an interview with the pirates dreaming folk

The pirates dreaming crew have joined us from the beginning of the Con Artist’s Markets journey and they have a beautiful little pop-up stall full of lovingly made pendants and rings, all with intricate patterns and an earthy vibe.  At close inspection you recognise the previous forms of these rings and pendants – from the kitchen drawer.  Craft markets have been seeing recycled silverware in various incarnations for some time now, but pirates dreaming have a decidedly refined and tasteful approach to what they do, and the results - very beautiful, lovingly made pieces at great prices and low impact on our planet.  Rowena from the Con Artist interviews Adelaide from piratesdreaming...

How do you describe what it is that you do?

We enhance the beauty of antique cutlery, turning it into unique, wearable art. 

What inspires you?

The shape and form of each piece of silverware inspires each design. We are constantly amazed by the beauty of the cutlery that we find. We draw inspiration from nature, our surroundings and our adventures in life. 

What are your backgrounds?

We have travelled and adventured together for many years. We have always created together, and share interest in jewellery, screen printing, sculpture, photography and design. 

What are the eco-credentials of pirates dreaming?

We use recycled and reclaimed silverware to create each piece and almost all of our work is done using hand tools. Our display is created from natural and found objects and antique oddities. We like to keep our footprint as light as we possibly can.

I read on your website that you have both traveled overseas.  Has making and selling your wares been something you have taken with you or developed along the way?  Or both? 

piratesdreaming began as a blog that we started whilst travelling overseas. When in Canada we settled on Vancouver Island for the winter and needed something to sustain us through the cold months. We began making jewellery using driftwood that we would collect along the wild coastline and mixed it with antique silverware. This really took off and we began selling through galleries and shops in Victoria, BC.

So there are two of you (well, now three really, but young Jupiter Max will probably be the (not quite) silent partner for a while yet) – I’m wondering what your designing/making/marketing process is and how you share these between you?

The design process is a shared one. Currently the making is mainly done by Aaron and the marketing by Adelaide. This is evolving as we work together on a new range of pieces. All dependent on Jupiter's support of course!

What do you listen to while you’re making?

We always have a quirky selection of music playing. We make playlists of old tunes that make us smile and funky beats. We also love listening to audiobooks.

You sell at a variety of markets in the Northern Rivers region.  Where else can your products be found?

Through our website www.piratesdreaming.com.  We have some special pieces that will be on display at an exhibition at Art Piece Gallery in Mullumbimby at the end of this month. We are also in the process of starting up a shop with Bluecaravan.

Is pirates dreaming a sustainable, give up your day job enterprise for you both?

We would like it to be! We are working on it and are slowly getting closer....

What advice would you give to others who are embarking on their crafting adventures?

Create each piece with love and abundance will follow.