My name is Holly Berkley. I am a wire work artist based in Shepton Mallet Somerset. I was born in the New Forest, Hampshire, in 1975.

My journey into wire work started when a friend gave me a Kernow Craft catalogue when I was 14. It was full of jewellery making bits and bobs and I soon discovered the wonderful world of beads and within a few months I was not only making jewellery for myself but for an enthusiastic returning customer base.

After school, as well as continuing to make and sell my jewellery, I studied art at degree level. Along with learning a variety of wire work techniques, including: beading, beating, wrapping, Peruvian wire work, weaving, Viking weave and silver smithing. During this time I also pursued many aspects of the creative arts not only as a craftswoman, but also as a singer, I supported some of the most famous folk singers in the country and recorded an album as well as working as a professional fire dancer.

I began making wedding crowns after I developed a way of weaving flowers and leaves from straight wire. I am often commissioned to produce a piece especially for a bride or her family on her special day so that they can have a piece that matches their dress perfectly.

Life can be very busy for me between running my business, taking care of my two children who have special needs and trying to stop my 300 year old Georgian house from crumbling around us, it can prove to be a challenge. So mindfulness is an important part of my work. Making gives me the chance I need to refocus and vent my energy into something calm.

I started teaching my craft 10 years ago from 15 minutes taster classes to whole day courses with skills ranging from jewellery to wire sculpture. These are for private lessons, corporate events, craft parties, at festivals, exhibitions around the country and I have been lucky enough to teach at the Bishops Palace in Wells Somerset, the Bristol museum and art gallery and Butser ancient farm to name but a few. Since covid I have developed wire working kits that I post out for people to use at home. More recently I was asked to write a craft project book for search press which is due to be published at the end of 2025.

 In the press I have been in three issues of Vogue magazine as their featured artist, I have also been in Country living, Somerset life, as well as writing for The Bristol and Somerset wedding and Outrageous bride, and Craft focus magazines.

To add a little spice I also run Holly Berkley Craft Imaginarium at craft exhibitions and festivals around the country. I have a huge collection of vintage, antique and unusual craft supplies. I source these amazing craft materials from auctions, antique markets and private crafters stashes. These are features alongside my own jewellery and drop in wire working taster sessions.