At Octopus Alley Artisan Jewellery and Oddities, custom pieces are more than just commissions; they're conversations. Our process is rooted in listening, adaptability, and the belief that every meaningful object has a story to tell. Here, we answer some common questions about how we approach custom creations, from initial ideas to the unique character of the finished work.

What types of custom jewellery or craft items can people ask you to create?

People can come to me with a pretty wide range of ideas — it doesn’t have to fit neatly into a category. Some people ask for custom jewellery, like a ring, necklace, pendant, or bracelet tied to a specific stone, memory, or feeling they want captured. Others come with an existing piece that needs to be reimagined — something broken, inherited, or no longer quite right, but still important. I’m happy working from scratch or adapting what already exists. Beyond traditional jewellery, I also make small crafted objects and oddities — pieces that aren’t purely decorative or purely functional, but sit somewhere in between. Things that hold meaning, mark a transition, or simply exist because they want to. What matters more than the item itself is the intention behind it. Whether it’s a special ring, a one-of-a-kind necklace, or something harder to define, I approach custom work with the same mindset: listening, adapting, and letting the piece take shape naturally. If you’re not entirely sure what you’re asking for yet, that’s okay — we can figure it out together.

If someone wants a custom piece, what's the very first step they should take?

The first step is simply reaching out. You don’t need a fully formed idea or the right words yet. A message, an email to [[email]], or a form submission on our contact page is enough — whatever feels easiest. From there, we start a conversation. You can share as much or as little as you want: a rough idea, a reference image, a story behind the piece, or just a feeling you’re trying to capture. Once we connect, I’ll ask a few questions to understand what you’re hoping for and what’s possible. From there, the direction becomes clearer and the piece can begin to take shape naturally. There’s no pressure to have it all figured out at the start. The process is collaborative and flexible, and the beginning is simply letting me know you’re interested.

What's unique about your custom pieces compared to other options out there?

What’s unique about my custom pieces is that they aren’t treated like commissions to execute, but like conversations to respond to. I don’t start with a fixed design that gets adjusted around a request. I start by listening — to what matters to the person, to the material, and to what feels right as the piece begins to take shape. That means the work stays flexible. It can change direction if something more honest or better suited reveals itself along the way. I think that comes through in how the pieces feel. They’re not flashy or overly precious. They feel grounded, intentional, and personal — like they were made to belong to someone rather than impress them. There’s room in them for history, complexity, and change. The story I hope they carry is one of quiet strength and adaptability. That things don’t have to be perfect or rigid to be meaningful. Like the octopus, the work is intelligent, responsive, and comfortable moving slightly off the expected path. I want people to feel a sense of recognition when they wear or live with a custom piece — like it fits not just their style, but the way they move through the world.