Islay Spalding Kilt Pins
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About Me

I am a jewellery designer/maker based in Dundee, Scotland. I graduated in 2005 from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Jewellery and Metalwork. My jewellery is exhibited in galleries nationwide and I regularly design for private customers.

I started designing Kilt Pins in 2006 when I decided that there was little to offer if you wanted a Kilt Pin that was unique. My designs are all one-offs with a traditional feel but a distinctive contemporary edge. I have played in Pipe Bands since I was a child, currently competing with the Grade 2 Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band. I also have the unusual credentials of being a qualified British Army Drum Major (Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, 2010) and therefore have worn a kilt, and told others how to, many a time! I feel this, along with my art school training, has given me a unique edge when it comes to designing this sort of jewellery.

A big part of my ethos when designing a Kilt Pin is to marry up this 'tradition' with contemporary design and create something that has the symbolism and timeless appeal of traditional Scottish highlandwear but with a fresh, modern approach. Elements such as grooves and notches to signify dates, geographical features, pieces of music or reworkings of clan crests are some of the ways I can bring that personal meaning to the design, making it completely unique to the wearer.

To keep updated with my designs and adventures and see photos of work in progress please visit my blog or follow me on twitter, facebook. or instagram