of my business now is making head pieces for brides because of the huge popularity of vintage styles for weddings. I would also often include an antique brooch to give them their 'something old'," Ann explained to The Avondhu.

DETAIL IMPORTANT

Speaking about the process of making a head piece for someone, Ann said that it could take up to three consultations for a bespoke piece, from the initial consultation to presenting the final product.

"I like to meet a client up to six weeks before their event, because sourcing the right colour and material can be a nightmare at times. Someone might tell you their outfit is green, but you find out when you are looking for the exact shade that there are indeed forty different shades of that colour. Once the materials are sourced, the length of time which the hat will take to develop depends on its size.

"The beret shape and saucer hats are very popular at the moment and they can take a number of days because the shape has to be moulded and then left to set and dry for several hours. I usually have a couple of hats on the go together so that I can be working on one while another is setting," Ann said.

Contact details: AM Jewellery and Hat Trick is based in Ballyhindon Fermoy, for more information see www.facebook.com/AMJewellery, e-mail amjewelleryandhattrick@gmail.com or call 087 7981226.

blog comments powered by Disqus