Rose makes eco-friendly textile jewellery from her home studio in tropical Port Douglas, Queensland. Timeless designs hand crafted from upcycled natural fabrics, in line with the slow-fashion movement.

07 September 2018

Designer Spotlight: Livie Rose Designs

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Jewellery artist with the heart of a seamstress, Rose: “I create beautiful, unique jewellery out of what would otherwise be waste”

My name is Rose Mercer and I am a jewellery artist with a seamstress’ heart.

Nautical inspired blue, white and silver necklace and bracelets handmade from upcycled fabrics and quality hardware

Nautical inspired blue, white and silver necklace and bracelets handmade from upcycled fabrics and quality hardware

I have always been a creative person, I learnt my way around a sewing machine at a young age and have always enjoyed making my own clothing and accessories. Jewellery became my focus when I was travelling as it can be made in a small space with minimal materials.

Rose makes eco-friendly textile jewellery from her home studio in tropical Port Douglas, Queensland. Timeless designs hand crafted from upcycled natural fabrics, in line with the slow-fashion movement.

Now living in tropical North Queensland with my partner and two kids I wanted to combine my two loves, so I developed my range of textile jewellery.

One of rose’s early creations: “I wished to create a more eco-friendly alternative”

One of rose’s early creations: “I wished to create a more eco-friendly alternative”

I started off using quilting fabrics from my local craft store, but being concerned about the environmental impact and production processes of commercial jewellery and fashion in general I wished to create a more eco-friendly alternative.

Upcycled linen necklace, earrings and bracelet against the blouse they were upcycled from

Upcycled linen necklace, earrings and bracelet against the blouse they were upcycled from

I now collect linen and silk clothing from op-shops, garage sales and anywhere I can, then deconstruct them to use the fabric for my jewellery.

A palm tree by the bay in Rose’s hometown of Port Douglas: “Approximately 500,000 tonnes of clothing goes into landfill every year in Australia”

A palm tree by the bay in Rose’s hometown of Port Douglas: “Approximately 500,000 tonnes of clothing goes into landfill every year in Australia”

Approximately 500,000 tons of clothing goes into landfill every year in Australia. By reusing these unwanted garments I create beautiful, unique jewellery out of what would otherwise be waste.

’Fleur’ linen bracelet: “I endeavour to use only natural fibres such as linen, silk and hemp”

’Fleur’ linen bracelet: “I endeavour to use only natural fibres such as linen, silk and hemp”

Inspired by natural products and texture I endeavour to use only natural fibres such as linen, silk and hemp.

Livie Rose Designs textile jewellery in progress on the workbench

Livie Rose Designs textile jewellery in progress on the workbench

I combine these with high quality metal beads and findings to create designs a bit different from the usual.

Black and gold textile bracelet collection: “I am a follower of the slow fashion movement, for me this means not following fads and styles that will be out of date next year.”

Black and gold textile bracelet collection: “I am a follower of the slow fashion movement, for me this means not following fads and styles that will be out of date next year.”

I am a follower of the slow fashion movement, for me this means not following fads and styles that will be out of date next year and creating quality products that will last and be enjoyed for a long time to come.

Teal fabric infinity knot with matching thread, scissors and needle

Teal fabric infinity knot with matching thread, scissors and needle

Handmade from up-cycled fabrics Livie Rose Designs jewellery is a unique, environmentally conscious fashion statement and I pride myself on my attention to detail and hold my work to a high standard.

Rose at work in her brightly lit home studio

Rose at work in her brightly lit home studio

All pieces are designed and individually handmade by myself in my home studio. I have converted our spare room into my work space, with lots of natural light and a BIG workbench, I can easily spend all day in there happily creating.

‘Nora’ earrings handmade from recycled fabric and silver and rose gold hardware

‘Nora’ earrings handmade from recycled fabric and silver and rose gold hardware

From first conception to the finished piece you receive, it is my two hands that have lovingly brought it to life.

A display of Livie Rose Designs textile jewellery at Rose’s local Port Douglas markets: “The community of artists and makers we have in Australia is only getting bigger and better”

A display of Livie Rose Designs textile jewellery at Rose’s local Port Douglas markets: “The community of artists and makers we have in Australia is only getting bigger and better”

I have been selling my work at markets on and off for as long as I can remember, I now have a regular stall at the Port Douglas Sunday markets. I have only just recently joined Madeit but have found it such a supportive, encouraging environment. The community of artists and makers we have in Australia is only getting bigger and better and Madeit is a strong supporter of this movement.