Made in Scotland: The Ticketyboo Coo

Another stunning Made in Scotland maker for you today! We chatted with Elaine about her beautiful jewellery pieces at The Ticketyboo Coo (who we first discovered at the Scottish Design Exchange on George Street). Elaine was kind enough to sit down and discuss both her silver and wooden pieces, two very different styles that require different skills, the place she loves in Scotland and her own inspiration for these beautiful wearable pieces of Scotland!

Can you tell us how your business got started?

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity of redundancy from my job in financial services at a time when my two daughters were younger and I was keen to be around for the school run, sports days etc. I was also very aware that at some point they wouldn’t need me as much so I wanted to have something that was mine, that I could build on as they grew up and needed me less and less. I didn’t know what my business was going to be although I did know what it would be called  – The Ticketyboo Coo  – which I think combines both my positive approach to life and my fondness for a highland cow! I did consider sewing but it’s safe to say that is not my bag so I landed on silver jewellery after doing a couple of courses.

Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products? 

I take inspiration from my surroundings, I think in Scotland we are exceptionally lucky to have so much inspiration on our doorsteps regardless of where we are based and I consider myself very lucky to have grown up in one of the most beautiful places in the country but I also now live in one of the most stunning cities ever. I’m a great fan of a beach walk which is where the inspiration for my Scottish seashell and sunset beach collections came from and my wooden collection is also inspired by nature and my surroundings  – at the moment I’m just finalising badger earrings after unexpectedly meeting a rather large one on my dog walk at the weekend!

Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?

I have two main styles  – my silver work where I use a variety of materials and techniques. Many of my silver pieces are made silver clay (which is recycled silver from industry combined with a binder which once formed is dried and fired before leaving you with a solid piece of beautifully shiny silver, its a lovely material to work with as it beautifully captures the textures that Mother Nature has created. My collection of wooden earrings employ quite a different set of skills, I cut the shapes using a laser machine before hand painting each earring. I am investigating having my artwork printed onto the wood before cutting – since I launched the puffins last June I’ve painted over 1200 individual puffins so I’m keen to be able to make this process a bit more efficient.

What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?

My most popular products are definitely the puffins, cows and sheep from the wooden collection and probably my teeny whelk and sunset beach earrings from my silver collection.

My own favourites change on a weekly basis however my sunset beach collection is one of my all time favourites  – a combination of silver and gold reminding me of the beautiful sunsets in Nairn.

Nairn

If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?

Nairn every time, beautiful beaches, amazing golf courses and its rare to have a visit with out a dolphin sighting.

Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?

Highland Tide Designs, the lovely Michelle makes beautiful unique designs from up cycling items she’s found beach combing on the beaches across the highlands. Michelle is also a massive supporter of Scottish Handmade business and has a physical store up in the highlands called Friends of Highland Tide Designs which is a perfect spot for a bit of shopping on the NC500 route.

Thanks so much to Elaine for this lovely chat and make sure to check out The Ticketyboo Coo on their Website, Facebook or Instagram to take a look at all the beautiful jewellery available to you!