Meet the Maker: Gabbi Kelly Jewelry

As FLANNEL's exclusive jewelry maker, Gabbi Kelly spends her days hand-crafting bespoke and timeless pieces which reinterpret eclectic costume jewelry. As one of our beloved makers in the FLANNEL community, and dear friend, we sat down with Gabbi to gain an insight into her world, the inspiration behind her creations and favourite Gabbi Kelly x FLANNEL look. 

What does a day in your life look like? 

I usually wake up at around 7:30am, and take my very energetic dog for a 4-5km run around my home town; Claremont, Western Australia. I then head off to Revo Fitness and do a reformer Pilates session followed by 10 minutes in their luxurious massage chair. After my exercise, I head home to have my greens supplement and make a yummy almond milk coffee. I find ticking these boxes early in the morning invigorates my creative energy for the rest of the day. 

Once i'm sat in the studio with my coffee, I am straight into creating jewelry pieces, usually with an audiobook or podcast in the background. I love playing with new textures and colours, always looking to create unique pieces, and balancing refined elegance with eclectic colour and a bit of rock-and-roll edge.  

At about 5pm, I wrap up in the studio. Towards the end of the week, my husband and I love to try new restaurants and bars around the area. My favourite at the moment is the Loft upstairs at the Boatshed in Cottesloe; they do a great Negroni and selection of pinots! We also love entertaining in our home, gathering friends and catching up over yummy wine and fresh, home-cooked meal - seafood is usually our favourite! 

Gabbi wears the Kara Vest while creating in-studio.

What inspires your pieces?

A lot of my inspiration comes from nature; the textures, colours and shapes from different environments. But mostly, it comes from Kristy's designs and colour choices for her FLANNEL collections each season. 

Speaking of inspiration, where is your favourite place to holiday? 

Each December, since my children were toddlers, we spend a few weeks on Rottnest Island with several other families. I love this trip more than anything, it is where I feel most inspired. I start the day with a run or bike ride around the island. Then I spend the day at the cabin's dining table making pieces for the Christmas rush while looking out over the white sand and crystal-blue water. In the afternoon, we take the boat out for a whiting fish (sometimes I just relax on the beach and let the boys go!). As the sun sets, all the families meet up and take turns cooking dinner with the day's catch over a game of cards or dice. It is the epitome of the West Australian dream. 

What is your favourite Gabbi Kelly x FLANNEL look at the moment?

Gabbi styling her most recent shoot with the Nettie Cami Dress.